Vegas Inside Scoop(TM)

Starbucks Las Vegas Is The Biggest Loser So What

Hi All,

It used to be that people would go nuts if they didn't have their Starbucks, apparently they're not quite as nuts about it.  You've probably experienced a work colleague or friend who was nervous traveling around that they might not get their Starbucks fix.  I remember finding it very amusing when I was running my former company's trade show booth in Orlando a few years ago that my colleague was absolutely freaking that there was no Starbucks within walking distance of the Convention Center at that time.

Equally amusing was the headline of the Calgary Herald for a piece called Las Vegas Tops Starbucks Losers.  Yes they are actually tracking Las Vegas Starbucks closures in Calgary for some reason!  In Las Vegas we are going to lose more Starbucks on a percentage basis (10%) than anyone else like Los Angeles, New York City, and the birthplace of Starbucks--Seattle.  In actual numbers, that means that we are losing 16 of the 155 Starbucks located here.  Now that's a tragedy in the making--NOT! 

There will still be 139 places to get Starbucks, it's just that people who live, work or visit near those 16 outlets will somehow have to rough it and go to 1 of the other 139.  And while there are those who think the sun, moon and stars revolve around Starbucks, believe it or not, there are other places to get coffee! 

We have the new influx of Dunkin Donuts, and as any East Coast person knows--that's real coffee.  Plus, we have It's A Grind, The Coffee Beanery, Seattle's Best, each fast food chain has their own "upscale" brew and more!

In case you are wondering, I do drink Starbucks when I'm at the airport with an early morning flight and I need a boost, or need a neutral place to meet a client and they are into it, but I can honestly take it or leave it, and to me, it's not the best coffee out there.  I know, blasphemy.

Some point to the biggest hit for Starbucks closure being in Las Vegas, a sign of just how tough the economy has gotten here.  I think having the most Las Vegas Starbucks close is less a sign of the Las Vegas economy, than it is a sign that with all the places to get coffee, we don't need 155 Starbucks in Las Vegas and they overdid it.  The evidence is clear--I have an It's A Grind, a Moxie Java and a Dunkin Donuts opening soon within 2 miles of me in Southwest Las Vegas, and none of them have cheap coffee, and they are all building new places in the same Las Vegas economy.  Case closed.

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blogs:

The Healthy Food Review at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Las Vegas Celebrities Are Not Homeless Thank Goodness

Hi All,

Maybe it's just me, but when Nevada foreclosures are so high that the last reported foreclosure market statistics showed that 1 out of every 122 homes is in default, why is it that people who can afford to live or stay anyplace in Las Vegas, and already have multiple residences, get free posh Las Vegas homes?

I came across a recent story that claimed that Mariah Carey was offered a free residence at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort and Casino.  And she's not the only one.

For example, we all know Criss Angel gets to live at The Luxor where his show Believe (Mindfreak which is back on A&E 7/23 meets Cirque de Soleil) premieres soon, with ticket prices that most of his fans can't afford.  And Barry Manilow was offered a place to hang his hat at the Las Vegas Hilton (although word is he prefers to go home to California--can't say I blame him).

Knowing these celebrities won't be out on the street will help me sleep tonight :)

If the Las Vegas hotel casinos and Las Vegas condotels have rooms to spare, I am sure there are a lot of Las Vegas locals who have lost their homes who could use them.

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blogs:

The Healthy Food Review at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Las Vegas McCarran Airport Security Could Become Just Another Vegas Peep Show

Hi All,

WIth the heavy 4th of July travel weekend coming, a story I saw on Yahoo about coming security changes at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas came to mind.

I'm all for airport security, and since I am originally from New York City, I was deeply affected by 9-11 and want the government to do its best to protect us.  But am I the only one that is shocked that in America we could have a new airport security process coming to McCarran Airport in Las Vegas (and 9 other airports--already in use in Detroit for example) that is such an out and out invasion of personal privacy?

Apparently we will soon have airport security scanners that can see through your clothing added in the name of National Security.  How much can the screeners see?  Apparently everything!  We're talking your private parts, the fact that a woman has had a mastectomy, someone has a colostomy, etc.

As per the TSA website, screeners will be able "to clearly see the passenger's sexual organs as well as other details of their bodies, the passenger's face is blurred".  The image is seen by the screener in a separate room so it's not like the whole airport will see your body.  Hmm, a TSA employee goes into a separate room and sees your entire body minus clothing.  Now maybe it's just me, but doesn't this sound like a peep show? 

Of course, you can decline and have a good old fashioned pat down instead.

I guess given all the adult-oriented Las Vegas shows, having another one at the airport starring you isn't completely out of place.  Welcome to Las Vegas.

Here's the Yahoo story FYI:  http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080610/ts_alt_afp/ustransportaviationsecurity_080610211153

And more info on the TSA web site at http://www.tsa.gov

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blogs:

The Healthy Food Review at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

The Palazzo Las Vegas As A Symbol Of Earth Day?

Hi All,

Call me crazy, but is The Palazzo Las Vegas really the Las Vegas poster child for Earth Day? 

I think it's cool that it was built with green living in mind, and is the largest green building in the world.  However, is as another giant Las Vegas hotel-casino that is not really needed (as it's not like we don't already have tons of hotel rooms), that contributes to a packed Las Vegas Strip, with cars stuck in traffic spewing emissions into the air, let's not fool anyone into thinking that Las Vegas is an eco-friendly place. 

There is more waste and excess here than just about anywhere in the entire country, and I doubt anyone would have it any other way, since that's Las Vegas.  The problem is that when "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas translates into smog, it's not so cool.

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blog "the Healthy Food Review" at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Vegas Gaming Las Vegas Gambling Revenues Down But Not Out

Hi All,

According to a Wall Street Journal story Slowdown Deals A Bad Hand to Las Vegas Casinos gambling revenue on the Las Vegas Strip was down 3.1% in February, following a 1.3% decrease in February.  The story failed to point out that for the fiscal year to date (July 1, 2007 through February 29, 2008) gaming revenue on The Las Vegas Strip is actually up 1%.

Which just goes to show you that you can make statistics say whatever you want them to--something I learned a long time ago as a Marketing professional.

All you have to do is look at the parking lot and the casino floor of any off strip "locals" casino like The Orleans, Palace Station, Red Rock Casino, Suncoast, etc. and you'll know that the locals are there in force.  And even when you go on The Strip, Las Vegas Blvd is jammed, the sidewalks are jammed, the casino floors are packed.  I think maybe some people who used to gamble bigger and can't afford it right now are hurting the revenue number a little, but volume-wise I don't see a difference in first-hand people statistics.

Need further proof?  I happened to be in The Suncoast last week and saw an ad for a bingo tournament and the entry fee was $345, for bingo!  And I have no doubt Coast will be successful with this bingo tournament or they wouldn't be doing it.  If people (and many of these participants will no doubt be local seniors on fixed incomes) can spend that kind of money on bingo of all things, how bad off can Vegas gaming really be?

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blog "the Healthy Food Review" at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Las Vegas Cancelled, The TV Show That Is

Hi All,

Somehow being absorbed in my move back to Las Vegas and getting settled, I missed the news that the Las Vegas TV show (which I admit I used to like to watch as a guilty mindless pleasure) was canceled.

What's worse is the TV executives do not care at all that we fans of Las Vegas were left hanging--not knowing if Delinda and the baby are okay and if anyone will end up getting married.  Just when the show was getting more interesting with the addition of Tom Selleck as AJ Cooper and Piper (Frannie from The Nine--poor thing that's two good shows she was on that got canceled).

The least they could do is to have an online episode or at least something from the writers saying how they would have intended to wrap up Las Vegas' storyline.

Quite frankly it should be illegal to hook viewers on a TV show and then not close it out properly.  In the legal system, don't they call that bait and switch?  I don't know about you, but I think I will be giving up on network TV as I am tired of the games and wasting my time on shows that get canceled (although Las Vegas lasted longer than I thought it would).  Every show comes out on DVD anyway, so I might as well pass on the season, rent the "complete season DVD" and skip all the commercials.

