CasinoMan Blog - Archives May 2011

Grand Canyon Rafting Trip from Las Vegas an Unforgettable 15 Hours

29 May 2011

The Grand Canyon has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The sheer size of the canyon has awe inspiring views that are out of this world whether you are walking along the top of the canyon or white water rafting down below.

The Colorado River offers the best water rafting in the world and with hundreds of thousands of people enjoying this once in a lifetime trip it is no wonder that many tours are now available. The Colorado River is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it flows through the Grand Canyon, rafting down this river is an experience that will thrill and enthral you.

The South Rim and the North Rim of the canyon are linked via Las Vegas, Nevada and the Hoover Dam. The Grand Canyon was a favourite hunting ground for President Roosevelt who was a major influence into the entire area becoming a national park.

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Classic Cars 1968 Maserati Mistral

28 May 2011

Cars named after winds aren’t always overly exciting, think of the Golf (named after the Gulf winds in the Middle East) and the Jetta (named after the Jet stream).  However in the sixties, Maserati launched a car named after a gust of wind from the south of France, the Mistral.

Turin’s Pietro Frua gave the car its sleek looks and upon its launch in 1963 it was a sensation.  The bodywork featured a mix of aluminium and steel panels; this gave the car a light overall weight whilst still providing good torsional stiffness.  Under the skin a semi-monocoque chassis, featuring box sections of various lengths and thicknesses, was employed instead of Maserati’s traditional elliptic tubular frames.

The Mistral was strictly a two-seater sports car.  The driving position was excellent; giving the driver good views and a well finished leather interior ensured both occupants were comfortable.  The long sloping bonnet was in keeping with the styling trends of the early sixties (think Jaguar E-Type) and the large glass tailgate gave access to plenty of baggage space and preceded the looks of the Jensen Interceptor and Porsche 924/944

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From Humble Beginnings to Building an Empire the story of Michele Ferrero

27 May 2011

Born in 1925 Michele Ferrero grew up in Dogliani in Piedmont (Piemonte) a north western region of Italy. After the war his father Pietro Ferrero opened a laboratory with his brother Giovanni who was a master confectioner. It was in this laboratory that the two brothers first developed the now world famous Nutella paste mixture. From the very beginning the chocolate and hazelnut paste became a popular in Italy. Before the paste was on the market Italians considered chocolate to be a luxury only to be enjoyed on rare occasions, Nutella however could be eaten at any time.

Michele Ferrero took over the business in the mid-fifties when it had already become a massive industrial production factory which produced fine chocolates and the famous mixture. It had become so popular worldwide that it was outselling brands of peanut. Michele Ferrero increased the range of products by introducing Kinder Chocolates and the Tic-Tac mint and these two products were a hit all over the world during the following 20 years.

In the seventies the Tic-Tac was introduced to the United States and very quickly Ferrero opened up state of the art factories in the US. This product has remained one of the most popular selling breath freshener mints used around the world today.

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City review of Albuquerque, NM

26 May 2011

Bugs Bunny often commented that he "should have taken that left turn at Albuquerque", if he had have stayed there instead, he wouldn’t have kept bumping into Elmer Thud that’s for sure.  He would have also experienced the largest city in New Mexico.

At the turn of the 20th century, Albuquerque thrived and prospered and the town boasted many modern amenities, such as an electric street railway.  This provided the 8,000 inhabitants with good access across the city and some of the buildings from this era still survive.

The popularity of Route 66 brought many travellers to the area and a growth in motels and restaurants followed.  The path of Route 66 changed slightly in 1937, however there are now brown, historical highway markers placed along the pre-1937 route, so those of you with an interest in motoring from that era can follow the original roads.

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Classic Cars 1955 Lancia Aurelia

22 May 2011

Originally launch at the 1950 Turin Motorshow, Lancia’s Aurelia was the first significant production model to be launched after Word War Two.  It featured the first V6 engine to be used in a mass production car, was one of the first cars to use radial tyres and in an effort to keep the weight of the car as low as possible; aluminium was used in the doors, bonnet and bootlid.

