Southern Nevada Public Television (SNPT) and Vegas PBS today announced that Reggie Burton was elected president of the Southern Nevada Public Television Board of Directors, the non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial support for Vegas PBS.

Other newly elected officers of the SNPT board include Kelly Peterson of Bank of America, vice president, Jim Dionizio of NSTec, treasurer and Lori Lea of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, secretary.

"I am delighted to be among this group of community leaders committed to securing valuable funding so that we may continue delivering cutting-edge and innovative programming to Southern Nevada,” Burton said.

Burton thanked immediate past president Lisa Dove-Swisher for her enthusiastic leadership. During her tenure as president, Dove-Swisher worked to bring new members to the board, chaired the Vegas PBS 40th Anniversary Gala and conducted a strategic retreat to create a roadmap for positioning Southern Nevada’s public television station as a distributor of programs and services to support the community.

Burton, president of public relations firm Reggie Burton Communications, and a former gaming executive with MGM MIRAGE, was elected in 2006 to serve a three-year term on the Southern Nevada Public Television Board. During this time, he served as the organization’s vice president and chair of the Advocacy Council.

About Vegas PBS

For more than 40 years, Vegas PBS has provided Southern Nevada with quality, commercial-free programming, media and media delivery technology. Vegas PBS provides broadcast TV and cable over seven channels with an additional six educational channels provided directly to the Clark County School District classroom. Vegas PBS local productions include Nevada Week in Review, Inside Education, Recession Rx, Homework Hotline, Varsity Quiz, Remembering the Holocaust: Las Vegas Survivors Tell Their Stories, Building Vegas GREENer, Fit Kids, Active Families, School Matters and election debates. In 2009, Vegas PBS completed construction on its Educational Technology Campus, a model for sustainability and green building practices. The campus will house Vegas PBS studios and offices, Clark County School District’s Virtual High School, Educational Media Services, the Emergency Response Data-casting System, public meeting rooms and training facilities. Visit www.VegasPBS.org for additional information and programming highlights.

Posted February 2, 2010 1:08 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

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An oldie but a goodie that just resurfaced. The correction came as a result of Las Vegas Review-Journal Real Estate Editor Chuck Baker's liberal interpretation of "journalism" circa 1990.

Posted December 11, 2009 3:54 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It’s “Business As Usual” for Southern Nevada’s Top GM Dealership

General Motors sent pink slips to roughly one out of four of its dealers nationwide this month. Findlay Chevrolet, one of the newest and most successful dealerships in the Las Vegas Valley, was not among them. Just last week, Findlay Chevrolet received “the other” letter from GM. This one asked the dealership “to be part of ‘the new GM.’”

“Findlay Chevrolet has been affected by the economy just like virtually every other business, but we are determined to weather the storm,” General Manager Justin Findlay said. “We are happy that GM feels the same way about us.”

GM determined that the overall performance of the company would benefit from a reduction in the number of dealerships that were - in many cases - competing with each other within the same market.

More than 1,100 “underperforming” stores, as GM put it, were targeted to ensure the automakers’ future retail networks will be stronger down the road.

Mark LaNeve, GM’s North American sales chief, said the dealer cuts were needed to match the shrinkage in the company and in the U.S. auto market.

Late last year, two Chevrolet dealerships in Southern Nevada abruptly ceased operations and shut down, reducing the total number of Chevrolet dealerships in Southern Nevada from five to three. One has since re-opened under new ownership, bringing the total to four.

“If we hadn’t had that attrition earlier in the year, who knows what would have happened here,” Findlay said. “But four seems like the right number. We basically have one in each corner of the market.”

Also last month, Integrity Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, the dealership adjacent to Findlay Chevrolet in the Southwest part of the valley near 215 and Rainbow, announced it was closing under the strain of the economy. Chrysler Corporation also announced it was not renewing several franchise agreements in Southern Nevada, creating a shockwave through the local auto industry and doubt amongst Southern Nevada GM and Ford dealers, who comprise the balance of the “Big Three” in domestic auto sales.

For GM dealers like Findlay Chevrolet, the doubt can now be put behind them.

“Now we are focused solely on what’s in front of us,” Findlay said.

Findlay Chevrolet opened in December 2007 and became the No. 1 GM dealership in Southern Nevada within its first year of business. It is one of 14 dealerships within the Findlay Automotive Group.

Posted June 11, 2009 5:08 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas, NV – April 8, 2009 – Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses showing you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and at the District at Green Valley Ranch location to benefit the Nevada Community Learning Centers (formerly Classroom on Wheels). All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, but patrons are invited to make a donation to the respective local charity.

Local celebrities will roll up their sleeves and dig in at both locations and work to help raise money by scooping ice cream throughout the day on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from noon to 8 p.m. Celebrities are being confirmed and will be announced shortly.

“Free Cone Day” was originally launched to thank the community for their loyalty to Ben & Jerry’s and to congratulate the staff on the company’s first anniversary. It was such a huge success; it is now a tradition that is celebrated each year. “Free Cone Day” at Ben & Jerry’s will happen across the globe and all proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops anticipate to give away more than two million free ice cream cones nationally. While the full flavor line-up is up for grabs on “Free Cone Day” featuring “legend-dairy” palette pleasers like Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby, Ben & Jerry’s will debut its newest offerings as part of the celebration:

• Chocolate Macadamia – A Flavor with a Mission! Fair Trade Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Creams Swirled Together with Fudge-Covered Macadamia Nuts

• Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road – Chocolate Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, Butter Brickle and White Chocolate Chunks

• Orange & Cream – A Swirly Sorbet of Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream Blended to a Harmonious Summertime Treat

• Triple Caramel Chunk – Caramel Ice Cream with a Swirl of Caramel and Fudge-Covered Caramel Chunks

The Galleria Mall At Sunset is located at 1300 W. Sunset Road at the intersection of Stephanie Street. Ben & Jerry’s is located on the Upper Level, across from the Food Court. For more information, please contact Ben & Jerry’s at 702-435-0330.

The District at Green Valley Ranch is located next to the Green Valley Ranch Casino on I-215 and Green Valley Parkway. For more information, please contact Ben & Jerry’s at 702-437-3300.

Continue reading "LOCAL CELEBRITIES TO SCOOP ICE CREAM FOR CHARITY FOR BEN & JERRY’S 31st ANNUAL “FREE CONE DAY” APRIL 21" »

Posted April 8, 2009 1:55 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Findlay Chevrolet, the No. 1 GM dealer in Southern Nevada, has opened a “community room” for local groups in need of free meeting space. The room accommodates up to 50 people and is loaded with features that help organizations and groups of all types conduct successful meetings.

Features include a large white board, TV monitor with DVD player, maps, controlled lighting, and multiple power outlets. Findlay Chevrolet also has a soda fountain and coffee machine, plus supplies bottled water, all at no cost to the group or the attendees. The dealership also has plenty of parking and clean restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience for attending groups.

“We want to connect with our community, so what better way than to invite them into our home and give them something that they can’t otherwise get without opening their wallets,” said General Manager Justin Findlay. “If the money a local Little League saves on meeting space can be used towards balls or trophies, that’s a good thing.”

Homeowner’s associations, sports leagues, youth organizations, and clubs of all sorts, are examples of acceptable groups and all are expected to benefit from the community room. Findlay Chevrolet does reserve the right to turn down requests from groups that may present a conflict of interest for any reason. Groups are not allowed to sell anything on premise and alcohol is prohibited.

The room is available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular business hours and may be booked by calling 702-798-4000. Findlay Chevrolet is located at 6800 S. Torrey Pines, just south of 215 between South Rainbow and South Jones.

Posted September 15, 2008 11:52 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

YTB is offering a free cruise from Florida to the Bahamas for U.S. military personnel and their families from May 30 to June 2, 2008.

YTB is a business networking opportunity that provides travel portals to everyday people. The service is like any travel agent service, only the people who sign-up for the travel booking website earn a portion of the travel agent commission.

If it costs the same, why not book your travel through your friends and family instead of those large, heavily advertised online travel sites? That’s YTB’s philosophy.

I recently joined YTB (see CodellaTravel.com) and thought this offer for our military and their families was so incredible that I wanted to share it with Blogging Vegas readers.

Because of the time-sensitive nature of the information, if you know anyone in the U.S. military, or their family members, please tell them about this opportunity now.

YTB International is sponsoring a Bahamas cruise for U.S. military personnel and their families as the company’s way of saluting the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

The cruise departs from Miami, Florida on Friday, May 30, docks in Nassau, Bahamas the next day, and returns to Miami on June 2.

Continue reading "YTB offers free cruise for U.S. military families" »

Posted May 27, 2008 12:24 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

How many of you have lived in Las Vegas for a half-dozen years or so and still haven’t made a trip on a CAT bus?

Those of us accustomed to driving wherever we need to go may be reluctant to do the public transportation thing.

I was quite impressed by a recent presentation from Jacob Snow, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), on the many initiatives currently underway to make southern Nevada’s public transportation system more convenient, attractive and accessible.

Club Ride is one of the tools they’re using. As its name implies, it encourages commuters to use alternative transportation like carpools, the bus or bicycling.

And if you’ve hesitated stepping foot on a CAT bus, watch for the new ACE bus which looks totally different and makes just a few stops on the Strip and in downtown, reducing the amount of time it takes to get from point A to point B.

Those of you interested in learning the ABC’s of all things RTC, should plan to attend the RTC Transportation Fair this weekend, May 10-11, 2008. RTC representatives will be on hand at the Boulevard Mall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday to provide details of public transportation in your neighborhood and around the valley.

The following weekend, the RTC Transportation Fair will be at the Galleria at Sunset Mall during the same times.

Posted May 9, 2008 3:12 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Stable Development, a Las Vegas-based real estate developer, has pioneered a model for business owners to build equity in commercial property. Instead of paying rent to a landlord, clients of Stable Development’s Shared Equity Program receive ownership in the building they occupy, essentially becoming their own landlord.

What’s unique about the Shared Equity Program is that it doesn’t require these new commercial property owners to make down payments or guarantee loans.

To further expand the development of the Shared Equity Program, Stable Development recently hired Michael Young and Ryan Gould as team members. Young and Gould will manage and raise awareness of the Shared Equity Program throughout the Las Vegas Valley and nationwide.

The latest example of Stable Development’s Shared Equity Program is Corporate Center at the Curve, next to the I-215 beltway at Sunset Road where a few dozen business owners have signed 10-year occupancy agreements in exchange for a portion of ownership in one of the eight Corporate Center at the Curve buildings.

Continue reading "Stable Development expands Shared Equity Program for building ownership in Las Vegas" »

Posted April 30, 2008 3:17 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

For those of you interested in visiting Sin City, we’ve got a one-stop-shop online resource for you. It’s called BestofVegas.com.

And for you locals, it’s a good site to send your out-of-state friends to.

