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Showing posts with label Casinos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Casinos. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Las Vegas...violates vendors rights to free enterprise! Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak accepts payola?








In recent days, there has been a big brouhaha over the increase of independent street vendors on the Las Vegas strip selling varieties of bottled water, flogging cheap sunglasses, donning costumes for tips, and what-have-you.

A local news station (Fox 5 News) just reported bright-and-early this morning that City Officials - such as publicity-hungry Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak - are trying to curb these practices to allegedly clean up the strip.

Sisolak argued that because bottled-water was not sold by licensed vendors, the issue of safety was of prime concern.

Where is the product being bottled?

Is it safe?

In response, one of the independent businessmen noted in a television interview that he tried to apply for a business license, but he was informed by Officials at the license bureau, that it would be next to impossible to obtain a nod of approval from the Las Vegas licensing bureau.

Why?

Greedy Casino owners (and bosses) are running interference and trying to shut-out local businessmen trying to compete in the marketplace on the Las Vegas strip.

Which brings us to the ripe issue of Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak.

He is working on behalf of the Casino owners to achieve their end and it raises a red flag in my estimation.

The Commissioner should be acting on behalf of all constituents and not just a select powerful few.

Frankly, I think that Mr. Sisolak should be investigated to determine if he is taking any payola from the Corporate heads of these giant business entities who own the Hotels on the strip to lobby on their behalf.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Mirage Hotel...MGM security guard stalks, harasses, threatens & intimidates me! Steve Wynn part of conspiracy?









Yesterday afternoon, I was a "victim" of a shocking and distressing incident at the Mirage Hotel in which I was stalked, harassed, intimidated, and threatened by a hateful dim-witted security guard in the employ of MGM properties (and the Mirage Casino).

Mid-afternoon, after I posted a couple of news items on the Tattler, I strolled up to the Mirage to play a few leisurely slots and have a sip on a cocktail before heading back to my Hotel.

As I entered the front entrance on Las Vegas Boulevard, I noticed a security guard in a black outfit standing to my left.

As I strode down the corridor to the Casino floor, out-of-the-corner of my eye I spied the heavyset guard turn on-his-heel immediately and proceed to stalk me.

I should point out that a few years ago, I completed a course in Private Investigations, and that I have a certificate to pursue a career in this area of work.

I was taught how to detect a "tail", how to follow an individual surreptitiously without their knowledge (unlike the incompetent idiot who was lumbering behind me), and gather facts and evidence to prepare for a criminal or civil trial.

Hence, the reason I spotted his highly irregular conduct in violation of my rights immediately.

Once I was inside the Casino, I proceeded to the Players Club to pick up a copy of my Rewards Card, so I would rack up points on the slots when I gambled.

Yes, I have been a guest of the Hotel for years.

Also, I have reported on concerts and events at the Mirage - and given the Hotel tons of free publicity at the Tattler - without a dime or so much as a thank-you from the owners or management!

The last article was on the 5th Anniversary party of "LOVE" at Cirque de Soleil which was attended by Paul McCartney and twitter-buddy Yoko Ono.

Post:  06/08/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/06/lovepaul-mccartney-yoko-ono-dhani.html

Shortly after I received the card in hand from the clerk at the desk, he pointed me in the direction of the nearest men's room, where I proceeded to take a whiz.

When I exited the "John", I spotted another suspicious-looking male hiding behind a pillar a few feet away staring at me and taking note of my actions!

"They sure do employ a lot of creepy characters with mental and emotional problems at the Mirage," I thought to myself, as I strode to the bank of casinos to place a bet.

At this juncture, I thought that the security guard would figure out I was a regular customer and wander off to engage in legitimate activities he was employed to monitor.

However, he persisted with his obnoxious insulting behaviour, which I began to find quite discriminatory and intimidating in nature.

So, I plunked myself down at slot machine, fed in a buck, and proceeded to gamble a bit so he'd know I was not just a homeless person looking for a free drink or a rounder out to engage in some kind of nefarious crimes on the property.

But, the asshole - with shit for brains - continued to hover around pillars and hide behind banks of slot machines (under the mistaken impression that I was NOT aware of his presence).

At this juncture, I became so disturbed by his open harassment - and violation of my rights - that I decided to exit the Hotel and return to my Hotel suite to start composing a consumer alert about the security guard - and the fact that he was not only a mentally-ill guard breaking the law - but a menace to the community.

At this point, many thoughts ran through my mind.

Was he sexually aroused by me?  Was he getting his jollies trailing me in the casino?

On the other hand, maybe he was just jealous of me; after all, I am well-built and handsome (or so they say) while he was fat, ugly, and possessed all the personality of a worm.

I considered other possibilities, too.

Just maybe, he did know who I was, and was familiar with posts that I published in which I criticized incompetent security guards (who had - not only harassed and exceeded their authority - but violated innocent citizen's rights at whim in the process).

Was he retaliating against me and engaging in "scare tactics" to intimidate me to force me to refrain from reporting on these disturbing incidents in the future?

