Steve Wynn did what only Steve Wynn can do. He admitted during the International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, which happens every three years, that his nightclubs are driving enormous revenue. Then he immediately insulted them, calling them “dim witted” customers who spend too much time on social media, and “check their human sensibilities at the door” of his clubs.
He then admits that his clubs, “attracted every moron in the world.”
Of course this doesn’t matter, since the crowd he has become an expert at attracting doesn’t really care what he says. He is an expert at giving what guests want, and frankly hasn’t ever been wrong. In this case, he either doesn’t care if he offends a few customers, or realizes he can insult them over and over again – and they will still come and give him money.
How much? He says his “dimwitted” customers give him $40 million a year in non-gaming revenue.
Is this part of his plan? Of course. After bashing poor people, bashing his own customers, and then launching the “exclusive” venue at Intrigue, he’s making it very clear who he wants to attract rich, older Gen X guys and gals with money.
He knows that they will hear what he says about Millennials and immediately think that those are good places to go. The hot, sexy millennials with the fake boobs and inability to sit still, will still come even if he personally insulted them to their face.
A private US company said on Thursday it had cancelled a deal with a Chinese rail consortium that was to build a high-speed rail line linking Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Las Vegas-based XpressWest said the deal with China Railway International was called off primarily because of “difficulties associated with timely performance and CRI’s challenges in obtaining required authority to proceed with required development activities.”
XPressWest said its biggest challenge in implementing the project, which was announced nine months ago, was a federal government requirement that high-speed trains must be built in the United States.
“As everyone knows, there are no high-speed trains manufactured in the United States,” the company said in a statement. “This inflexible requirement has been a fundamental barrier to financing high-speed rail in our country.
“For the past 10 years, we have patiently waited for policy makers to recognise high-speed rail in the United States is a new enterprise and that allowing trains from countries with decades of safe high-speed rail experience is needed to connect the Southwest region and start this new industry.”
XPressWest said it would now pursue other partnerships to bring the project to fruition, but did not elaborate.
The deal with CRI was announced in September, just days ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States. The two sides said at the time that CRI would provide US$100 million in initial capital, but few other details about the project were given.
The United States has lagged far behind China, Japan and Europe in high-speed rail development. China has blazed ahead, building 17,000 kilometres of railway in the 12 years since it began constructing bullet trains.
Really bad news out of the culinary community for a local favorite. BW Bistro, a cornerstone of the growing West Side culinary community, will be closing come August after their lease ends at Fort Apache.
According to the restaurant owners, they will be opening a new space hopefully in the Grammercy complex off 215, which isn’t that far from the current location. This comes after the original project they wanted to create there never came to fruition or funding, and they needed to make it smaller.
Hopefully, despite a three year delay on opening another restaurant there, and the Grammercy project being over 5 years overdue in its development, this doesn’t mean that it’s permanently closed.
They are planning on taking a few weeks off during the summer to close down the restaurant, and do a Labor Day opening. We can only hope this goes smoothly as planned as this is a restaurant we want to keep open on the West Side.
Not to be confused with the stuff you buy frozen and defrost in the microwave, or serve to public school children as “veggies,” tater tots are becoming celebrated in a gourmet way. That’s if you are to believe the Tater Tots & Beer Festival. Created by those who have an obsession over tater-tots and beer in 2015, it combines the amazing traits of both the art of taters and the craft of beer. We’re not sure at this point anyone would care what was being served, as they are offering according to their website, “unlimited beer” as part of the price of admission.
They’ve been a kid favorite for decades. Never really gone from our collective conscious, crispy morsels have emerged as a trendy alternative to that potato stalwart, the french fry, on the urban restaurant scene.
The AP says it’s, “The comfort (and kid) food staple, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, has been making it big on the bar scene, showing up as a crispy snack recently everywhere from neighborhood holes-in-the-wall to upscale craft bars. Meanwhile, home cooks and haute chefs alike have been inspired to come up with their own tweaks on the Tot. Barbecue bacon wrapped Tots. Breakfast burrito Tots. Pizza Tots. Totchos — think nachos only with Tots instead of tortilla chips — and the rather meta Tots-topped baked potatoes.”
So is this festival a hit? We don’t know since the actual company hasn’t done a single event yet, and looks to be just in the planning stages. While you CAN buy tickets for certain dates, there doesn’t seem to be a location planned for any of them, leading me to believe it’s more of a TBD thing. Their website had no contact information, making it hard to verify if they are “real.” Either way, if it does come to fruition, it’s a great idea for something that we got to love. Beer.. and whatever.
