The Vegas Tourist Podcast: Recent Episodes
thevegastourist
Let's call this one "the last 24 hours"!!
There are those moments in your life when you just say "dang, this would make a great podcast" and there you have it. 24 hours in the life of a Las Vegas Tour Guide on Halloween weekend.
Talking with my Wife, Debbie about the 25th annual Fetish and Fantasy Halloween Ball, then one of the BEST Valley fo Fire tours I ever had!!
In this episode, we discuss the world of resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. The MGM Buying Cosmo, The big Blue Silo loses its hotel partner, Resorts world shuffles its management staff, Las Vegas International Airport to be renamed for a racists senator. And more opinions, thoughts and commentary!
71 years on Route 66, a (very) unique perspective
Last week, may 5,2021 I traveled historic route 66 to Seligman AZ, and sat down to talk with Mauricio Perez the son-in-law of the guardian angel of route 66, Angel Delgadillo.
On that date, 71 years ago, Angel opened his pool hall and barber shop and has been a fixture on that famous piece of highway ever since. He later created the Historic Route 66 Association in order to save this now-famous highway!
I got the unique opportunity to sit down and have an unfiltered conversation with his son in law about what it is like to be part of the family business, about living and working on the most famous piece of asphalt in the world, and we even drifted into talking about angels philosophy about life, love and the pursuit of happiness…
yes, episode #302. Almost a weekly thing now!!
This week getting a little more adventurous.
- Next week I plan the first-ever The Vegas Tourist Superchat! February 1st, 6 pm PST
- Spending Birthday the Winter 4x4 Jamboree
- Vising the petroglyphs and seeing climate change before the creation of the automobile
- Enjoying a day at the Lion Habitat with the grandkids
Welcome back to the podcast.
A lot has happened in the last few weeks.
The Pinball Hall of Fame makes a plea for some help and gets it.
Seigfried of Sigfried and Roy passed away
Sheldon Adelson Passed away.
Yes, The Vegas Tourist Podcast has returned. This time with a new format. So I started with a new number. #300.
Today Mark Anthony, The Vegas Tourist discusses the changes, the new format and talks about what His predictions were for the new year and Las Vegas tourism. as well as why Las Vegas may be done but it is not out.
Talking about what may be the future of Las Vegas. What it will focus on in its comeback after the pandemic.
This is not welcoming YOU Back to Las Vegas! No! This one is on the opening of Las Vegas!!! Yes, Vegas is starting to show serious signs of coming back to life!!
Crime in Las Vegas? is it really as bad as the news makes it seem? Not really. But it is the media and they like to focus on las Vegas!! Crime is up 4%. Average for a city of almost 3 million people. We just don't have the crowds or the staff like we had before the pandemic shutdown. Fewer people, more things to see.
The New Circa resort is getting ready to open in Downtown Las Vegas! The first new building resort in Downtown since 1980. Adults Only!
Big Elvis returns to the Strip. That means life is coming back to the Strip!
For my wife's birthday, I decided to surprise her with a two-night stay at the Cosmopolitan in a one-bedroom terrace suite with a view of the Bellagio Fountains. We were on the fortieth floor and it was an awesome view. here are the details and thoughts on our little adventure!
Being locals, we don't really have a need to stay down on the Strip too often and with the eCovid scam going on, we needed to stay local for her birthday, so a little "Staycation" was what we had. Stay Local but act like a real vacation!
Welcome Back! Today Mark is joined by his wonderful wife Debbie as they talk about their latest adventure: A photoshoot over the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown in a Maverick Helicopter. Checking out the changes, seeing the hotels, the attractions, and experiences from above.
We were invited on this shoot with good friend and Professional Las Vegas photographer Tom Donoghue who needed to get updated shots of the newest hotels - The Circa in Downtown Las Vegas, the Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip and of course, The new $2 billion Allegiant Stadium.
Thank You Tom Donoghue for the invite and thank you to Maverick Helicopter and our pilot Mark Kennedy for the opportunity to experience your wonderful hospitality!
Today Mark is joined by long time friend and The Vegas Tourist supporter, Marty McIntosh. Having Marty back on board, who knees where the show will go! We get caught up on Marty's plan to return to Las Vegas as well get deep and dirty into the Las vegas lockdown by our out of control governor. Why Las Vegas doesn't work like a light switch as some seem it should. Mark goes off on an unexpected promotion for some pretzels from North Dakota!
In this episode of Mondays with Mark - The Vegas Tourist Podcast, Las Vegas plays host to the 2020 NFL Draft in April. How will that work out? How will the NFL's bully mentality mesh with the reality of the Las Vegas market? Will the NFL be wise and go along to get along and to sit back, let us run the show while they cash the checks? It works for the NHL.
The Vegas Tourist Podcast is back in action and we are meaning to stay in action!!
Mark Anthony returns with his beloved other half (Miss Debbie) for the first episode of the new year. Bringing good tidings, and good cheer to all dare to listen. With them comes good news on the future of Las Vegas and the future of this Podcast!
We know, it has been a while and we know Vegas has changed. That's the reason for us returning to the podcast world! We think Vegas has changed for the better (we hope) and we want to be there for a front-row seat. Talking about it all with you!
Word of Warning: It's been a while and I'm a little rusty on the controls here. So give me some slack on the audio edits and controls. Ok??
Welcome to another podcast and this one will start a new direction for the long-running podcast. After hearing comments from the listeners over the years, every time I seem to have drifted off course, you said you liked the more focused podcats where we talk about Las Vegas and some of the highlights. As well, many of you said you liked the shorter versions.
I agree. They are more timely, they can be more informative for the Vegas Tourist or those who just want to keep tabs on what’s all going on here. Throw in an occasional interview or guest and of course, my always unbiased (cough-cough) opinions. Mix that in and call it Mondays with Mark. Click Here for the YouTube companion for those who want the visuals!
This past weekend the little town that built a dam, that would be Boulder City, Nevada, held its 15th annual Dam Short Film Festival. That’s right. Boulder City, that tiny town 30 minutes outside of Las Vegas, has a film festival that also ranks as one of the top film festivals in the world! I know, I was shocked as well.
Before it all got going, I had some time to talk with a wonderful lady named Fetalina. Short for Tsvetalina Stefanova. She is the director of development for the Dam Short Film Festival. The interview was held inside the historic Boulder Theater. This building was built in 1931 and for many years, this was the ONLY building around that had that new-fangled thing called air conditioning!
It is now owned by Desi Arnez Jr. He is the son of legendary comedian and tv star Lucille Ball. Yes, that Desi Arnaz Jr.
Here is my interview with Fetilina and the Dam Short Film Festival!
We are back for the new year!! Yes, A New Year and a New Podcast! My wife Debbie Anthony joins me as we talk about a few “Vegas” things before digging into our recent weekend away, out of town. Being the start of a new year, that means I went to the biggest convention of them all, CES 2019. Saw a lot of cool, if not scary technology and gadgets coming out this year!
We are no longer talking science fiction here folks. Not even talking about what may be available later this year. This was all about what we have on the market now or in the next 60 to 90 days and it’s exciting as much as it is frightening!
The Big Weekend On the weekend of the “big fight” Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner, where rooms at Circus Circus were selling for $250 a night! Thanks to a tip by our photo friend, Garrett Winslow, we instead headed north. To Hurricane, Utah for the 5th Annual Winter 4×4 Jamboree in Hurrican, UT
This was a last-minute idea and one we never encountered before. Being relatively new Jeep owners, it was great to get away from Las Vegas and head out to the rocky wilderness of Utah. I can now say I am no longer a Jeep newbie as we joined over 600 other off-road enthusiasts at Sand Hollow State Park just outside St George, Utah. A short, 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, in the shadow of beautiful Zion National Park.
There, we communed with nature while experiencing and witnessing some Jeep and off-road adventures with others who were not only uber-friendly to newbies like us, but they were true adventure seekers!
Recently, I had an opportunity to take a small group of people on a special tour to the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, Bryce Canyon, and finally Zion National Park. Here is my trip report from the North Rim.
The other voice you hear on this podcast is my beautiful and wonderful wife, Miss Debbie! We do start the podcast with little highlights from some recent Death Valley Tours. Yes, I know. They have to be crazy to want to go to Death Valley in the summer. I think it’s for some kind of honor badge or something. But I have done more Death Valley Tours in the last six weeks than I have done all year. Kind of unusual, but I love Death Valley, so I went along with it….
In this episode, I talk with Mike Nelson, the author of a book titled “We Are Going In” A book about the June 30, 1956, midair collision between a United DC 7 and a TWA Constellation over the Grand Canyon.
Mike’s uncle was one of the victims of the Grand Canyon plane crash. A devastating crash that helped change the way we fly today. Last year I came across Mike’s book while on tour to the Grand Canyon. The following day he was going to do a presentation. I was unable to make it back up for that so I sent him an email asking questions and getting some nice replies. I ordered the book and almost immediately devoured it.
Mike’s book "We Are Going In” walks us through the entire flight from start to finish and then on to the rescue and recovery. He puts us in the aircraft(s) and we meet some of the people on the doomed flights.
Then he takes us for a look at how air travel was like back then. The grandeur of it as well as the danger, open skies and how the planes communicated and were tracked or not tracked. As compared to today’s world of aviation where every moment of the flight is tracked.
He talks about the different theories that have been created about what might have happened and why. Looking at them from an outsider’s point of view. I call it the “Twilight Zone” method of description. Stopping in a moment of time and examining the surroundings and explaining the theories as we also look at the location and what was all going on or should be going on.
As if we stopped time for a moment and looked into the windows of the planes to see what everyone was doing. I found that to be a fascinating way to look at this tragedy. I hope you do too!
The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the owners of the beautiful Palazzo and the Venetian Resorts in Las Vegas and Macau, China, has a unique program to help their staff members help guests who may have a problem with their gambling.
Its called Responsible Gaming Ambassadors
On this podcast, I talk with Maria-Christina Annaloro, director of Government Relations and Social Sciences at Las Vegas Sands.
Welcome back! Mark and Debbie dig into the always amazing Vegas Golden Knights and PBR's Last Cowboy Standing event. Then we switch gears and talk about our date night out to see legendary Las Vegas icon Wayne Newton and His new show on the Las Vegas Strip. It's all good folks!
This week, we went to see the new show "Tape Face" at Harrah's. We weren't really expecting much after seeing a few clips of him on YouTube. However, never judge a Vegas headliner by His tv appearances!! We came out with mouths sore from laughing so hard.
Plus Debbie and Mark went up to see the concrete arrow on Easter Sunday! Yes, real concrete arrows were where we went searching for.
Welcome back to The Vegas Tourist Podcast. This episode, Mark, and Debbie Anthony catch up on some of the Vegas Tourist Tidbits. Get a little opinionated about some of the topics and then get into a great show review!
At the Westgate Resort (The old International/Hilton) in the very same theater where Elvis performed, two Las Vegas icons reunite for a night of memories, friendship, and music. SOUNDTRACK: Your Songs. Our Stories. The Show. Clint Holmes & Earl Turner.
Both of these musicians cut their teeth in the Vegas lounges and both have opened for and were mentored by some of the greatest names in music to ever appear on a Las Vegas Strip marquee. Individually and together, they have written hit songs, traveled the world, played on Broadway and have won awards for their music. Best of all, they are friends and it shows in their energy and their love for each other.
SOUNDTRACK: Your Songs. Our Stories. The Show.
The Show Review begins at 18:00
Last fall, members of the Las Vegas Territory were invited down to Goodsprings, Nevada for lunch at the Historic Pioneer Saloon and to meet the owner who fills us in on its unique history. Later, I took Debbie down there to show her the little town, do a walking tour and to see the bar where, in 1942, legendary movie actor Clark Gable waited for three days on word of his wife's (Carole Lombard) plane crash on Mount Potosi. In 1932, the two Hollywood legends had married and spent their honeymoon in another nearby ghost filled mining town of Oatman, Arizona.
Welcome to the new year!! In our first Podcast of 2018, Mark and Debbie head out to Boulder City for the ribbon cutting for the newest attraction, Rail Explorers. Custom designed peddle bikes you ride on the tracks. In this case, its the historic Southern Nevada Railroad Museum in Boulder City you leave from. Peddle 4 miles over some beautiful landscapes to the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino. There you get off, get a little rest then wait for the train to come and take you back to the museum.
Welcome back to The Vegas Tourist Podcast. In today's Podcast, Mark is joined by Minnesota friend and fellow blogger, Jason Hetland from The Rodeo Round-Up.
This year has seen some changes to the Las Vegas events calendar and the moving of some dates for sporting events. The NASCAR Victory Lap was moved back a week. The Pro Bull Riders World Finals was moved a month and the National Finals Rodeo is the second week in December. A week later than past years. So Jason has been jet jumping back and forth between events.
We caught up with each other halfway through the 2017 Wranglers National Finals Rodeo. (WNFR) to talk about all the changes, the winners and the updates as well as seeing what He has been up to in Las Vegas since he arrived.
This week Mark and Debbie talk about their adventure to the new Marvel Avenger Station Attraction at TI and Mark interviews Sheryl Capil, Marketing manager for the new, high tech attraction.
Other Tourist Tidbits include:
- It's getting cold in Vegas
- Hiking the Historic Railroad Tunnels
- Jess Lockwood New PBR 2017 World Champion Rookie
- Rail Explorers coming to Boulder City!
- Rock N Roll Marathon next week
- Caesars new parking fees for locals
- NASCAR CHAMPS week
- Vegas Deals
- NHL Team Rocks
- NFR Dates
- Death Valley Gets an Update
This week's podcast I sat down with Nick Nichols for an entire show! A brave soul He is. Nick owns Photo Tours Vegas and has lived here since the 1980’s. So he has a lot to say about Las Vegas as a former tourist as well as a small business owner who lives and works in Las Vegas
Yes, there really is a wonderful winery in Pahrump. Besides being home to two famous brothels and the town you pass thru on your way to Death Valley, Pahrump is home to the Pahrump Valley Winery and Symphony Resturant.
On this podcast, Mark and Debbie visit the winery, have lunch and interview owner and award-winning Viner, Gretchen Loken
We Are Back!! Mark and Debbie Anthony tackle some Vegas Tourist Tidbits then it’s on to the Las Vegas Territory interview with magician and comedian Adam London. Adam has been killing it down at the D Resort and Casino for almost 5 years now (that’s like 50 years in normal time!) His family-friendly afternoon show is perfect for adults and children looking for a fun way to enjoy your time downtown on the Fremont Street Experience.
Today’s podcast is about the Firelight Barn Dinner Thater in Henderson, Nevada. But first, Mark and Debbie get a few other things off the note pile
- Bing watching Breaking Bad
- Las Vegas is on track to pass last year’s 42 million tourists
- California woman’s $5 bet wins $1.6M jackpot at McCarran (link)
- Steve Wynn’s Paradise Park update
- Las Vegas Vistors and Convention Authority(LVCVA) gives their CEO a bonus. $700K in pay
- Death Valley Update (See Tours)
- PBR World Finals Update (PBR Tickets)
The little town of Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas on your way to Boulder City and Hoover Dam. Is going through a resurgence as they spruce up the downtown business district. Attracting new and unique small businesses. One of those small businesses is The Firelight Barn Dinner Theater. Its owner is Las Vegas Territory member Toni Jackson. She and her 4 musically talented kids opened the place in 2016 after spending the last 16 years on the road as The Jackson Family Band and Cloggers! The family-friendly venue offers up a wild west show with the option of a barbeque Dinner and drinks beside the fun entertainment
The Vegas Tourist Podcast Episode #236. Did you know that Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning management is one of the hottest and fastest growing careers right now? So if you wanted to pursue this career, where else would you want to learn and experience it, other than Las Vegas?? Las Vegas is the epicenter of tourism and conventions. Holding some of the largest and most popular conventions. Hosting millions of tourists from all over the world. So Mark Anthony talks with Vivienne Sario, Director of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the College of Southern Nevada about how and why she started the program almost 20 years ago. Plus we talk about all the changes in the marketplace over those two decades and what the changes have done to Las Vegas.
In This Podcast: Mark Anthony and Miss Debbie heads west for her birthday. We go in search of some western parts of Route 66, see her childhood memories and went to see Magic Mike Live Las Vegas show at the Hard Rock… For an overview of our trip, see Road Trippin’ Vegas to LA
- Route 66/ Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
- Mitla Resturant/First McDonalds location
- Finding the original terminus of Route 66
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Visiting Aquarium of the Pacific
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Magic Mike Live Las Vegas
A room filled with bridal parties and other drunk women and only 3 men not part of the staff. Very talented athletic men who dance, great story line and plenty of activity coming from all directions, even into the audience. Yes, very interactive, raunchy and funny even for those of us who never saw the movie the show is based on.Being one of only a handful of men not on the staff, it was fun to watch, very good for the voyeur in all of us to see the women in their uninhibited party mode with plenty of peer pressure to get even further into party mode!
The Vegas Territory Interview This episode is more informational. Hearing from three marketing executives from three of the top show producers in Las Vegas and what they have to offer meeting planners and destination managers. Courtney Parker
SPI Entertainment Website: SPI Entertainment
Phone:702.617.9219
This Week, Mark and Debbie talk about their adventures with Las Vegas ATV Tours. Taking a few hours to ride the Nellis Sand Dunes with some of the best ATV tour guides in the business and enjoying the scenery while getting a bit of a sun tan with the first days of the heat wave in Las Vegas!! (Corey, you were amazing!) Mark sits down and talks with Las Vegas territory member Lorraine Formato – Marketing Director for Las Vegas ATV Tours One of the oldest and most experienced ATV tour companies in Las Vegas. You ride the Nellis Sand Dunes, watch the Nellis jets land and “See Vegas Like Never Before”! No matter your experience level, you can ride the ATV’s. The tour guides help you understand the machines and even give you a little riding test before you start to help. Loraine also lets us know they started a second tour company:
Las Vegas Hiking Adventures
Offering guided ride or walking hikes into Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park
Lorraine Formato’s Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- Go in and out of as many casinos as possible
- Get off the strip, see the sites Valley of Fire/Mt Charleston
- Experience the local environment
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
* Capo’s Speakeasy
Favorite Vegas Show(s): “O” Favorite Vegas Movie: Ocean’s Eleven (2001)/ What Happens in Vegas
Want More Information on Las Vegas ATV Tours?
* Las Vegas ATV Tours
702 750-9751
..
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
In this week’s Podcast, we head out to the west side of Las Vegas and talk with Las Vegas Territory member Taylor Barton about his family’s amusement center known as Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix. Yes, a family owned and family friendly amusement park that features race cars for almost all members of the family as well as some classic amusement rides we all enjoyed growing u plus modern arcade games. Not to mention it is also very Affordable! Things We Talk About
- Being a Las Vegas local, born and raised
- Working with your father in a Vegas small business
- Benefits of being a Las Vegas Territory member
- Being a local attraction for the entire family and perfect for the tourist wanting that “locals” experience
- The best snack bar pizza anywhere (it is delicious)
- The changing Vegas Tourist and being close to nature
Taylor Barton’s Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- Red Rock for hiking
- Ziplines/ Exotic car driving
- Vegas shows
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
* Hedary’s Mediterranean Restaurant
Favorite Vegas Show(s): Micheal Jackson One Favorite Vegas Movie: Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Want More Information on Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
* Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix
(702) 259-7000
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
In this podcast, we go to the Las Vegas Territory April meeting to get an in-depth look at the international market and it’s importance to Las Vegas tourism. The speaker was Bruce Bommarito, Vice President International Marketing at Caesars Entertainment Corporation. A man who has first-hand knowledge and “boots on the ground” experience when talking about building the Las Vegas brand and how it relates to Las Vegas tourism In past leadership positions, Bruce helped build and support the Las Vegas tourism expansion into world markets. Focusing his presentation on the emerging Chinese and Asian markets. What drives them? How do they view tourism and where does Las Vegas as well as the US fit into their plans? This is NOT a numbers or speculation presentation! Bruce Bommarito is giving us a look into what he knows from his travels to the new markets and his conversations with the travelers coming to America and to Las Vegas. It is what he has learned in dealing with the people and the companies that service the International tourist. YouTube Video . Bruce Bommarito Background
- Vice President International Marketing at Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Caesars Entertainment Corporation * Executive Vice President – U.S. Travel Association * Executive Director – Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT)
Why International Markets are important to Las Vegas tourism
- 38% Vegas tourists are International
- 80% from mainland China (only 5% of the total Chinese market)
35 % of those tourists are returning Chinese tourists and they want to do more than sit in a casino or ride a tour bus! * International tourists save up longer for the trip, stay longer in Las Vegas and they spend more money per tourist
- India is an emerging market
- Adventure travel is going crazy!
- Internationa Tourists are more tech savvy
- Chinese skipped credit cards 80% digital Payment
WeChat and Digital Payment
Politics and Security
- They do not see us as threats or enemies, but as friends in tourism
- Chinese government goes after the tour companies that set the tour up if you misrepresent the tour in any way
- Chinese travelers take a class on how to be nice
- Las Vegas Brand is one of the top 10 brands in the world. People want to come to Las Vegas then to the US!
The future of international travel: They are looking to come to a place then see what’s there/here. Not so detailed and planned as before. More spontaneous The Impact of China
- 450 million middle class
- 250 million wealthy
- Huawei smartphone third in the world behind Apple and Samsung
- Government encourages travel overseas
- Travel is the only category where the US has a surplus with China
- The United States is the number one destination for the Chinese tourist
- They have monuments to American soldiers in China from World War 2
- China views Taiwan as America views Hawaii
When you want to work with the International tourist, don’t watch CNN, talk to the people ..
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
This week’s podcast shifts gears a little bit. We are not talking about the tourist side of Vegas, instead, we look to the business and convention side of Las Vegas tourism with video producer and Las Vegas Territory member Richard DePaso of Aardvark Video and Media Production. When you are here in Las Vegas for a convention, you expect to see cutting edge, to be “wowed” and dazzled beyond belief. It’s Vegas and you expect something to be better here than you would find at any other convention. If you are presenting or have a display at a Las Vegas convention, you need to grab the attendee attention ASAP and make it good. The power of video can do that. It can also be used to show off your company to the world, literally, with the use of live streaming and other technology. You can do that from the convention floor or a Vegas hotel ballroom. This is what Aardvark Vidoe Productions can do and that we talk with Richard DePaso about.
- Aardvark Video began in New York in 1987 than Moved to Las Vegas in 2002
- Major corporate clients, as well as the local small mom and pop shops, use his services
- Technology has made video economical, powerful and a necessity
- Drones, risk, and reward
- benefits of being a Las Vegas Territory member
Richard and his wife Ginny DePaso work a lot with another podcast interviewee, The Lion Habitat Ranch. A popular “Hidden Gem” of Las Vegas Richard DePaso Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
* Lion Habitat Ranch * Get Outside of Vegas
“Vegas is Amazing Beyond the Strip”
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
- Lion Habitat Ranch
Favorite Vegas Show(s): Carrot Top / Cirq Shows Favorite Vegas Movie: Casino/Hangover
Want More Information on Aardvark Video?
* Aardvark Video and Media Productions
(702) 897-4477
.. This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
For this week’s podcast, we venture to the northern part of Las Vegas, actually, Summerlin to talk with another Las Vegas Territory member, Candice Shaffer. Not only is she a Vegas native, she is also the publisher of My Vegas Magazine. “The Magazine for Locals” It’s always fun to find the unicorns of Las Vegas, those who were born raised and still live in Las Vegas.
- We talk about the misconceptions many people have about raising families in “Sin City
- The new Vegas resident/business owners being more professional
- The fact that publishing of a real print magazine is not dead. In fact, it is growing in some niches like travel and community
- Why Vegas is NOT L.A. or Chicago. Why Vegas has such a different culture
* My Vegas Magazine website * Beautiful Bride Magazine
Candice Shaffer Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- See the Strip
- Downtown / Arts District
- Get outdoor/Outside of Vegas
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
- Golden Steer restaurant
- Bob Taylor Ranch House
- Dino’s Bar
Favorite Vegas Show(s): Carrot Top / LA Comedy Club Favorite Vegas Movie: Casino
Want More Information on My Vegas Magazine?
* My Vegas Magazine
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
This week’s podcast we head out to Boulder City and talk with Las Vegas Territory member Brina Marcus of Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, NV. Boulder City is quickly becoming the adventure capital of Nevada and Flightlinez is in the center of it all. At the top of historic and beautiful Bootleg Canyon, you are surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Mead, the Vegas Strip, Mt. Charleston and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. On your adventure down the four runs, you reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour! For Brina, the adventure started out as a tourist visiting from Chicago. As a fitness instructor, she wanted more and found it with her first trip down the canyon. After getting her breath back, she asked about employment, she soon got her wish and then some! Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon were also the operators of the original Zip Line on the Fremont Street Experience. From ages 7 to 90, if you can handle a walk up a natural trail with a few switchbacks, you can experience a ride of a lifetime. We talk about the safety and the thrill of the Zip Line. Who, how and when to do it and about the various ways you can save a few bucks while getting out of the smokey casinos and into some nature for a day. Hotel pickup or discount if you drive yourself.
Flightlinez offers locals discounts and even has a frequent Flightliners club Brina likes to also promote the other wonderful businesses of Boulder City. Who can blame her? The little town that built a big dam, or as they like to say “A World Away for a Day” It’s a wonderful little town to spend some time in. Show Links
* Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon * Boulder City Walking Tour App * Ultralight Dream Catchers
Brina Marcus Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- visit boulder city
- visit Fremont Street East
- Visit Mt Charleston or Red Rock Conservation Area
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
* Cornish Pasty
Favorite Vegas Show(s): Mystere/Absinth /Matt Franco / Carrot Top (Show Links) Favorite Vegas Movie: Casino
Want More Info About Zip-lining in Boulder City?
* Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon
..
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
This Podcast is more on the business side of Las Vegas. Talking about how we get all those tourists and convention people to come to Las Vegas when they have other choices. Today I talk with Jim Higgins, a Las Vegas Territory member and owner of JS Travel Consultants. His company is one of those that helps people find their way here and find their way to the convention and helps people create conventions and events. So I understand that this may not be your cup of tea, but I ask that you stick it out and listen to how Jim got into the business and worked his way from Florida to Mississippi to Reno then finally to Las Vegas where he decided to finally hang out his own shingle and how that move opened his eyes to who the new Vegas tourist is. If you must skip this one, I will look forward to seeing you back here next week! We also talk about how Las Vegas keeps evolving and moving forward. How the way Chicago, Orlando and other cities have stepped up their game to take on Vegas for the tourist and convention dollar and how that healthy competition has helped Vegas grow, take on new risks and become even more popular today. Also discussed is the reasons why new venues like T-Mobile and the proposed Las Vegas Domed Stadium will only push the tourist envelope further with new ideas and new entertainment choices that will attract a new crowd of tourists Vegas has never seen before. The business of marketing Las Vegas? Here is a story of one of those people who fell into the tour and travel business and creating junkets to Vegas then making the jump to living and working in Las Vegas Hey, 43 million tourists that came to Las Vegas last year didn’t just show up here by accident. There is a science and a plan to get the attention and the loyalty of a tourist to come and spend their money here and not in other tourist towns. We have junkets, concerts, and themed events. Conventions and shows that herald the curious and the adventurous to come this way. Jim is one of those guys who has worked for several decades in perfecting the science of knowing what his clients want and how he can deliver that “experience” they are looking for.
- So what is the “Jump rope capital of the world”? (Bloomer, Wisconsin)
- How has the market changed?
- Hockey will bring a new tourist market, tourist guest – Fans of the opposing team
- NFL will add to the revenue boost for new tourism
- New venues will add to the opportunities for more events to come to Las Vegas. They are not poaching off each other.
- There is an important value in using a travel agent
Jim Higgins Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- Look over Vegas, see what’s beyond the Strip
- Go see an “only Vegas” and dine in an “only Vegas” restaurant
- Go see the areas outside Las Vegas
Hidden Vegas Gem(s):
- The Steak House in Circus Circus
- Container Park
- The Lion Habitat
Favorite Vegas Show(s): Absinth/Cirq shows (Show Links) Favorite Vegas Movie: Vegas Vacation / Diamonds are Forever
Want to know more about JS Travel Consultants?
* JS Travel Consultants
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
Society & Culture Places & Travel Kids & Family
Ok, its been awhile since the last podcast. The new year is not exactly starting out as I had planned, but it is a better year already! So here we are, recorded on January 20. Mark’s Birthday and the day America gets a new president. A perfect day for a podcast. Oh yea, it’s also raining outside!
- Talking about the CES 2017, virtual reality, Amazon Echo and other things.
- Mark’s Next Phone will be the LG20
- Vegas tourist record 49.2 million for 2016
- Hoover Dam Tour Story (Tour Link)
- NASCAR/ The Big Game / NHRA
Today’s guest is Las Vegas Territory Member Brenda Hengel.
She is the PR Marketing Manager for the Mob Museum. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. For some, they don’t see this museum for its cultural value. But these are the people who have never been inside this place. This has got to be on your “Must See” Vegas list. It will It’s awesome to walk through. Give yourself at least two hours to see everything and digest everything. It does not glamorize either side. It’s “just the facts mam”! The interview was recorded inside the Oscar B Goodman conference room. Appropriately enough since this was his pet project as Mayor and it is the place where he tried his first case after moving to Las Vegas Show Links:
* Neon Boneyard * The Mob Museum * The Kefauver Hearings in Las Vegas * * NASCAR Tickets * Super Bowl Tickets * NHRA Tickets
Brenda Hengel’s Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- Come Downtown
- See a Vegas Show
- Go see Red Rock Conservation Area
Hidden Vegas Gem: The Smith Center Favorite Vegas Show(s): Cabaret Jazz Favorite Vegas Movie: Casino
Want More Information About the Mob Museum?
* The Mob Museum
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
The end of the year in Las Vegas means a lot of people and several really big events. New Year’s Eve will bring 320,000 people in town to celebrate the end of the old year and to welcome in the new year. Then after that, the big “Nerd Fest” shows up. That would be what we normally call The Consumer Electronics Show or as we are suppose to call it; CES2017. New Year’s Eve in LAs Vegas is often called “America’s Party” and is covered by the networks. The fireworks will be launched from 7 of the resorts along the Strip. Plus there will be a ticketed event down at the Fremont Experience. We will be busy and we will be partying until about 2am on January 1. Then the cleaning crews hit the streets and by 6am, the Las Vegas Strip is clean and shiny, looking as if as if nothing really happened the night before. Once Vegas recovers from that party, we open the floodgates again and welcome in 140,000 attendees and exhibitors for what is Las Vegas’ largest convention. The big “Global Consumer Electronics Trade Show” CES! Anyone involved in designing, manufacturing, selling or promoting anything that has anything to do with consumer electronics, will be in Las Vegas and at this show. CES sucks up almost all the hotel rooms, the event centers and any other place that they can hold a conference, presentation or “meet-up”. It’s here and so are they!
* LV Police Release on New Years Eve Street Closures * Las Vegas Monorail New Years Eve Party * New Years Eve in Las Vegas (Review-Journal) * Get Your Own Amazon Echo
. Jennifer Breed – Director of Marketing at Las Vegas Monorail The Las Vegas Monorail first opened in July 2004. It travels north and south from behind the Las Vegas Strip. Starting at MGM and making seven stops ending at the SLS. It’s a great way to connect with the other transit options when you need to get from one end of the Strip to the other or to the Las Vegas Convention Station. Being Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Monorail is not what most people would call a typical monorail system. It’s an experience and a different way to experience the Vegas Strip. Listen to the interview and learn what’s new with the Monorail! Listen to the interview and learn what’s new with the Monorail! (Vegas Locals can ride the Monorail for $1!) . Jennifer Breed’s Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- See a Las Vegas Show
- Eat at famous restaurant
- Experience Vegas Strip under the lights
Hidden Gem(s): Lotus of Siam Favorite Show(s): MJ One Favorite Vegas Movie: Oceans Eleven/ Hangover
Want More Information on The Las Vegas Monorail?
* The Las Vegas Monorail
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
A Vegas Vacation was once thought of as coming into Las Vegas and spending your entire trip on the Las Vegas Strip and /or Downtown Las Vegas. Thankfully that view of a Vegas Vacation is changing as tourists begin to realize we offer so much more than that. Like getting out and kayaking the Colorado River or hiking into the mountains. Maybe even camping on one of the islands in Lake Mead. Adventure awaits you!! Today’s podcast we talk with one of those people who help the Vegas tourist as well as the Vegas local get out and experience the adventure side of Las Vegas. No matter your skill level or what equipment you may need or already have, they can make it happen. But first… The Vegas Tourist Tidbits!
* Caesars starts to charge for parking * Brandon Flowers of the Killers, speak out against charging for Valet * Wayne Allyn Root piece on Paid Parking * Las Vegas Hockey Team trademark rejected * Amazon Echo’s in the Wynn * Shopping at the NFR * Maverick Helicopters * The Ride
This week, we venture out to beautiful Boulder City and visit Joyce Kehoe of Kayak Las Vegas A full-service desert adventure outfitter! They can set you up, outfit you and give the permits, the training, and the supplies to go out and enjoy mother nature at her finest. From Kayak training, rental and tours to camping, hiking, and multi tours, they can do it for you or with you. Bring your own equipment or rent theirs. Not sure how? They will train you. Including desert safety and rescue. Joyce Kehoe’s Vegas Tourist Tips 3 Things Every Vegas Tourist Should Do or See
- See a Vegas show
- A drive thru Valley of Fire
- Do a Hoover Dam Tour
Hidden Vegas Gem: Adventures below Hoover Dam/Lake Mead Favorite Vegas Show(s): La Reve / Absinthe Favorite Vegas Movie(s): Viva Las Vegas / Get Him to the Greek
Want More Information about Kayaking and Other Adventure Tours?
* Kayaklasvegas.com
This week’s Podcast is talking with Las Vegas Territory member, Julie Westley, Executive Casino host for the Aquarius Casino and Resort in that wonderful little river town just 90 minutes outside of Las Vegas, Laughlin. NV. Vegas Tourist TidBits
* NASCAR Champions Week in Las Vegas * NASCAR Vegas Weekend 2017 * Las Vegas NHL Hockey Team is Named The Vegas Golden Knights * Ceasers to start charging for parking * Ice skating on the Strip * Chinese New Year Starts on January 28 * CES is January 5-8, 2017
Interview: Julie Westley Executive Casino Host Where: Aquarius Casino & Resort
Laughlin, NV Laughlin Nevada was founded in 1964 by Don Laughlin, a Minnesota native.
He was looking to establish a family friendly place along the Colorado River. Today, Laughlin has one main street lined with 10 casinos plus entertainment and shopping opportunities! Julie’s family came there looking for the cheap meals offered at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Casino, plus have some fun on the river.
- American Airlines starts daily service from Phoenix to Laughlin on February 16, 2017
- Kiss plays the Laughlin Event Center on April 22, 2017 (Tickets)
- Laughlin area offers many outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities
- Close to the last leg of Historic Route 66 in Arizona
- Historic Oatman, Arizona is a short drive away
- Lake Havasu/London Bridge is a short boat trip away
- Laughlin River Run April 26 – 29, 2017 Website
The Aquarius Casino and Resort started out as the Flamingo Hilton. They recently had a total renovation and are known as the Aquarius Casino and Resort
- 1900 rooms
- 96 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites
- All rooms have a river or mountain view
- 57,000 sq ft of casino space
- 30,000 feet of ballroom space * Aquarius Website
Want More Information About the Aquarius Laughlin Resort?
* Aquarius Website
This week’s Guest Interview is Courtesy of
http://lasvegasterritory.com/
Sometimes people think the Vegas Strip hotels are only MGM or Caesars related and overlook some of the smaller, more classy and historic hotels. Today’s podcast we talk about the time Debbie and I spent a weekend staying tourist and staying at the legendary Tropicana Resort.
This Podcast interview is a little different in the questions and responses because my guest is a true Las Vegas valley native. She was born and raised right here in Clark County and works in the Vegas entertainment field. You have to admit that growing up in a small town like Boulder City and being schooled in the "big" city of Las Vegas, surrounded by the kids who's families built and ran Las Vegas, kind of skewers your thoughts about the real world! Las Vegas Territory member Bri Steck Bri Steck and husband Adam own and operate SPI Productions - Bri owns and operates Vegas Girls Night Out. A Vegas concierge service for women.
In this podcast, we talk about one of my favorite topics, limousines! Before we do that, Debbie and I talk some Vegas Tourist Tidbits. Our interview this week is with Las Vegas Territory member Kellie McKinley at Platinum LV Transportation.
In this podcast, Mark & Debbie talk about playing tourist plus other tourist tidbits. Our interview is with Las Vegas Territory Member Don Contursi, the founder of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours.
We got to play tourist! Stayed at the legendary Tropicana Hotel in the tower suites! Dinner at the Beach Cafe. Walked to see the Bellagio Conservatory then I surprised Debbie with a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower. (Her first time ever there)
We ended the night watching all the pretty people find out if the women are really hot enough and the men have the right amount of cash to get into Hakkasan Las Vegas nightclub at MGM Grand. Trust me, watching the zoo and cattle call pit is a fun late-night experience!
In this week’s podcast, we talk with Beth Carden from Black Canyon /Willow Beach Adventures plus other Vegas Tourist Tidbits.
Mark and Debbie take our oldest 2 grand-kids on a family-friendly outing to the base of Hoover Dam and under the Hoover Dam By-Pass bridge, also known as The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
This is where the adventure really begins. A leisurely 3-hour float ride down the Colorado River for some sightseeing, some communing with nature as well as excellent narration and fun delivered by our Awesome and Amazing tour guide and boat captain, Mr. Jeff!
But first, as always, we need to catch up on some of the Vegas Tourist Tidbits:
Have you ever wished you could travel to Las Vegas and have a concierge available at your fingertips? You can if you travel with Virgin Holidays. You know, that airline founded by Sir Richard Branson? Today’s guest is my fellow friend and Las Vegas Territory member Gloria Kritzler. She is the west coast regional manager for Virgin Holidays Concierge. But first, we play catch up with Vegas Tourist Tidbits.
The second-largest city in Nevada doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Even some of its current residents refer to their town by its’ nickname “HenderTucky”. We’re talking about the city of Henderson with its former Mayor Bob Groesbeck.
In this podcast, Mark Anthony is flying solo. His guest for this show is Fawnia Mondey, who is the founder of Pole Fitness Studio of Las Vegas. A full-service exercise/dance studio that blends traditional exotic pole dancing with rigorous cardio and aerobic workout! Plus she is the creator behind Pole Expo 2016.
Have you ever wondered what happened to those fun-loving lions at the MGM Grand? In this podcast, Mark and Debbie head to the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard, to visit the lions and talk with Keith Evans, founder of The Lion Habitat Ranch. Home to the original MGM Resort lions. A sanctuary for the cats that tourists and locals can visit.
Las Vegas is known to be one of the best places for conventions and meetings. We know how to make each event unique, memorable. Like our guest on today’s podcast; Ryan Hamilton, the owner of Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. A classic and exotic car showroom that doubles as a meeting or event center!!
But first, The Vegas Tourist Updates!
In This Podcast Mark and Debbie get out of town for the weekend and escape the Las Vegas heat!! This is our story as we head off to the beautiful Grand Canyon North Rim. The high there was 75 degrees with a low of 55 degrees. A wonderful escape from the unrelenting summer time Vegas heat.
But first, Vegas News Updates
- The Caesars Venus pool (topless pool) is currently free entrance Monday and Tuesday
- Vegas needs a domed stadium, but the current players are screwing it up and it will fail
- UFC gets sold for $4 Billion
In this podcast, Mark Anthony gets a chance to talk Vegas preservation with Dr Heidi Swank and Michelle Larime from the Nevada Preservation Foundation.
People are often surprised to find that Las Vegas has a culture and it has significant architecture on and off the famed Strip. In fact, some of the most famous names in design were hired to design some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas history. So while they were designing the casinos, the owners, managers and other important people had their homes designed by the same architect. That inspired the new and grown neighborhoods to develop around those designs and designers.
By most standards, Las Vegas is a relatively young town. The Nevada Preservation Foundation is the brainchild of Dr Swank and is at the beginning stages of trying to identify, highlight, and preserve some of those important homes and neighborhoods in Las Vegas. They just completed a wildly successful Vegas Vintage Home & History tour that included an opportunity to tour the apartment of Las Vegas casino pioneer Jackie Gaughan!
The fact that most people don’t remember or never realized that for most of Las Vegas history, it was a small town. We developed over time in no special order. Unlike other now major cities, we did not segregate by ethnic backgrounds. Instead, it was a patchwork of small communities building outward from downtown as developers bought and built large parcels. The residents were based more on their profession or occupation.
It’s as if Las Vegas was made to order for boxing legend, Muhammad Ali . Or maybe it was the other way around. Either way, he changed how people look at sports, how sports is marketed and he, more importantly, Muhammad Ali changed the way people looked at Las Vegas.
Legendary sports announcer and photographer Rick Rosen, also a good friend of The Vegas Tourist, joins Mark Anthony as we look at Muhammad Ali and his connections and his impact to Las Vegas. (Note: There are some Bad Audio Spots in the Podcast)
Muhammad Ali’s first fight in Las Vegas was on June 26, 1961. Fighting under his real name, Cassius Clay. It was in radio promotion for that fight, that Ali got the inspiration from wrestler “Gorgeous George” to start building the persona that we know today as Muhammad Ali’s “I am the greatest of all time”
The thing with Muhammad Ali, is that he never just boxed. He took his opportunities to be in the media to push for whatever it was he was passionate about. He spoke out when people of color in the sporting world were not supposed to. He talked loud and proud of what he thought was right or what was wrong. As his fame and his wealth grew, he talked about how he was not going to waste the gifts that he was given for the greater good, inside and outside the boxing ring.
In this podcast, we talk with a friend of mine, fellow tour guide extraordinaire Pam Parask! Her unique journey to finding her way out to Las Vegas (Corporate Jet Pilot) and the ways we entertain ourselves trying to make a living in our adopted hometown. Seems like we all have had multiple careers that were never covered by our guidance counselors in high school!
Pam is not your average Vegas tour person. Once landing in Las Vegas, she took the route many Vegas residents do, have multiple streams of income. With Pam, she also worked at the Nevada Atomic Test Site, concierge, chauffeur, and a realtor before becoming a tour professional where we get to explore the natural and wondrous side of Las Vegas and the surrounding states.
I know, it sounds like a strange path to happiness, and we talk about them, but this is Vegas after all and in Las Vegas, people do what they want, not what they were educated for!!
When you say the words “Las Vegas” people will mention the mob, maybe Frank Sinatra or The Rat Pack. Liberace also comes to people’s minds about our town. Wayne Newton is often mentioned in the same breath as all those other legendary entertainment icons that have made Las Vegas what it is today. He is the living connection we have to our past and has earned the moniker “Mr Las Vegas”.
Yes, I know. A couple of podcasts ago, I made some snarky remarks about Mr Wayne Newton. But honestly, who in Las Vegas hasn’t?? Not anymore, I have repented! I have seen the errors of my ways! What changed?? Debbie and I had an opportunity to tour his famed ranch, the Casa de Shenandoah. If you didn’t know, it’s now open for tours and no matter what your impression is of the man, this tour will change your mind. He is more than just “Mr Las Vegas”. So you really should go see it.
If you are looking for a unique adventure and want to see a bit of Las Vegas history, learn more about the icon who has been entertaining people for over 60 years, most of it in Las Vegas, take a listen to the podcast as we walk you through the tours offered and what we saw and why it changed Mark’s perception of the man and his extraordinary career.
In this podcast, I get my answers about being an actor in Las Vegas from Chris Rogers, the Actor!
Las Vegas is a popular backdrop for movies, television shows and commercials. For a long time, you could make a decent income just being an actor in Las Vegas with all the productions being shot here. Not so much anymore. Toda., it’s more of a secondary income unless you know what you’re doing. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk to Chris. Chris has an interesting career path that brought him to Las Vegas and we cover that path and what it takes being a Las Vegas
On this Podcast, Mark plays tourist with His brother from Minnesota. Hitting up a few car places and TV tourist spots. Then we head out to celebrate the one year anniversary for 50 Shades! The Musical Parody. While also catching up on some interesting Vegas news and usual updates. The Vegas Tourist Podcast #207
Looks like Wayne Newton is coming back for a show on the Strip, dumb-dumb gangsta-wannabe gets killed flashing cash he made talking about his sexcapade on the Linq Observation Wheel, we talk about Lake Mead National Recreational Area and Mark tries to understand what appears to be the new mating call for the millennials.
All of that and so much more when Mark and Debbie Anthony sit down to do The Vegas Tourist Podcast #206
Today’s Podcast is a catch-up episode with Miss Debbie on what all The Vegas Tourist has been up to lately. Seeing Mystère, catching the Death Valley Super Bloom and surviving NASCAR without Sazzy. Plus a bunch of other Vegas Tourist stuff…
- As promised, Mark gets his head shaved at McMullins Irish Pub for St Baldrick’s Foundation. Raising money to help conquer childhood cancers. Criss Angel showed up and donated $100,000.
- McMullins raise over $400,000 for children’s cancer charity (Read: Criss Angel sends a buzz through St. Baldrick’s with $100K donation)
- Debbie and Mark do Du-Pars at the Golden Gate and enjoy it. (Blog Post)
- Having fun at Discovery Childrens Museum with the grandkids! Yes, Mark really does like children. Just not when they live ay home…
- Death Valley Super Bloom explained and enjoyed it.
Time to catch up with a friend of The Vegas Tourist – True Crime author Dennis N Griffin. Sazzy and I nicknamed him “Uncle Denny” because he became a very good friend and a fan of ours. He was one of the first people we ever interviewed for the podcast. On the interview, I mention he was the first person we interviewed. After going through the notes, I was wrong on that. Dr. Lonnie Hammergren was our first interview. Podcast #10. He’s affectionately known around Las Vegas as our unofficial curator of Las Vegas history. or simply as our Vegas pack rat!
Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the world. Why? Because it’s easy and the only limitation is your budget and imagination. Maybe a few laws as well… But otherwise, it’s all Vegas Baby! So today’s podcast I get to talk with my good friend, fellow Las Vegas Territory member and wedding coordinator/planner/extraordinary professional, Joni Moss-Graham from lvweddingconnection.com She is my go-to person for anything Las Vegas Wedding Related!
When you live in most towns, you can talk about its past 20 years in a very short conversation. But in Vegas, 20 years is ancient history and so much has happened in those two simple decades. My guest today is Earl Jobson, a true Vegas tour ambassador. Earl is a man who in his career, had a front row seat to some of the most explosive changes in Las Vegas starting in 1993.
That’s why I chose Earl as my second guest. He worked for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA ) in various capacities as Las Vegas was going through that amazing boom time. To be in that position at that time and to stay in the tourism industry after he left, Earl has a unique insight to where Vegas came from and where it could be headed. I wanted to get an insiders look at Vegas past as we move into the new phase where Las Vegas is transitioning to become and an “experience destination”.
Did you know that Las Vegas has to market itself to the world? People tend to forget that Las Vegas is actually part of the state of Nevada (it’s true), so they market this fair city in conjunction with the rest of the state of Nevada. It’s called “Travel Nevada” Formerly known as the Nevada Commission on Tourism. And my first guest and friend is Teri Laursen who does that for us… helps market the city and the state. We had a fun conversation and talk about it all while she shares some of her insights, stories, and thoughts about Las Vegas as a tourist destination.
Almost two years of Podcast Silence Ends Today!! The Vegas Tourist Podcast happily returns to the Internet with a new format, new sound, and new attitude!
Podcast Background
So who am I and what am I talking about? Plus some of you may be wondering where is Sazzy? Well, let me explain it all here to you.
I am Mark Anthony. Founder, editor, owner and grand wizard of a website called TheVegasTourist.com – Obviously if you are reading this, you found us!
The first incarnation of the website was in June of 2006. I wanted a website that gave a local’s version or opinion of what’s really happening in Las Vegas. So I created it. Since then, this website has gone through a lot of changes in those 9 plus years. Some good, some bad and some just awful! What you see here today is the new look and one we aren’t done with yet. We are still building it out for the new show content.
. In July of 2006, I decided to start a thing called a podcast and had asked my best friend Sazzy to be my co-host on the show. She hesitantly agreed, but finally thought “What the hell, let’s see where this goes?” All of this is captured in Podcast #2 .
. We went for 133 episodes in 8 years. That’s an average of only 16 shows a year, and in those 8 years, we had a lot of fun with some interesting adventures along the way while meeting some really wonderful people who loved Las Vegas. But as with all good things and with time, things change, people change. We drifted apart and we went our separate ways. The last show was posted in April of 2014.
Sazzy is back in good spirits finally. Mark is back from his honeymoon and The Ace Reporter is back from landscaping his house… So it’s time to play catch up with everyone and do another Podcast!!!! Program note: We were minus the cookie lady, but she is forgiven… Just means more cookies next time.
According to the Asian Zodiac, 2014 is the year of the wooden horse. Children born this year are said to be energetic, intelligent, physically strong and good at communicating.
Mark and Sazzy finally had a day free that matched. Almost… So we decided it was a perfect day to get together to do another podcast…. A look back (sort of) at 2013 and The Vegas Tourist updates.
Mark, Sazzy, Ace and the Chip n Dale Magnet recap the NASCAR Weekend!
You just have to listen to the Podcast to know what happens and what we talk about!
The Vegas Tourist Podcast is finally back. Not from a lack of trying, just a series of bumps in the road of technology and stamina…
Not that any of that matters, its just we went back to basics and got the job done. And lovin’ being back!