If so, he may have committed a felony.

I believe that the intimidation of a witness is a Federal Crime which falls under the jurisdiction of the FBI.

Then, it occurred to me that Steve Wynn may be involved in the conspiracy to harass, too.

Just last week I posted a negative report on the Wynn Resorts which may have offended the eccentric multi-millionaire.

Doesn't he have ties or "connections" with the Mirage (and MGM brass?).

For his sake, I hope that is not personally involved because Mr. Wynn may have his hands full with other more pressing financial matters.

My sources say Mr. Wynn may be facing an audit from the IRS, after all.

In a nutshell?

The fact that a guard was standing at the door, and followed me once I was inside, tends to suggest that "someone" was laying-in-wait for me!

Don't 'ya think?

At this point, I was so distressed to be treated in such a disrespectful hateful way, that I got up from my seat and proceeded to cash in my ticket (94 cents total in change!).

The guard (who I later learned was named "Scott") had the audacity to come up behind me, lean on the redemption ticket center kiosk, and bark at me:

"How long have you been trespassing on MGM property?"

Say what?

I immediately responded by noting that I have been patronizing the Mirage (and MGM) for years!

Then, he asked me to produce my Rewards Card, which I did promptly.

At this point, I was keenly aware that over the prior thirty minutes he had broken State & Federal Laws - and violated my rights - in the process.

After all, I studied law (and passed all my course tests with an A).

I collected my cash from the machine and informed him I was leaving the Hotel.

"If you haven't done anything wrong," he retorted, "Why are you leaving?"

I must have been talking to the stupidest person on the face of the earth.

I am not a masochist, I wanted to inform the fool.

Why would I patronize a casino that was treating me like a criminal?

He may have not known his ass from a hole in the ground, but I knew my rights, you betcha!

Then, as I proceeded to the exit, he had the nerve to follow me (as other patrons stared after us in total disbelief).

Outside, in front of dozens of witnesses, he alleged that the personal "Players Card" I was using was not mine (and didn't have my name on its face) which was a ridiculous bold-faced lie.

Also, he threatened to have me arrested for trespassing!

On what grounds, asshole?

When I demanded his name, he refused to provide it.

What was HE hiding?

Why didn't HE want me to know his identity?

Across the street I located a telephone and dialed up the Mirage with the specific aim of lodging a formal complaint against the security guard (and demand that he be fired).

The staff refused to put me through to the executive officers or any senior management personnel.

A staffer advised she would put me through to the head of security, however.

When the woman picked up the cradle of the phone, she listened very intently. But, when I pointed out that the security guard was dressed in a black suit, she informed me that his conduct was not monitored by her office.

"My office handles the complaints for the guards dressed in purple jackets," she noted matter-of-fact.

Now, she asked me to hold, while she put me through to the right department.

Then, guess what happened?

The security guard I had the confrontation with - came on the line - and started to make silly excuses about the way I was treated on the Casino floor.

For starters, he tried to toss the blame on another employee.

"Someone said you were checking credits," he accused.

Frankly, I don't know what checking credits means!

The truth of the matter is that I have poor eyesight without my glasses on.

Usually, it is not until I sit down at a slot machine, that I notice for the first time that I am required to bet up to 50 credits at once to use the machine.

Since I only like to bet one or two lines (I bet for fun and relaxation and not to break the bank) I may have to get up and locate a slot that meets my budget (and gambling criteria).

Ask any slot-machine player.

The machines are set up in sections. 


One section may have 25 cent slots, another 50 cent machines, etc.

Patrons may have to stroll through several aisles before locating a one-armed bandit they want to play.

If the Hotel's staff are stupid - and lack the common sense or any logic to figure that out - it's the fault of the management when misunderstandings occur because of their failure to hire professionals with intelligent people skills and surveillance ability.

Notwithstanding, his argument was a total smokescreen and a vicious lie.

The security guard started to follow me BEFORE I even began to enter the slot area, so his excuse was a total fabrication designed to mitigate the Hotel's damages.

"Scott" - who claimed to be a supervisor - also tried to deny that he accused me of using a card which didn't belong to me.

As I pointed out on the phone, I received the card from the Players Club desk about thirty minutes earlier (and the cameras on the casino floor would verify it!).

In fact, at times it appeared that "Scott" was trying to engage me in certain lines of questioning (were his superiors listening in on the conversation without disclosing the information to me?) in order to get me to say something incriminating.

I hadn't done anything wrong, so it would not be possible to achieve that end.

In the event he was taping the conversation, I wonder if he knows that taping a telephone conversation without the individuals knowledge or permission is illegal?

Then, near the end of the argument, Scott asked me where I was at that moment.

What business was it of his?

Was he going to send out goons to beat me up?

If you can believe it, he actually asked me to return to the Hotel at this juncture.

Was he kidding?

Earlier he promised to have me arrested for "trespassing".

Did he think I would honestly return to the hotel in view of those threats?

At this juncture, was he trying to "set me up"?

Needless to say, I informed him that I would be posting this expose to warn tourists and locals alike, about his illegal threatening and harassing conduct which warrants immediate dismissal and an apology from the Hotel.

In the meantime, I am considering filing a lawsuit for damages.

I think it is high time that Vegas Hotels were taught the vital lesson that they cannot continue to hire mentally-ill security guards (with impotency issues?) and put their guests at risk without paying heavily for the compensatory and punitive damages when their sick employees go amok and violate rights of the patrons.

If a high-powered attorney in the Las Vegas area is interested in handling this case, please contact me at your earliest convenience (i.julian@yahoo.com)

Otherwise, I shall turn this litigation over to a lawyer in the Los Angeles area.

Stay posted and avoid the Mirage and MGM properties like the plague!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Steve Wynn...slams President Obama's socialist leanings! Threat to U.S. business!




Say What?





For the most part, high-flying Hotelier - Steve Wynn - is usually upbeat, optimistic, and inclined to spout off enthusiastically about his successful "empire" growing in leaps-and-bounds.

Yesterday, the Casino "King" was crying the blues - however - and taking pot shots at President Obama.

According to Mr. Wynn, entrepreneurs are not only sitting on their assets just now, but taking a prudent "wait and see" attitude when it comes to future business ventures in this country.

Frankly, they're scared!

In a nutshell, Wynn has taken the position that President Obama's "socialist" stance has had (and will continue to have) a chilling effect on the economy, business, and the future of this country.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Steve Wynn...to launch Hotel & Casino in Singapore! Chinese superstitious in nature!






Word out of Steve Wynn's camp is that the astute Hotelier with the Midas touch is about to set up shop in Singapore.

"It's my next goal in life," he beamed to the media in a recent press interview.

The lofty "dream" - though within his grasp - may be in limbo for the moment if the scuttlebutt is true.

According to sources, Wynn is required to hold off on the gamble because of a restriction imposed by the Government which requires exclusivity for current Casino owners.

Years ago, a friend invited me to jet off to Singapore for a vacation and to take in the exotic sites.

But, I begged off.

In retrospect, I now kick myself for not jumping at the opportunity to explore the historical mystical city.

In recent years, mind-boggling property developments has moved forward, with a spotlight on futuristic architectural design.

For instance, an awesome rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands commands a stunning view of the dazzling Financial District's Skyline (the owners boast that the splash feataure is approximately one-and-a-half football fields in length).

Gosh, I'd pay a pretty penny to lounge poolside as Michael Phelps propels his toned muscled bod from one end to-the-other.

Meanwhile, Resorts World Sentosa - not to be bested - launched a Theme Park with Universal Studios which features an upscale family-oriented Hotel.

In some respects, the old Guard still maintains a stranglehold when it comes to gambling, though.

Because the Chinese people are superstitious by nature, the Government has imposed restrictions on its citizens to ensure they don't fritter any the mortgage money.

Residents of Singapore are dinged $80.00 for one-day passes to the Casinos (good 24/7).

In contrast to the policies in the United States, family members are legally entitled to step forward and request that relatives be banned from gambling halls in the event they are vulnerable to chronic addiction to games of chance.

Casinos are also barred from advertising locally.

Ins spite of the aforementioned limitations guests topped out at a staggering 11.6 million in 2010.

Sales at two of the major Casinos combined equalled 1.7% of the gross National Product.

Obviously, Steve Wynn is anxious to grab for a piece of that lucrative pie!

http://www.thetattler.biz


Friday, July 9, 2010

Canyon Buster...never again! Circus Circus Vegas ride packs a whallop!







As part of a "coupon" package I received during my stay at Circus Circus, a free ticket was offered up for the Canyon Buster thrill ride in the Hotel's Adventuredome.

Over the years, I've been to a number of theme parks - actually appeared on stage live as a performer at a couple of 'em during the summer holidays - so the modified "roller coaster" didn't appear to be that ominous or scary-looking.

Wrong!

The ride started off calmly enough.

As excited thrill-seeking teens held on tightly to the rail, the car slowly crawled to the top of a steep perch - during which time - they were able to drink up  a spectacular view of the Vegas skyline through a glass dome.

Suddenly, without warning, the cab jolted forward - then - leapt  down a startlingly deep decline - which prompted the amusement park attendees to shriek out at the top of the lungs in sheer terror as their pounding  hearts literally jumped out of their chests!

But, that was just the beginning!

In a short span of time the  riders were sent headlong down a track that jolted this way 'n that to the left and to the right (at times the paid charges were nearly spilled right out of their flimsy-seats) as they hung on for dear life.

OMG!

Just when I thought the roller coaster ride was slowing down and about to ease into the end stall - there would be another jolting round of spurts - forward, down, to the side, and up again.

The unique attraction features two six-car trains that seat four passengers in two rows per car.

Though tightly secured inside, the Canyon Buster's back-to-back vertical loops and corkscrews sent me reeling, alright.

No wonder!

The helix inside the mountain takes up a expansive portion of the park to great advantage.