You have probably heard all drama about Bakers who have issues with making wedding cakes for gay couples. For some unknown reason, a few people made a big deal about making cakes for gay weddings, saying that gay and lesbian sweets somehow violate their religion. We were curious if there were any places in Las Vegas that wouldn’t make a cake for a gay wedding, and found, to our delight that every single bakery that we called had zero issues with making gay wedding cakes. In fact, many of them were delighted with the possible opportunity, even though they all made it clear that gay cakes are identical to straight cakes, requiring nothing different to be done except maybe more decorative than normal.
Freed’s Bakery
Since 1959 this has been perhaps everyone local favorite bakery. It’s pretty much where most locas go to order wedding cakes if they don’t want to pay the strip prices but want the best of the best. They are known for their signature European buttercream icing, made with butter, eggs and powdered sugar. Prices range from $46 for a small, 6-inch wedding cake to four and five-tier designs that run several hundred dollars on up, with three-tier designs starting at $165. More cost-effective designs from the bakery’s Bride on a Budget section or its Las Vegas-themed cakes tend to be the most popular with guests.
Happy Customer from Sugar Bee’sTop Hat Cake from Retro
SugarBee’s Bakery
This Bakery has become a favorite in the SouthWest of Las Vegas, only open twice a week to the public but almost sells out all their inventory. Michael Uzmann in 2013 called the half dozen selections he tried here “love at first bite, the warm shattering layers and wispy yawning interior rife with natural almond flavors…no detectable frangipane, paste, or fillers…the best I’ve found in Vegas to date.” Sugar Bee’s started in early 2012, when Carrie, a very experienced pastry chef, decided it was time to pursue her dream of owning a bakery. With more than a decade of professional experience, along with extremely talented cake designers, you can rest assured that your wedding cake will tastes as amazing as it looks.
Retro Bakery
Famous for their cupcakes, they also make “to die for” wedding cakes, and have zero issues they told us with whomever wants the cake made. However, a lot of people are actually sticking to doing wedding cupcakes. Their Hop-Scotch cupcake is by far the most ordered product, but all of them are really damn good to be honest. They were a pick on TheKnot twice before for the best weddings of 2012 and 2014. One reviewer said, “From the moment we stepped into this place we knew it would be where we ordered our wedding cake. Not only are the flavors delicious, but we also received amazing customer service from Brian and his team. My husband and I are from San Diego, but were getting married in Las Vegas. Every time we made the trip to Vegas up until the wedding we stopped in to try more delicious cupcakes. We have not been back since the wedding, but you can guarantee we will stop in again for more when we do!! We ordered a 3 tier pistachio cake for our wedding and it was AMAZING, both in looks AND taste! It was delivered on time and still tasted fresh as ever. One of the groomsmen actually ate about 3 slices because he couldn’t get enough lol! I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone looking for a great tasting/looking cake at a great price!”
Conservative Tiffany Jones Loves Gay Cakes Too!
Las Vegas Custom Cakes
Having appeared on TLC’s “Fabulous Cakes,” this small, family-owned and operated business is one of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed bakeries. Run by chef/owner Mark Hillers—who previously served as a chef at Harrah’s Las Vegas and the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas for several years—and his wife, Yamilet, Las Vegas Custom Cakes has done cakes for many local celebrities and sports figures, including San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chad Gaudin, Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall and former Redskins linebacker London Fletcher. Recognized among the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals in the 2013 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards, prices start at $150. More extravagant cakes are available, too, with some costing in excess of $10,000! Flavors range from classic white and chocolate to spice cake and lemon.
Peridot Sweets
Even self-proclaimed ultra-conservative and gun masturbator, Tiffany Jones, who running for Nevada State Assembly answered the phone at her bakery Peridot Sweets and said that they have no issue with making sweets for a gay wedding cake, although when questioned, did say they’ve never been to a gay wedding. According to LVRJ, “In her 1,208-square-foot space at 6475 S. Rainbow Blvd., Jones makes complicated cakes such as a Rubik’s Cube design or small sweets such as the French macaroons she serves in flavors like Baileys milk chocolate or salty caramel cream. Her cupcakes, which she didn’t want to make at first, come in flavors like tiramisu or banana caramel.”
UBM Fashion is launching a west coast version of its iconic New York tradeshow, Children’s Club, in Las Vegas this August under the name Children’s Club MAGIC. Evolving from the tradeshow Playground, Children’s Club MAGIC will build upon that show’s established contemporary fashion roster to include the powerhouse brands and diverse retail audience that Children’s Club is known for. The show will take place every February and August at MAGIC alongside WWDMAGIC, PROJECT, FN PLATFORM and other high-profile UBM fashion markets.