At BestofVegas.com you’ll find everything you need to book your entire Las Vegas vacation. From hotels to entertainment to local attractions, BestofVegas.com has taken the nonsense out of browsing dozens of different sites and put everything in one place. A simple concept and an exceptionally easy way to manage every detail of your Vegas vacation.

Check out:
Vegas shows
Vegas tours
Vegas hotels
Las Vegas travel deals

It’s billed as the best of the best whether you’re looking for luxury or great deals. It includes bargain deals on travel, tours, hotels, restaurants, shows and nightlife. It looks to us like they’ve considered and addressed every possible Las Vegas activity. And for your star stalkers — we know you’re out there — BestofVegas.com will even tell you where you’re most likely to find a celebrity.

Continue reading "Tourists find great deals on Vegas shows, tours and hotels at BestofVegas.com" »

Posted April 15, 2008 11:21 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

PlusFour, Inc., a local debt collection agency, has been invited to join the prestigious Asset Buyers Division of ACA International.

ACA International is the professional organization for The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals.

“We have met the stringent requirements set forth by ACA International to become one of 280 worldwide members of the Asset Buyers Division,” said Rick Bennett, president of PlusFour, Inc.

The members of the Asset Buyers Division include buyers, sellers and brokers engaged in the buying or selling of accounts receivable. Each member is required to abide by ACA International’s Code of Ethics. “PlusFour, Inc. is honored to be a part of this select group of professionals,” said Bennett.

Continue reading "Las Vegas debt collection agency, PlusFour, Inc., joins Asset Buyers Division of ACA International" »

Posted April 1, 2008 4:34 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It’s hard to find good news in the credit and finance world these days, especially if you’re a small construction company trying to get a piece of the hyper active Las Vegas construction market.

DevCorp, a boutique financial services company which provides construction financing for small to mid-sized commercial construction companies, has announced a new Contract Financing Program to help companies participate in large-scale construction projects, like CityCenter.

Through the Contract Financing Program with DevCorp, contractors get the working capital and financial tools they need for large-scale construction contracts. The program provides access to contract financing, providing local contractors cash flow for payroll, operating overhead, inventory, equipment and other business purposes.

The program is available to any contractor on any project and companies with large-scale construction projects such as Perini Building Company and MGM MIRAGE are referring contractors to the program.

Continue reading "Small construction firms get shot at big projects, thanks to a finance program by DevCorp" »

Posted March 31, 2008 2:32 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

True to their word, the Findlay dealerships stepped it up this past weekend raising $24,900 to assist Glen Gondrezick with his medical expenses.

This, from the company’s announcement:

The Findlay Automotive Group held a fund raising event this past weekend to assist UNLV basketball legend Glen Gondrezick with medical costs associated with his pending heart transplant.

The fund raising event was held March 28 and 29, 2008 at all Findlay locations in the Las Vegas area. Findlay had pledged to donate $100 for every vehicle purchased at Findlay dealerships on those two days.

Findlay’s Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder, announced today that the dealerships sold 249 vehicles during the two day event. As a result, Findlay is donating $24,900 to the Gondo Medical Fund.

Continue reading "Findlay Automotive Group raises $24,900 for Glen Gondrezick" »

Posted March 31, 2008 12:34 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Calling all Las Vegas Valley gardeners! This Saturday, the College of Southern Nevada Desert Garden Center will host its annual gardening and plant sale. In addition, community horticulture experts will make presentations throughout the day. Anyone with a green thumb is welcome and serious gardeners should not miss the free educational opportunity.

The fifth annual Spring in the Desert plant sale and lecture series — presented by the CSN Desert Garden Center and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension — will be held at the CSN Desert Garden Center at 6221 West Charleston Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Guest lecturers and topics include:

• Norm Schilling, president of the Schilling Horticulture Group will speak on “Five Most Important Principles for Gardening in Las Vegas”


• Leslie Doyle, gardener, author and desert tomato expert will speak on “Growing Tomatoes”


• Sean Goodchild, biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will speak on “Gardening for Wildlife”


• Daniel Secinaro, Lead Gardener for the Springs Preserve will speak on “Native Plants for the Mojave”

Continue reading "CSN Desert Garden Center hosts fifth annual Spring in the Desert gardening and plant sale in conjunction with lecture series" »

Posted March 26, 2008 3:53 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

We received word today that the Findlay Automotive Group has announced a fundraising event to help UNLV basketball legend, Glen Gondrezick, with medical costs associated with his pending heart transplant.

Gondrezick, known to Rebel fans as “Gondo,” has been a radio analyst for the UNLV men's basketball games for 15 years. Gondrezick also played in the NBA for six seasons.

He suffers from congenital heart disease and will miss this year’s NCAA tournament as he is at UCLA Medical Center awaiting a heart transplant.

The fundraising event, announced today by Findlay Automotive Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder, will be held on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at all Findlay locations in the Las Vegas area.

Findlay will donate $100 for every vehicle purchased at Findlay dealerships on those two days. “We hope to raise more than $20,000 for Gondo during the event,” said Corder.

Continue reading "Findlay Automotive Group to host fundraising event for UNLV basketball legend and former NBA player, Glen Gondrezick" »

Posted March 19, 2008 11:05 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

If you’re like most Americans, you think extreme smile makeovers are for celebrities and the lucky few.

Well . . . Dr. Azimi, Las Vegas’ downtown general and cosmetic dentist, has reserved the dental chair for one lucky person for a total dental makeover.

For the first time, Dr. Azimi has agreed to donate a smile makeover to a worthy candidate.

“We’re looking for someone who lives or works in downtown Las Vegas, is a real asset to their employer or community, and would like to have a brand new smile,” said Dr. Azimi. “What we’re looking for is someone who is outstanding in every way and may have a few crooked teeth they’d like fixed.”

For details, visit Dr. Azimi’s newsroom.

Posted February 6, 2008 4:39 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The second annual Black History Breakfast will be held on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008 at The Venetian to celebrate the beginning of Black History Month.

The event, which serves as a fund raiser for CSN, UNLV and Nevada State College students with financial hardships, seeks tax deductible contributions and provides attendees with the opportunity of hearing from keynote speakers Dean John Valery White of the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Dean M. Christopher Brown, II, of UNLV’s College of Education.

Last year’s Black History Breakfast was also held at The Venetian and generated $9,000 in contributions to the shared scholarship fund. The Las Vegas–Clark County Urban League has held the scholarship funds in reserve awaiting announcement of scholarship recipients at this year’s event.

Continue reading "CSN co-hosts Black History Breakfast and announces Urban League scholarships" »

Posted January 18, 2008 10:46 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Personally, I’ve always believed that super centers like Wal-Mart have gotten a raw deal in the public eye. They may be impersonal and sterile, but they’re convenient, that’s for sure. That being said, I’ve certainly noticed the picketers outside its multiple grocery stores.

But for those of you who demand a more conscientious corporation, five new Fresh & Easy neighborhood markets made their debut across the Las Vegas valley today.

The company touts itself as a neighborhood market and has taken several innovative steps to ensure its buildings are green in addition to providing fresh, high quality products.

Continue reading "Environmentally friendly Fresh & Easy neighborhood markets open five locations in Las Vegas" »

Posted November 14, 2007 4:02 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas gets its newest shopping experience today. The much vaunted Town Square officially opens its doors today and while not all the retail shops will be open, it’s definitely something to check out.

We’ve had the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood and the Fashion Show Mall on the Strip for years now, but those are all undeniably very touristy. Town Square meanwhile is located south of the Strip and has a much more local feel to it.

Developed by Turnberry Associates, the open-air “lifestyle center” will total 22 buildings, which feature a fusion of Old World design and contemporary architecture.

Continue reading "Town Square Las Vegas opens its doors today" »

Posted November 14, 2007 1:11 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Of all the men and women who had a hand in shaping Las Vegas, none have quite as prodigious as Steve Wynn.

From The Mirage to The Bellagio and Wynn Las Vegas, he’s come in and worked hard to class up the city from the gaudy, themed, family-friendly hotels of the 1990s. As good as he is for the city though, he may just be a little too progressively minded.

According to CasinoGamblingWeb.com, Wynn will no longer be comping drinks for people playing the video poker machines at the B Bar.*

Continue reading "Wynn Las Vegas balking at complimentary drink tradition" »

Posted November 12, 2007 11:00 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas is working hard to establish itself as even more of an international travel destination and will soon have another tool to lure in the tourists.

Come January, The Palazzo Las Vegas, will officially open its doors.

The new mega-resort is being built by Las Vegas Sands Corp. and is adjacent to The Venetian. Luxury seems to be the name of the game.

Comfort and convenience were the driving forces behind the design of every room in the all-suite hotel. Sunken living rooms, European-influenced décor, and marble-appointed baths are just a few of the standard luxuries offered.

Continue reading "Las Vegas stays classy with The Palazzo" »

Posted November 8, 2007 11:10 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

O.J. Simpson is back in Las Vegas today for the preliminary hearing for the Sept. 13 robbery of two sports memorabilia collectors.

Simpson, Charles Erlich and Clarence Stewart are each facing 12 charges stemming from the incident, including robbery with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. The kidnapping conviction alone could lead to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Three other co-defendants, Michael McClinton, Walter Alexander and Charles Cashmore, have accepted plea deals and will be testifying against them. They are expected to support allegations that guns were involved in the robbery, the most contentious point of the charges.

Continue reading "Simpson back in court for Sept. 13 Las Vegas robbery" »

Posted November 8, 2007 10:21 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

We’re a city of neon and you can consider this the Las Vegas version of the 21-gun salute.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority invited properties along the Strip to adorn their marquees with a final farewell to Robert Goulet, 73.

According to Norm from the Review Journal, only a select few have ever been so honored, including members of the Rat Pack.

Continue reading "LVCVA urges final marquee tributes for Goulet from Strip properties" »

Posted November 6, 2007 3:46 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

O.J. Simpson. This guy’s story is nothing short of incredible. And I can’t even say that the latest twist can be attributed the man himself. It was the FBI’s fumble.

Seems they knew Simpson was planning the operation three weeks in advance. Thomas Riccio, the man who set up the fateful meeting between Simpson and sports memorabilia collectors Bruce Fromong and Alfred Beardsley.

Riccio told the AP that he contacted the FBI and Los Angeles police, neither of whom seemed interested, according to him.

Continue reading "FBI knew of O.J. Simpson’s Las Vegas confrontation three weeks in advance" »

Posted November 2, 2007 12:54 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Legendary former Las Vegas headliner Robert Goulet, 73, died of pulmonary fibrosis Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Goulet rose to fame in 1960 after his breakout role as Sir Lancelot in the Broadway production, "Camelot." Three years later, he made his Las Vegas debut at the Flamingo.

During the 1970s, he became a regular headliner in Las Vegas at the Frontier and Desert Inn.

