Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Veterans business outreach center opens

• Human Nature concert this week

• A deep dive into the life of Siegfried Fischbacher

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

-Maya Angelou

Photo of the Week

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!

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is famous for preserving iconic signs from the city's history. Which of these classic signs is NOT featured at the museum?

A) The Stardust sign

B) The original Aladdin's lamp

C) The "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign

D) The Silver Slipper sign

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

What was the real name of the infamous mobster known as "Bugsy" Siegel, who played a pivotal role in the development of Las Vegas?

Answer: A) Benjamin Siegelbaum

News

💼 Business

Veterans Business Outreach Center Opens in Southern Nevada: A new center dedicated to supporting veterans in business has opened in Southern Nevada, offering resources and assistance to veteran entrepreneurs​​. (link)

The City of Henderson has collaborated with the College of Southern Nevada to provide a comprehensive business assistance program, aiming to support local businesses and foster economic growth​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

The U.S. stock markets, including Nasdaq, showed positive performance buoyed by strong economic data. Factors such as a resilient labor market and rising consumer sentiment contributed to the optimism among market participants, with all major indexes ending in the positive territory​​. (link)

The Department of Labor reported significant job additions in various sectors, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate. Additionally, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index for December indicated an increase, reflecting growing consumer confidence in the economy​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

Raiders Set Season Record: In a remarkable game, the Raiders scored a team-record 63 points against the banged-up Chargers, marking one of the highest-scoring games in the Super Bowl era​​. (link)

The Vegas Golden Knights will face the Ottawa Senators at T-Mobile Arena. This matchup is a highlight for hockey fans in Las Vegas, offering a chance to witness two competitive teams in a spirited NHL game​​. (link)

📰 News

Ross Edwards discusses the latest trends and insights in the building industry, highlighting new projects and developments in the Las Vegas area​​. (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

🏀 UNLV Runnin' Rebels Mens Basketball (December 21) Catch an exciting college basketball event featuring the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels as they take on Hofstra Pride at the Thomas & Mack Center. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Human Nature (December 20): Human Nature will be performing at a venue in Las Vegas, offering a lively musical experience. (link)

🎶 Andres Artist (December 21): Another concert event is happening, but further details about the venue and artist were not specified. (link)

Family

🌵 30th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates (December 18 - 24): A unique holiday experience with a walk through a 3-acre cactus garden adorned with lights, complemented by hot chocolate. (link)

🚗 Glittering Lights Drive-Thru Light Show (December 18 – 24): This drive-thru light show features millions of twinkling lights over a 2.5-mile route, creating a magical holiday atmosphere for the whole family. (link)

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 during a zombie apocalypse” 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

First Las Vegas Golden Knights Game (2017)

The debut of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 marked a historic moment for Las Vegas, as the city welcomed its first major professional sports team. Their inaugural game in the National Hockey League (NHL) signified the city's expansion into major league sports, a long-awaited development for the residents and sports fans.

The Golden Knights' first season was not only remarkable for its novelty but also for the team's unexpected success. They reached the Stanley Cup Finals, an unprecedented achievement for an expansion team in their first season. This success quickly garnered a passionate fan base and brought a new sense of community spirit to Las Vegas.

The arrival of the Golden Knights transformed the sports landscape in Las Vegas, breaking the city's image as solely a hub for entertainment and gambling. It opened the doors for other professional sports ventures in the city and showcased Las Vegas as a burgeoning sports destination.

Las Vegans In History

Siegfried Fischbacher: 1939-2021

Siegfried Fischbacher was one-half of the legendary magician duo Siegfried & Roy, known for their spectacular performances that combined magic, entertainment, and exotic animals, significantly shaping the face of Las Vegas entertainment.

Early Life and Discovery of Magic (1939-1957) 

Born in Rosenheim, Germany, Siegfried discovered his passion for magic at a young age. He grew up in a war-torn country, finding solace and enchantment in the art of illusion and performance.

Meeting Roy and Forming the Duo (1957-1967) 

Siegfried met Roy Horn while working as a performer on a cruise ship. Their shared passion for magic and performance led to the formation of their partnership. Roy’s expertise with animals and Siegfried’s magical prowess were the perfect combinations for a unique show.

Early Career and Growing Popularity (1967-1979) 

The duo began performing in Europe before moving to the United States. Their shows, featuring a blend of magic, illusion, and exotic animals, quickly gained popularity. Siegfried & Roy's act was not only novel but also symbolized escapism and fantasy.

Las Vegas Stardom and The Mirage (1980-1990) 

In the 1980s, Siegfried & Roy became synonymous with Las Vegas entertainment. Their residency at The Mirage, beginning in 1990, was a groundbreaking moment. Their show was an extravagant production featuring rare white tigers and lions.

Impact on Las Vegas Entertainment (1991-2000) 

Their long-running show at The Mirage revolutionized Las Vegas entertainment, making it a destination for high-quality, family-friendly shows. The duo's blend of magic and live animals set a new standard for stage performances in the city.

Tragic Onstage Accident and Career Shift (2003) 

In 2003, Roy suffered a severe injury from a tiger attack during a live performance. This incident marked the end of Siegfried & Roy's regular performances and was a significant moment in Las Vegas show history.

Philanthropy and Animal Conservation (2004-2010) 

Following the end of their regular performances, Siegfried & Roy focused on philanthropy, particularly in animal conservation. They were deeply committed to the care and preservation of their animals, especially their signature white tigers.

Legacy and Influence (2011-2021) 

Siegfried’s influence on Las Vegas and the world of entertainment extended beyond their performances. The duo is credited with transforming the nature of shows in Vegas, paving the way for other high-profile residencies.

Siegfried’s Passing (2021) 

Siegfried passed away in 2021, a year after Roy. His death marked the end of an era in Las Vegas entertainment history.

Enduring Impact on Entertainment and Magic 

The legacy of Siegfried & Roy continues in the memories of their spectacular shows, which brought a blend of fantasy, magic, and exotic allure to the heart of Las Vegas. Their impact on the city's entertainment scene and the world of magic is enduring.

Key Achievements of Siegfried Fischbacher:

• Co-created one of the most successful acts in Las Vegas history.

• Pioneered a new era of family-friendly entertainment in Las Vegas.

• Promoted animal conservation through their work and philanthropy.

• Their show at The Mirage set new standards for stage production and extravagance.

• Left a lasting legacy in the world of magic and entertainment.

Siegfried Fischbacher's story is one of creativity, innovation, and resilience. His contributions, along with Roy Horn, brought a unique blend of magic and spectacle to Las Vegas, forever changing the landscape of entertainment in the city.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen