Las Vegas Newsletter (June 17th)

Here are your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Mirage’s non-union workers could get smaller severance when resort closes.

  • Upcoming Las Vegas Aces game

  • A deep dive into the life of Buddy Hackett

  • And more…

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Quote of the Week

"Action is the foundational key to all success."

— Pablo Picasso

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!

In which Las Vegas hotel can you find the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat?

A) The Mirage

B) The Flamingo

C) Mandalay Bay

D) The Wynn

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The giant observation wheel that stands 550 feet tall is A) The High Roller at The LINQ.

News

💼 Business

Mirage’s non-union workers could get smaller severance when resort closes. (Link)

‘It was stifling in that place’: Atomic Golf faces complaints over west-facing venue. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Meet the 2024 Nevada Preps All-Southern Nevada girls track team. (Link)

Battle for Vegas 2024 announces 1st set of Knights, Raiders players. (Link)

🏦 Finance

$134K bingo jackpot hits at Las Vegas Valley casino. (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

🏀 Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Wednesday, June 19th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚾ Party Animals at The Firefighters
Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas
Friday, June 21st | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 SOFI TUKKER
Hakkasan Nightclub (DJ set), Las Vegas
Thursday, June 20th | (More info)

🎵 Tiësto
Liv Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Friday, June 21st | (More info)

Family

📚 Kids Eat Free + Disney Movie at Off The Hook BBQ
Off The Hook BBQ, Las Vegas
Thursday, June 20th | (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 “An entirely underground Las Vegas” 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

1984: Opening of the original MGM Grand (now Bally's).

In 1984, the original MGM Grand, now known as Bally's Las Vegas, opened its doors to the public, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Las Vegas Strip. The grand opening of the MGM Grand was a lavish and extravagant affair, drawing in crowds from all over the world to witness the opulence and luxury of this iconic resort. The grand entrance, adorned with dazzling lights and glamorous decor, set the stage for an unforgettable experience that would come to define the essence of Las Vegas entertainment.

As guests stepped into the MGM Grand, they were greeted by a world of entertainment, featuring top-tier performances, world-class dining, and unparalleled hospitality. The casino floor buzzed with excitement as visitors tried their luck at the gaming tables and slot machines, adding to the electric atmosphere of the resort. The opening of the original MGM Grand was a testament to the allure and allure of Las Vegas, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate destination for luxury, entertainment, and indulgence.

Today, Bally's Las Vegas stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the original MGM Grand, offering a modern interpretation of the classic Las Vegas experience. With its timeless charm and contemporary amenities, Bally's continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and vibrant energy, paying homage to the grandeur of the past while embracing the spirit of the present.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Buddy Hackett (1924–2003):

Comedian and actor, performed in Las Vegas:

Buddy Hackett (born Leonard Hacker) was an American actor and comedian known for his versatile performances in films, television, and live comedy. His career spanned more than half of the twentieth century, and he was best known for his raunchy Las Vegas routine, which earned him substantial success in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Buddy Hackett was born Leonard Hacker on August 31, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career as a joke-telling waiter in the Catskills of New York, where he honed his comedic skills and developed a passion for entertaining audiences.

Rise to Prominence:

By the 1950s, Hackett had transitioned from performing in the Catskills to headlining stages in Las Vegas, Nevada. His raunchy and irreverent comedy routine became a hit in Las Vegas, propelling him to substantial success and recognition in the entertainment industry.

Film and Television Success:

Hackett's talent and comedic prowess led to numerous film and television roles, including memorable performances as Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man (1962), Benjy Benjamin in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), and Tennessee Steinmetz in The Love Bug (1968). He also lent his voice to the character Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (1989).

Broadway and Cable Specials:

In addition to his film and television work, Hackett enjoyed substantial success on Broadway and in cable specials. He headlined his own HBO special, Buddy Hackett--Live and Uncensored, in 1983 and starred in a second HBO comedy special, Buddy Hackett II--On Stage at Caesar's Atlantic City, in 1986.

Legacy and Recognition:

In 2021, Buddy Hackett was posthumously inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment industry and his status as a beloved and influential figure in comedy.

Key Achievements of Buddy Hackett:

  • Successful transition from joke-telling waiter to headlining comedian in Las Vegas.

  • Memorable film and television performances, including roles in The Music Man, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and The Love Bug.

  • Headlined his own HBO comedy specials, showcasing his comedic talent to a wider audience.

  • Posthumous induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, recognizing his enduring legacy in entertainment.

  • Known for his raunchy Las Vegas routine, which contributed to his substantial success and recognition in the industry.

Buddy Hackett's story is one of perseverance, talent, and enduring impact in the world of comedy and entertainment. His raunchy Las Vegas routine, along with his versatile performances in film, television, and live comedy, solidified his status as a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

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

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