In the 50 year span of his career, Goulet won a Grammy, an Emmy, appeared in theatre, radio, television and film.

Continue reading "Las Vegas icon Robert Goulet dies" »

Posted November 1, 2007 8:31 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

I was sure hoping I was done writing about this story, but it looks like three of the men involved with O.J. Simpson’s alleged robbery in Las Vegas back in September are opting to testify against The Juice.

Michael McClinton, Charles Cashmore and Walter Alexander will all testify against Simpson and the other men, who face twelve felony charges, which include kidnapping, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy and coercion.

The kidnapping charge carries a possible sentence of life with parole.

Continue reading "Third man in O.J. Simpson Las Vegas robbery case takes deal" »

Posted October 29, 2007 1:51 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By now you’re aware that fires are devastating Southern California and have destroyed several homes and forced the evacuation of over 500,000 people.

Although Las Vegas may be fortunate enough to not be in such danger, residents at Mount Charleston may not be so lucky, according to an article from the Review Journal.

Dry conditions and lack of rainfall has dried out plants on the mountain, which could potentially lead to large wild fires, typically started by lighting. The dried brush and dead trees on the mountain side are usually cause for high risk of wild fires, but two years of decreased rainfall in Southern Nevada has increased the risk even higher.

Continue reading "Southern Nevada may feel heat from its own wild fires on Mount Charleston" »

Posted October 24, 2007 4:16 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

I’ve always liked Neonopolis. I lament the troubles it’s endured and wish it was more successful. As hard as times are, Jillian’s has been soldiering on and is one of the best things about going downtown.

One of the most important aspects about the joint is that it also serves as a live music venue. Although there are other venues around town, Jillian’s serves an important role in the community by providing a place for lesser known or local bands to gain exposure.

To that end, its upcoming concert schedule has just been released.

Continue reading "Jillian's Las Vegas in downtown releases upcoming show schedule" »

Posted October 24, 2007 3:22 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas does golf just as well as it does boxing, gambling, mixed-martial arts, night life and any other number of activities. Now golfers have a new resource to help plan their games.

The recently launched LasVegasGolf.com is providing golf enthusiasts worldwide with one of the most comprehensive Las Vegas-specific golf Web sites and databases available on the Internet.

Las Vegas has over 50 courses in the area and this site makes it easy for vacationers to work a game into their plans.

Continue reading "LasVegasGolf.com provides golf enthusiasts’ a single Web site to plan outings" »

Posted October 24, 2007 3:01 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

On Friday, the Nevada Board of Regents voted against a proposal that would have allowed some faculty and staff to be armed on higher education campuses.

Regent and Las Vegas police Capt. Stavros Anthony championed the idea before it was voted down eight against and five in favor.

According to the proposal, any staff member who wished to carry a gun would go through special 21-week police academy training and would subsequently become part of a reserve officer program. The institutions would have paid for the program and the staff member’s salary. Staff and faculty would require approval from university and college presidents to enroll in the program.

Continue reading "Nevada Board of Regents votes against proposal to allow faculty and staff to carry guns on college campuses" »

Posted October 15, 2007 4:18 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Bjork will be playing The Pearl at The Palms Saturday, December 15.

She is often considered one of the most influential and unique singer-songwriters of all time and has been releasing music since she was 11.

Her sixth album, “Volta,” featured hip-hop producer Timbaland and was released in May. “Volta” broke into the Top Ten in the United States.

Continue reading "Bjork to play The Pearl, December 15" »

Posted October 10, 2007 5:01 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

December 31, 2007 will be an important date for the legendary Crazy Horse Too strip club, which was shut down on July 1. According to an article from the Las Vegas Sun, if the club remains closed for six months, it will permanently lose its liquor license, which would likely have severe effects on the value of the property.

A city ordinance prohibits certain establishments within 1,500 feet of each other from selling alcohol. Although the distance between the Crazy Horse and Cheetahs violates the ordinance, the clubs were grandfathered into exemption.

Potential owners must receive at least a temporary liquor license from the city and reopen the club before the December deadline or lose the exemption status.

Continue reading "Time running out for legendary Crazy Horse Too strip club" »

Posted October 8, 2007 4:34 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The story goes like this:

June 12, 2006, Darren Mack allegedly stabs his estranged wife, Charla Mack, to death in their townhouse in Reno. Later that day, the judge handling their divorce case, Chuck Weller, is shot sniper-style while he was in his chambers.

Mack, a wealth pawn shop owner, was named a suspect.

He was on the lam for 10 days before surrendering to Mexican authorities in Puerto Vallarta.

Continue reading "Judge orders change of venue in Darren Mack case to Las Vegas" »

Posted October 5, 2007 12:35 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Las Vegas Review Journal reported today that bore hole drilling operations have turned up preliminary evidence that a fault line passes below the area where project officials want to build concrete pads to store highly radioactive spent fuel.

Rock samples indicate that the fault line is hundreds of feet east of where scientists originally thought it was.

Continue reading "Earthquake fault line may be underneath Yucca Mountain site" »

Posted September 24, 2007 4:45 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

A 20-year-old man was involved in a police shooting at the Home Depot center at Tropicana and Decatur. The incident occurred Monday morning when the officer questioned, Kerry Purnell for suspicious activity.

After the officer patted Purnell down, the suspect broke free and ran on foot. After running a few feet, Purnell turned a gun on the officer and started firing. The officer was unharmed and returned fire, hitting Purnell on the calf.

Continue reading "Man involved in Las Vegas police shooting recovering in hospital" »

Posted September 24, 2007 4:04 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The World Market Center has released survey results that indicate the Las Vegas Market will be the dominant U.S. market in wholesale furniture trade, according to a report by “The Business Journal.”

According to the survey, 65 percent of respondents agree that the Las Vegas Market will be the most important home furnishings market in the next five years.

Continue reading "Las Vegas Market on track to dominate wholesale furniture market" »

Posted September 24, 2007 12:23 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Sam Weidaw was just about one of the saltiest old men I’ve ever met in my life. He was retired from the U.S. Navy and didn’t do anything with his time but play video poker at the bar and drink. He was legally blind, so he couldn’t even see the electronic cards he was dealt unless he leaned his face inches away from the screen.

He’d reek of booze at 7 a.m. and he wouldn’t quit until the late hours of the night. Just sit there playing and drinking and chatting up any one close enough to hear him. His wife, Rita, would drop him off on her way to work or he would take a two-hour bus ride from his North Las Vegas home to get there.

Continue reading "Las Vegas landmark New Frontier slated for fall implosion" »

Posted September 24, 2007 12:02 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email This

Cappozzoli’s, a long standing Italian restaurant on Desert Inn and Maryland Parkway, has been reduced to rubble and ash.

At 1 a.m. Wednesday morning, the restaurant's owner closed shop and headed home. The fire started 10 minutes later.

Continue reading "Las Vegas landmark eatery burns down" »

Posted September 20, 2007 4:35 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

12 people were injured late Wednesday afternoon when a car veered onto a crowded sidewalk in front of Planet Hollywood.

The driver suffers from diabetes and had passed out behind the wheel at the time of the incident. He had no recollection of the incident when he came to. Police cited him for failure to maintain a lane.

Continue reading "12 people struck by car on Las Vegas strip sidewalk" »

Posted September 20, 2007 2:02 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

If you’ve been keeping up with the O.J. Simpson story, either through media or the first and second parts of this story, you’re aware that the different versions of the stories are running around coming from all the different men involved.

Police records have been released. Few facts have been agreed upon, but they may paint just enough of a picture for lawyers on both sides to work their magic.

Continue reading "The Las Vegas saga of O.J. Simpson: the courts and media" »

Posted September 20, 2007 12:04 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

This is the second part of our extensive summary of O.J. Simpson’s latest legal snafus. If you missed the first part of the story, you can read it here. This part will deal with the men involved in the Las Vegas robbery.

The story continues to develop, but hopefully after reading this, you’ll have a better idea of the background and motivations of these men.

Orenthal James Simpson, 60. Walter Alexander, 46. Clarence Stewart, 53. Michael McClinton, 49. Charles Cashmore, 40. Five men who met at a celebration of Thomas Scotto’s vow renewal ceremony in Las Vegas.

Alfred Beardsley and Bruce Fromong were two sports collectors who thought they were meeting a buyer for their memorabilia worth nearly $100,000.

Thomas Riccio. An ex-con turned auction house owner who brought them all together.

Continue reading "The Las Vegas Saga of O.J. Simpson: the players" »

Posted September 20, 2007 9:42 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

O.J. Simpson’s story got a new Las Vegas chapter added to it.

You couldn’t write this stuff.

As with all stories, there are different versions of this story and it can get a little confusing. This isn’t just some robbery case. O.J. Simpson does that to news stories. There is more on the line than just seeing four men behind bars for robbing a pair of sports memorabilia collectors.

Continue reading "The Las Vegas Saga of O.J. Simpson" »

Posted September 19, 2007 5:13 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

O.J. Simpson was released today at 12:18 p.m. after posting $125,000 bail on armed robbery charges.

He was seen getting into a car with his Florida attorney, Yale Galenter, and proceeded to The Palms, where he stayed prior to his arrest.

Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Joe Bonaventure Jr. accepted a bail deal worked out between prosecutors and Simpson's attorneys.

Continue reading "O.J. Simpson released from jail" »

Posted September 19, 2007 4:30 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

A Nevada judged set O.J. Simpson’s bail at $125,000 today. Simpson had been held in the Clark County Detention Center without bail since Sunday. The judge ordered Simpson to surrender his passport, but said that he may travel within the United States.

A return date has been set at October 22.

Simpson and three other men were charged with multiple felonies in connection with an alleged armed robbery of two sports collectors in a room at Palace Station.

Continue reading "$125,000 bail set for O.J. Simpson raising celebrity justice questions" »

Posted September 19, 2007 10:42 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Today the Clark County District Attorney’s office added three new charges against O.J. Simpson for his role in an armed robbery at the Palace Station last Thursday.

The criminal complaint, filed hours ago, added the following charges to the six he was booked on:

• First-degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon;


• Conspiracy to commit kidnapping; and


• Coercion with a deadly weapon.

Continue reading "O.J. Simpson faces nine charges in Las Vegas" »

Posted September 18, 2007 2:57 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Juice has dodged some damning evidence in the past, but celebrity news website TMZ.com has released an audio tape of the O.J. Simpson stand off in a Palace Station hotel room.

"Think you can steal my s--- and sell it?" the voice identified as Simpson's said.

"You against the motherf*****g wall," said another voice on the tape.

Continue reading "Tape of O.J. Simpson’s Las Vegas confrontation released" »

Posted September 17, 2007 11:22 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

After all the highfaluting drama of all the court action he’s seen since 1994, an anonymous phone call may be what brings down O.J. Simpson.

The tip lead to the arrest of Walter Alexander, who is allegedly one of the men involved in the robbery. He was booked on charges of suspicion to commit robbery, burglary with a deadly weapon and two counts each of robbery with a deadly weapon and assault with a deadly weapon. With information provided by Alexander, police drew up three search warrants and served them over the weekend.

Continue reading "O.J. Simpson arrested in Las Vegas on felony charges; held without bail" »

Posted September 17, 2007 10:06 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email This

Alfred Beardsley, one of the men accusing O.J. Simpson of armed robbery, now claims that he is on Simpson's side and wants the case dropped. Beardsley, a former real-estate agent and Simpson memorabilia collector from Burbank, California, has cited health problems and said that he is unwilling to travel to Las Vegas to testify. After the robbery, he told police that Simpson and several other men broke into a hotel room at Palace Station and stole several memorabilia items at gunpoint.

Simpson denied that weapons were involved and claims he was retrieving items which were stolen from him. Although he was named a suspect in the robbery, no arrests have been made and no weapon has been retrieved. Police are still trying to determine what took place in the room before Simpson and his companions left with the items and are currently reviewing hotel surveillance tapes.

Continue reading "Simpson accuser in Las Vegas robbery now on O.J.'s side" »

Posted September 16, 2007 12:13 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email This

Orenthal. James. Simpson.

The Juice was officially named as a suspect in the allegedly armed robbery at Palace Station on Friday.

Several weeks ago, auction house owner Tom Riccio was contacted by collectors who said they wanted to sell some Simpson memorabilia, including personal items such as footballs, awards and photos. Riccio then informed Simpson about the sellers and was told that the items were stolen. He arranged a meeting between the sellers and Simpson, who would identify the items and request that they were returned or the authorities would be alerted. That was the plan.

Continue reading "OJ Simpson named suspect in Las Vegas robbery" »

Posted September 15, 2007 1:07 AM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Last week hip-hop entrepreneur and former rapper Jay-Z announced that he plans to join the Las Vegas nightlife scene when he opens his new venue, the 40/40 Club.

The new home for this $20 million project will be the Palazzo, a 3,000-room hotel-casino adjoining The Venetian, which houses another Las Vegas restaurant and mega-club, Tao.

Continue reading "Hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z announces 40/40 Club in Las Vegas" »

Posted September 13, 2007 12:56 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It was the basis for the Broadway play “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” and has been in business in Nevada since 1975, but Pahrump’s historic Chicken Ranch Brothel finally got to advertise its wares in Clark County earlier this month. The advertisement will be the first of its kind within county limits.

I know what you’re thinking, “What about all those leaflets, cards, and billboard with the pretty girls that you find all up and down the Strip?” Well, prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas, so obviously those respectable young ladies are advertising entertainment.

Continue reading "Chicken Ranch brothel runs mobile billboard through Las Vegas" »

Posted September 12, 2007 4:23 PM by Kevin Chomintra | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Word is out now that Art Manteris, vice president of race and sports operations for Station Casinos, is the “local Las Vegas consultant” referred to in yesterday’s press conference held by NBA commissioner David Stern.

Apparently Manteris has been contacted by the FBI and is in-the-loop, so to speak, on the agency’s investigation into allegations that former NBA referee Tim Donaghy bet on basketball games, or provided information to others who bet, during the 2005-’06 season.

Much has been written and discussed about the NBA’s current crisis.

Overwhelmingly, people seem to take note of NBA commissioner Stern’s previous public statements denying and even refusing to discuss the possibility that the league would be confronted with a gambling scandal.

Continue reading "NBA Las Vegas gaming consultant is Art Manteris" »

Posted July 25, 2007 11:34 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

While people love to recite the slogan, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” it’s really not true.

As evidenced by the ongoing FBI investigation into NBA referee Tim Donaghy, what happens here does have an impact on lives and circumstances outside of the Las Vegas Valley.

Perhaps those who brand the Las Vegas destination are discouraged that Sin City is mentioned in connection with news reports about 40 year-old Donaghy, who purportedly worked with mobsters to fix margins and outcomes of NBA games to pay off gambling debts. It sounds so old school Vegas, doesn’t it?

His 13-year career as an NBA ref ended earlier this month following the allegations that he bet on games that he officiated.

Continue reading "Las Vegas could play a key role in NBA referee investigation" »

Posted July 24, 2007 8:46 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Locals know to avoid the Strip at all costs, especially on evenings and weekends. It’s usually like being stuck in traffic, going nowhere fast. Some have referred to it as a parking lot.

Clark County Commissioners Tuesday approved a plan to create a parking lot on the Strip. But this parking lot is supposed to increase safety for tourists who just can’t stay away from the Welcome to Las Vegas sign.

Have you ever driven by to see several cars parked in the middle of LVB and many pedestrians disobeying traffic laws to get a snapshot of the Las Vegas icon?

Continue reading "A parking lot on Las Vegas Boulevard" »

Posted June 20, 2007 2:20 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Distinctive choices for shopping and dining are beginning to materialize on Las Vegas’ South Strip. Town Square, now well under construction, is a 1.5 million square foot super-regional lifestyle center featuring 150 retail shops, an 18-screen movie theater, 12 restaurants and 352,000 square feet of Class “A” office space.

Situated on 117 acres on the South Strip at 6711 Las Vegas Boulevard South, just south of Mandalay Bay on the site of the former Vacation Village motel and casino, Town Square is being shaped into a super regional mixed-use lifestyle center.

Shopping opportunities are to include Robb & Stuckey Furniture, Borders, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister Co., Apple, Bath & Body Works, Cashe, Fossil, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole, Sigrid Olsen, and Soma.

Continue reading "Town Square taking shape on Las Vegas Strip" »

Posted June 5, 2007 8:14 AM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email This

The Desert Garden Center at CCSN offers a wealth of desert planting information and plants. CCSN students both staff the Desert Garden Center, learning valuable skills for life after graduation, and nurture the plants to keep them healthy.

The retail plant nursery specializes in Mojave native and desert adapted plants. The Desert Garden Center’s charter is to be an educational partner, helping students and the community understand what grows best in Las Vegas weather conditions. Regardless of the season, the Center is an ideal place to purchase plants at prices typically below that of retail nurseries.

Continue reading "CCSN’s Desert Garden Center: a community nursery" »

Posted May 31, 2007 12:02 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email This

Looking for a fun family outing? The Ritz-Carlton’s Executive Pastry Chef, Chris Hanmer, spent more than 100 hours creating two sugar sculptures that are now on display at the resort. Each showcases 45 orange and blue pieces created by hand from 150 pounds of sugar. Chef Hanmer will make new sculptures for each season.

Continue reading "The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas boasts new sugar sculptures" »

Posted May 22, 2007 12:11 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Infections in the mouth not only cause bad breath, the loss of teeth and a major change in the quality of life. Now, we know these common infections (called “gum disease”) are specific infections that can also contribute to heart disease, stroke, preterm babies, pregnancy complications, worsening of diabetes and certain forms of cancer.

The fact is that infections anywhere in the body can aversely affect a person’s health and even shorten your life. Periodontal (gum) infections are the most common chronic infection in the U.S. population.

Today, a new test is available that allows dentists and patients to combat gum disease and identify hereditary risk factors for major illnesses. The test is called DNA-PCR and is administered at Dr. Azimi’s downtown Las Vegas dental office.

Continue reading "Downtown Las Vegas dentist, Dr. Azimi, offers DNA-PCR test for diagnosis of gum disease, hereditary risks" »

Posted May 2, 2007 10:00 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

PETA bared all on the strip today in protest against Burberry and its refusal to stop selling fur from farms where the animals are kept in horrible conditions and then killed in the most inhumane ways. Go to peta.org to see what we're talking about.

Continue reading "PETA bares all on Las Vegas Strip" »

Posted April 4, 2007 3:20 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

On Saturday March 31, the Orleans Casino Arena showcased a charity hockey event to help raise awareness and funds for the Diabetic Life Foundation. This was the second year for the diabetes fundraiser, organized by Bob Maxwell. Before the game fans were treated to an awe inspiring rendition of the National Anthem by a 10 year old phenom that left everyone present speechless.

The game featured past NHL players, local entertainers and a few celebrities in this family styled game. NHL West Versus NHL East and each team had so many players many were forced to stand on the benches for lack of space.

The game started off with a bang. At the drop of the first puck the infamous Hanson Brothers trio Steve and Jeff Hanson and Dave Carlson, famous from their antics in the hockey movie “Slap Shot,” skated down the ice and promptly attacked NHL West goalie Clint Malarchuck, former NHL goal tender for the Buffalo Sabers and the now defunct, Las Vegas Thunder. The three brothers were then escorted to the penalty box.

Goals were plentiful; a total of 25 from both teams, and the fans ate it up. Retired pro players Randy Burridge, Cory Hirsch, JF Jomphe, who now live in Las Vegas all stated that they agreed to play because “it’s such a worthy cause,” and they “like give something back to their fans.” Other notable pro players were Chris and Marty McSorely, Ian Turnbull, “Hot” Rod Buskas, Neil Smith, and Steve Larmer. Former coaches of the Las Vegas Thunder, Bob Bourne and Darren Banks skated to a cheering crowd as well.

During the first period intermission, part time goalie and full time local entertainer Jay White, a Neil Diamond impersonator at the Rio, delighted the crowd with a rendition of “Sweet Caroline.”

To raise money for the cause jerseys and photos were sold. After the game there was an autograph session to let the fans have their newly purchased items signed, and all the money raised says right here in Las Vegas to help our family and friends fight diabetes. Be on the look out for more local events coming up in the near future.

Posted April 3, 2007 12:25 PM by Terry Piper | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

An Internet-based broadcast company called RawVegas.tv published its list of the top five blogs in Las Vegas this month as part of its Live 5 series. We’re pleased to report that Blogging Vegas was included in the rankings.

Sure, RawVegas.tv isn’t J.D. Power and Associates or Weblog Awards. Still, props are always welcome.

We share ranking privileges with the likes of Robin Leach for AOL’s CityGuide to Las Vegas, Richard Abowitz for the LA Times’ Las Vegas blog, Jack Colton for his blog, and Joe Smith for Las Vegas Vegas.

For your viewing pleasure, you can view The Live 5 review here.

Blogging Vegas, our blog flagship, currently has three sister blogs. Each one focuses exclusively on the Las Vegas Valley. There’s Wedlok for weddings, Stuccoed for real estate and JawChaw for food.

Blogging Vegas is owned and operated through a partnership between Image Domain and Codella Marketing.

Here’s to another prosperous year for Blogging Vegas and its Las Vegas blog network.

Posted March 30, 2007 10:38 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

There are some things that may be too crazy, even for Las Vegas.

Let’s play word association and see what kinds of images your mind conjures up: Michael Jackson, Las Vegas Strip, 50-foot robot, lasers.