The "Buster" has been touted as the worlds largest indoor double-loop double-corkscrew coaster.

And worth every cent paid up-front to experience the adrenalin-rushing  adventure under the fun-filled sun-drenched dome.

Never again, though.

The old ticker can't take it!




Big splash on Rim Runner!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Wild Wild West...cocktail waitresses gone by way of Dinosaur! Vegas Gamblers die of thirst...




If you're heading over to the Wild Wild West watering hole and Casino on Tropicana Boulevard (3300 Block) in Las Vegas, it may be wise to pack a flask of whiskey in your well-tooled boot.

Unless, you don't mind dying of thirst in the desert oasis, that is.

A couple of out-of-towners hankering to par-tay hearty grumbled to their buddies later that they were chomping at the bit for a shot or two for about a half-an-hour or so before they packed up their kit 'n kaboodle and strode into a bar down the strip run by the competition (where the liquor flowed and the good times rolled).

Uh-huh!

It looks like cocktail waitresses - and bar service on the Casino floor at the Wild Wild West - has gone by way of the Dinosaur.

Management at the tired old bar needs to get hip to the fact - that when rugged dudes are out for a round of poker-playing on a boys-night-out - that they're inclined to chase it down with a smoke, a shot or two of whiskey, and thirst-quenching ice cold beer.

Even an uptown tourist savors an exotic cocktail or two when they try their luck at the slots.

Dudes at the (Yawn) Wild Wild West need to get real!


Thursday, February 4, 2010

Barack Obama...Vegas slams Prez! Sin City deserved dressing-down...



Sin City cries the blues!


Dirty old Mayor incensed by Obama remarks!



Once again, Barack Obama opened his yap and ended up with a shovel or two of desert sand being shoved down his throaat.

Yup!

Those lounge lizards and politicos in the Nevada oasis are hopping mad again!

Recently, Barack Obama was inclined to make a comment about Vegas, which he thought was practical advice.

In a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Obama noted in passing, that Americans shouldn't blow their money in Vegas - but instead - save it for College.

The comment sparked rage for a second time in the fleshpot of the Nation - where the vices of weak individuals - are inclined to get the best of them.

The end result?

Cash down the drain on slots, too much booze, and pleasures of the sinful kind that break of up marriages and sully the images and reputations of high-profile figures (Tiger Woods ring any bells?)

Ah, the follies invvoled in the  pursuit of pure unadulterated sex!

It was the second time since taking office that Obama singled out Las Vegas as a potential cesspool of irresponsible excessive spending.

If you recall, Obama criticized bank employees for jetting off to Vegas and splurging at a time when most Americans were hurting financially.

At that time, the  City Fathers lamented that the unfair barb would negatively impact the Las Vegas  further.

Over the past couple of years, Vegas has been struggling to regain its former glory as a destination hot-spot.

The city's residents have been hard-hit from a two-year onslaught of of foreclosures, bankruptcies and unemployment.

Tourism is the Silver State's most valuable commodity, and in view of this, there has been an outcry from  ranks of high order in the wake of the disclosure that Barack has named Vegas as a potential culprit once again.

The President was quick to jump into the fray in a concerted effort to smooth over the troubled waters.

"I was making the simple point that families use vacation dollars, not college tuition money, to have fun," Obama said, according to the letter released by Reid's office.

"You don't go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage," Obama said.

 "You don't blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you're trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices."

"There is no place better to have fun than Vegas, one of our country's great destinations," he noted in the aftermath.

For the record, Mr. Obama also underscored that he has always enjoyed his visits to gambling gulch.

However, vacations there may not be so satisfying in the future, if  Mayor Goodman has any say in it.

Goodman - not only lambasted Obama during a hastily called news conference - but assured all within earshot that the President was  no friend to Las Vegas and would not be welcomed there  if he visits.

"I'll do everything I can to give him the boot," Goodman said.

"This President is a real slow learner."

Barrack's comments quickly sparked a negative gut reaction elswhere in the Silver State which supported Obama in the 2008 election.

Goodman and others are worried that Obama's words will discourage visitors from jetting off  to Las Vegas -  and that as a result -  the industry will be depressed further.

"Enough is enough!" Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley said in a one accusing statement.

"President Obama needs to stop picking on Las Vegas and he needs to let Americans decide for themselves how and where to spend their hard-earned vacation dollars."

Senator John Ensign (Repuplican) pointed out from the sidelines that the President may not have grasped the weight that his words carry around the country (and beyond).

"The President needs to lay off Las Vegas and stop making it the poster child for where people shouldn't be spending their money," Reid pointedly added.

 "I would much rather tourists and business travelers spend their money in Las Vegas than spend it overseas."

Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons, Rep. Dean Heller (Republican), and Democratic Rep. Dina Titus also roundly criticized the President.

"He has to step up right away and say, you know, he wasn't thinking," Goodman huffed.

 "Sometimes when he's not using his monitors and reading what he says, he doesn't think. And this is one of those times he didn't think, and he should straighten out the record because he's been here, he knows Las Vegas is a great place."

In my opinion, Las Vegas deserves a dressing-down.

Whenever the President or any politician takes a poke at Sin City they go up in arms.

However, as I have reported in past posts - Las Vegas casinos, City coppers, and others - have continually  given tourists and vistiors in general the shaft.

Instead  of taking  note of the valid criticisms - and taking action to cure the problems  - Las Vegas continues to ignore issues that are hurting its public image and turning visitors away.

For instance, in one post, I noted that I witnessed racial profiling in the streets.

Has the despicable practice stopped? 

No.

Post:  05/12/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/las-vegasracial-profiling-continues-on.html

I also reported that a handful of Hotels - such as the Sahara - were not disclosing fees to tourists when they booked rooms (a disreputable practice that is downright fraudulent in nature).

Has that issued been addressed by the Mayor or Casino owners? 

No.

Post:  09/15/09

http://julian1st.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/las-vegas-sahara-hotel-fails-to-disclose-fees-bad-buffet-beef-security-detail-taunts-guests/

In spite of the fact Las Vegas has been crying the blues over loss of revenue,  they continue to engage in violations of citizens rights (which summarily turn tourists off).

For example, at Harrah's and Fitzgerald's Hotels, security guards often shake-down guests on the casino floor - detain them, ask inappropriate questions, and violate their civil rights - without legal authority to do so

It's harassment plain and simple!.

Who wants to patronize an establishment that runs rough-shod over the rights of the individual?

Has the problem been addressed? 

No.

Post::  09/10/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/harrahsvegas-casino-staff-harass-guests.html

Post:  01/13/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/las-vegas-boundnot-fitzgerald-hotel.html

Also, Las Vegas would have you believe they welcome tourists with open arms, but have a curious way of showing their appreciation for the business.

On many occasion, for example, I have witnessed traffic cops pull over pedestrians (who are often from foreign countries and unfamiliar with the terrain and/or laws in the U.S.) and proceed to ticket them for jay-walking.

If Vegas is going to continue the practices aforementioned, they deserve to be shat upon.

Post: 09/28/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/09/las-vegasmotorcycle-cop-alan-doyle.html

So, President Obama, take note.

There are several glaring consumer issues in Vegas that cry out for investigation.

Just pick one for your next speech, eh?




Friday, December 18, 2009

Las Vegas...El Cortez Hotel a charmer! Stupid guard's bad manners off-putting...




In spite of the fact travellers are pining to zip into town and sample the spoils at the trendy new Aria Hotel, which just celebrated its grand opening Thursday night, downtown Hotels like the El Cortez are rustling up business with a handful of travellers bent on exploring the historic side of the desert oasis.

For this reason, I booked a room at the Hotel, which is one of the oldest on the downtown Vegas strip.

In fact, the El Cortez is part of a curious footnote in Vegas history.

Avid fimgoers may recall that in the film Bugsy - a screen biopic about known mobster Bugsy Siegel starring Warren Beatty - the basic storyline focused on the gangster's visionary idea about building a gambling mecca in the desert and his hands-on involvement with the development and subsequent construction of the original Flamingo Hotel on the main strip.


As the tawdry Hollywood tale goes, Busgy gets mixed up with the wrong woman, which results in a double-cross and the subsequent  rip-off of a hefty sum of cold-hard cash from gangsters in the east who were funding the resort in Nevada.



In the end scenario, it was alleged in the big-studio production, that Bugsy Siegel was assassinated in his Beverly Hills mansion shortly after the grand opening (which fizzled out), as pay-back.


In Bugsy, the screenwriters led theatre-goers to believe that the Flamingo was not only Bugsy's first and last tie with with the Hotel industry, but the first Hotel built in the Nevada desert.

If that is the case, why does a plague embedded in cement on the sidewalk downtown state that the El Cortez was the first Hotel that Bugsy Siegel had an investment in?

Did the creative forces behind Bugsy Siegel exercise artistic (poetic) license to spice up the tale a tad to make it more entertaining to film buffs?

Or, is there some other reason why the historical facts remain clouded?

Inquiring minds want to know.

That issue aside, I was quite taken with the El Cortez Hotel, except for one incident which I'll discuss at the close of the post (to give fair warning to consumers-at-large).

Initially, I expected standard bill-of-fare at the older Hotel, but ended up with so much more than that on my plate.

I found  the memorabilia in the Hotel Casino particularly fascinating, for starters.

When I strode through the low-key gambling hall with a glass of white wine in hand, I stopped here and there to take a gander at the faded old photographs of Bugsy and his pals mugging for the cameras.

In addition, a bevy of old stills captured the Vegas Freemont scene in its heyday long before the protective eye-catching tarp (which now features dazzling light shows nightly) was erected.

In fact, a couple of the photographs highlighted a rakish aspect  to the architectural style featured  (enchanced in some instances by cantelevered rooftops in vogue at the time) that I found downright appealing to my artistic sensibilities.

