Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Gableman changes his mind about that Rindfleisch appeal #JohnDoe #JohnDoeII #JohnDoe2
“A Wisconsin Supreme Court justice on Tuesday withdrew his unusual request asking for his colleagues on the state’s highest court to review its decision not to hear an appeal of a felony conviction from a former aide to Gov. Scott Walker.” – source Interesting. I feel loathe to speculate about this turn of events because more »
Monday, June 29, 2015
Five Winning Traits Of The New CHRO
Last week I got to play DJ and spin some great examples of the new kind of HR leader. In a few days, along with some 15,000 others, I’ll hit Vegas for SHRM 2015. We’re not in the desert to debate whether the HR ecosystem is changing — we know the answer to that one. Nor are we there to learn to love new bells and whistles — as a field, looks like we’re adapting to that brave new world of awesome. The onus now: HR leadership 3.0. It’s time to learn how to lead in ways that embrace the changes, but don’t overlook the essence of what we are here to do.
Chief Human Resources Officers are trending, and they’re going to become more common. That also means our fearless leader may well be a face up in the clouds of the executive floor, so she, or he, had better have the goods to lead the rest of us. And yes, it means that as we climb our own career ladders, we can officially reach for the stars. What should we aspire to bring to the boardroom?
Here are 5 traits for the CHRO A-game:
1. Relevant
My friend Steve Browne cites relevance the key challenge HR faces. Without being woven throughout the business, the relevance of an HR leader is compromised. To be (and be perceived as) relevant, we need to know how to integrate ourselves into all facets of the organization. We need to represent HR has as a function that’s absolutely critical to the firm’s lifeblood, function and trajectory. The new CHRO has the skill to not only stay grounded in that reality, but to convey it so effectively, it’s transformed into a non-issue.
2. Well connected
Timely, given I’m about to head to a party with 15,000 colleagues, but a leader never neglects her outside network. That ring of peers around the planet we call Our Present Job is no tangent: that’s your go-to team, the talent and the culture that you bring to work with you every day. Your peer connections are those helpful voices perched on your shoulder, guiding you from the perspective of talent, not your company’s mission: both are critical facets of your own leadership. Particularly in a climate of continued disruption, your peers are your personal team, and we need their entire range of experience and skills for true 360º leadership and problem solving.
3. Into everything
Tentacles, people, tentacles: spread your arms and fingers as wide as they can possibly reach into every single facet of your organization, and then pull. The HR leader needs to be the hub that brings everyone into the same sandbox, from marketing to IT to operations to accounting to graphic design even down to the person who plans the meals at the company cafeteria. Connecting people is key, and it’s what we know how to do.
4. Verbal
One of our bright rising stars reminded me of this in the most perfect way: she said it. Clearly, enthusiastically, intelligently. No matter what the papers say, the future of HR is not an algorithm, it’s a human. We may wind up with a new branch of HR in the future that’s called RR, as in those of us who have the dubious privilege of staffing up the non-human workers. But for now, and I’d say, for a long, long time, HR is about human talent, human capital, human needs and human lives. Social media and remote conferencing and chats and all that, we will need to be able to actually speak, and engage with other people, face to face. We have to be able to talk. Do the face to face. And, even more important, we need to want to.
5. Disruptable
What does it mean to be a disruptable leader? You can play every position in the game, often at the same time, and embrace constant disruption. It’s a core requirement of the new CHRO: pitcher and catcher, shortstop and outfielder: a combination of appropriate long range and short term competencies. E.g.: the CHRO embraces our shiny tools not as methodologies, but tools, framed with intuition, foresight and creative thinking. The global and multigenerational world of work calls for a very different view of borders and structure: expandable and fluid rather than stacked and static. Finally, the CHRO has no problem taking a sudden, surprise innovation and leveraging its abilities and power. We are flexible, agile, and love change as much as we love people.
That last trait? It had better be a given. You love people. This is tricky universe we’re staffing up and engaging, with shortages and shortfalls and challenges. Some competencies will change, but some won’t: the core goals are the same. No matter the new nomenclature, semantics or infinite data, New Day or Old Guard, human is the bottom line.
This article was written by Meghan M. Biro from Forbes and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. SmartRecruiters is the hiring success platform to find and hire great people.
Summer in New York: Top 3 Things to Do in July!
Summer in New York is a beautiful time of year filled with great events with everything from ball games to days spent in the park to summer film festivals. Here are our top three things to do this July!