If you haven’t guessed, we’re talking about the rumored comeback of the King of Pop.

"It would be in the desert sands," said Mike Luckman of Luckman Van Pier, consultants to large entertainment companies. "Laser beams would shoot out of it so it would be the first thing people flying would see. Neon is wonderful, but it's old school."

Luckman's partner, Andre Van Pier, who designed the futuristic spacesuits worn recently by Bono and U2 at a benefit concert in New Orleans, designed the robot. He has also sketched out a stage set of a giant audience-interactive video game with human cyborgs controlled by the audience. Said Luckman: "Michael's looked at the sketches and likes them."

Seriously, is there a future for this troubled star?

The New York Daily News reported that according to one source former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney was considering investing in the potential long-term show.

Last month Jackson's spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, confirmed he was "reviewing and evaluating" proposals for his future including several offers to perform in Las Vegas.

Here’s a proposal for Michael Jackson’s future: purchase an island, build your Neverneverland, live there in seclusion and operate tour boats so people can pay to gawk at you.

Posted March 29, 2007 2:46 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email This

Las Vegas is growing and becoming more of an urban center—a shopping and entertainment mecca.

Take for instance the growing technology community, led by innovative firms like Verde Communications. Verde offers business broadband service including high-speed Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone, Web hosting, network management and alternate path redundant broadband throughout in the Las Vegas Valley. They’re the Valley’s largest, most experienced wireless broadband provider.

There’s another technology-based industry finding fertile soil in Las Vegas, and that’s Internet television.

Since the Internet has made its way into nearly every business and home in America, and communications firms are combining services like cable TV, phone and Internet service, it only makes sense that more and more services are provided via the Internet.

What was first sent through air waves, then cable and satellite, is now being dished up from production companies straight to consumers.

There are three Las Vegas-based Internet television companies we’re aware of. Perhaps there are even more (and you’re welcome to contact us if you know of others).

Although they take a similar approach in distribution via the Internet, each “station” has unique programming.

We invite you to visit:

RawVegas.tv

TheV.tv

WatchitVegas.com

Posted March 28, 2007 12:38 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

An amazing engineering feat, the outdoor adventurist and all-around thrill seeker will soon be able to walk on a glass floor at Arizona’s west rim of the Grand Canyon some 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

Skywalk construction began in March 2004.

Last May engineering tests proved the bridge could hold more than 71 million pounds, or the weight of 71 fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes. But the plan is to only allow 120 people at a time. It was designed to withstand winds in excess of 100 miles per hour from eight different directions or an 8.0 magnitude earthquake within 50 miles.

More than one million pounds of steel have gone into the Skywalk’s construction.

For about $25 a person you’ll get to take the vertigoed walk in the sky. Visitors will be provided with shoe covers to protect them from slipping and to prevent scratching of the three-inch-thick glass floor.

The Skywalk is part of a larger scheme to eventually include a museum, movie theater, VIP lounge, gift shop and several restaurants including a high-end restaurant called The Skywalk Café where visitors will be able to dine outdoors at the canyon's rim. According to Hualapai officials, the cost of the Skywalk alone will exceed $40 million.

Continue reading "Grand Canyon Skywalk opens March 28" »

Posted March 20, 2007 2:58 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Miniland USA at Legoland is opening its newest attraction, Miniland Las Vegas, on March 29.

Legoland guests can already see several U.S. cities in miniature, including Washington D.C., New Orleans, New York City, Florida, San Francisco and the Southern California coastline.

We visited Legoland on St. Patrick’s Day and besides the cold costal weather—certainly not Las Vegas’ 90º weather—we had a blast. The kids went from one adventure to another with a Christmas morning look on their faces. And perhaps due to the cooler weather, the ride lines weren’t any longer than 10-15 minutes.

For young families, Legoland offers a great getaway. It’s a bit pricey, but what in Southern California isn’t?

Tip: we learned that if you pay with your American Express or inform the ticket agent of your AAA membership, you’ll get a discount.

Here are a few photos that show the construction progress.

Posted March 20, 2007 11:02 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Yesterday the Airports Council International and the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics released passenger count data for last year.

Previously number five on the esteemed passenger traffic rankings list, in 2006 our own McCarran International Airport fell to number six with 46.2 million people. Denver retook the number five spot where it has been since 2000, with the exception of 2005 when McCarran moved up to number five.

Southwest Airlines won the domestic passengers category for the third year carrying some 96.3 million people. Southwest transported 15.4 million to and from McCarran (that’s 33% of McCarran’s domestic passengers). Perhaps the airline’s slogan should be, “Ding! You’re free to visit Las Vegas.”

The other busy U.S. airports? They were Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas.

And how did McCarran rank worldwide? Number 11. Also worldwide, American Airlines won the award for most passengers for a U.S. airline for the fifth consecutive year with a total of 98.1 million.

According to the report, all U.S. airlines combined carried more than 744 million people last year, up slightly less than 1 percent from 2005.

Posted March 16, 2007 8:17 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Soon you’ll have another reason to vomit in Las Vegas.

You can do most everything in Sin City that you can’t get away with elsewhere. Starting April 21, you can pay to ride what’s affectionately known as the vomit comet.

Zero Gravity Corporation is bringing the newest, toughest and highest ride to Las Vegas. Check out gozerog.com to see what I’m referring to.

“The vomit comet” is the plane that astronauts use to simulate low to zero gravity conditions.

Zero Gravity Corporation uses a specially remodeled Boeing 727-200 airplane for the space rides. According to the TSA, the aircraft has perhaps the best safety record of any modern airliner and does very well in "hot and high" conditions.

Zero Gravity Corporation will be launching regular amusement flights beginning April 21, so you had better get ready. This is the prefect gift for the adrenaline junkie who has “done it all.”

The 90-minute flight, which departs from Signature Air Terminal at McCarran International Airport, simulates zero gravity during 15 “free-falls” in space and costs about $3,500 per person.

All I have to say is, “Bring on the vomit comet!”

Posted March 13, 2007 3:39 PM by Terry Piper | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

What appears to be the future of the home furnishings industry continues to grow in downtown Las Vegas. Its sheer size is impressive.

The latest installment, creatively dubbed Building B, is a 16-story, $345 million, 1.6 million square foot, 300 showroom, 378 feet tall structure. I'm told it’s the largest and tallest building in downtown Las Vegas, and the tallest furniture mart building in the U.S.

But that record won’t last long. Building C is already several stories off the ground. It weighs in at 2.1 million square feet, 16 stories and $540 million. Its scheduled completion date is July 2008.

After that comes installment four of eight. And so on . . . . I think these guys are on to something.

All in all, 12 million square feet of home furnishing heaven is scheduled for completion by 2013 or sooner. The World Market Center will become the world’s largest trade show complex. The Entertainment Capital of the World may soon be equally known as the world’s capital of home furnishings. Calling all couch potatoes!

Continue reading "World Market Center growing in Vegas" »

Posted March 13, 2007 2:11 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

We were invited to attend a Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game last night. The invitation came from one of our clients and the team’s dentist, Dr. Azimi, a general and cosmetic dentist situated in Downtown Las Vegas.

If you’ve never attended a hockey game, you really ought to go to a Wranglers game. The atmosphere was electrifying and the action on the ice was anything but boring.

The Wranglers took on the Idaho Steelheads last night and won 3 to 2 after a shoot-out in overtime.

Dr. Azimi sees many of the players, their family members and people associated with the Wranglers hockey team. To the hockey fanatic he provides an opportunity to get closer to the players since he’s their dentist, not to mention that Dr. Azimi’s Downtown Las Vegas dental office is complete with signed Wranglers memorabilia.

And last night, to a group of 50 Las Vegas working professionals, Dr. Azimi provided an unforgettable opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the Wranglers by attending the game in the ice box, right next to the rink and inches from the action. Here are a couple of Dr. Azimi’s ice box guests.

Someone commented that it was a great way to speed up your metabolism, enjoying great food and drink while the adrenalin kicks in when a player gets slammed into the Plexiglas or a puck or stick is thrown up against the wall right in front of you. For Las Vegans, if you want to talk about a real hockey experience—the Wranglers ice box at the Orleans Arena is where it’s at. Thanks, Dr. Azimi!

Posted February 28, 2007 9:16 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas is internationally recognized for many virtues, but generosity is usually not one of them. This is somewhat unexpected because it is surrounded by relatively benevolent states and cities. Utah, often recognized as the West’s Good Samaritan, has some of the highest volunteer rates in the country. Las Vegas on the other hand is notorious for having some of the lowest volunteer rates in the county.

But lately, this situation has garnered more attention – Nevadans are stepping up, showing that they care and acting on it. With the growth of the city comes a trend of increasing philanthropy and genuine concern for the social health of Las Vegas.

Women’s Philanthropy annual United Luncheon of the UJC Jewish Federation of Las Vegas is an example of Nevada’s swelling heart. In an effort to raise funds for the United Jewish Community’s “dollar-a-day” initiative, this year’s event featured a fashion show with influential members of the Las Vegas community modeling the latest fashions.

Continue reading "Welcome to Generous Las Vegas" »

Posted February 27, 2007 4:24 PM by Paul Murad | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

My sister and her family live in Hyde Park, Vermont. One of our favorite stops when we visit them is at the Ben & Jerry’s factory just north of Waterbury. We enjoy the terrific tasting ice cream and exploring the grounds.

In fact, my all-time favorite Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is coconut almond fudge chip, which I can only find at their Vermont factory or scoop shops.

Today the company announced they’re opening their first-ever production facility outside of Vermont, and wouldn’t you know it, it’s going to be in my hometown of Henderson, Nevada.

Their reasoning: to save about 100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Having a production facility in the west will help the company live up to its environmentally friendly mantra.

It’s telling that they chose Henderson and not Las Vegas. According to CEO Walt Freese:

"I think we'll stick to good company like Phish and avoid showgirls and blackjack dealers….We like to think of it as Ben & Jerry's taking its values to Vegas.”

Ben & Jerry’s purchased the Henderson plant from Unilever. They’ll use growth hormone-free milk from northern California dairy cows (no offense to Nevada cows). It’ll manufacture pints of ice cream for sale in supermarkets, grocery stores and other retailers but its products won’t be available at scoop shops.

Guess I’ll still have to hold-out for trips to the Vermont factory to enjoy my favorite flavor.

Posted February 22, 2007 10:32 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Pentagon announced today (Feb. 22, 2007) it would scrap plans to conduct its massive 700-ton blast originally planned for last June at the Nevada Test Site. The cancellation came after a flood of public opposition and heat from bloggers. Blogging Vegas was among the first to voice opposition to the idea (read A mushroom cloud over Vegas in June, Divine Strake test put to a hault, and 700-ton blast now held-up in Las Vegas federal court).

Divine Strake entailed detonating 700 tons of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, the same mixture used to blow up the Oklahoma City federal building, but 280 times more of it. They planned to use computers to measure the ground-shaking to a tunnel under the blast site. This data would then be used in computer models to predict damage to underground bunkers.

"I have become convinced that it’s time to look at alternative methods that obviate the need for this type of large-scale test," James Tegnelia, director of the Pentagon’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency, said in a statement.

Hum, I wonder who “convinced” him. Might it be the down-winders from Caliente, Nev. to St. George, Utah? How about politicians and environmental groups? I’m sure people from all nearby camps are pleased to hear the news that Divine Strake has been stricken.

Continue reading "Divine Strake stricken by Pentagon" »

Posted February 22, 2007 2:30 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The bald eagle—that quintessential symbol of the United States of America—is alive and well these days in Southern Nevada.

That’s the report from researchers for the Public Lands Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This year’s annual midwinter survey documented 87 bald eagles at lakes Mead and Mohave, the highest on record and eight more than the previous record in 2002, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, whose able reporter Keith Rogers tracks the soaring icons in print.

According to Wikipedia, the species was on the brink of extinction in the United States in the late 20th century, but now has a stable population and is in the process of being removed from the federal government list of endangered species.

Continue reading "Bald eagles thrive in Southern Nevada" »

Posted February 6, 2007 2:05 PM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Community College of Southern Nevada and a handful of partners welcomed the community Saturday to celebrate the CCSN 35th anniversary.

Desert Toyota Scion and CCSN joined forces to sponsor the CCSN 35th Anniversary Scion Sweepstakes which culminated in a drawing for more than 100 qualified contestants for one lucky winner. Each entry that was drawn had the opportunity to select a key from a large bin. The drawings began shortly before 1 p.m. and culminated at 2 p.m. when the winning key was drawn.

Tonya Jackson, a sophomore at CCSN, was the lucky winner. She was given the opportunity to choose between one of three Scion models. She chose the tC model in pearl blue.

“We’re happy to contribute to CCSN’s 35th anniversary by donating a Scion to be given away as part of the celebration,” said Kalei Dudoit, general manager of Desert Toyota Scion.

Continue reading "CCSN student draws winning Scion key at 35th birthday party" »

Posted February 6, 2007 1:31 PM by Terry Piper | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Nevada’s new quarters are in circulation in Las Vegas and elsewhere in the state. We were fortunate to have obtained two of the new quarters, one minted in Philadelphia, and the other in Denver. They came free, from Nevada State Bank, a platinum sponsor of the Preview Las Vegas 2007 event the other day. This is the first time we’ve ever seen a bank give away money. It brings to mind the days in the fifties when savings and loan associations would give away free toasters or toaster ovens to new clients who came in and opened an account.

Bill Martin, Nevada State Bank president and CEO, doesn’t miss a chance for good public relations and advertising. He’s seen on television driving an armored car down a rural highway; frequently he’s on radio about that “mocha-loca frappie thingy” and other inventive commercials. Now it’s the Nevada quarter in a handsome full-color fold-out souvenir keeper. It provides a civics lesson for the recently arrived and for those from Rio Linda, to wit:

• Nevada is the 36th state to enter the Union, admission day being Oct. 31. 1864.


• Capital: Carson City.


• Motto: “All for our Country.”


• Flower: Sagebrush.


• Tree: Bristlecone Pine or single-Leaf Piñon.


• Bird: Mountain Bluebird.


• 2005 population: 2,441,080.

Some individuals, depending on their business interests, are critical of the Nevada quarter’s design on its reverse side, railing that a casino, or slot machine and something from silver mining should have been included. As the saying in Spanish goes, allá ellos (that’s their opinion, not mine). It was school children who chose the design. The explanation in the souvenir piece reads:

“Nevada’s children cast the deciding vote for the state’s quarter design, which features three mustangs running wild and free as the sun rises over a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. Two twigs of sagebrush, the state flower, and a banner proclaiming the state’s nickname, the Silver State, complete the design.”

The kids rule on this one, folks. Kids like animals, so the wild horses of Nevada got their vote.

Posted February 6, 2007 9:35 AM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Age was the name of one of the first Las Vegas newspapers, around 1906. If the current spate of cold weather continues here, someone could start a newspaper called The Icicle.

In what surely will become a historic front page for Las Vegas, the Summerlin News for Jan. 19-25 published this headline over its lead story:

Freeze bursts pipes

And the readout noted: “Temperature dips to 18 degrees in parts of Summerlin.”

The story dealt with broken breaker valves, and water gushing down driveways.

In sync with the Great Vegas Cold Snap of ’07, the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Sunday, Jan. 21 illustrated its Week in Review section with a color photograph of a three-tiered frozen water fountain in the Tuscany Gardens on East Flamingo Road.

Deep in December (and in late January, too), it’s nice to remember the three-digit Las Vegas temperatures often seen and felt in June through September.

Hey, we moved out here to the desert to get away from the cold, didn’t we?

Posted January 22, 2007 1:04 PM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Watch out Eye Witness news team, there's a new "sexier" kid on the block, RawVegas.tv. A pure play Internet news and information site launched January 19, 2007, RawVegas.tv has the looks and the scoop.

Anchorwoman Denise Pernula dishes out the daily news with a unique perspective. And I have to say, I like it. If you’re tired of watching the same apartment complex go up in flames or view the scene of a recent shooting, then this news is for you. The lighthearted approach, appealing eye-candy and clean digital video just work.

In their first-ever newscast, hot topics such as the valley's water shortage, the UMC debacle and Paula Abdul's strange behavior were reported.

Ms. Pernula even gave some good advice on conserving water in the valley, “Ban wet t-shirt contests, shower with a friend, drink more liquor.”

With this type of well informed journalism, a tech-savvy approach and a little luck, we may have just found a replacement for the bland evening news.

Check out the site at RawVegas.tv.

Posted January 19, 2007 4:04 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of Nevadans who are homeless is 0.68 percent. That number tops the list among U.S. states and is more than double the national average.

Let’s hope the Silver State isn’t dubbed the Panhandler State.

Contributing factors seem to be the idea of finding luck, expensive housing and the Vegas-themed $1.99 meal (although this seems to be completely old-school).

Down-on-your-luck folks may think if they can make it anywhere, they can make it in Vegas. And not everyone who moves to Vegas finds their pot 'o gold—that’s one reason for the high number of move-outs each month.

A side note: we hear a lot about the number of move-ins, but what about the move-outs? Oh wait, maybe they don’t move out, they just become homeless.

At any rate, there are many very good organizations that serve as both voice and helping hands for our seemingly growing homeless population. Let’s all give them a hand by being generous and addressing the issues we face as a community.

Posted January 11, 2007 11:15 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Criminals beware, there is a new posse in town. The Guardian Angels, made famous for helping to clean up the New York streets, have opened a local chapter in Sin City. They plan on patrolling the area around the Fremont Street Experience, frequented by the homeless, and known as an area to get drugs and prostitutes.

Founded in 1978 by Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels are today a worldwide organization. Over the past three decades, Curtis Sliwa's programs and initiatives have been recognized by Presidents and Prime Ministers, Governors, Senators and Mayors, as well as by leading businessmen, veterans groups and many other associations.

So will Las Vegans welcome these guardians of the night? Mayor Oscar Goodman was quoted in the Las Vegas Review Journal as saying "The Guardian Angels are certainly just another resource to be the eyes and ears to any impropriety. I welcome them to the community."

They are a highly visible crime deterrent, with their flashy red berets, and group patrolling tactics. With 27 years of experience, they know what works and what does not. In order to realize the revitalization of the Downtown area, certain pockets of crime will need to be eliminated. This may be just what the city needs.

Guardian Angels Las Vegas Chapter
Chapter Leader: Weston Conwell
Phone: 702-294-1000

Posted January 7, 2007 11:11 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email This

Clark County’s head aviation official, Randall H. Walker, announced today that he’s resigning to go to work in the private-sector.

Walker oversaw McCarran International Airport, the nation's fifth-busiest airport (by passenger count), as well as North Las Vegas Airport, Henderson Executive Airport, Jean Sport Aviation Center and the airport in Overton.

With a slightly more than 1,200 employees McCarran generates about $324 million annually. Most cities could only wish for such a cash cow.

The county still plans to proceed with a new airport in the Ivanpah Valley for international flights, a cause championed by Walker.

Despite ongoing construction and expansion, McCarran is expected to reach capacity around 2011. There’s only so much land available around the airport and Las Vegas—the city of excess—doesn’t appear to show any signs of slowing down or limiting growth.

The Ivanpah airport will help support a growing tourist economy.

Posted November 8, 2006 4:07 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Huntington Learning Center-Las Vegas, which opened last summer just in time for the current school year, figures among the top 25 high-performing franchises listed by The Wall Street Journal’s Internet-based StartupJournal.

Founded in 1977, New Jersey-based Huntington Learning Center has been franchising for 21 years. Huntington is the nation’s longest-running supplemental education services provider, and a pioneer and leader in the franchise learning center arena. Huntington provides instruction in reading, writing, spelling, phonics, mathematics, study skills and SAT and ACT preparation to tens of thousands of students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Significantly, Huntington specializes in helping parents, caregivers and educators identify the gaps in skills and knowledge that can limit learning potential, and in providing a personalized program of instruction to enable children to excel.

The Las Vegas franchise, operated by Dr. Audrey Reid, is the first Huntington site in Las Vegas, situated at 6120 West Tropicana Avenue, Suite A13 at Jones Boulevard. Once the first site is thriving, a second site is planned at Ann Road and I-95 according to Dr. Reid.

Continue reading "Las Vegas Huntington Learning Center start-up is among top Wall Street Journal franchises" »

Posted November 2, 2006 2:05 PM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s a novel way for those involved to fund the fight against a malady that will strike one in seven women in their lifetime.

It’s the CureBreastCancer.org Prepaid MasterCard® Gift Card. Basically the prepaid card works this way: A card purchased for $100 will result in about $8 going to Cure Breast Cancer, Inc., the organization headed by Dr. Ernie Bodai, to support breast cancer awareness, education and outreach.

How does one buy the prepaid gift card? Go to the Web site at BreastCancerCard.com to apply by filling out the data fields. A pre-paid gift card can be purchased for one’s self or a friend, relative or business associate. The card can have a minimum value of $25 or a maximum value of $300. Purchasers receive their cards in the mail within five to seven business days after placing their order.

Continue reading "Cubis Financial offers prepaid gift card to help fund the fight against breast cancer" »

Posted October 9, 2006 2:40 PM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Mayor Oscar Goodman has announced that entitlements will be cut in half—from two years to one—in an attempt to weed out property flippers. The City of Las Vegas has been victim of those who purchase land, get projects approved for the site, and turn right around to sell the land for a profit. The mayor is hoping that a shorter time frame for entitlements will provide enough of a span to go through the planning and building departments, but not enough to flip the property.