We talk Vegas shows, spurned billionaires, Amazing Johnathon’s meltdown, and so much more. Mark discovers a classic Minnesota adult beverage available in Las Vegas. The fact that The Chip N Dale Magnet (The Cookie Lady) and Ace reporter are really moving to Las Vegas. (FYI: Those would be Sazzy’s parents!)
Change is in the air in Las Vegas. This means that a lot of changes are happening to the shows on the Strip. Some are closing, some are revamping. Some new ones are making their debut. We have the updates.
Like the arm charm that calls Ice-T. her man. Coco replacing Holly Madison in the strip show PeepShow
We are back!! With sort of a new set up on the technical end and a host with a Head Cold, but we forge ahead anyway!!
Yes, We Talk NASCAR
This time we talk Kentucky Speedway, Ace Reporter and the Chip-N-Dale-Magnet… err, I mean The Cookie Lady. Plus why what happened at Texas Speedway has Las Vegas Motor Speedway smiling…
We sent The Ace Reporter and the Chip-n-Dale Magnet to Kentucky to catch up with our friends from NASCAR Nationwide series Team 70 and driver Johanna Long. What we ended up with is the Ace Reporter and The Cookie Lady….
We are trying out some new equipment and figured it may work… So you may be on the lookout for more podcasts in the very near future!! At least that’s what we are planning….
In this long awaited episode, We remember racing legend Carol Shelby. The auto racing legend who died this past week. We met him at NASCAR and Sazzy had her “Shelby Kissing” photo autographed by the man himself.
The resorts are coming back, some are going away, while other Las Vegas resorts are changing names and replacing favorite haunts. The market is heating up enough to say that we think Las Vegas is actually on a solid rebound.
We talk about the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. As well as the new vibe coming from all the new excitement coming from downtown Las Vegas. Zappos and Zappos inspired investments
The first podcast of the new year and already I’m a month late posting it!! What can I say?? Not much.
Last month was NASCAR race weekend in Las Vegas and that meant a visit from the Ace Reporter and the Chip-N-Dale-Magnet. otherwise known as Sazzy’s parents. As our NASCAR tradition, we spend the week doing NASCAR stuff while the CNDM goes off and does what mothers do while dad and daughter are off chasing speeding cars and we end the weekend with a roundup of events.
This podcast is one of those shows you do because you want to get it off your chest. To Just do it, get it out, get it over with and let the emotions pass thru. It’s about that moment when watching and reporting on a dangerous sport like car racing becomes real right before your eyes. What do you say? How do you talk about watching the crash you hoped you would never see? But isn’t that why we watch auto racing? To see the crashes?? Most times, Yes! But not to see Dan Wheldon get killed in a race that he really didn’t have to be in.
This podcast is dedicated to Las Vegas NASCAR fans and Vegas Foodies!! If that ain’t your thing, , you may want to move on to the next show!!
The Ace reporter was on his “A game for photography and Sazzy was on her… well…. she was there shooting… me?? Not even in the game! Spent my time int he media room tweeting and updating sports blogs!
When Ace and The Chip N Dale Magnet hit town, the food critics come out….
Podcast 123 – NASCAR Fever always hits Las Vegas as the Kobalt 400 rolls into town. Sazzy is chomping at the bit to get out to the track, but before we head off to the track, we need to check in with fan favorites, The Ace Reporter and The Chip – n- Dale Magnet. Otherwise known as Sazzy’s parents!
For long-time listeners, you know when these two hit the town, all bets are off and chaos will replace our normally quiet and peaceful lives. (sarcasm inserted)…. Mom hits town for her convention, Dad hits the town to help us with the races. As much as Ace and Sazzy want to hit the tracks, its been a while since our last show, so we first need to play catch-up and go through some Vegas news.
For NASCAR fans or those voyeurs interested in what happens when NASCAR hits Vegas, keep up with us at the track on Twitter … We will post updates and photos as time permits with a full wrap up next week.
Here we are with another exciting podcast from the world headquarters of The Vegas Tourist. Straight from a week of bull riding and dodging raindrops. Don’t worry, there is more to this podcast than just the bull stuff. We have some views, reviews and other things to amuse you!
However, we do have a killer interview with the new CEO of the Pro Bull Riders (PBR) Mr Jeffrey Pollack. He granted us some of his time during the PBR World Finals and talked about his background and about his views on the PBR and Las Vegas. He was the man who made the World Series of Poker the money maker that it is today. Interesting stuff.
We Are Alive!! We Are Alive!! Podcast 121 is a mix of new and old. Some of the news hitting The Vegas Tourist radar mixed with an interview from a podcast that never made it to posting. But its all good fun for everyone…
The year has flown by and now its almost September, Damn!! The fall is when Vegas starts getting active again with conventions and tourists. Less family, more business and more adult stuff…
Since our last Podcast, We had the annual Trekie Convention in town, so we had our fill of Spock's ears and bad Klingon outfits. That was followed by the DefCon gang. The computer hackers of the world come in and mix with those who want to hire them. Vegas apparently is a neutral ground for them. Something leftover from the old days of rival Mafia gangs or something…. Who knows??
Mixed in with all of this is a podcast edited for play, of us, coming back from The World Series of Poker media tournament. We had a ringer this year: The GodFather and he brought us the BatMobile to ride in. Yes, you get to meet the infamous Godfather Sazzy always talks about. Or at least hear why we like him so much!
How’s that for a Podcast title?? This episode is an interest mix of topics and fun times as usual. For the nit-pickers in the group, nothing about NASCAR
Quick Notes from podcast
Sazzy and I went to see Disney’s The Lion King at Mandalay Bay. Apparently we aren’t cultured enough for such a fancy Broadway production. Don’ get us wrong. It was an amazing show, Great production and very well done. Just not understanding the attraction for children and families….
From there, Phantom – The Vegas Spectacular turns four and we were there for that celebration and all the festivities.
The hit TV show Pawn Stars, that hit TV reality series about a Vegas family that owns a pawn store near downtown. They had a charity auction with great success.
I went off to see the Atomic Testing Site Museum. An Awesome trip down the history of Las Vegas, the military and the world of technology. Did you know we dropped the Atom bomb above ground 189 times?? And people were allowed to witness it!
Sorry for being brief, but you really need to listen to the Podcast and have a great laugh or two!!
Don’t forget to leave us your comments and thoughts.
It’s been awhile since our last outing, (almost a month) so strap in and get ready for a fast-paced show that may cover a lot of Las Vegas related topics randomly. In other words… nothing really new about the show….
I can’t believe that it’s been almost four years since we started this little wacky adventure and in passing that milestone, we wanted to thank everyone for all their continued support. We Love Yea All!!
We have a few reviews this week… Sexy shows, family shows, a steak house and other things
I know, it’s been awhile since Sazzy and I sat down to shoot the breeze, but we finally found some time together and fired off another Vegas Tourist Podcast.
Stratosphere’s New Sky Jump is Open The tallest building west of the Mississippi is now accepting jumpers. Yes, you can now safely (?) jump off the top of the Stratosphere Tower. Go ahead, try it, I will wait for the photos..
Nickel Night. Yes, you read it right. A new Pub in City Center offers five-cent Pabst Blue Ribbon beer every Tuesday night. Snow Birds Rejoice!
March is blowing out and letting everyone with allergies know it’s true. Las Vegas is filled with tourists here for Spring break or March Madness and the Basketball finals. That means pool season is in full bloom! Bikini weather is finally here!
Sazzy, myself and a few other brave souls headed for Death Valley this past Sunday morning. Trying to catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunrise over the majestic peaks. As well as those elusive wildflowers. Mother Nature did not disappoint as Sazzy claims to have captured some of the flowers…
I can say that a good time was had by all and maybe even have some photos posted soon!! Who knows. Miracles are known to happen around here occasionally.
A quick Shout out to Ted Newkirk of AccessVegas.com … Thanks for the plug in your newsletter as well as for dinner.
Yes, it’s over and we survived another wonderful year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NASCAR track. The Nationwide Sams Town 300 and the Shelby American 350. As usual, that is followed up by a review co-hosted by our visiting St Louis office. Your favorite characters (next to Mark and Sazzy) The Ace Reporter and The Chip-N-Dale Magnet.
I have to say that this year was probably the best of the years we have covered this race weekend. The people, the fans and the races were all great. Even with the Danica frenzy and the Thunderbird’s not following orders. It was still an awesome weekend all the way around. The best part was watching The Ace Reporter interview one of NASCAR’s fan favorite and all-around nice guy, Tony Stewart.
The Vegas Tourist Podcast 114 has been officially released and awaits your listening pleasure! We attend USA Sevens Rugby (YIKES!), talk about Butt Dials and of course, NASCAR Las Vegas warm-ups, plus all the usual The Vegas Tourist tips and rants.
In Email, is a letter from Favorite Fan Favorite Jay asking about wildflowers and jealous of Sazzy and the Happy Pebble seeing Garrison Keillor.
With record rainfall so far this year, we are expecting an absolutely beautiful Death Valley flower blooming season and Mark has some tours planned. So if you are interested, Mark will have picture-taking tips for you all soon. Death Valley Tours
Sazzy and the PA were out shooting the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament. This is a sport that you have got to see to be believed. Fast, high scoring, rough and tumbling and its an international sensation. USA Sevens Rugby Coverage
NASCAR is coming soon and the now annual NASCAR Haulers will be doing their parade down the Strip Thursday, February 25th. Starting at 6pm. This will be an awesome picture opportunity….
Sazzy worked her Mo-Jo and got permission to have the Ace Reporter interview NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.
Las Vegas starts the new year, ready for almost anything you can throw at it and Mother Nature was the first to test that out. Over 1.6 inches of rain in less than a week with more coming. That’s more than we had all last year… Thank the heavens and the Democratic party we have global warming!
So if we sound a little frustrated, you now understand why. You just can’t enjoy Vegas if your dodging stupid drivers in the rain and running over the tourists isn’t really a sport at that point.
So we have been a bit busy with the rain, jobs and whatever else happens at the first of the year. Hope you enjoy.
The year is quickly coming to an end and Las Vegas always slows down for a few weeks. But Not Before NASCAR, NFR and Garth Brooks hit the Strip. Plus that big white elephant, City Center opens.