The post Summer in New York: Top 3 Things to Do in July! appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.
Must dos this weekend in Vegas: July 1 – 5, 2015
Take a moment to imagine your perfect day. Where are you? What are you doing? Why are you doing it? If your perfect day is celebrating Independence Day in Vegas by drinking cold beers poolside while rocking out to your favorite DJ playing your favorite song then a) that was a really lucky guess on our part and b) if you’re in Vegas this weekend, this just may be the best few days of your life and you can even do it on a budget. Just like drinking whenever we please, we take our Fourth of July celebrations very seriously aka, this week there will be absolutely no shortage of awesome things to do here in our Entertainment Capital of the World. With a scroll of pool parties that could stretch all of the way back to July 4, 1776 (c’mon people, that’s Independence Day) to incredible firework viewing parties, this Fourth of July weekend in Vegas is going to be one for the history books, if you can remember it that is. Sound fun? Read on for some ideas of how you can celebrate your right to be the party animal you are this weekend in Sin City. ‘Merica.
Just, yum.
Shake Shack
Where: New York – New York Hotel and Casino
When: July 2 – 5
First, let’s talk about food because obviously one of the most American things one can do is eat hot dogs and stuff. There are hundreds of different restaurants here in Vegas but we have decided to list just one: Shake Shack. Why? They serve delicious burgers and milkshakes and that’s all the reason we need. Oh, and if the mention of juicy burgers and indulgent milkshakes hasn’t convinced you yet, maybe the mention of a great deal will. For the days of July 2 – 5 only, Shake Shack is offering special deals on their corn dogs and blueberry pies and beginning July 2, the eatery will set their specialty peach lemonade free to the world. Who knew independence could taste so good?
Imagine this is you and your crew and then imagine hundreds of fireworks exploding behind you…
Tower Party at the Stratosphere
Where: Stratosphere Hotel and Casino
When: July 4
These days, fifty bucks doesn’t stretch very far but here in Vegas, if you are smart with your moolah, there is actually a whole lotta stretching to be had. This weekend, instead of feeding the slot machines all of your dough, pocket some cash and buy yourself an experience instead. For $29.99 ($14.99, if you’re a hotel guest), you can get yourself a hot ticket into the Tower Party at the Stratosphere for the Fourth. Believe us, there are few better places in Vegas to catch the Fourth of July fireworks lighting up the Sin City skyline than from the 108th and 109th floors of the 1,149-foot structure. Not only will your ticket get you into the party, but you will also get two free drinks from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
With Tyga, the more serious the face, the more awesome the party. Think about it.
Tyga at Drai’s
Where: Drai’s Beachclub – Nightclub
When: July 5
For those of you concert enthusiasts out there, you’re in luck. This weekend is an epic time for our already awesome music scene and among the many concerts taking place this week, rap superstar Tyga will be kicking off his residency at Drai’s Beachclub – Nightclub at The Cromwell on July 5th. Performing atop the club’s 65,000-square-foot rooftop, fans will be partying poolside all night long with this rap icon. What is also cool about Drai’s is that guests have one of the best views of the city once they are on the roof. What better way to celebrate your freedom than feeling like you’re on top of the world while rocking out to “Rack City?”
We can already feel the country coming… and we like it.
Kenny Chesney at The Joint
Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
When: July 3 – 4
Do you relate more to the red solo cup crowd? Well heck, get yer boots on and celebrate ‘Merica the way it should be celebrated…. with booze and country music. He may be known to fly a pirate flag but country megastar Kenny Chesney sure as hell knows how to throw a damn good Fourth of July party with his “Big Revival” concert tour. Performing at The Joint inside of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Chesney is returning to Vegas this weekend for the second time on his Big Revival tour. Performing on July 3rd and 4th, let us tell you from firsthand experience that this is one show that you will not want to miss.
Who needs words when we have Body English?
Body English Closing Party
Where: Body English Nightclub
When: July 3
When things close here in Vegas it’s a toss up of emotions. Of course we are sad for whatever is closing, but we can’t help but be pumped on the fact that a crazy blowout party is about to go down. Yes, we celebrate everything possible, even closings. This weekend, Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino will be hosting an epic closing party with Dee Jay Silver. Getting us all into party mode for the Fourth, the club will be popping on the 3rd until the wee hours of the night until they kick everyone out for good. Let’s just say that like any closing party, drinks are usually stronger, the dance floor is typically hotter, and overall, it’s one hell of a good time.
