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Ask a Native
Vegas Movies Shot in Vegas: Imagine That
Signing of Nevada Film Tax Incentive Bill could help jump-start film industry here
June 18th, 2013
Viva Las Vegas said we were a glamorous party town. Casino told the world we are a city where money speaks loudest. The Hangover trilogy screams out that Las Vegas is the modern-day equivalent of Rome burning, so get your Colosseum tickets now! All of which are true, depending on who’s telling. Read more »
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You Can Leave the Rugrats at Home
Yes, there are family-friendly options here, but it's not an all-ages vacation spot
June 11th, 2013
Should tourists bring the kids to Las Vegas? This question has come at me numerous times, and in various forms, since last week’s “first timer’s itinerary” appeared—an itinerary that notably did not call out any kid-focused activities. Read more »
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Where to Begin with First-Time Vegas Visitors?
It's impossible to pick just one place, and you don't have to start on the Strip
June 5th, 2013
That’s like asking, “What is your favorite restaurant?” There are so many variables that it’s hard to pin down a “best” of anything in our dynamic city (not that we don’t try). In any case, I try to give my visitors a taste of the Las Vegas they are expecting, as well as the one they wouldn’t. Read more »
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Divining the Secret to Locals and Lederhosen at Alpine Village Inn
Cottage cheese dip? Loose door policy? It all adds up to a legendary restaurant
May 28th, 2013
Because Hershel Leverton’s classic eatery on Paradise Road was a long-lasting, family-friendly fixture in a city reputed to have none. Could the secret of its place in our heart be the famous cottage-cheese dip—so in-demand they sold the mix in the gift shop? Read more »
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How Did Naked City Lose its Clothes?
May 22nd, 2013
Understanding the intriguing no-man's-land south of Downtown. Plus: Will this be Helldorado's last rodeo in its current location? Read more »
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Prom, Wind and Other Vegas Spring Pleasures
May 14th, 2013
Much is made about how fancified the ritual of school dances has become, but Vegas prom in the 1980s wasn’t much different than it is now, except that today’s attendees seem to spring for limos more often than we did. That’s likely a byproduct of fewer teenagers with drivers licenses—a good thing considering the shenanigans that often take place on prom night. Read more »
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Anthony Bourdain and Vegas' Under-the-Radar Restaurants
April 30th, 2013
Since it’s usually all about authenticity with Bourdain, I hoped—and still hope—for more from him. In a city of chain restaurants, chain clothing stores and gambling-financed replicas of famous spots, it’s easy to find the copies. If we get Round Two of Bourdain in Vegas, I’d like him to take on more of our originals. Read more »
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Silly Vegas Questions Better than No Questions
April 23rd, 2013
Do you live in a hotel? Is Wayne Newton your neighbor? Which casino does your mom work in? Is she a showgirl? A hooker? A stripper? Is your dad in the Mafia? Is he a gambler? Do you eat in casinos? Where do you play outside? Read more »
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Are There Really “Gambling Trailers” to Keep a Gaming License Alive?
April 16th, 2013
“Pop-up casinos” periodically appear on the sites of closed or demolished gaming establishments. The license attached to an establishment can outlive the establishment—but only if the owners know the rules and play by them wisely. Read more »
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Should the Las Vegas 51s Make the Move to Summerlin?
April 10th, 2013
I didn’t have much of an opinion on this subject until I read some of the comments Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey made when positioning the team for a move to a new suburban stadium. Read more »