To accommodate serious builders who find that extra time may be necessary, the mayor announced that developers may file for extensions if they are able to demonstrate they are moving forward with their proposed development.

But who is to say what actions are sufficient to prove “moving forward?” Much of the process that leads up to groundbreaking lies outside the developer’s control: design plans, unit plans, architectural plans, etc., and times with each could vary.

Convincing the City Council of progression may pose a challenge to some. Nevertheless, the ability get an extension on a case-by-case basis will be key.

Posted September 25, 2006 9:54 AM by Paul Murad | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Del American, the Florida-based developer of high-rise project Vegas 888, reportedly closed down its sales office last month due to project difficulties. Rising construction costs and lack of sales due to pricing are the reasons that were reported.

The 10-acre lot originally purchased for approximately $50 million is situated on Flamingo Road at Valley View Boulevard and now is up for sale.

It’s worth noting that Del American ran into financial problems with its first project, Vegas Grand (currently in litigation), when rising construction costs and other delays drove the cancellation of reservation contracts and the increase of unit prices.

Del American reportedly said that in today’s Las Vegas real estate market, the best use for the land formerly planned for Vegas 888 is for a mixed-use luxury casino-hotel resort. Leaving that project behind, Del American decided to refocus its efforts on Vegas Grand, currently under construction at Flamingo Road and Swenson Street.

Posted September 20, 2006 2:56 PM by Paul Murad | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rarely is brick used in new construction in Las Vegas these days.

And only now are mid-rise condominiums coming into vogue instead of the traditional high-rise towers.

Still more, the South Strip of Las Vegas Boulevard is becoming a vibrant, dynamic microcosm. It’s the fastest-growing area in the Las Vegas Valley.

Brickwater mid-rise condominiums, south of the 215 Las Vegas Beltway and east of Interstate 15, soon are to be under construction in the Gateway area, for delivery in early 2008.

There will be 178 units in four levels of condominiums with same-level covered parking for residents. And they’ll feature brick construction.

Prices will be accessible, as compared with other Las Vegas condos. Priced at about $330 a square foot, the units range from 849 square feet for a one-bedroom, one-bath condo to 1,550 square feet for a two-bedroom, two-bath condo. Thus the range is now between $280,170 and $511,500. In all, 11 different floor plans will be offered in varied configurations for one, two and three bedrooms.

Design—careful, thoughtful design—went into these condos. “Brickwater is the realization of or dream to develop a collection of condominium homes that create a quality lifestyle by virtue of design,” said Jim Noteware, prominent national developer based in Houston. “As our motto says, Brickwater is designed for life,”

Water features include a resort-style courtyard swimming pool fed by a stream with water flowing over rocks plus water sliding down the surface of a wall at the entry way to Brickwater.

Continue reading "Brickwater entry into Las Vegas condo market to bring distinctive features, coveted amenities" »

Posted September 18, 2006 1:04 PM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Self-proclaimed Prophet and leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Las Vegas, late Monday night. On the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List, Jeffs had eluded police for quite some time.

As leader of the FLDS Church, Jeffs is accused of arranging marriages between under age girls and older, married men. The FLDS Church split from the Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints when the mainstream Mormon Church stopped allowing plural marriages over 100 years ago.

So what was Jeffs doing in Las Vegas? Passing through possibly, or is Las Vegas becoming a refuge for the polygamist sect? It was recently reported that followers of Jeffs had relocated to Las Vegas and were purchasing houses with large lots. Will Las Vegas, famous for its tolerance of many things, draw the line on polygamy?

Posted August 29, 2006 8:33 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Nothing stinks like mishandled garbage under the hot June sun in the desert.

Apartment house and condominium property managers are protesting a scam resulting from the local trash collection contractor’s payment of a $4 bounty for photographs of overfilled trash bins that resulted in additional fees.

The fee assessed is $47.94 for each three-cubic-yard Dumpster with trash stacked higher than the container’s lip.

Property managers allege that trash collection drivers randomly skip the emptying of trash bins to allow refuse to pile up so a photo can be take at the next pickup.

Continue reading "Property managers raise stink over scam in trash bin pickup skips" »

Posted June 16, 2006 10:51 AM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

There could be a Rocket Oldsmobile in the bunch as dozens of vintage cars from at least 1916 to 1959 rally at Rachel, Nevada on the day after Independence Day. Following an afternoon pit stop, dozens of entries in the Great Race 2006 will chug, chuff, pop and roar up the Extraterrestrial Highway 375 through UFO land to overnight in Tonopah.

They’re coming from Philadelphia through Kanab and Cedar City, Utah on Wednesday, July 5 in the Great Race 2006, whose lead sponsor this year is the Army National Guard.

More than 100 cars are entered to start in Philadelphia on June 24 in the 24th annual event, scheduled to end 14 driving days later on July 8 in San Rafael, Calif. The first three autos registered are a 1928 Ford Model A Speedster (which looks like a lean, mean machine), a 1916 Packard two-door, and a 1935 Ford Deluxe Roadster. And among the entries is a 1949 Oldsmobile convertible, black in color. Barring mechanical failure, the Rocket Oldsmobile will zoom through UFO viewing land, the closest you can legally get to Area 51, which the feds say doesn’t exist, but does, indeed.

Continue reading "Great Race 2006 traverses UFO territory past Area 51" »

Posted June 14, 2006 8:41 AM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

In case you missed it, a new world record was set in Las Vegas on June 10. It’s the record for eating grilled cheese sandwiches. Yummy!

Competitive eaters gathered and Joey Chestnut conquered.

After 10 minutes of furious eating by the best competitive eaters in the world, Joey Chestnut emerged the victor by eating 47 sandwiches. He also set a new world record with his voracious appetite, shattering the old world record of just 36 sandwiches in 10 minutes.

The World Grilled Cheese Eating Championship was sponsored by online casino GoldenPalace.com which awarded $2,500 to Chestnut. The sponsor offered $100,000 to any amateur who could beat the world record (the closest any amateur came was 9 sandwiches — now they know how to place a bet). But alas, the International Federation of Competitive Eating can claim one more record on behalf of one of its professional athletes.

Continue reading "Cheesy Las Vegas eating contest breaks world record" »

Posted June 13, 2006 4:44 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Maxim magazine plans to brand its name onto a $1.2 billion hotel casino to open in 2010 on the Las Vegas Strip near Sahara Avenue.

The 20-somethings and 30-somethings of the world should be jubilant. Just consider the front cover of the magazine’s June issue: Sex! Girls! Gold! Movies! Terror! are the teasers on the layout, topped by a banner line asking: Could You Become a Living Legend of Sex?

Agreed, the men in the 60-something set would say the magazine and its ethos are for guys who have all of their brains in their gonads. But this is Vegas. It produces money in myriad ways. Playboy, probably granddaddy of American skin mags, has taken a couple of floors in the newly opened Fantasy Tower at The Palms — the first Playboy Club in 25 years. Obviously Christi Hefner agrees with her aging dad that there’s money to be made with the bunny ears in Vegas.

Continue reading "Maxim mag plans to maximize its image with Las Vegas casino" »

Posted June 7, 2006 5:37 PM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Voters this fall will decide whether to outlaw smoking in most Nevada restaurants, bars, supermarkets and convenience stores.

Judge Bill Maddox, a Carson City district judge, ruled today in favor of a coalition of nonprofit health associations called the Tobacco Prevention Coalition that the issue can be on the November ballot.

A petition to remove the question from the ballot had been filed by representatives from gaming companies, taverns, restaurants and convenience stores.

Among the public health advocates is Buffy Martin, a spokeswoman for the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition. She said it may take time to get used to non-smoking bars and restaurants, but like most other states, once implemented, everyone will receive the health benefits.

Continue reading "Nevadans to vote on smoking in public places this fall" »

Posted June 5, 2006 3:53 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Here’s a novel idea for you: pick up an iPod, a set of headphones, a pre-paid mobile phone, or even a digital camera at a vending machine.

San Francisco-based Zoom Systems has taken the vending machine concept one step further with its Zoom Shops — 40-square-foot "robotic stores" that carry everything from cosmetics to computer accessories and iPods.

The company has five Zoom Shops in Las Vegas. They’re at the:

• Atrium Suites


• Boulevard Mall


• Fashion Show Mall — home to the company’s newly launched ProActiv Solutions Zoom Shop


• Las Vegas Hilton


• World Market Center

Zoom Shops come equipped with graphic touch screens for viewing product information and deliver products to the consumer by way of a robotic arm. They are centrally networked and can update product information, price and stock instantly via the Internet.

This year Zoom Systems expects to open about 3,000 U.S. Zoom Shops and plans to operate 10,000 stores around the globe within the next five years.

Keep your eye out for additional Zoom Shops popping up around tourist-centric Las Vegas.

Posted April 26, 2006 11:32 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Kevin Dillon, star of the HBO comedy series Entourage, married his pregnant fiancé, Jane Stuart, in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The couple was married in a downtown wedding chapel in a brief service that included several songs performed by an Elvis Presley impersonator.

27 year-old Stuart wore a white, floor-length dress and 40 year-old Dillon was dressed in jeans and a leather jacket.

The service was witnessed by Dillon's Entourage co-star Kevin Connolly.

Dillon is the brother of Oscar-nominated actor Matt Dillon. His film credits include Platoon and The Doors.

Posted April 24, 2006 2:22 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Thanks to some unusual bedfellows, Southern Nevadan’s may be able to breath easier.

According to an article in today’s Review-Journal the Western Shoshone tribe and a group of Utah downwinders filed a lawsuit in Las Vegas federal court yesterday to prevent the 700-ton explosion scheduled for June 2 at the Nevada Test Site.

And just where are the many Southern Nevada organizations and attorneys working to protect us?

The group is represented by Reno attorney Robert Hager who said he is confident the court will issue a restraining order to block the explosion. “I believe, based on the violations of the National Environmental Policy Act alone, the court will be required to enjoin the Defense Department from following through with this scheduled blast,” Hagar said.

The planned experiment includes 700 tons of ammonium nitrate fuel oil solution in a 30-foot pit dug above one of the test site’s tunnels about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

Continue reading "700-ton blast now held-up in Las Vegas federal court" »

Posted April 21, 2006 10:39 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Mayor Oscar Goodman, the self-proclaimed "happiest mayor in the world", has ended speculation he would run for the U.S. Senate. Instead he will seek a third and final term as Mayor of the City of Las Vegas.

In 2003, Goodman won re-election to a second term as mayor with 86% of the vote.

While often outspoken, his popularity remains high amongst Las Vegas voters. In November of 2005, Goodman called for cutting the thumbs of graffiti artists off. This statement made waves across the national media, but locally, many felt it was a proper expression of the deep anger we all have when our city is vandalized.

Goodman has often said he would like to bring a professional sports team to Las Vegas. A third term would give him more time to make this happen.