The old coupes parked in the street were a shining example of the the mob's love for exotic cars with smooth (almost sensual) lines that screamed out style and quality.

On the first day, I thought perhaps I made a misake about checking in to the El Cortez, though.

You see, when I first stepped into the elevator, I thought something was wrong with the lift.

I pushed the button for the floor I was supposed to be ensconced on but to no avail.

The lift wouldn't budge an inch.

Would I have to make a slow climb up a raft of stairs to the top?

Suddenly, after a moment's inspection, I realized that I needed to insert my room key to activate the elevator.

Cool!

Talk about feeling secure!

By the way, the El Cortez elevator - crafted in expensive dark mahogany and replete with mirrored ceiling and highly-polished brass appointments- was one of the fanciest elevators I've been in for quite a while, alright.

My suite was quite attractive, too.

The king-size bed was gigantic!

I could have hosted a small orgry in these spacious environs, no problem!

In addition, I fell in love with the sturdy desk (where I proceeded to pen my posts over the next couple of days), deep comfy armchairs, and full-length window framing a picturesque view of the Vegas skyline.

In fact,I  felt quite relaxed and at home.

For good reason!

In the distance, especially at night with the lights on, the Stratosphere reminded me of the CN Tower in my home town, Toronto.

I was also thrilled with the care package I was treated to when I checked in, which  included a fun book rife with discount coupons, and $5.00 free slot play.

Ah, the powers-that-be held me now in the palm of their hand.

Since I prefer quieter climbs off-the-beaten path, the El Cortez managed to offer up a perfect setting for me to think my thouhts and nurture my spiritual yearnings.

The hotel experience (especially in view of the costs involved) was a very satisfying one until check out time rolled around.

As I was about to hand in my room key - and settle accounts - I suddenly realized I forgot to cash in my winnings from a round or two of slot play the first night I settled in at the El Cortez.

So, I sauntered over to the redemption machine to cash out.

Imagine that, I was hardly at the kiosk a second or two, when a short fat guard strolled up and stood by my side casing my every move!

His conduct was politically & socially incorrect for two very good reasons.

For starters, my winnings were my business (and not his by any stretch of the imagination).

Moreover, his intimidating stance next to me on the Casino floor was simply classless, and amounted to a severe case of bad manners!

In the final analysis, even at the El Cortez, it appears management gets hot under the collar when a guest checks out with winnings in their pocket.

Yup.

The Casinos in Vegas try their best to sap 'ya dry!

In the final analysis, the bloom will be off the rose for tourists and gamblers alike, 'til Vegas becomes more customer-friendly and less greedy, for sure!




El Cortez lobby of yesteryear!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Las Vegas...Terribles a terrible Hotel! Travellers billed charges without disclosure or authorization! Dishonest staff frustrate process with lies & deception...

Everyone is a loser at Terribles!




They don't call Terribles Hotel  & Casino (Las Vegas) Terribles for no good reason.

This place not only sucks, but openly engages in deceptive business practices.

In particular, the  front desk staff place charges on customer debit and credit cards without full disclosure as required by law.

The highly irregular (illegal conduct) constitutes fraud, in fact.

For example, when a guest checked in at the front desk yesterday, a clerk requested a credit card on the grounds that she needed to take an imprint in the event there were any incidentals (phone calls, movie rentals, etc).

Understandable.

However, it was not until the next morning when the guest attempted to use their card, that they discovered (of their own accord quite by accident),  that the dishonest front desk clerk actually charged the sum of $100.00 to the guests debit card without notice or warning.

The law requires that Hotels disclose charges and holds on funds for obvious reasons.
For starters, a tourist has a right to know when their accounts are being billed fees or funds are being held, so they have the option to book a room elsewhere if they do not agree with the Hotel's policy.

From a practical point of view, you'd think Hotel staff would be able to grasp the concept, especially in view of the fact the issue takes little common sense to fathom.

On occasion, if not a large percentage of the time, tourists are also budgeting their trips - and so - must keep track of funds expended to ensure that ends meet on their jaunts away from home.

When a Hotel like Terribles puts a hold on funds or bills charges without disclosure - the results can be a disaster to a traveller who is suddenly left in a lurch without funds for gas or for food -  because of the unscupulous, dishonest, and fraudulent conduct of employees like those at Terribles.

Perhaps  the individuals in question are just too stupid to figure it out for themselves - or just maybe - they don't give a da** about their clientele.

In spite of the obvious failures to disclose, which warranted  immediate credit back without argument, Terribles staff proceeded  to lie and distort the facts and give the hapless hotel guest the run-around while other patrons at the Hotel (and staff on the lobby floor and in the Casino) gazed on in  total disbelief.

The exchange I witnessed dragged on for twenty or thirty minutes - and included a phone call to the bank - with a request that the credit be issued back right away.

During the course of that conversation on the telephone, the bank employee acknowledged that from her end the sum of $100.00 was posted as an actual charge (and was not just a hold on funds).