Initial production centred on the four door saloon, with a two door GT Coupe following a year later.  All the mechanicals came from the pen of renowned racing car designer Vittoria Jano.  Because of this, features such as overhead camshafts and a gearbox incorporated in the rear axel made their production car introduction.  These features also gave Aurelia a sporting pedigree from the outset.  This was later to be proved a reality when an Aurellia finished second only to a Ferrari America in the 1951 Mille Miglia and took a class win at Le Mans in the same year.  The 1952 Targa Florio saw a modified Lancia Aurelia take overall victory.  A good sporting record for a humble family saloon.

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Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Tour

21 May 2011

To tour Las Vegas by night in a helicopter, any time of year, is one of the top things to do on your visit to the city.  Tour companies offer spectacular views from six-seater state of the art helicopters.  These jet helicopters are renowned for their excellent manoeuvrability and many passengers have praised them for the smoothness of their flight.  This is an excellent way to see the dazzling Las Vegas Strip and is available between 6pm and 8pm, depending on the time of year.

The flights themselves last around twelve minutes, which may sound comparatively short, but it’s sufficient for you to see all the sights.  You will need to allow around an hour and half for the whole tour, due to loading and unloading plus your special champagne toast before you board.

Departing from the heliport close to the strip, you’ll start by flying past the large pyramid at the Luxor hotel, with its bright light shining up into the night sky.  You’ll see the magical dancing water fountains of the Bellagio and the legendary Caesar’s Palace, which has hosted many sporting events including World Championship Boxing Matches and Formula One Grand Prix.

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Review of The Spa at Oriental Mandarin Hotel, London

20 May 2011

The Spa at the Oriental Mandarin Hotel in London is a real retreat that allows you to get away from it all. It really can make all the difference to your trip whether you’re in London on business, to visit family or a romantic weekend away for two.

It is a place to rest, and reconnect your mind, body and soul and you succumb to the pleasures of the wondrous therapies available. All eight of the treatment rooms are decorated in a serene way to instantly put you at ease and allow you to leave your worries at the door.

There is an amethyst crystal steam room, where you can sit and allow the warm moisture to open up the pores in your skin in preparation for the treatments. The sanarium offers four spa treatments in one with warm air and humidity.

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A review of the new Phantom show in the Venetian Las Vegas

15 May 2011

In keeping with any project or show that hits Las Vegas, the budget for the theatre that houses it’s version of Andrew Lloyd Webbers ‘Phantom of the Opera’ was as grand as the sets themselves. A massive $40 million went into the custom build theatre at the Venetian. Audiences have been mesmerized by this shorter version of Lloyd Webbers Broadway hit which is now called ‘Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular’ and it is not only the show itself that has them raving about the show but the 1,800 seat theatre with its elaborate seta and special effects too.

The theatre has been built to look very like the Opera Garnier in Paris with red seats and curtains, gold statues and carvings with a hand painted ceiling and eighty foot dome and typical private boxes along the sides of the theatre. There are 70 mannequins placed in each of this boxes are constant spectators, they are dressed in authentic period costume and each of these characters is an individual person as not one of looks alike.

In the centre of the theatre is a chandelier which weighs 2,100 pounds and was designed at a cost of $4.5 million. This centre piece of the hall plays a major part in the show. There are nearly 30,000 crystals that were hand strung to this amazing creation. At the start of the show this chandelier appears to be in four pieces that dramatically reassemble themselves into a single light again.

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Absinthe, the show of intoxicating circus and burlesque

14 May 2011

Caesars Palace is the venue of one of the most extraordinary shows to hit Las Vegas and the show is the amazing Absinthe. This incredible mixture of circus and burlesque is the brain storm of Spiegleworld and BASE International who have come up with a show that offers audiences the old world burlesque, carnival and pure decadence in a performance that will leave them speechless.

The Roman Plaza at the front of Caesars Palace has been transformed into a playground filled with extraordinarily entrancing entertainment. This unique show comes alive as the sun goes down and provides a pure fantasy world for all those who enter into it. There is so much to get involved with as the spectators wonder through a maze of 20th century European décor that captivates the imagination in so many different ways and leads them to the centre piece of the show.

The main attraction takes place in a central wooden tent that is generously decorated with flamboyant mirrors, colorful stained glass windows and opulent velvet drapes. This European feel of decadence is just the beginning of some of the most outlandish acts that unfold in the round theatre. This adult show is a surreal experience for all who take part in the excesses that the cast perform just a few feet away from them in breathtaking acts that will enthrall them.