As if you didn’t know it was going to happen… This Podcast is all about the 2009 Pro Bull Riders World Finals (PBR)… This year we got a little help from my brother Steve, who came in from Minnesota for the first week of festivities. Poor guy… He never knew what hit him…..
I tried to add some Vegas Tourist stuff in this podcast, but was out numbered. Sorry… I really did try!!
A new Podcast?? Ok, it’s been a little while since the last podcast. No real good reason other than life has been a bit busy and schedules need to align… And now they have.
Just in time for the big secret to get out to the world… Yup, Mark is looking for a new Co-host. Not for The Vegas Tourist… But for … well, you really need to listen to the podcast to know what for.
Then we have news that Garth Brooks was purchased by Steve Wynn. So he is coming out of retirement and gets a jet. The Barrett-Jackson Car Auction was a success and Mark has a great interview with Craig Jackson, son of one of the founders of the company. Plus Sazzy had a great time shooting the SNORE 250 dirt race…
we really weren’t sure what to title this podcast. It’s one of those that cover are several topics and opinions. Fan mail, the Ace Reporter and a lot more other great The Vegas Tourist Tidbits…
As always, right after we record something big happens… This week it was the passing of Vegas casino maverick Bob Stupak passing away from Leukemia. My money was on him beating this one. Bob was a real fighter in all senses of the word. Trust me, he will be sorely missed in this town….
Yes my friends, it's true. The Las Vegas summer spectacular is coming to an end and as normal, the Strip is coming alive to send it all off with a bang.
Notes from the Podcast
- Barret-Jackson Car Auction Oct 7-10
- Bad impersonators at Imperial Palace
- Phantom week Sept 16-20
- Bodies – New seminars
- PBR Oct 30 – Nov8
- You gotta visit a U-Swirl
I know, you have all been anxiously awaiting another podcast. Well, wait no more because here it is. Podcast #105 MidSummer Mindless Mayhem and More. Not the best title, but I try!
We have a new listener call in number. A Las Vegas one finally. (702) 723-8368 Bets are now being placed to see who will give us our very firs Drunk Dial on the new number…. Vegas Jay? The Ringleader? Heidi Spanksalot? A newcomer? Who?? Who??
If you think the title is funny, wait until you hear the podcast!!
Yes, we got rain this week. So its hot AND humid!
One thing about living here in Las Vegas is that you are sure to have visitors. And visiting us this week was the RingLeader. All the way from Washington State.
For all the new listeners, The Ringleader helps give us a color commentary on the World Series of Poker and this year she was our ringer in the WSOP Media Charity Event. Her coaching helped a lot as we placed 31st overall. That put us just about in the middle, so it wasn’t too bad. Plus the $10,000 prize pool put up by Dream Team Poker went to Nevada Cancer Institute. So all is well!
The following day we went and had Margarita breakfast brunch at the Palms. A few drinks (ok, maybe more than a few) later she showed us how she hates playing blackjack by winning hand after hand after hand without ever even trying…
I think I also talked her out of a tattoo…. We will see… It’s Vegas, you just never know.
Time flies when you’re melting in the Vegas sun!!
Yes, we finally sat down and did a podcast. Then Mark got caught up in moving and… well, you know what THAT’s like….
So here it is in all its rough edited glory. Podcast number 102.
Some of the Podcast Highlights The Tropicana gets new owners who promise new shows. Not better shows or shows of great value like they used to have. Nope, just more shows.
Garth Brooks to be a Las Vegas Headliner? We can only hope. Some real friendly talent is needed on the strip and needed soon.
We updated the Hotel Promo codes and have we got some Vegas deals for you!!
Phantom – The Vegas Spectacular – celebrates three successful years in Vegas!
Write it down!! Mark predicts that a woman will be at the final table for the World Series of Poker!!
Yup, we broke the century mark and starting on the next 100 shows… Just for you! And yes, that is a photo of South Point owner Michael Gaughan!
Also hitting the century mark is the Las Vegas summertime heat. That means the stranger is getting stranger by the minute. The desert heat will do that to some people. We also noticed that our “The Vegas Tourist Tidbits” file is running over, so we figured it was time for another podcast.
Here are the links:
As Tour Director, Mark had time with Las Vegas mayor Oscar B Goodman. Oscar is in his last term as mayor, I really feel sorry for whoever replaces him as mayor. How do you follow this act??
For those of you in town…. Don’t forget, June 20th is Mobsters and Goodfellas Night Uncle Denny, Henry Hill, a bunch of FBI/Metro men from years gone bye and a lot of great stories to pass around. On top of some great pizza!
The Chester Stiles sentencing. Worse than murder? I think so.
Steve Wynn and Garth Brooks… Something burning here?? It would be so nice to have some country on the strip!
Yes, TheVegasTourist.com podcast made it to show #100 and both of us are still alive to talk about it. Sorry, we did not go video on this one, although Sazzy… did go… oh never mind… it was still a fun show to do. Las Vegas is still here and so are we…..
We truly are blessed with some of the best fans in Podcasting. Thank you for all the letters, emails and other tokens of great appreciation that were sent. We did not go into the email bag on the show because it was too big of a task. But you know who you are and we truly thank you all for them.
Now as you look upon that awesome picture of the canoe artwork at City Center, you must agree that a picture like that is worth a thousand words… Well actually no, its worth just a couple. “What in the world were those idiots thinking? That’s what you call Vegas Art?? And you paid money for that??” How do I get in on that scam? I mean… deal??
Can you believe it?? We are almost to our 100th Podcast!! That will have to be an awesome show and we are just not sure how to make it all happen, but we will. A little duct tape and some fancy editing and we can make anything happen.
We started this show after a full day with ex-mobster Henry Hill and his entourage. Try keep up with these folks. This included a stop at the Fire It Up Pizza shop in Henderson… What a place!! Holy cow!!
Las Vegas tourism numbers may be down, but we are definitely not out for the count. A lot of things are happening and the people are still coming in. So the Mayor may be right when he says the bottom has been hit and we are heading up! Can’t argue with Uncle Oscar.
The Hard Rock has reclaimed the throne for best intimate music venue. The Joint handles 4,000 people including 7 ultra suites and state of the art sound and lighting. The new Joint has the same vibe that the original Joint had. Mark, The PA and a Second Shooter was there for the ribbon cutting with the Mayor, Carlos Santana and a bunch of Hard rock VIP’s. See The Joint Photos
Steve Wynn has been in the news and for all the right reasons. Talk of a Sex Tax hits the floor dead on arrival.
Can you believe it? We are so close to the one-hundredth podcast, we can almost hear it!!
Number ninety-eight comes in at a very respectable forty-eight minutes of everything you have come to love, to know, and to respect from Mark and Sazzy. Okay, maybe not respect, but at least expect. After all, what would a podcast be without opinions that rub a few people the wrong way? A Las Vegas podcast that runs a lot of people the wrong way??
Listener email includes our buddy Jay checking in with his sarcastic views and to start the annual summer body count. Otherwise, known as The Vegas Tourist Dead Pool. That is the usual body count caused by the desert summer sun, careless parents, and some poor abused and neglected children being thrown out in the sun or left in a hot car to fend for themselves.
We also talk about that joke known as Earth Hour. More people were in town to see the strip lights go dark than to acknowledge “climate change.” Most people on the strip had no clue as to the reason for dimming the lights, they only knew that it was being done at landmarks around the world and they wanted to be in Las Vegas to see it happen.
Sazzy and I are back and alone…. But not for long. The Chip-N-Dale magnet is coming back!! So we wanted to get a show in quickly before that event hits town.
This weekend, as Las Vegas panders to the Al Gore tree hugger’s by turning off the lights on the Strip for one hour on Saturday; We at The Vegas Tourist believe this publicity stunt should not be wasted and that all people not buying into the hype should do just the opposite. Turn every light you have on for one hour between 8:30-9:30 pm
In other TVT Updates:
The classic Mint 400 desert race is coming up. And Sazzy will be out in the desert trying to catch a few racers in action. This race dates back to the late 1960’s and was a great example of how Vegas promoted itself by being a little bit different than your ordinary tourist town.
Liberace Museum celebrates 30 years of bling. Check out the true King of the Bling and why this is still one of the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas.
Ebay founder and Las Vegas resident is one of the top water users in Las Vegas
Southwest Airlines starts service to Minneapolis and other notes...
We lost the notes on this show. Anyone want to take a listen and tell us whats the topics covered?
There is no real prize for doing this other than my undying love and gratitude in helping me catch up on all things old Vegas Podcasts!
Notes can be sent to mark@thevegastourist.com
Mark and Sazzy go on an adventure to meet Dr Laura. Probably not the Dr Laura you are thinking of.. This is Dr Laura Henkel, assistant curator of the Erotic Heritage Museum in Las Vegas. We also talk about OJ Simpson, since he is in the news this week again!
Erotic Heritage Museum of Las Vegas
We Lost The Notes Seriously, we lost the notes to this podcast when we revamped the website. If you listen to it and can do a review for us, we would greatly appreciate it and give you tons of kudos, virtual hugs and free links to your website!
We Lost the notes on this podcast... Does anyone want to fill us in on what this one is about??
WSOP, PBR and the Ringleader all hit town at the same time!!
Can we pack anymore into a week?? Two major events and a rabid fan all come into Las Vegas at the same time. Need more VegasFuel!!
The World Series of Poker finally resumes and we were there…. Our favorite man ended his play in the number 5 position. The Pro Bull Riders World Finals returns to crown a Brazilian champion.
Mature Language on This Podcast! Not Safe for Work
The Vegas Tourist Podcast #83 has generated the most comments, email, feedback, and phone calls to date. For some reason, there were some listeners who never got the memo about this podcast not being politically correct. Never have we ever been PC compliant. We don’t have too many filters from the brain to the mouth and that is what makes us so popular!
In this podcast, our listeners get to finally meet The Sarcastic Canadian. A fun Canadian who left some interesting, if not colorful posts about her thoughts on Vegas, it’s history and current affairs on our forum boards as well as elsewhere. She finally paid us a visit along with her self described “Big Gay Friend”.
Just for the record: He said it, not us…
You know, you just can’t make this stuff up… This is a classic podcast you will want to hear with your headphones.!