UFC Fight Night 70: With Lyoto Machida, Timeless Does Not Imply Ageless. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
Andre Penner/Related Press Everyone’s time comes. In each one little thing. In work, in life, generally. The- clock is ticking on each one person, all of the time, in a method or another. Sat. night against Yoel Romero in Florida, much of the evidence recommended in that Lyoto Machida’s time had come. In a bout where he seemed slow & lackluster within the midst of a … Read the rest
Diddy FALLS off the stage before flubbing his lines at the BET Awards (as he performs after current arrest). Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Reporter Published: 21:30 EST, 28 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 21:30 EST, 28 Jun. 2015 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs took a tumble on Sun. at the BET Awards in L.A. during his 1st public appearance since being arrested (taken in to custody) at his … Read the rest
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Parliament approves referendum as Greece's future hangs within the balance. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
Jun. 27, 2015: Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras delivers a speech to the lawmakers during an emergency Parliament session for the governments proposed referendum in Athens, Sat.. - ATHENS, Greece – Greece’s parliament voted early Sun. in favor of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ motion to hold a Jul. 5 referendum on creditor proposals for reforms in exchange for loans, with the country’s future within the eurozone … Read the rest
Elle Fanning has got a craving as she heads to Taco Bell fast food restaurant with her mother Heather. Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Laurel Brown for original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Published: 23:08 EST, 27 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 23:09 EST, 27 Jun. 2015 She may be a movie show star, yet Elle Fanning is moreover a traditional 17-year-old girl.Which will explain a desire for Taco Bell on Sat. when … Read the rest
SISTAR states that their sun-kissed complexion is what sets them apart. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
On this current week’s airing of ‘Weekly Entertainment,’ the women of SISTAR exposed in that what sets them aside from other girls groups is their wholesome bods & sun-kissed complexion! SEE ALSO: Six days after release, SISTAR shake up the charts with perfect all-kill for ‘Shake It’ Following their comeback with “Shake It,” the members of SISTAR sat down with ‘Weekly Entertainment’ & talked about their … Read the rest
Dr. John brings jams to CHS Field's first concert. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
A promising debut was achieved Sat. by a musical newcomer — CHS Field. Jazz overlord Dr. John headlined a free afternoon concert, the 1st within the new St. Paul ballpark. Organizers weren’t positive if the acoustics, crowd control, weather & New Orleans soul would mix well for a good-time party bash vibe. However the crowd of about 7,500 appeared to be delighted. …
Read more on … Read the rest
He's seen fire, he's seen rain: The journey of James Taylor, who's at Allentown's PPL Center on Thurs.. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
As his profession nears 50 years, singer-songwriter James Taylor looks like he’s been around perpetually. His self-titled debut album was let go within the 1960s, & it is been 15 years of time since he was inducted in to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But over in that point, Taylor has morphed several times over. He has gone from a ragtag, road-worn folkie whose … Read the rest
The presidential clown car: Trump trumps Walker, Bernie’s coming to WI, Jill Stein is in, and More
TRUMP ON TOP A FOX poll puts Jeb at #1 and Trump at #2 in New Hampshire. Scott Walker is not in the top. This Politico article says that the numbers are too good to be true and quotes pollsters who say “Everybody should calm down“. Whatever the case, I’m still going to take pleasure more »
The Division: Tense Multiplayer in the Dark Zone
First revealed at E3 2013, Tom Clancy’s The Division introduced us to a post-apocalyptic vision of New York City realized in jaw-dropping detail.
Bringing Ubisoft’s vision of a post-pandemic urban battleground to life isn’t a task that the development team are keen to rush, so at E3 2015 there were still plenty of details to be unveiled — and this year was the turn of the Dark Zone.
This in-game PvP realm invites players to take on a variety of missions either as a team, a lone wolf or — as Executive Producer Fred Rundqvist told me — as a rogue agent hell-bent on securing the Dark Zone’s extra-special loot drops all for themselves.
“Essentially, the Dark Zone is a lawless area where you can go rogue, steal other people’s loot, and potentially betray your own teammates,” Fred explains.
As the hands-on demo from the E3 show floor demonstrated, patrolling the Dark Zone is a nervy, tense experience where you’re never quite sure who to trust — whether that’s other player-controlled squads, or members of your own team. But as with much of The Division, your experience and how you choose to play needn’t be restricted by how many friends — from your PSN list, match-made or met in-game — are also playing.
“You can play on your own, absolutely, or as part of a team,” Fred says. “If you want to play alongside others, you can hook up with people inside the game world and form a group, or go through matchmaking and start as part of a team. If you’re playing solo you won’t get totally overwhelmed — enemies scale to give a challenge to just one person or to a larger team.”
So those fears that The Division can only be enjoyable with the level of tactics and comms that we’ve seen in the trailers can be put to one side.
As Fred explains; “It’ll be your choice to work with other players, or against them. The Division is a loot and progression driven game, so the main reason to engage another player in combat within the Dark Zone is to take the loot that they’re carrying and use it for yourself.”
Tempting as that may be, greed can easily get the better of you. “By doing that, you’re taking a fairly large risk. As soon as you’re openly hostile to another player, you’ve gone rogue and you’ll be flagged to all the other agents in the area. If they take you out, they’ll gain an extra bounty that’s placed on rogue agents, earn extra XP, and can pick up whatever it was that you stole.
“So the game is more balanced than just being a free-for-all — you have you decide if it’s worth it, who you’ll be up against, and the strength of your team before you go rogue and engage another player.”
How you approach life in the Dark Zone, and outside in the wider world of The Division, is likely to depend on how you want to play the game. But, as Fred explains, you won’t find yourself locked in to a specific class, loadout or speciality.
“We like to think of The Division as a ‘classless’ game — you’ll unlock skills and talents as you level up and then you can specialize in a specific path. Or you can try to follow them all and level up that way and switch between them,” he says.
“Most people have a preferred playing style, whether you’re the supporting medic, the long range sniper, or if you want to go in aggressively and deal a lot of damage. To me, that’s the beauty of The Division — it’s an evolution of traditional RPGs.”
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Rapper DMX Arrested in New York NY Over Unpaid Child Support. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
Rapper DMX has been arrested (taken in to custody) for failure to pay child support just as he was about to perform at Radio City Music Hall. A spokesman for the NYC Sheriff’s Department tells WPIX-TV the 44-year-old rapper was taken in to custody Fri. for several “issues outstanding.” He stated these included $400,000 value of unpaid child support, a warrant issued by the city of … Read the rest
We Miss The Sinkhole…
The motorhome is parked at Thousand Trails RV Resort in Seaside, Oregon. I’ve been here a number of times before, so I’ve thoroughly seen all of the local tourist attractions. So, now I’m just hanging out enjoying the nice weather. Mary is dealing with her over-flowing to-do list plate which can only be handled by […]
Topalov wins Norway 2015!
The first event of the Grand Chess Tour has finished with the old guard still showing that they are a viable force. Veselin Topalov and Viswanathan Anand drew their last round encounter giving them both 1st and 2nd place in the first leg of the new elite event.
Topalov had a fortuitous start with a won over Magnus Carlsen who was unaware of the time control and flagged. This apparently affected the world champion as he dropped another game in the second round to nemesis Fabiano Caruana. After compiling only 1/2-point in the first four rounds, the chess world was in total shock. Meanwhile Topalov, Anand and Hikaru Nakamura were in solid form.
Viswanathan Anand congratulates Topalov after making 18-move draw.
Criticism from fans and commentators was swift.
What is interesting about this tournament was the fact that the two oldest competitors ran the tables and proved that they could still play steadily against top competition. On the other hand, top seeds Carlsen and Caruana struggled mightily. Caruana made a number of uncharacteristic blunders including the 40…g5?? blunder against Nakamura and a gross misjudgment against Levon Aronian.
Carunana finished on -1 and has been in a bit of a free fall on the Elo list tumbling from his perch of 2851 reached last October. Carlsen has also hemorrhaged points losing 23 points in this tournament alone. The champion had a chance to draw even in the last round but was beaten soundly by tail-ender and compatriot Jon Ludwig Hammer.
Carlsen close to resigning against Hammer.
It is with a certainty that future championship matches will not be played in Norway as long as Carlsen is the champion. He simply does not perform well on his home turf. It is possible that he will have to defend his title in the U.S. against an American! Nevertheless, Carlsen has two more events and will return to the U.S. to play in the Sinquefield Cup in August.