Of course, this information conflicted with the bold-faced statements of the manager, who alleged the $100.00 was just a hold on funds and not an actual charge (which would drop off eventually in 3-5 days).

In spite of that fact, the manager refused to issue a credit back for $100.00 right away, or reimburse the Hotel guest the sum of a hundred dollars cash-in-hand (although they were checking out and owed nothing).

Until the party asked the bank employee to put a supervisor on the line, that is.

At this juncture, the Hotel Manager and the Bank operator suddenly came to the conclusion that if Terribles charged the account $100.00 again - then issued a credit back for $100.00 right there on the spot -  that the guest's original $100.00 would magically be credited back into the account at the stroke of midnight.

Say what?

If the account was already debited $100.00 - wouldn't another debit in the sum of $100.00 and a credit back for the sum of $100.00 - end up posting a remaining $100.00 debit on the account???

Someone's logic is off!

Now the guest has to cross their fingers and pray that what the manager  alleges will magically transpire at tonight's witching hour will pan out according to plan.

Meanwhile, the guest is without the funds until the moolah mysteriously credits back to their account (if ever).

In addition to that bizarre scenario (which would never have gone down if the Hotel employee had of acted properly and within the full extent of the law) a guest encountered a frustrating situatiion when they checked into the same Hotel.

The reservation was promplty processed without any hitches at the front desk  (or so they thought) - at which point - they shuffled off to their digs on the third floor to settle in.

About twenty minutes later, the desk clerk rang the individual up on the telephone, and asserted  that the individual was booked into two separate rooms.

Huh?

When the guest noted that they only booked one room at the Hotel, the rude clerk got a little feisty with the tourist.

Well, you'd better call Expedia or Orbitz and sort it out, she harshly demanded.

Ah, suddenly a bell rang off in his head.

When the guest attempted to reserve the room earlier in the afternoon at Expedia, a pop-up message noted that the room could not booked at that time.

So, the anxious traveller surfed over to Orbitz, where a room was booked at Terribles for the same price without any problem.

In fact - in about two seconds flat - the room was booked, the credit card billed, and a confirmation e-mail zipped across the Internet to his e-mail box at Yahoo.

After a lengthly conversation with the front desk personnel - in which the hotel employee twisted and distorted the facts - a manager finally agreed to contact one of the companies to resolve the problem.

"But, we should approach Expedia, because Orbitz rarely ever gives credit back."

Well, that excuse didn't sit well with the guest; after all, Orbitz booked the room promplty and professionally.

Why should Orbitz ever lose  business because management at Terribles doesn't  like dealing with them?

When this was pointed out, the manager reluctantly followed through,  and contacted expedia to try and get a credit back for the customer.

Imagine that, Expedia called the guest in their room, and  took the stand that somehow the guest and the Hotel were at fault.

But, the guest stood their ground.

For starters, Expedia alleged onliine, that the room could not  be booked.

So, the guest went elsewhere.

After-the-fact (when the  site glitch was resolved) it appears that Expedia went ahead and booked the room, and billed the guest's credit card, without any legal notice or even a confirmation with a reservation number by e-mail after-the-fact.

Normally, when expedia books a room, they confirm on the reservation page that the booking has been made, note the sum billed, and follow through with a confirmation stating the terms and cnditions of the reservation, cancellation politices, etc.

Never happened!

From a legal standpoint, Expedia not only acted fraudulently, but didn't have a pot to pi** in.

In view of the facts, the hotel quest had no legal obligation to pay for  a room that was booked without his knowledge or permission.

In spite of the fact assurances were made by both Experian and Hotel management that the issue was resolved, another manager the following day started to give the guest the run-around and went so far as to allege that she didn't think either company had billed for the room - when both, in fact - had.

The guests bank records online verified the ugly truth!

Needless to say, Terribles is not only a Terrible place to lodge for obvious reasons, but is probably the worst da**  Hotel in Las Vegas.

And, the staff at the Hotel have sh** for brains.

Avoid this place like the plague, unless you want to spend hours on the phone trying to resolve fall-out from their constant fraudulent actions, and ruin your holiday in the process.

As T. Barnum once said:

"There's a sucker born every minute."





The rooms are terribly sleazy, too!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Tiger Woods...pussy galore! This cat has nine - um - pieces of tail!


You think a hole in one is tough, try nine, dude!




By the time dinner hour rolled around last night, it was quite evident from the news reports flooding in, that Tiger Woods was either a super stud or relying on the mystical power of exotic drugs to sustain what was obviously an insatiable quest for sexual  conquests.

At last count, nine lusty women jumped on the Tiger (gotcha by the tail)  merry-go-round, to snatch up a bit of the spotlight in the unfolding scandal.

On the heels of the revelations about the startling body (of the hot & fleshy variety) allegations also began filtering out of the revolving-door boudoir in respect to drug-induced high-jinks.

For instance, experts speculated that Tiger must have scarfed down what is commonly-known as a date-rape prescription drug, to enlarge upon the width-and-breath of his clandestine prowess.