Lee Rosenbaum, director of Children’s Club in New York, has been appointed to oversee the show’s west coast expansion as well. He commented:
“We are always looking for ways to better serve the needs of our brands and buyers. The launch of Children’s Club MAGIC will allow us to give the growing children’s fashion market much needed access to the most influential players in the industry on both coasts.”
Building on UBM’s recent purchase of Business Journals Inc., a producer of fashion tradeshows in New York and Las Vegas, and the announced launch of IFF MAGIC in Japan in April 2017, this expansion of Children’s Club is part of the company’s overall strategy to continually give brands and buyers more opportunities for growth.
A British Chef (No, not Gordon Ramsey) claims that he’s now completely brain damaged thanks to David Copperfield’s magic tricks and has brought a lawsuit against the magician and the MGM Casino for negligent magic.
According to the suit, Gavin Cox, visited Las Vegas in 2013 with his wife in for the “time of his life,” and was picked by random for a well-known trick that the famous magician does almost nightly. In the trick, several members of the audience “disappear” and re-appear at the other end of the theater as if by magic.
Cox claims that during the magic trick, he feel while going down a secret passage to complete the trick and dislocated this shoulder. He was taken the hospital and released immediately but now claims three years later that the dislocated shoulder turned into Parkinson’s, and he is forced to live in a bubble.
In the lawsuit, Cox says that since dislocating his shoulder he has been forced to move to Las Vegas for expensive treatment even though the National Health Service in the UK will provide it for free.
According to spokesman David “Spray-paint” Schuman, the Seven Magic Mountains “art installation” was worked on by another unknown artist overnight, but no one in Las Vegas noticed until later during the day because of the excessive heat that invaded the valley earlier. The installation, located near Las Vegas Boulevard and Sloan Road was found early Sunday morning with additional artwork added to the project by an artist who was not affiliated with the original project.
Called “graffiti” by some, the art of colorful spray painting may just be part of this “performance” style artwork that was recently installed for the colorful price of $3 Million. However, it seems that the artists originally involved with spray painting the rocks were not involved or condoned the additional spray paint – thus, they filed a police report, complaining about the new artwork.
Of course, the police may or may not investigate this considering that the actual value and cost of spray painting additional spray paint might be less than $1, unless the original artist does it, at an estimated cost of $53,458.33
When you strip back the 24-hour party image, Vegas has a world of adventures for youngsters, families, and the young at heart to enjoy. Yet with the same sprinkle of LV excess we’ve come to expect from the city. Check out the family friendly top picks that will earn you extra brownie points from the kids.
Only in Vegas can you stumble a few hundred meters and visit several different countries. Take a stride down the faux New York harbor, set amongst famous Manhattan buildings and a 150ft model of the Statue of Liberty. If you’re daring enough, have a go on the New York, New York Rollercoaster – a thrill-seeking ride with a 144ft drop, heart-stopping corkscrews and loops, and spectacular views of the strip. With coaster trains that are perfect replicas of the legendary yellow taxicabs adding a little extra authenticity to the experience, it’s no wonder over one million people visit the New York, New York Rollercoaster every year.
Fans of the TV series or those with an interest in a forensics career will love the live CSI experience, based at Studio Walk at the MGM Grand. This is an ideal afternoon for older children (recommended age is 12 plus) to really get their minds working in a fun and exciting environment. Visitors can take part in a hands-on exhibition, solving three realistic crime scene mysteries. With footage and videography from the shows cast and creators helping along your way, this authentic experience will get visitors thinking like a real detective.
Bodies – The Exhibition is an award-winning exhibition that allows visitors to see and celebrate the body’s beauty and intricacies up close and personally. Showcasing 260 organs and 13 whole body specimens, this is particularly interesting to those with an interest in human anatomy and health, and provides an unbeatable view inside the muscular, respiratory and circulatory systems. Healthy bodies are showcased next to bodies damaged by over eating, poor exercise regimes and bad habits like smoking and drinking, providing food for thought and promoting a healthy lifestyle. What sounds a bit gruesome; is in fact inspiring and educational in equal measures. A must see for science class outings and excursions.
One for the little kids and big kids alike, Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory is a short 15-minute journey from the Strip. Visitors can watch as 35,000-gallon vats of delicious chocolate, caramel, peanut butter and pecan brittle are handmade and packaged into boxes, maybe even benefitting from a few samples too. As the only Ethel M headquarters in the world, all of the candy sold across the US is made right there in Vegas, following mama Ethel’s original recipe, which hasn’t changed from how she made it in her very own kitchen, since launch in 1981.