There were no breakout performances this year and the result was in doubt all the way until the 8th round when Nakamura failed to convert an advantage against Alexander Grischuk. After that, Topalov moved to 1.5 points ahead of Nakamura and meant either he or Anand would score the victory regardless of the result. Despite barely missing a chance to vie for 1st place, the top American was pleased with his play and builds on his outstanding year. He is now at a career high Elo of 2814.
These five battled at 2014 Sinquefield and will return in August!
Topalov was ecstatic and admitted to being the recipient of great fortune in a few of his games. However, he stated in an interview that it is very difficult to maintain the focus of 20 years ago and that he was pleasantly surprised at his performance. Both he and Anand seemed to be supportive of each other in these observations. However, Anand is playing better than he has during his champion years… which is bad news for the rising stars. We will certainly see if the field (and possibly Wesley So) will come to St. Louis with vengeance in their hearts.
Norway Chess 2015: http://2015.norwaychess.com/
Grand Tour Chess 2015: http://www.grandchesstour.com
Drum Coverage: http://www.thechessdrum.net/
Friday, June 26, 2015
'We have been already buying nursery items': Married At First Sight's Zoe Hendrix talks about her & Alex Garner's heartache losing…
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Chloe-lee Longhetti For original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Australia Published: 23:02 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 23:02 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 They have been open about their grief after having a miscarriage.& now Married At First Sight’s Zoe Hendrix has further exposed the ache her & … Read the rest
Spring Storm Damage Recovery
The storms have passed, the sky has cleared, the water has receded ... and your home has taken the brunt of the damage inflicted. As you begin the process of remedying your home, take these important steps to recover from spring storm damage.
The post Spring Storm Damage Recovery appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.
14 Bedrooms Where Waking Up Is Better Than Your Dreams
Prepare to have a serious case of wanderlust.
The post 14 Bedrooms Where Waking Up Is Better Than Your Dreams appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.
Hiro Nakamura & HRG return in dark first trailer for Heroes Reborn. Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Paul Chavez for original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Published: 22:35 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 22:36 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 Heroes Reborn exposed some new & familiar faces in a trailer let go on Thurs. for the upcoming 13-episode collection.The 70-second video started with California school … Read the rest
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Gableman hopes to reel Rindfleisch (and Scott Walker’s secrets) back to Wisconsin
Dear Readers: We have some John Doe II news to talk about. I’m not absolutely positive what’s up – but I have some strong suspicions, which I will go into. Whatever’s going down, the timing of this could not be more threatening to Scott Walker’s impending presidential campaign. First you need to know that the more »
Reese Witherspoon wears vibrant colourful ensemble & shades for a day out in sunny LA. Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Laurel Brown for original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Published: 22:41 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 22:41 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 Reese Witherspoon has-been a busy lady over the past yr, yet not even all in that work could rumple her flower-decorated garments or dim her smart, … Read the rest
Kelly Osbourne wears punk-inspired white dress covered in safety pins for Logo's Trailblazer Honors in New York City. Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Cassie Carpenter for original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Published: 22:47 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 22:47 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 Kelly Osbourne donned a white frock covered in safety pins for Logo’s Trailblazer Honors in Manhattan Thurs..The 30-year-old daughter of Ozzy Osbourne paired her punk-inspired frock … Read the rest
Solange Knowles takes another winning fashion risk in brilliant yellow pants & skirt for New York City Pride Week bash. Las Vegas Blog
Me plunder is at Treasure Island Mate
The Above Altered Image Is Willfully Made Available for “Fair Use” Derivative Art .
By Paul Chavez for original editorialized for public "Fair Use" Published: 22:47 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 | Updated: 22:47 EST, 25 Jun. 2015 She is certainly not afraid of taking risks with regards to fashion.On Thurs., Solange Knowles just about got it right again in as she stepped out … Read the rest
Why Indie Labels Made Peace With Apple Inc.: Streaming Is Quickest Growing Income Source. Las Vegas Blog
Reported From Area 51.
A majority of the world’s indie labels now rely on digital sales, streams & subscriptions for many of their income, & streaming is the fastest-growing piece of the pie. A member survey conducted by the worldwide digital rights agency Merlin let go Thurs. shows digital, fairly than physical media, now represents the main source of income for a majority of its independent record brand members. The- … Read the rest
Neon Museum’s La Concha Visitor’s Center one for the history books
Something old gets a new title. The retro La Concha visitor’s center at the Neon Museum has just been added to the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. No offense to those born before the ’60s but in Vegas years, this building is downright antique.
