Friday, January 27, 2012

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Valentine's Day at the Best Date Restaurants in Vegas

Look guys, we all know planning romantic evenings just isn't at the top of our skill list. We'd rather watch our favorite NFL Team, plan out March Madness Brackets or meet the guys at a local bar, but this is the one day that we must make our special lady feel like a million bucks. This goes for you ladies too. Just cuz we don't often show our softer side doesn't mean we don't want to feel appreciated.

I'm here to help with a list of some of the best places to get your romance on this Valentine's Day. Here is my list of the Best Date Restaurants in Las Vegas. Peruse the list, make a reservation (you must do this pal) and make this years cupid holiday the best yet.

More Things To Do For Valentine's Day
- Take Your Significant Other to The Beatles LOVE
- Experience a Las Vegas Show
- End the night at In N Out Burger
- Check Out These Local Bars
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Valentine's Day at the Best Date Restaurants in Vegas originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 11:30:54.
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Foreign Tourism Surge Key to Las Vegas Economic Recovery

Las Vegas has always been America's playground. From the early days it was known for its glitz and glamor. It was in the 1960's when Merv Griffin's show was broadcast from Las Vegas that your every day American began making trips to Sin City. Beginning in the 1980's and surging into the new millennium, foreign visitors became an increasingly important part of the Las Vegas economy.

The Las Vegas Review Journal recently ran a story on Las Vegas' attempts to capture and increase foreign visitors. in 2010 a record 6.7 million visitors came to Las Vegas from foreign lands, an amazing 18% of total visitors to the city that year. "The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority wants more, and has set a goal of making international travelers 30 percent of the Las Vegas total," the article stated. The question is, can Las Vegas capture these visitors?

There's incentive to aim at increasing foreign tourists to seek out Las Vegas. The LVRJ lists some fascinating facts. "The average international traveler spends about $1,011 per stay and remains in the Las Vegas longer than four days each trip. Compare that with domestic tourists who spend $645 per visit on average and stay about three days." The key is trying business to pleasure. Get visitors to Las Vegas on business and they'll stay longer, and spend more money for pleasure.

Orlando remains prime competition for these tourism dollars,as does New York City and California. What ideas should Las Vegas pursue to attract and keep these visitors?

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Foreign Tourism Surge Key to Las Vegas Economic Recovery originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Tuesday, January 10th, 2012 at 10:32:01.
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Las Vegas Lags Behind As National Hiring Rate Surges

Anyone who has been a Las Vegan for the last several years is well aware that unemployment in Southern Nevada is a massive issue. With an unemployment rate hovering at about 12.5%, Las Vegas has not benefited much from December's national increase in hiring that has seen the nation's unemployment rate dip to 8.5% the lowest in three years. The Las Vegas Review Journal ran a recent story that detailed the age old economic maxim that currently plagues Las Vegas. As long as people remain unemployed they are not spending which leads to businesses losing money and further layoffs.

Unemployment was the most hotly debated topic in the recent Mayoral Elections that saw Carolyn Goodman take the seat. Thankfully, Las Vegas' primary revenue comes from tourism and the national decrease in unemployment will likely see an uptick in Las Vegas tourism. It just may take a while longer for those without jobs to find more success.

Las Vegas Job Resources
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Las Vegas Lags Behind As National Hiring Rate Surges originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at 13:27:32.
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Runnin' Rebels Beginning to Look Like Like Great Teams of Old.

When former UNLV-er Dave Rice took over as Head Coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels in April the excitement was palpable. While nobody is saying, yet anyway, that Rice may be leading a Tarkanian style resurgence of Runnin' Rebels basketball, the hopes are beginning to show. Conversations around Las Vegas sportsbooks frequently turn to the team and nearly every game has a prominent spot on the innumerable screens.

With their recent rout of Cal State the Runnin' Rebels, currently ranked as the number 17 team in the country, are on a seven game win streak and are preparing for next weeks Mountain West Conference Tournament. Fan excitement is beginning to grow for the NCAA tournament. While Las Vegans are cautious, the optimism remains strong for a lengthy run this March. UNLV has already proven three times this season that a Number 1 ranking does not scare them with victories over North Carolina, Illinois and California.

It is time to get excited about the Runnin' Rebels folks. Make your voice heard below.

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More on Vegas Sports and Recreation
Runnin' Rebels Beginning to Look Like Like Great Teams of Old. originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Friday, January 6th, 2012 at 10:49:24.
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Have Some Post New Years Fun at These Locals Casinos.

Whether you went out for New Years Eve, stayed home and watched the ball drop, checked out the Las Vegas fireworks scene via the numerous web cams around town or were unlucky enough to work, you're probably happy that the hustle and bustle of the new year is over.

Now it is time to treat yourself to some fun and glitz at these casinos that have a locals flair. Head down to Henderson to Green Valley Ranch and sip on a tasty pint of Guinness at Quinn's Irish Pub before chowing down on a porterhouse or T-bone at Hank's voted Las Vegas' Best Steak House by the Las Vegas Review Journal. Green Valley has loads of great table to plop down at for a few hands of blackjack before using those gift cards you got in your stocking at The District.