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Pinnacle Entertainment names a new CFO

13 May 2011

Carlos Ruisanchez has been named as the new CFO for Pinnacle Entertainment after his predecessor Stephan Capp resigned after eight years with Pinnacle to pursue other opportunities. His resignation took the company a little by surprise especially as Capp had seen such success in improving the businesses financial bottom-line over the eight years that he was working with them by cutting the company’s corporate cost structure.

Capp also served as executive vice president for Pinnacle during his involvement with the company. However, analysts assured their investors that there were no internal problems that led to Capp resigning his position at Pinnacle to alleviate any nervous reaction that this had in the industry.

Ruisanchez, 40 years old was the regional casino operator’s executive vice president of strategic planning and development and has been working for Pinnacle since 2008. He was instrumental in the development of the River City Casino in St Louis also in the planning of the Baton Rouge casino in L.A. and he was a force behind the purchase of the River Downs Racetrack in Ohio. He will now to handle both positions for Pinnacle Entertainment.

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Will gas prices hinder the recovery in Las Vegas?

12 May 2011

With the cost of gas on the increase it has hit Las Vegas pretty hard. The cost of gas has affected everything from the price of gas at the pump to the cost of an airline ticket to getting to Las Vegas. This makes analysts worried about the overall effect it will have on the recovery of the gaming business in this well known city of excesses.

Tourists to Las Vegas use their disposable money for the fun they will have gambling whilst they are visiting Las Vegas for their trips away from home. If their disposable income is reduced by the rising cost of gas then it will automatically affect their decision to visit the gaming rooms in Las Vegas.

Analysts believe that if the cost of gas remains level for the next few months it will encourage the visitor back to Las Vegas where they will want to spend more time and money at the resort. Should the cost of gas continue to increase however, then the affect this would have on the gaming industry in Las Vegas would be quite dramatic and certainly profits for the major casinos will continue to drop in the coming months.

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Will the recession hit Las Vegas more than Atlantic City?

08 May 2011

Las Vegas and Atlantic City have been hit by the recession but whether one gambling destination has been hit more than the other is a tricky question to answer. Smaller resorts like the casinos that are located near or on Indian reservations, city centre casinos and riverboat casinos have been less affected by the recession as they do not rely so much on people coming for overnight trips as do the larger casino resorts such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City. The recession has made people think twice about travelling further afield to a resort thus it has hit both Las Vegas and Atlantic City in a much more dramatic manner.

In an attempt to attract people to Las Vegas and Atlantic City both of these multi-million dollar areas of the gambling world have increased their comps (free stuff) making a trip there more inviting to the visitor. Some casinos however, will have only increased their comps on slot machines which means that if a visitor wins $100 in one day the casino will increase this fives times to $500. Other casinos tighten their belts when a recession hits and reduce their comps on all levels of gaming.

Unlike the casinos in the Caribbean who rely on the seasons for their revenue in the gambling industry, Las Vegas and Atlantic City need the short term visitor to keep their wheels turning and both of these resorts are not betting on great returns since the recession hit them.

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UIGEA, the latest update in the situation in 2011

07 May 2011

UIGEA, the Unlawful Internet Gambling and Enforcement Act came into effect back in 2006 to prevent financial institutions from transferring funds to online gambling operators and the initial aim was to stop financial transactions to offshore online casinos. It does not prevent the individual from placing bets on offshore online casinos just US financial institutions but it did lead to a dramatic decline in many online casinos accepting US players.

Operators like Party Gaming stopped its US operations immediately even before the legislation came into effect causing its stock price to drop by 60%. Another major player, Microgaming which powers approximately 100 online casinos also stopped business with US players causing a drastic reduction in their prices too.

In an attempt to change the dramatic effects that the UIGEA had on the online gambling industry a bill called the Barney Frank’s HR 2267 was introduced to the House Financial Services Committee but unfortunately it was not voted on in time by the House of Representatives so the initial full UIGEA came into effect on June 1st 2010. This meant that the HR 2267 bill had to be re-introduced making it a sure fact that any amendments would not take place to the legislation until a much later date.