A visit to The Grand Canyon is bucket list material and children of all ages will be overwhelmed by this majestic wonder of nature. Described by Teddy Roosevelt as “one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, should see,” it’s easy to see why over 5million people around the world visit flock to The Grand Canyon every year.
With an abundance of things to see and do, from the vintage railway, Skywalk and helicopter rides to kids programmes, horse-riding and full moon walks, the South Rim of the Canyon is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Seeing this beauty in movies or reading about in books is no match for seeing this wondrous sight with your own eyes.
Over by US Highway 96 on North Rainbow Blvd, LVMGP is the ideal spot to let the kids blow off some steam and maybe take part in some mini kart racing yourself too! The Grand Prix is a fun but economical way to spend the day with food, arcade games, slides, rollercoasters and miniature race tracks, all under one roof. There are height and age restrictions, so check out the website before you go to avoid disappointment for the little ones.
Based within the Venetian hotel-casino Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a 30,000 square feet museum, built across two floors. Jam-packed with lifelike waxwork celebrity favourites, visitors can get snapped alongside their idols, to fool friends and family back home. From J-Lo – who blushes if you touch her bum – to Marvel favourites, The Avengers there’s something for kids of all ages.
Just a short 10-minute drive Southeast from the strip, near Spencer Street and Tropicana Avenue, the Pinball Hall of Fame is an enthralling adventure for big kids looking for a little dose of nostalgia, as well as for children of all ages. Hosted in an unassuming concrete warehouse, your attention is grabbed by the retro beats and beeps mixed with newer digital sounds and the rush of playing your favourite games. With over 400 arcade games and pinball machines to choose from, it’s easy to lose an entire day. There’s no cost of entry to get into the Pinball Hall of Fame, only the cost of games you play. And big-hearted owners donate a share of their profits to good causes and non-profits in the area too, meaning the feel good factor is ramped up that little bit more.
With the stifling Vegas heat, it makes sense to head for some aqua park fun. This is one day out that will really keep the kids happy, and begging you to go back for more. Wet n Wild is the ultimate waterpark, with over 25 slides across 34 acres. There’s a pool for every age and stage. From lazy rivers that sun worshipers can take their time slowly riding along, to new funnel slide – The Tornado, there’s something for everyone. There are 9 slides especially for younger visitors and interactive fun zones that will keep them entertained and in the shade when it gets too warm.
Opened daily from 9am ‘til midnight, M&M’s world on the famous Vegas Strip is 28,000 square feet of lively, colourful, candy fun across all four levels. With an unbeatable choice of branded memorabilia from teeshirts to cookwear and everything in between, you’ll want to take loads of personalised gifts to friends and family back home. Watch the free 3D movie on the third floor and enjoy the NASCAR themed M&M products on the fourth floor. The kids won’t want to leave!
Muhammad Ali, considered by many to be the greatest boxer of all time and whose gift of gab rivaled his jab, died Friday at a hospital in Phoenix, a family spokesman said. Ali was 74. Ali, who had suffered from Parkinson’s disease since the 1980s, had been hospitalized with a respiratory problem since Thursday. Despite living all over the world, and even retiring in Phoenix, Ali was a huge fan of Las Vegas and had spent many of his years living and working in the city he considered his second home often. We’ve collected some of the best photos of him in Las Vegas.
Only in Vegas can you stumble a few hundred meters and visit several different countries. Take a stride down the faux New York harbor, set amongst famous Manhattan buildings and a 150ft model of the Statue of Liberty. If you’re daring enough, have a go on the New York, New York Rollercoaster – a thrill-seeking ride with a 144ft drop, heart-stopping corkscrews and loops, and spectacular views of the strip. With coaster trains that are perfect replicas of the legendary yellow taxicabs adding a little extra authenticity to the experience, it’s no wonder over one million people visit the New York, New York Rollercoaster every year.
A visit to The Grand Canyon is bucket list material and children of all ages will be overwhelmed by this majestic wonder of nature. Described by Teddy Roosevelt as “one of the great sights which every American, if he can travel at all, should see,” it’s easy to see why over 5million people around the world visit flock to The Grand Canyon every year.
Based within the 
With the stifling Vegas heat, it makes sense to head for some aqua park fun. This is one day out that will really keep the kids happy, and begging you to go back for more. Wet n Wild is the ultimate waterpark, with over 25 slides across 34 acres. There’s a pool for every age and stage. From lazy rivers that sun worshipers can take their time slowly riding along, to new funnel slide – The Tornado, there’s something for everyone. There are 9 slides especially for younger visitors and interactive fun zones that will keep them entertained and in the shade when it gets too warm.