La Concha from Nov. 6, 1963. Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau
Built in 1961, this former motel lobby was disassembled and relocated from its South Las Vegas Boulevard location to its current home at the Neon Museum in 2006. This wasn’t a Lego build-off my friends, preservationists raised $600,000 to save this crown jewel and make sure it was lovingly preserved for generations to come.
Not totally unlike a place you might see on The Jetsons, the La Concha is a great example of “Googie” design. Go ahead and Google Googie to see what we’re talking about. Confession, we just wanted to say Google Googie.
The mid-century design used thin-shell concrete and glass to resemble a seashell so it would be immediately recognizable from the street. Who needs advertising when you’ve branded yourself like a boss?
“We are incredibly gratified that the State of Nevada has recognized the La Concha as a significant historic site,” says Danielle Kelly, executive director, Neon Museum. “Roadside architecture like the La Concha lobby, as well as the irresistibly alluring neon signage synonymous with Las Vegas, collectively function as aesthetic traditions cherished by Nevadans.”
The historical significance is a pretty big deal. The motel was designed by the first African American member of the American Institute of Architects, Paul Revere Williams and, because Googie was not recognized as a “legitimate” architecture style until recently, this is one of the few examples of the roadside design and a stellar one.
The La Concha motel lobby is now the visitors Center for the Neon Museum and Boneyard. Photo Courtesy of the Las Vegas Sun.
The Neon Museum, also creepily but fondly referred to as the boneyard, is the final resting place for many iconic neon signs from Vegas’ yesteryears. Day and night tours are available seven days a week with multiple local, military, student and senior discounts.
20 Things to do in Vegas for under 20 bucks
With a flood of flashy Vegas pics on newsfeeds everywhere, lots of people think you have to be a high roller to get the full experience. But there’s plenty of stuff to do in Vegas that doesn’t require an Amex Black Card. Here’s how to ball on a budget with our list of 20 things you can do in Vegas for under $20 (hey big spender, you’ll probably like these too).
Neon Museum and Boneyard
$18 day tour for adults with multiple local, military, student and senior discounts
The neon boneyard: Where classic Vegas neon signs have gone to die, or do they? We get a reputation for everything being bright and shiny and new, but that doesn’t mean we just throw stuff out when we’re finished with them. More than 120 of Vegas’ iconic neon signs have been restored to their former glory and are on display for new generations to enjoy.
Mob Museum
$19.95 for adults. For $30 you get a daytime ticket to both the Neon and Mob museums. That’s just $15 each.
Learn the history you won’t find in your textbooks. The Mob Museum features personal relics from mobsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel while teaching visitors about life and crime on both sides of the law. There are three floors to explore, each with an in-depth exhibit about the mob and the legends and truths that shaped our outlook of organized crime.
KISS: By Monster Mini Golf
$11.95 for 18 Holes
18-holes of glow-in-the-dark goodness awaits at this rock ‘n’ roll-themed putt-putt golf course. Given the tongue of approval by one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, this indoor facility is a psychedelic shrine to KISS, with painted murals and relics of the bands most memorable traits. Yes folks, we’re talking about giant replicas of Gene Simmons’ tongue and platform boots that touch the ceiling.
Brooklyn Bowl Bowling Lanes
Sunday through Thursday $20, additional $4.95 for shoe rental (What do you mean you don’t have your own bowling shoes?)
You won’t find the smell of stale socks and shoe spray at this bowling alley. At the Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, you’ll lounge around on swanky chesterfield sofas with a cocktail waitress to cater to your adult beverage needs, while you wait your turn on the lanes. A bowling alley, concert venue and restaurant all wrapped into one, this place brings a major cool factor to the sport that probably never existed before.
Float across the canals of The Venetian. Photo by Vegas.com.
Gondola Ride
$19.95
Choose between an indoor or outdoor glide along the canal or lagoon in an authentic gondola ride at the Venetian. Your expert gondolier will serenade you with the most beautiful music the Italian language has to offer. They even take requests, but you probably shouldn’t ask for a Top 40 because it kind of ruins the atmosphere. Check out a video of our gondola experience.
