Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Two days of Rodeo at CORE Arena

• A free Steady Rock concert

• Upcoming Golden Knights home game

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

My Goal For The Week

This week, I plan to wake up one hour earlier every day at 5:30am. I like how peaceful it is at that time of morning. I just re-read one of my favourite books called The 5AM Club over the weekend and I am motivated to get back to early rising.

One Idea For a Better Week

Every single day, write down one idea that you could do to make your life 1% better. Think small. Keep doing it. Stack these 1% improvements up over the course of a month, and watch how much it impacts your life.

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 iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign was designed by whom?

A. Tommy Hull

B. Betty Willis

C. Steve Wynn

D. Kirk Kerkorian

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Before Las Vegas became known for gambling, it was a key location for what industry in the early 20th century?

Answer: Railroads

News

💼 Business

A Las Vegas small-business owner, Alexandra Lourdes, garnered attention as she shared her daily life and business operations on social media, which included making donuts for celebrities like Bad Bunny and Karol G, as well as mixing new drinks for her customers. This highlighted the vibrant and diverse small business community in the city.

35,000 Las Vegas hospitality workers prepared to strike against casino and resort operators like MGM Resorts International, giving a November 10th deadline, following stalled negotiations. This significant move is expected to impact the city's bustling hospitality and gaming industry heavily.

🏦 Finance

Planet 13 Holdings Inc., a leading multi-state cannabis company based in Las Vegas, announced that it would release its financial results for the third quarter of 2023 on October 31, 2023. This release was anticipated to provide insights into the financial health and operational success of the company in the growing cannabis market.

🏒 Sports

Furthermore, the Las Vegas Raiders displayed a strong sense of community by donating $1 million to UNLV Athletics, bolstering support for the local football program. This donation underlined the collaborative spirit between professional sports teams and educational institutions in Las Vegas.

📰 News

In a heartfelt homage to community and creativity, a team of local artists was highlighted for painting a mural in Downtown Las Vegas. Their efforts were part of a broader initiative to beautify the urban space and foster a sense of community pride.

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

🏒 Golden Knights vs. Kings (November 8) Cheer on the Vegas Golden Knights as they hit the ice at T-Mobile Arena to play against the Los Angeles Kings.

🏈 Raiders vs. Jets (November 12) Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Allegiant Stadium as the Las Vegas Raiders take on the New York Jets.

🏀 UNLV Rebels Basketball (November 8) Witness the UNLV Rebels battle it out on the basketball court against the Southern Jaguars.

Music & Concerts

🎤 Rock Steady Free Concert (November 12) Let the rhythms captivate you in a night filled with remarkable music performed by Rock Steady on 1st Street Stage. This free event promises a memorable experience for all attendees.

Events

🐎 Two days of Rodeo at CORE Arena (November 10-11) Enjoy a heart-racing display of rodeo skills at the CORE Arena, where competitors vie for the championship in a range of traditional rodeo events.

Hobbies

🚗 Mecum Collector Car Auctions (November 9-11) Revel in a haven of classic and collector cars at the Mecum Auctions, where automobile enthusiasts can bid on a wide range of unique and vintage vehicles.

🧸 Big Boys Toys (November 10-12) Explore an exhibition of innovative and luxurious products at Big Boys Toys, catering to aficionados of tech, motors, fashion, and more.

Family

🏎️ MCon 2023 (November 10-12) Engage in a family-friendly convention filled with a diverse array of activities, gadgets, and experiences that cater to every member of the family.

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 as an underwater city” 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

The MGM Grand Fire: A Wake-Up Call for Safety (1980)

The MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas suffered one of the most catastrophic fires in the history of U.S. hospitality on November 21, 1980, when an electrical fault sparked a blaze that engulfed the building. The hotel, then the second-largest in the world, was inadequately equipped with fire safety systems, lacking full sprinkler coverage. This allowed the fire and toxic smoke to spread rapidly, claiming the lives of 85 people and injuring over 600.

In the fire's aftermath, it became evident that the tragedy was a consequence of insufficient fire safety standards. The disaster triggered a complete overhaul of fire safety protocols in Las Vegas and beyond. New regulations mandated the installation of modern fire safety devices, such as sprinklers and smoke detectors, in all hotels. Existing structures were also required to be retrofitted to meet these enhanced safety standards.

The legacy of the MGM Grand fire extends well into contemporary fire safety practices. It prompted nationwide revisions in building and fire codes, with many of the new policies becoming part of the NFPA standards. The site, now Bally's Las Vegas, serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for rigorous fire safety measures in public structures.

Las Vegans In History

Archibald Stewart: Las Vegas' Pioneer Pillar (1825-1884)

Early Frontier Life (1825-1842) Archibald Stewart was born into the untamed wilderness of the American West in 1825. Raised amidst the stark beauty and the rugged demands of frontier life, he developed an indomitable spirit that would guide his path through the annals of history.

From Family Man to Frontier Leader (1843-1855) 

1843 saw Archibald marry Helen Jane Wiser. This partnership proved to be a keystone in his life, establishing a family that would stand by his side through the myriad challenges of pioneering life. Together, they ventured westward, drawn by the siren call of opportunity that echoed across the Nevada territories.

The Nevada Venture (1856-1860) 

In the late 1850s, the Stewart family moved to Nevada. This pivotal relocation was spurred by the discovery of silver in the region, igniting Archibald's enduring ambition to carve prosperity out of the arid desert landscape.

The Las Vegas Ranch: An Agricultural Endeavor (1861-1880) 

Archibald's tenure as the steward of the Las Vegas Ranch was marked by a time of growth and establishment. 1861 marked the year when he fully embraced his role as a rancher and businessman, integrating the land into the greater tapestry of American trade routes.

1880 was a particularly significant year as the ranch solidified its position as a vital stop for rest and resupply, not just for weary travelers but also for burgeoning industries that were fast redefining the American West.

An Untimely Demise (1884) 

Tragedy struck in 1884, when Archibald's life was claimed in a gunfight—an all-too-common fate in the lawless expanses of the frontier. His untimely death echoed the harsh realities of the era and cast a shadow over the bright future he had envisioned.

The Widow's Legacy (1884-1893) 

The years following Archibald's death saw his widow, Helen, step forward to shoulder the responsibilities he left behind. She adeptly managed the ranch and affairs, becoming an influential figure in her own right and a linchpin in the eventual sale of the land to the railroad company—a move that would propel Las Vegas toward its future as a vibrant city.

The Stewart Name Endures (1894-Present) 

Archibald Stewart's legacy extends far beyond the timeline of his life. The lineage and values he instilled in his descendants continued to influence the development of Las Vegas, with the Stewart name becoming synonymous with pioneering ambition and the transformation of the Las Vegas Valley.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Las Vegas 

Archibald Stewart's vision and determination live on in the city of Las Vegas. His ability to foresee the valley's potential laid the groundwork for the thriving urban center it is today. A testament to his impact is seen in the landmarks and streets bearing his name, honoring a man who was as much a part of Nevada's history as the silver found beneath its soil.

Major Achievements:

• Founded the Las Vegas Ranch, an essential settlement in the early days of Las Vegas.

• Was pivotal in establishing agricultural practices in the region.

• His foresight led to the transformation of a trade stop into a community hub.

• His legacy is continued by his descendants, who played significant roles in Las Vegas's history.

• The Stewart name remains a respected part of Las Vegas's heritage, representing the indomitable pioneer spirit.

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