Posted April 19, 2006 9:41 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Last night the latest installment in the Station Casinos chain of local gaming and entertainment megaplexes opened with a bang — fireworks that is, choreographed to a six-minute soundtrack.

The $925 million casino, resort and spa opened at midnight and is certainly impressive.

There are nine restaurants including Italian and Mexican fare, a steakhouse and a barbeque joint. Red Rock hosts more than 3,000 games, 850 hotel rooms, and a 16-screen, 4,400 seat cineplex. There’s even a Kids Quest child care center for youngsters 3 to 12. Truly, there’s something for everyone.

Located in the upscale community of Summerlin, Red Rock promises to be the "jewel of the neighborhood." The hotel will seek 5-star status, catering to locals and their out-of-town guests. Conveniently located just off the almost completed I-215, and near Red Rock State Park, guests will be treated to views of the strip as well as the surrounding mountains.

From the 42-inch plasma TVs in every room, a 3-acre pool area with private cabanas and truly amazing views, this casino sets the bar both on Strip and off.

Posted April 19, 2006 3:36 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email This

Police now say they’ve linked the early Saturday MGM Grand attack (read our previous post) to at least five other attacks over the weekend.

A group of 10 to 15 black men in their late teens or early 20s are responsible for the lawlessness which included robbing and beating an MGM Grand maintenance worker in the MGM parking lot, beating and robbing a tourist outside a nearby Travelodge, plundering a Green Valley Grocery store, robbing and beating a couple at Woofter Family Park, then five minutes later shooting a man in the park (who’s now in stable condition at University Medical Center).

One suspect, Daryle Williams, is now in custody.

Interesting, isn’t it, how the police initially protected the location of the Strip maintenance worker’s beating.

In today’s Review-Journal Sheriff Young said gaming properties receive no preferential treatment from police.

Yeah, right; it’s like that old saying, “money talks,” or in this case, doesn’t talk.

Young also admitted that his department initially erred in not releasing the location of the crime.

Let’s hope the thugs are all caught and justice inflicted.

Posted April 19, 2006 1:55 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Las Vegas Metro Police recently released video of a grisly gang beating on or around the Las Vegas Strip. Youths appear on camera, beating what looks like a security worker. Click here to watch the video (KLASTV). Anyone with any information about this event should call CrimeStoppers anonymously at 702-385-5555.

Posted April 18, 2006 3:23 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Did you know that the first neighborhood listed as an historic district on the City of Las Vegas Historic Register is located just a couple-hundred feet east of Las Vegas Boulevard between the Strip and downtown?

The area, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is called the John S. Park Historic District and includes 444 homes (view a PDF walking tour map from the City of Las Vegas).

It lies east of Las Vegas Boulevard between Charleston and Oakey, and is home to single-family homes dating back to the 1930s with tree-lined streets, where neighbors know each other and frequently gather. In fact, twice a year the streets are barricaded for neighbors to share a pot luck meal on adjoining front lawns. There’s even a neighborhood cookbook.

In a town that’s barely 100 years old, and one in which newer is almost always deemed better, the John S. Park neighborhood, despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is struggling to maintain its quaint sense of community, protect its sunlight and the community’s small-town feel.

Continue reading "High-rise growth threatens historic Las Vegas neighborhood" »

Posted April 18, 2006 2:39 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It looks like cooler heads have prevailed in the case of the 700-ton explosion planned for June 2 at the Nevada Test Site (see our previous post).

A couple weeks ago James Tegnelia, head of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency remarked, “it is the first time in Nevada that you’ll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons.”

Today we learned that Nevada's Environmental Protection Division has requested a halt to the Divine Strake conventional explosives test until the National Nuclear Security Administration can demonstrate that the massive explosion will comply with state and federal air quality standards. Hey, there’s a good idea.

They’re also asking that hazardous pollutants be identified before the blast and tracked once it occurs.

Other reports suggest the Bush administration is using conventional explosives — 700-tons of them — to see the results of a nuclear strike on foreign soil.

Posted April 11, 2006 5:05 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email This

Ever say something in the heat of the moment and know you’d surely live to regret it? Most of us do.

It stands to reason then that the Material Girl would be no exception to the rule. When asked about mounting a Celine Dion-esque show in Vegas, she is reported as saying, “That’s insane. I hate Las Vegas. I couldn’t bear it for five minutes.”

Well, Queen of Pop, guess you’ll be eating those words next month!

In case you haven’t heard, Madonna’s Confessions Tour is scheduled for Las Vegas on May 27 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Other stops on the tour include Fresno, Inglewood, and San Jose, California; Glendale, Arizona; Chicago, Illinois; Montreal, Quebec; Hartford, Connecticut; New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Miami, Florida.

Continue reading "Madonna confession: “I hate Las Vegas”" »

Posted April 6, 2006 9:15 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email This

We’ve all felt the effects of Internet technology in our lives — online banking, online shopping and electronic dating services.

But perhaps no segment is embracing the Web as wholeheartedly as are politicians and political campaign organizers.

The New York Times posted a great article, Politics Faces Sweeping Change via the Web, last week.

Certainly we’ve seen this trend in Las Vegas. Consider how Jon Ralston used to rely completely on email to share his political commentary. Now that’s supplemented with is own blog, Vegas Pundit.

And consider the Web sites now available for the upcoming local elections. There are too many to name here, nor would we want to be accused of endorsing any specific candidate.

Needless to say, the Internet — complete with Web sites, blogs, RSS feeds and podcasts — carries a strong punch. And it’s not going away any time soon.

Posted April 6, 2006 1:34 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

One of our network writers is featured today on Forbes.com in the Opinion section.

Congratulations Robin, or should we say business lunch Queen!

Robin's bio: Robin Jay is a consultant, motivational speaker, corporate trainer and coach since retiring from an award-winning career in advertising. "The Queen of the Business Lunch," according to her clients, Jay has been on more than 3,000 client lunches and has seen her sales increase by more than 2,000%. She shares her secrets in her new book, The Art of the Business Lunch (Career Press, 2006).

Posted April 5, 2006 11:13 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Today’s a sunny day for Gov. Kenny Guinn, or at least a day full of promise.

Right now he’s a patient at Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas receiving a new right hip.

How many of us would like the world to know about our medical procedures? Guess that’s just part of the gig for governors.

Let’s hope Dr. Todd Swanson does his job well and Guinn’s able to check-out as planned on Thursday.

While Guinn’s out we’re in good hands — the hands of Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt who’s acting governor for the time being.

Good luck Governor Guinn. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

Posted April 4, 2006 10:14 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Perhaps you’re familiar with the atomic bomb testing southern Nevadans innocently witnessed in the 50s. Today it’s certainly difficult to fathom atomic bomb explosions as a spectator sport.

Did you know the federal government is planning a 700 ton explosion in southern Nevada that’s expected to send a cloud over Las Vegas in June? Didn’t think so. In fact, it’s a little known project called Divine Strake and chances are officials are working feverishly to control the buzz that’s sure to surround such a significant explosion.

“I don’t want to sound glib here,” remarked James Tegnelia, head of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, “but it is the first time in Nevada that you’ll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons.” Is anyone else alarmed by that statement?

Apparently the test is part of a U.S. effort to develop weapons capable of destroying deeply buried bunkers housing nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

And aren’t you glad the government is planning this test for our desert valley? Apparently it’s of interest to our Russian friends, as Tegnelia said the Russians have been notified of the test. I’m certainly glad the Russians know what’s happening in Nevada before the Nevadans do. Thanks guys.

Continue reading "A mushroom cloud over Vegas in June" »

Posted March 30, 2006 11:46 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

A $1.2 million dollar campaign was recently launched by the Nevada Development Authority aimed at luring California businesses to Nevada. Stating lower taxes, less red-tape, and more reliable energy as reasons for moving, this hard-hitting campaign is sure to turn some heads. Check out the campaign website at www.missingbear.com.

Posted March 19, 2006 1:41 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It’s not everyday that a nearly 35 year-old institution reinvents itself. But with a go-getter president and talented support staff, not to mention generous donors, for the past year-and-a-half the Community College of Southern Nevada has been about proving it’s not about the same old, same old.

Today CCSN launched a redesigned website with thousands of great looking, informative pages. Site visitors can now access information without the frustration that so often accompanied the previous version of the site.

Some cool new home page features include:

• Recent news and upcoming events


• Quick links to Online Learning and the Division of Workforce and Economic Development

Continue reading "CCSN nears 35, launches new website" »

Posted March 14, 2006 8:49 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

While Nevada casinos statewide raked in an all-time record win of $1.14 billion in January, according to the state Gaming Control Board, labor unions already are licking their chops.

Case in point is the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, whose newspaper carries on the front page of its current issue the headline “Counting Down to ’07”—an allusion to the 2002 five-year contract renewal coming up next year.

“By bolstering the strike defense we will be better prepared and stronger, making a strike much less likely,” said The Culinary Worker, explaining that the per capita tax or dues Local 226 pays to its international union, Unite Here, will be raised substantially beginning this year.

Continue reading "Culinary Union gearing up for 2007 contract renewal" »

Posted March 10, 2006 10:21 AM by Anthony Greno | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Perhaps it’s only appropriate that we recognize one of Vegas’ outlying communities, at least one that exists because it’s situated next to Las Vegas, Boulder City.

Last May Las Vegas celebrated its 100th birthday. On March 16 Boulder City marks its 75th birthday.

To learn what festivities are planned for the bedroom community, you can check out what today’s Review-Journal reported.

Happy birthday Boulder City!

Posted March 9, 2006 9:06 AM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Believe it or not, the Clark County School District is a young 50 years old.

Read what the Sun has to say about the District’s silver anniversary.

The “Then and now …” graphic is particularly interesting.

Posted March 3, 2006 2:29 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

There aren’t many places hotter than Las Vegas, and that’s especially true of the valley’s real estate market.

In a town that’s managed to double its size every decade since the 40s, own neon light, and create an adult playground unmatched on planet earth, Las Vegas stands alone as one of the hippest places to live. Period.

Stuccoed is dedicated to reporting on news and trends relating to real estate and development. Various writers cover topics ranging from condo conversions to high-rise condo construction to master planned communities to the latest and greatest mega resorts planned for this desert oasis.

Whether you’re a tourist, prospective resident or current resident, stuccoed provides a street-level view of what’s happening in real estate in Las Vegas.

Posted February 20, 2006 1:03 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

There’s a new resource for people interested in the booming wedding industry in Las Vegas. It’s called wedlok.

Wedlok is a blog where a handful of writers post information, news and gossip related to weddings and Las Vegas.

With so many Vegas weddings, almost 102,000 last year, not to mention the celebrity playground that Las Vegas has always been, there’s plenty to write about.

No place marries you like Las Vegas. And no place covers what’s happening like wedlok.

Posted February 20, 2006 12:32 PM by Pete Codella, APR | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This