Dine Downtown
Less than $20
Great food doesn’t have to cost you a month’s worth of wages. One of the hottest food scenes in Vegas is downtown in the Fremont East bar district. Mix a hipster bar vibe with a funky old school eatery culture and you’ve got one promising group of restaurants that combine great cuisine at a great price. Places like Itsy Bitsy Ramen and Whisky, Glutton, VegeNation and Le Thai are bright stars in a place where celebrity chefs are plating the best cuisine in the world and many offer lunch specials at great price points.
Beer Tastings at The Pub at Monte Carlo
Build your own: four brews of your choice for $15 (5-ounce tasting glasses)
With more than 100 beers on tap, it can be really intimidating to choose just one. Thank the holy beer gods, you don’t have to. At The Pub at Monte Carlo, a flight of four beers (you know, that fraternity paddle-looking thingy) will set you back between $12-$15 and the best part is, your second flight will only cost you $10.
Eiffel Tower Experience
$14 for adults during the day, $19 after 7:30 p.m.
It may not be Paris, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an incredibly stunning sight to see. The glass elevator takes you up 460 feet above the Strip so you can marvel at the 360-degree views of Las Vegas. Another perk is seeing the Fountains of Bellagio from that vantage point. so take it from us and do the Eiffel Tower Experience on the half hour mark so you catch the show.
Photo courtesy of the Bellagio.
Bellagio Conservatory
Free
Each season, the Bellagio Conservatory transforms itself into a new floral extravaganza. Drawing inspiration from the best features of the season, thousands of plants, flowers and trees are used to infuse the space with vibrant hues and themes that attract more than 5 million visitors a year.
Mr. Lucky’s at Hard Rock Hotel
$7.77 Gambler’s Special
We’ll let you in on a little secret. The Gambler’s Special is not on the menu at Mr. Lucky’s, so you’ll need to ask your server for this bargain. For $7.77 you’ll get a steak, three small grilled shrimp, green beans and mashed potatoes. The special is available around the clock. You need a player’s card to get it, but if you don’t have one, the restaurant will hook you up with one.
Fountains of Bellagio
Free
It’s not just the showgirls that shimmy and shake. The Bellagio fountains are renowned for their choreographed shows. The 8.5-acre lake has 1,214 jets that rocket streams of water 460 feet in the air, all to the beat of whichever song is playing. And to think, it takes you a couple of drinks before you have any rhythm.
Slotzilla Zip Line
$20 for the zip line
Glide 850 feet across Fremont Street and above drunken revelers who will cheer you on like you’re Evel Knievel. The 12-story Slotzilla is a colossal slot machine that houses a zip line and zoom line that are 77 and 114 feet off the ground. You’ll laugh, you’ll scream and you may even swear but who cares, nobody will be able to hear it but you.
Photo courtesy of Bally’s.
Jubilee Backstage Tour
$19.50 or $14.50 with purchase of a Jubilee show ticket
Nothing says Vegas like showgirls and if you want an up close and personal look at the life of the famed Las Vegas dancer, you’ll want to take the Jubilee backstage tour at Bally’s. The tour is led by one of the showgirls in the show and takes you on an in-depth look at the show’s costumes, props, headdresses and more.
Shrimp cocktail at Golden Gate
$3.99
When the Golden Gate introduced the shrimp cocktail to its casino in 1959, it started a Las Vegas tradition that continues today. The shrimp cocktail is served at Du-Par’s restaurant in a tulip glass with secret cocktail sauce and fresh lemon.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay
$18 for adults and $12 for children
Duuun dun duuun dun. OK, we just can’t help humming that. Sure there are sharks at Shark Reef Aquarium. But it houses more than 1,200 species of marine life in total including sea turtles, sawfish, giant rays, piranha, jellyfish and, yes, sharks. Guests can also see reptiles, a golden crocodile and Komodo dragons or head to the touch pool where you can pet stingrays, eels and crabs.
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat
$19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children
The Secret Garden at the Mirage gives guests the opportunity to see some amazing wildlife on the Strip. The exhibits in the gardens showcase white tigers, lions and leopards. There is also a dolphin habitat where you can watch the cute creatures frolicking in their tank.
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Sun.
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
Free
A rite of passage for any Vegas vacation, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign is an iconic symbol of Las Vegas that has served as the backdrop for countless photos since its creation in 1959. During your visit, be sure to snap a photo at the famous spot, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Stratosphere Tower Observation Deck
$20 for adults ($12 for hotel guests), $10 for kids 4-12, children 3 and under are free
There aren’t many places in the city where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Sin City at its finest. The Stratosphere’s Observation Deck is perched 869 feet high above the Strip and is the tallest of its kind in the country.