This week’s podcast title kind of make you scratch your head and wonder WTF? Don’t worry, blame it on the Vegas Fuel. It’s just been one of those weeks…
Mark tries some new energy drink called Vegas Fuel (no longer available) and it gets him talking a little faster than normal. And we know that normal is a bit fast for some people. Plus some chatter about Otter. Not the wet animals you see on Discovery Channel, but OtterBox. Listen and it will all make sense…
These three guys in a trailer park may not look like much at first glance…. But if the 3 redneck tenors come to a town near you, go see them… You really need to see this show and see why we were blown away by their voices and their overall talent. It’s funny, it’s entertaining and these boys can sing like nobody you have ever heard before. Ever hear three opera stars sing Elvis??
That’s the review part of this podcast. The rest is the usual Mark and Sazzy – The Vegas Tourist tidbits and other essential tourist stuff!
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3 Redneck Tenors is the new hit show written and directed by opera star Matthew Lord and musical arrangements by award-winning composer Craig Bohmler. The two-act, 18-song musical production is the story of three yokels from Paris, Texas including Billy Bob, Billy Joe and Billy Billee who happen to have big-time operatic voices.
An enterprising Colonel discovers the boys and guides them on the search for the perfect venue – from rasslin’ matches to Medieval Times to a Masonic Lodge to a livestock show, and more – all the way to the big-time destination of Carnegie Hall. Along the way, you’re treated to an incredible musical adventure packed with unbelievable tunes and of course, lots of laughs. It’s down-home laughs, big city music!
The Mob wanted him, the FBI had him, Mark and Sazzy get to talk to him. That’s right folks – Ex-Mobster Frank Cullotta comes out of the shadows to talk to The Vegas Tourist.
Right before he was to step out publicly to release his biography Cullotta: The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster and Government Witness (True Crime), Frank Cullotta takes the time to talk with Mark and Sazzy. Not only do we talk to Frank, we also get to talk to his FBI contact Dennis Arnoldy as well as the man who put the book together, our friend Dennis Griffin.
We got this honor in front of any other media because of our previous interview with Mob Crime author Dennis Griffin. In fact, at the time of the recording, most media people had no idea Frank Cullotta was even in Las Vegas! We were sworn to secrecy and if you know Sazzy, you know that wasn’t an easy thing to do.
After months of planning and prepping, Dennis, Dennis, and Mr. Frank arrive at our studios for a Sit-Down. (complete with an unassuming bodyguard) Nothing was really off-limits, but it was just fascinating and fun to sit down with the men we just finished reading about. The man who helped run Las Vegas for the Chicago Mob and the man who helped to bring them down. Getting the How and why it happened.
For the non-Vegas Mobster fans, Frank Cullotta was the right-hand man and boyhood friend to Tony “the ant” Spillatro. The man who ran the Chicago Family’s business in Vegas. Tony Spilattro was played brilliantly by Joe Pesci in the movie “Casino” Frank also plays a hitman in the movie as well as a technical director.
We have returned…. head colds for everyone —- An update that doesn’t really surprise anyone…. After another series of tours to the Grand Canyon West Rim, Mark still hasn’t changed his mind. he still thinks that the West Rim is still a major ripoff for tourists!!
Tony Braxton is performing at the Flamingo. Her body is all over the side of the hotel and if you want, you can stay in any part of her anatomy you want. It’s Vegas and we know how to take your money! So the fine folks at the Flamingo have found a way to market their hotel as well as Toni Braxton… See, they apparently know what room is where on the giant billboard. So you can request to stay in whatever part of her body you wish and they know where it is!
In this Podcast, Mark gets to interview his favorite Jazz player, Candy Dulfer. While Sazzy contemplates a run for the oval office. We talk about Lonnie’s funeral, the Las Vegas Gran Prix and som much more.
- We talk about planning Fan Appreciation Weekend
- Are we Cirq’ed out? Criss Angel (MindFreak ) gets his own Cirque du Soleil show on the Las Vegas Strip at the Luxor
- Dr Lonnie Hammargren plans to hold a funeral to hear what others would say about him if he really did die
- Explaining Tiger Jam, Vegas Throat, and Bon Jovi
- Terrible Herbs buys the Stateline town of Primm
- We are about to do a foursome to go see Spamalot at the Wynn
The Interview – Candy Dulfer calls from Holland to talk with Mark Anthony
This is one of the few times we put in the Adult Advisory for our podcast!! And for good reason: To Protect The Children and those from California who live to be offended!
The first show of the new year and that means two of our favorite conventions: The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) hits Las Vegas along with 140,000 people. At the same time as we have CES, another popular convention is in town, The Adult Entertainment Expo/AEE. or what the locals call “The Porn Convention” . Didn’t know they had a convention for all those X-Rated stuff you claim you never watch, did you?? We went to both and here are our thoughts on them! Along with other tourist Tidbits
From the Porn Convention, we met a friendly and perky vendor lady named Suki. She invented the OhMiBod. Let’s just say that this is a ladies best friend to her iPod!
The Consumer Electronics Show is the largest convention Vegas hosts every year. About 140,000 people from the electronics trade come out to see what’s new in consumer-related electronic gadgets and technology.
The annual Professional Bull Riders (PBR) 2006 World Finals come to Las Vegas. And we were there to meet the cowboys and the bulls. One of the more popular events in Las Vegas hits the Mandalay Bay Events center and Sazzy and Mark are there. This is Sazzy’s first and she falls in love with.. The bulls… Go figure!
We get to talk to a bunch of the brave riders and learn that the Bulls are an equal part of the business. They even have their own fans and are treated like royalty.
The legendary Bull Fighter Rob Smets retires and he tells us all about the PBR and the brave men who keep the bull riders safe. He told us “They Give You A Rope, Don’t they??”
Don’t you just love it when another team member steps forward and says “I’ll Do it”??? You know, steps forward and takes on a task that many would shiver just at the thought of doing. Like going to a bunch of Las Vegas strip clubs and checking out the merchandise?? I know, what a thought? What a mean task to assign to somebody.
Well, only twelve episodes in, and Sazzy does just that. Takes on a challenge that would scare most other fresh co-hosts. And to think she found someone to help her accomplish this difficult task! She recruits a volunteer in completing this awful task. And it’s our good friend, The Godfather.
This is one of our most popular, infamous and shortest podcasts of all time. The Number 12 episode.
This is the one where Sazzy and the Godfather do some “market research” –By that, we mean that Sazzy and Her Man hit Vegas’ and check out some of the finer titty bars and gentlemen’s clubs around town. Don’t worry, she survived the night and is here to tell us about it.
This was our first podcast iTunes asked that we put an Explicit Tag on it. Not For The Gentle Ears of some of our finer listeners.
We discuss Mark’s trip back home to Minnesota with the wife. Dish it out about the rumors of The Purple One (the musician formerly and currently known as Prince) coming to Las Vegas. The reports are out about the casino and tourist traffic for September (looking better?), Vegas housing prices and other Tourist tid-Bits.
So you think you know Las Vegas, do you? You know where all the good stuff is hidden. Right? You figure the museums and pawn shops? WRONG!! The Good Stuff is sitting in the backyard and storage sheds of the Las Vegas' most famous packrat…
This was our very first interview and as with anything we do, the first one had to be a really unusual one. So we sat down to talk with Las Vegas’ history packrat, former neurosurgeon and former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada Dr. Lonnie Hammargren about his amazing collection and get his take on what made Vegas – Vegas!
A sad time in Las Vegas history as we say goodbye to the legendary Stardust Casino and Hotel. the Happy Pebble goes to the MDA Telethon. Plus, we cant forget about our always popular "Vegas Tourist tid-bits" !
The Stardust
The Stardust Resort and Casino was a casino resort located on 63 acres (25 ha) along the Las Vegas Strip in Winchester, Nevada.
The Stardust officially closed at 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) on November 1, 2006 after operating continuously for 48 years. It was imploded on March 13, 2007, around 2:33 a.m. In 2007, Boyd Gaming, which owned the property, began construction on Echelon Place, Stardust's intended replacement. Construction was halted in 2008, however, during the economic downturn. In 2013, Malaysia-based Genting Group bought the site from Boyd, with plans to open Resorts World, a Chinese-themed resort, by 2018 - Source: Wikipedia
The Vegas Tourist Podcast #08
The Vegas Tourist tries out Jimmy Buffets new Margaritaville at the Flamingo. The MDA Telethon returns to its roots. plus other Vegas Tourist tid-bits.
Michael Gaughan goes solo (again!)
On this week’s The Vegas Tourist Podcast: Our Vegas’ tourists respond to listener feedback, Sazzy was right about Hizzoner (Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B Goodman). Elvis is returning to the city and Sazzy goes to the spa. Plus other tourist tid-bits.
Checking out the website updates, get our take on World Series of Poker and the Internet influence. Steve Wynn hires his old enemy. Mega Bucks hits and it’s not us! Mark stays at the Monte Carlo, plus other things…
What would a Vegas Podcast show be, if it didn’t include at least one episode about the World Series of Poker (WSOP) ? The world will never know because here our duo discusses some inane things about the grand-daddy of all poker tournaments. Ok, this may not be one for our “Best of Collection”, but you have to say that it is getting better….
On this week's episode, our outspoken, fearless Vegas vagabonds take a look at just what is the International Shoe Show, Mark Anthony plays tour guide on Southwest Airlines, Sazzy gets to do jury duty and some tips about security on the Las Vegas Strip. If you only knew how much security is really on the strip! ... Have you heard about the Defcon convention yet?? Did you know they moved Caesars Palace?? Plus a teaser for next week's show on the World Series of Poker.
Tune in this week and hear the dynamic duo, Mark and Sazzy talk about the most popular crime drama ever on television (that would be Las Vegas-based CSI) and we take a look at the upcoming convention calendar. Plus other really fun things we think you may like to hear about.
Today, The Vegas Tourist Podcast crew doubles in size with the introduction of my dearest friend, my partner in crime and the person known by a few other names we can't publish here… But we just call her Sazzy and you will soon realize how she got that name!!
Well, You Have to Start Somewhere! The Vegas Tourist Podcast begins with your host Mark Anthony