That theory came home to roost – and ended up a reality check for Tiger – when evidence regarding this allegation was surreptiously gleened on a different front.

With law enforcement evidence in hand -  innovative gossip mongers delved further and managed to uncover testimony from eyewitnesses secured from public records (and elsewhere) that underscored that on the night of the accident - Tiger was either bombed by virtue of a lethal combination of alcohol and drugs or under the influence of some kind of mind and/or mood-altering substance in the alternative.

In retrospect, looking back, it is obvious why the golf pro sequestered himself in the inner sanctum of his home (at the advice of criminal lawyers specializing in damage control) and away from the prying eyes of neighbors and the ubiquitous media parked outside his pricey Florida enclave.

Some argue that the issues are private matters, though.

Matt Damon (who admitted being friends with Tiger) took an off-limits approach.

Meanwhile, the hypocritical Invictus star (with an upcoming feature film release begging for promotion on the horizon) got his mug on camera, didn’t he?

Ever the publicist looking out for your own behind, plotting career moves and novel ways to drum up publicity along the way, eh Matt?

Unlike others, I disagree with the smug position of a handful of party-poopers, who assert that the probe should not go any farther based on Tiger's right to privacy.

After all, there is one stickling fact to keep uppermost in the mind, folks!

Tiger’s little indiscretion that fateful night caused physical damage - not only to his neighbor’s property - but to city-owned fixtures (a fire hydrant) paid for by the public coffers.

Subsequently, enquiring minds want to know one niggling thing.

Will there be any more wild  incidents arising out of Tiger’s uncontrollable urge to prowl hungrily at the witching hour to satisfy deep sexual cravings - no matter how wobbly his dick - or drug-soaked his mental faculties may be?

If so, at what cost?

The scuttlebutt here in Vegas - Sin City capital of the world - is running rampant.

Even local reporters have been inclined to divulge point blank -  that they were aware of Tiger's late-night carousing and carefree nights of high-roller gambling at the Casinos (where management encouraged the prettier gals to hang out and egg the likes of Woods and his cast of desperados on to ensure the cold hard cash kept flowing).

Not a peep leaked out - because as they say - what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Until the Florida incident, that is.

Meanwhile, numero uno nosey parker – Oprah Winfrey - stepped into the fray (so what else is new from the hefty bag's corner) and offered up a forum for Tiger and the missus to air the dirty laundry and get to the crux of the problem.

Don't suppose ratings has anything to do with this generous offer?

In view of all the shocking breaking news of late, it is evident at this point in time, that Tiger needs more than someone to hold his co**.

Unlike other dudes, he can’t turn to best his friend to confide in, either.

After all, the childhood friend introduced him to his first mistress.

On the sidelines, the curious are wondering if Tiger will even show at his buddy’s wedding celebrations this week, in spite of the fact he’s supposed to assume the role of best man at the altar.

Even still, best man for best pimp sounds highly appropriate, don't 'ya think?

In addition to a therapist,Tiger is in dire need of a mediator –and high-profile negotiator whiz – to wangle a deal with a bevy of bodacious beauties circling the edges of the high stakes melodrama like a school of blood-thirsty sharks out for a piece of the action.

Although Tiger's approval rating is higher than that of the president,the court of public opinion has spoken.

Zip it, Woods!

Meanwhile, his missus should snap up the prenuptial moolah and give the a**hole the big kiss off.

Once a wayward prick, always a wayward prick, after all.





Smile if 'ya got some trophy pussy last night!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Oscar De La Hoya...MGM VIP fight packages at knock-out prices! Ringside, please...



The MGM Grand has thrown together a couple of enticing VIP packages for die-hard fight fans and heavy-rollers who intend to breeze into town and make a smash weekend of the sports event being billed as "The Dream Match" and sure to be a highlight of the year!

Yes, at press time, boxing darling Oscar De La Hoya was slated to fight Pacquiao on December 6th.


If you want to be up-close and personal - and savor a few spoilers at the MGM Grand - there are 3 knock-out packages to choose from.



The $3,399 VIP package includes 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room, 2 premium seat tickets, VIP line check in, and VIP entry to the official after party.

Takers will also receive a $100 activity credit valid for dining, entertainment or spa.

For those who'd prefer to save a few bucks for the slots, there is a 2nd tier package to splurge on.

The enticing promotion includes 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room, 2 premium seat tickets, VIP line check in, and VIP entry to the official after party.

MGM will toss in a $50 activity credit valid for dining, entertainment or spa.

Budget-conscious gamblers still get a great deal on a third package offered.

The $1,399 VIP jaunt to Vegas includes 2 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Room, 2 premium seat tickets, VIP line check in, and VIP entry to the official after party.

And, once again, a $50 activity credit valid for dining, entertainment or spa.

Nothing in my price range.

Guess I'll have to snap up some chips 'n dip, a six-pack, and watch it on pay television.

How 'bout you?

If it's not too rich for your blood contact the booking agents below.

Info: Luxury Sales at 1-877-646-5638