Big Apple Roller Coaster
$14
The Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York sends more than a million visitors on a joyride each year. This thrilling ride features towering drops, multiple loops and amazing views of the Strip. You’ll travel 67 mph through two inversions including corkscrews, twists and dives.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
$19 for ages 13 and older; kids 12 and under are free
The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents world-class exhibitions of art and objects drawn from internationally known museums and private collections. Exhibits have included Monet masterworks, Andy Warhol’s celebrity portraits and Fabergé treasures from the Kremlin. Beginning July 3 the works of Pablo Picasso will be on display.
Our bonus 21st under $20
A ton of free stuff
So we’ve given you 20 things to do under 20 bucks in Vegas, but our extra 21st item is a list of free stuff you can do while you’re here too. Yep, you read that right. FREE. All it takes is a little shoe leather to hoof on down to the various hotels where you can see these amazing attractions without spending a dime or a dollar. And if that isn’t enough, here’s where you can enjoy a meal for under $10.
Before paying with bitcoins…
If you shop online — and who doesn’t? — you might notice that some websites let you pay with bitcoins. Virtual or crypto currencies like Bitcoin can be a fast way to pay online, or in person with a mobile app.
But using virtual currencies comes with risk. Their value goes up and down — sometimes sharply — depending on demand. In addition, payments made with virtual currencies aren’t reversible and don’t have the same legal protections as some traditional payment methods. Once you hit send, you can’t get your money back unless the seller agrees. That’s why it’s important to know who you’re buying from and what policies they have regarding refunds, returns, and disputes.
Disgaea 5 Takes Its Revenge October 6th on PS4
Hey, dood! It’s been a hot and sweaty six months duking it out in the Netherworlds since we announced Disgaea 5, but I managed to find my way back with some awesome news! NIS America is unleashing Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance exclusively for PS4 on October 6th! This ridiculously over-the-top strategy RPG will be available in stores and on PlayStation Store.
For those poor souls who have never spent time in the Netherworlds, Disgaea is a turn-based strategy RPG where players use a grid-based system to arrange their characters and perform special attacks, or team up to rain down literally millions of points of damage upon the enemy.
The series is known for its unique cast of characters, which are always beautifully illustrated by Takehito Harada, and its over-the-top and hilarious stories and dialogue written by Sohei Niikawa. Disgaea 5 doesn’t disappoint in the jokes or art department, but it does take things in a new, darker direction. With a story centered on taking revenge on a powerful new Demon Emperor named Void Dark, this title follows our dark, self-assured hero, Killia, and his Overlord allies on their dark and dangerous path to vengeance.
With the move to the more powerful PS4, Disgaea 5 is jam-packed with more content than ever before — and all of it looks slick as a whistle! Previous games in the series featured main storylines of 25-30 hours. Disgaea 5 has upped the ante with as much as 45 hours of content for just the main storyline, and hundreds of hours of extra content. Each second of this epic journey is rendered in crisp, HD resolution on PS4 with up to 100 enemies on a level, brand new sprites, tilesets, and ability effects.
And did somebody say ability effects? The plethora of skills each entry in this title has brought to the table has been nothing to scoff at, but Disgaea 5 isn’t content with “enough” and brings entirely new battle systems into the fray to deliver even more impressive animation and particle effects. Building on the Team Attacks seen earlier in the series, Disgaea 5 will introduce you to new Alliance Attacks which combine the strengths of specific members of the game’s main cast of characters when they have built up a strong enough bond with one another.
And as everyone knows, when you feel strongly about someone, you hate to see them harmed. Well, welcome to another brand new hallmark of Disgaea 5, the Revenge System. Watching your buddies take a beating will slowly build up your characters’ Revenge Gauge, and when it bursts they’ll enter Revenge Mode. This mode enhances a character’s base stats, and allows them to use new abilities called Overloads if they’re Overlords.
Voila! That’s a veritable smorgasbord of new content. I think that’s enough mouth-watering details for now, but rest assured, there’s even more juicy Disgaea 5 info to come! Make sure you check out our newly updated website for a closer look at the value of this vengeful tale before it hits stores on October 6th.
The Launch Edition will be available at North American retailers, which includes the full game, reversible cover, 32-page art book, and original soundtrack — all packed neatly into a gorgeous collector’s box!
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