Looking for a bit more glitz and want to feel like a whale even if you've only got a few hundred in your bank account? Then The M Resort may be your locals casino of choice. 12 miles south of the main hustle and bustle of the Strip, the M Resort may just be the best hidden gem among Las Vegas Resort Casinos. With touch screens throughout the casino and rooms stocked with Bose stereos, flat screen TVs and some of the roomiest and most amazing showers you'll find anywhere. This place is the spot to go for along weekend or staycation.

Check this space often as I'll be profiling more locals favorites, from restaurants to stores to casinos and bars, throughout the new year. Please comment, make suggestions and requests for anything Las Vegas with a local flair.

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Have Some Post New Years Fun at These Locals Casinos. originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 at 17:38:15.
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Last Minute Planning Guide For New Years Eve

Really, it's the day before New Years Eve and you still have no idea what to do. Well you're not alone. With so many choices in Las Vegas it is little wonder that you're feeling a bit of information overload. From glitzy parties to fireworks to spending a bit of time at your local watering hole, every place in Las Vegas is set to ring in the new year.

This guide will provide links to dozens and dozens of options. Whether you want to hang with UFC fighters or , see an all female Iron Maiden tribute band or hang with a Kardashian then these links will help you plan.

Guides to New Years Eve 2012
Great Things to Do New Years Day.
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Last Minute Planning Guide For New Years Eve originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Friday, December 30th, 2011 at 11:06:11.
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Will the "Flyboard" Be the Best New Attraction of 2012?

If you imagine Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man on water then you'll begin to get an idea of the odd marketing spectacle unleashed yesterday at Lake Las Vegas by French inventor and watercraft racer Franky Zapata. As numerous curious observers stood by, Zapata used his water jet powered "flyboard" to soar 20 feet above the water's surface.

Born in his mind in early 2011 and perfected by year's end Zapata has begun taking the flyboard, which he says feels like snowboarding and lets him dive and play like a dolphin, on a world tour hoping to make it the next toy of the the well to so. The flyboard is expected to cost somewhere int he range of $5,000, not including the Sea-Doo watercraft that is required to power the jets of water.

The flyboard is expected to be made available to the public by the end of April 2012 and with nearly 2.8 million hits on the device's You Tube video, there is expected to be a significant interest. So the next big question is when will the flyboard come to Las Vegas? With equally odd attractions such as Dig This that lets you drive bulldozers and the Las Vegas Mob Experience it likely won't be a long wait.

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Will the "Flyboard" Be the Best New Attraction of 2012? originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Thursday, December 29th, 2011 at 11:59:52.
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Las Vegas Newspapers - The Skinny.

Las Vegas is a city that has a lot going on. From gaming to entertainment to politics, locals, newbies and visitors alike sometimes find it difficult to get the lay of the land and to see beyond the flashing lights of the nearest slot machine.

But fear not folks, I've compiled a list of Las Vegas Newspapers that have both print and online publications that can help you to find a job, choose a restaurant, see a show or just entertain and inform.

From the liberal minded Las Vegas Sun to the party hardy mindset behind the Las Vegas Weekly, my guide to local newspapers will steer you down the right path to Las Vegas enlightenment. Use it wisely.

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Las Vegas Newspapers - The Skinny. originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at 16:21:25.
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Volunteering in Las Vegas for the Holidays.

Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza are times for celebration, for being with family, for enjoying great food and better company and for exchanging gifts. While all of these are valid ways to celebrate the holidays, perhaps the best way is to donate time or money to help the numerous charitable causes across Southern Nevada.

Volunteering is a gift that gives back. Sure it sounds corny, even cliche, but ask anyone who has done it and you'll hear the same thing. In giving you get. The Joy of Giving is truly the greatest gift, both for the people in need and for those who volunteer. So now that you've decided that you have a few hours available to help you must now decide where to spend them.

Thankfully the folks at the United Way of Southern Nevada are here to help you decide. They've come up with a well organized and easy to use website that details all the organizations that need volunteers. Whether you want to ring a bell for the Salvation Army or donate time to a homeless shelter, this one stop shop will steer you towards the perfect volunteering opportunity.

Check Out All The Opportunities Here: The United Way of Southern Nevada.

Helpful Hints For Volunteers
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Volunteering in Las Vegas for the Holidays. originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011 at 12:46:31.
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Shop Local Las Vegas Shops This Christmas.

Shop local campaigns have popped up across the country over the last few years as ways of combating mega-marts like Wal Mart and online one stop shops like Amazon.com. Shop local campaigns not only keep the money tied to the local economy, but also bring much needed attention to fabulous niche products that may otherwise go unseen.

The latest Las Vegas Weekly features a great article on odd and fun products produced and sold by artists and merchants from Las Vegas. From these odd and wonderful hand made stuffed animals to re-purposed old timey TVs, the Weekly's article has something for every oddball and fun loving person on your list.

Check Out the Las Vegas Weekly's List Here.

Great Things to Do In Vegas.
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Shop Local Las Vegas Shops This Christmas. originally appeared on About.com Las Vegas on Friday, December 2nd, 2011 at 06:00:28.
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