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Britney Spears performs special show in Las Vegas Palms, Rain nightclub

06 May 2011

Wherever Britney Spears performs anywhere in the world there is always a frenzied audience that greets her and when she appeared on stage in Las Vegas at the Rain nightclub this was no exception. Wearing one of her usual stunningly sexy outfits she sang her first song ‘Hold it Against Me’ as she was surrounded by her sexy male dancers and the audience simply went wild. The whole set was geared up with a wind machine that had her long blonde locks floating away with the lyrics of her song as she pumped up the energy around her.

Britney’s usual lively and energetic performance with her dancers had her fans rocking with her throughout her rendition and the music kept upbeat the whole time as she lunged into her second song ‘Big Fat Bass’. Britney really knows how to grab her fans with her antics and as she danced around the stage, climbing on speakers and literally she sent the crowd into a real frenzy. This track had been remixed to include past hits such as ‘3’, ‘Slave 4 U’ and ‘Gimme More’ which her fans really appreciated as they got louder as Britney strode around the stage.

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Review of Terme di Saturnia Spa

05 May 2011

Tuscany, Italy is known as one of the most beautiful corners of the Earth, and at its heart is the Terme di Saturnia Spa Resort. For a real Italian spa experience, this is the place to be. It sits only three miles from the ancient Italian town of Saturnia.

The spa sits on a huge park with walkways of stone which lead you to the entrance of the resort. This area was chosen for a reason – nearby there are babbling streams of thermal waters which come from deep under the Earth’s surface that are renowned for their therapeutic properties.

This mineral rich water is what feeds some of the spa’s thermal pools. It is packed with sulphur and carbon which heals the body as the skin absorbs its substance. And of course the natural warmth is also great to cure the body’s aches and pains.

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The Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana

04 May 2011

For a superb lesson in the history of the Mob then the Las Vegas Mob Experience at the Tropicana is one of the best experiences that a visitor will ever have the chance of getting involved in. This interactive experience takes the visitor from the days of Prohibition to Las Vegas and demonstrates the dramatic downfall of the Mafia in a way that will leave them speechless.

Using the most up to date technology that makes each visitors experience unique you can choose which celebrity guide will escort you through the exhibition so whether you would like Mickey Rourke or Tony Sirico as a guide it is up to you to decide making the whole process really personal.

Your guide will take you through a maze of alley ways that lead to a door that leads you into a Speakeasy and then a warehouse that has a hidden exit. You get to play a role through the entire tour and can choose to answer questions and make decisions on whether to join a gang or ‘rat’ on the wise guys who approach you by pointing them out to a cop down the street.

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Review of Shadow Creek Golf Course

03 May 2011

Shadow Creek is probably the most unique golf course in the entire world. It was created on a desolate piece of land to become a typical Las Vegas feature built out of nothing into an extraordinary landscape. Everything about it is larger than life, from the huge pine trees that line the fairways to the crystal clear lakes that appear to have no boundaries.

It is one of the most exclusive, most expensive and most improbable golf courses in the whole of America. It has a waterfall with a creek that runs down the left side of one of the holes and across the green and offers players a game of golf that no other course in the world will ever offer them.

This 18 hole course was the creation of Steve Wynn, who developed Casinos in Las Vegas. He was responsible for some of the most extraordinary features that have appeared in the city and with his golf course he managed to create something that many people have marveled at since it was first built.

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Review of Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock

02 May 2011

The Arroyo Golf Club is often referred to as the premier private golf club in Las Vegas. Designed by Arnold Palmer in 2003 this much liked course is open to the public who have raved about it ever since it was first opened. The Red Rock Country Club boasts 738 acres of lush land and the course is kept perfectly manicured to ensure that players get the best golfing that can be found in the area. It offers all the players who come to Red Rock the opportunity of living a day in style in a private club atmosphere that is a real treat.

The 18 hole course is challenging but not too intimidating so it is fantastic for the casual golfer who just wants a day’s golfing in beautiful surroundings. The only complaints are that often the tee times are a little too close together which means that there can be a little waiting at every hole but on the whole most who come to Red Rock leave with a memory of a great day’s golf.

The incredible setting with the Red Rock Mountains in the backdrop and the friendly staff at the Arroyo Golf Club will make you feel welcome from the moment that you arrive at the fabulous club house. You will be treated as if you have just entered an exclusive private club and the cost of days golfing is well in the reach of most people making Red Rock a firm favorite when it comes to golfing destinations.

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