NBC, with Las Vegas you're the last straw!

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blog "the Healthy Food Review" at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Las Vegas Review Journal Best Of Las Vegas

Hi All,

So the major event we have all been waiting for is now here--the Las Vegas Review-Journal Best Of Las Vegas 2008 (funny thing to be named Best of Las Vegas 2008 when 2008 is not even three months old).

I reviewed the list and some picks I agree with, and others I simply have to say "boo, we want a recount especially when it comes to the food picks!"  Here's what I would change in naming MY Best of Las Vegas 2008:

Best Coffee--It's A Grind

Best Desserts--Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt

Best Doughnuts--Dunkin Donuts (actually for me it's their Reduced Fat Blueberry Muffins--kudos to Dunkin for having them as a choice)

Best Italian Restaurant--Johnny Carino's (finally in North Vegas, coming to SW Vegas soon); for Chicken Parmigiana heros (as a special treat for me) Winner's Circle in SW Vegas

Best Breakfast--The Cracked Egg

Best Pizza--Villa Pizza (traditional), Aces Bar & Grill in SW Vegas, Four Kegs (sicilian)

Best Tacos--Amigo's

Best Mexican--Super Mex

Haven't seen the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas 2008 yet?  Check it out here and see what you think: http://www.lvrj.com/bestoflv/

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Check out Melanie's other blog "the Healthy Food Review" at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008

Vegas Is Alive And Well

Hi All,

I just moved back to Vegas after about a year and a half absence.  While I was away, from snowy Colorado I listened with horror to the stories of a falling Las Vegas real estate market, sky-high Vegas foreclosures, lower Vegas casino attendance and gaming revenues, Las Vegas casino employment layoffs and more.  It sure sounded like Vegas was doomed and I was going to move back to a depressed near ghost town.  NOT!

From the moment I landed at McCarran Airport on a recent Saturday night to find it just as crowded, noisy and crazy as ever, to the ride home, where even in the dark all along the Las Vegas 215 Highway (including widening the road) towards Southwest Las Vegas I could see new local hotels, new stores and businesses, new commercial and office buildings and new car dealerships.

The biggest surprise of all was seeing a Best Buy, Home Depot and Wal-Mart tall mega sign rise in the distance as I approached the Rainbow Blvd exit.  Huh?  We don't have a Best Buy near where I live.  We do now :)

By daylight I was able to see that more of the local strip centers had filled in, and the construction-delayed Desert Marketplace on Durango and Warm Springs is finally showing its first signs of life with a Walgreens building on the last vacant corner of that intersection.  It's going to be a battle of the pharmacies with it being directly across the street in CVS' face.

We visited the high-rise multi-use Sullivan Square project in Southwest Las Vegas last weekend and found that they just got the go-ahead to pour foundation--a very good sign that the project is a go.  The Manhattan West  mid-rise mixed-use project (why is it that Vegas is trying to make every new project have a New York tie-in) construction is well under way.

Everywhere I go locally--from the Southwest Las Vegas to Summerlin and the rest of Northwest Las Vegas to Henderson out to the East, I see new apartments, condos, homes, tons of new strip centers and office and commercial buildings.  And they're not all just empty facades but specific businesses announcing they are on the way.

I'll tell you more about my first trip back to The Strip in another post, but let's just say for now, that all you have to do is look at the massive $7.5 Billion City Center project building on The Strip right now, and you'll know that the smart money is clearly making a huge bet on Las Vegas, and they don't intend to lose.

Better times are slowly, but I believe, very surely, coming.

--Melanie R. Jordan, Author, Publisher, Infopreneur/Marketing Coach and Sales Trainer/Coach with Vegas Inside Scoop (TM)!

Check out more of Melanie's empowering publications on work-at-home lifestyles, foreclosure investing and learn about her Marketing and Infopreneur Consulting and Coaching Services at http://www.SunLoverPublishing.com

Don't miss a post--subscribe to the Vegas Inside Scoop feed. 

Check out Melanie's other blog "the Healthy Food Review" at http://www.TheHealthyFoodReview.com

Copyright SunLover Publishing 2008