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Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Mirage in Las Vegas is closing today after 34 years

• Upcoming Mac King concert

• A deep dive into the life of W.C. Fields

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

― Mae West

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Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the large reservoir created by the Hoover Dam, located near Las Vegas?

A) Lake Tahoe

B) Lake Mead

C) Lake Havasu

D) Lake Mojave

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The hotel on the Las Vegas Strip with a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a New York City skyline theme is A) New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

News

💼 Business

Airplanes grounded, slots down: Las Vegas works to recover from tech outage. (Link)

The iconic Mirage in Las Vegas is closing today after 34 years. (Link)

🏒 Sports

How the Warriors found and built their summer-league home in Las Vegas (Link)

Former mayor Oscar Goodman talks future of MLB baseball in Las Vegas. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Credit union aims to Rize Beyond Banking. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Monster Jam
4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas
Friday, July 26th | (More info)

🚗 BattleBots Destruct-A-Thon
BattleBots Arena, Las Vegas
Wednesday, Jul. 24th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Mac King
3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Tuesday, July 23 | (More info)

🎵 The Australian Bee Gees
3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas
Wednesday, July 24 | (More info)

Family

🎉 Family Science Storytime
1401 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas
Tuesday, July 23 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Las Vegas with a complex system of waterways and canals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1962: The first high-rise hotel, the Tropicana, opens.

In 1962, a new era of luxury and extravagance dawned on the Las Vegas Strip with the grand opening of the Tropicana Hotel, marking the city's first high-rise hotel. Standing tall and elegant, the Tropicana redefined the skyline of Las Vegas, setting a new standard for opulence and sophistication. With its sleek modern design and state-of-the-art amenities, the Tropicana became an iconic symbol of the city's evolution into a world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination.

The opening of the Tropicana in 1962 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Las Vegas, as it signaled the beginning of a new chapter in the city's development. The high-rise hotel not only offered unparalleled views of the vibrant Las Vegas Strip but also introduced a new level of luxury and comfort to visitors from around the world. Its lavish accommodations, world-class dining, and dazzling entertainment options made the Tropicana a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the ultimate Las Vegas experience.

As the first high-rise hotel in Las Vegas, the Tropicana set the stage for the city's future growth and expansion, inspiring the development of other iconic resorts and casinos along the Strip. Its legacy as a pioneer in the hospitality industry continues to resonate, as the Tropicana remains a timeless symbol of the glamour and allure that define the spirit of Las Vegas.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

W.C. Fields (1880–1946):

W.C. Fields, born William Claude Dukenfield, was an American comedian, actor, juggler, and writer known for his portrayal of hard-drinking, misanthropic braggarts in music-hall, film, and radio. His career in show business began in vaudeville, where he achieved international success as a silent juggler. Fields' legacy extends to his iconic performances in films such as Tillie's Punctured Romance (1928), My Little Chickadee (1940), and Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941). He passed away on December 25, 1946, leaving behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Vaudeville Success (1880-1910)

William Claude Dukenfield, later known as W.C. Fields, was born on January 29, 1880. His family supported his ambitions for the stage, and he began his career in vaudeville, where he gained international recognition as a silent juggler. Fields' early performances showcased his comedic talent and laid the foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.

Film and Radio Career (1910-1946)

Fields transitioned from vaudeville to the film and radio industry, where he became famous for his portrayal of hard-drinking, misanthropic characters. His roles in films such as Tillie's Punctured Romance (1928), My Little Chickadee (1940), and Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941) solidified his reputation as a comedic icon. His unique style and comedic timing endeared him to audiences and established him as a prominent figure in entertainment.

Connection to Las Vegas

W.C. Fields' performances extended to Las Vegas, where his comedic genius captivated audiences. His presence in Las Vegas contributed to the city's entertainment culture, leaving a lasting impression on the local entertainment scene.

Legacy and Influence

Fields' legacy as a comedian and actor continues to inspire performers and entertainers. His contributions to the entertainment industry have left an indelible mark, and his iconic performances are celebrated as timeless classics. Fields' influence on comedy and entertainment remains significant, and his work continues to be appreciated by audiences worldwide.

Key Achievements of W.C. Fields:

• Iconic performances in films such as Tillie's Punctured Romance, My Little Chickadee, and Never Give a Sucker an Even Break.

• Successful transition from vaudeville to film and radio, establishing himself as a prominent comedic figure.

• Enduring legacy as a comedic icon, inspiring future generations of performers and entertainers.

W.C. Fields' life and career are a testament to his comedic genius and enduring impact on the entertainment industry. His contributions to comedy and entertainment have solidified his place as a beloved figure in the history of entertainment.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen