360 Vegas

E-446: Stank

Random Vegas
While preparing the Landmark for implosion, two men were accused and convicted in April 1998 of violating the Clean Air Act by improperly removing asbestos from the hotel before its 1995 demolition. The jury found a third defendant innocent. In March of 2001, he 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco reversed the convictions. (Vintage Research)
Twitpic of the week
In a city where you are mathematically certain to lose, perspective is critical.  It’s beating the odds that still attracts people to the tables over and over again.  That sort of perspective is prevalent in this week’s winner.  Despite nightly baths, Fremont St is largely considered dirty.  Maybe its because of all the buskers, maybe its because it’s a pedestrian mall.  Whatever the reason, this week @LuckyTraveling shows us that perspective can also showcase just how beautiful Fremont is, showcasing some of the oldest properties on the famed road with the Viva Vision screen shading all.  We typically lament the loss of a canopy less skyline downtown but this picture shows just how well they complement each other
News
Sky Dipshittery
Rio Renovations
Oceans 14
 

E-445: We Have Nice Stuff

Random Vegas
The million dollar display at Binion’s has returned.  The display case holds $42,000 in $1 dollar bills, $688,000 in $20 dollar bills and $270,000 in $100 dollar bills. (Vital Vegas)
Twitpic of the week
Yup, this is a picture of Caesars Palace in the 1970s, after their first expansion tower, the Centurion tower, was built.  The place looks almost unrecognizable except for the famous fountains.  While they have been Re themed to look more like Roman architecture, both of these hotel towers are still in use to this day.  This picture, shared by @las_when, makes one wonder if people bitched about parking back in the day.  You’ll have to see this picture to understand what I’m talking about.  You should see a link in the show notes of your podcast player.
News
Pinky Ring
Plaza Carousel bar
Lupo Bye Bye
 

E-444: Apropos

Random Vegas
There is enough concrete in the CityCenter complex to build a 4 foot sidewalk from Las Vegas to New York and back (sincitytalk.com)
Twitpic of the week
Say what you will about Stratosphere but its undeniably a landmark in the Vegas skyline, captured in stunning fashion by @MaverickHeli.  Even just as a silhouette its instantly recognizable.  Anytime I lose my bearings I just look to the Stratosphere to reorient myself.  Some say the property broke Bob Stupak but Bob would tell you it was his dream to build it and that goal was accomplished, even if it did cost him his stake in the company.  While its debated if Stratosphere is located on or off strip what isn’t challenged is its status as an icon.
News
Las Vegas studios
Special Session

E-443: ”Am I Not in Vegas?!”

Random Vegas
All the rooms at the Golden Nugget are now non-smoking.  It’s believed the practice was put into place after the last room fire they had on the 11th floor of the Gold Tower in 2021.  That fire damaged about 200 rooms, mostly water damage from the sprinklers. (Vital Vegas and Vintage Research)
Twitpic of the week
Seems no one remembers that Stardust was a run down, low-roller joint at the time of its closure.  Similar to my love for Dunes, when we lose something we only had limited or no exposure to we romanticize it.  Like this week’s winner from @Summacorp.  It is not disputed that the Stardust marquee is one of the most iconic in Vegas history. Fortunately that sign was donated to the Neon Museum.  The bad news is the sign is so large odds are it will never be refurbished and relit at the Neon Boneyard but one can hope.
News
Downtown Shooting
Slide to win
A’s Update
Todd English exodus part 2

E-442: He Won’t Remember

Random Vegas
The original MGM Grand, now Bally’s, had the first movie theaters ever built into a hotel (@vitalvegas)
Twitpic of the week
One of the challenges new residents of Vegas that love the city like we do have to learn how to drive, is paying attention while you’re driving and not gawkin.  This week’s pic by @_GrandPaD illustrates that better than any I’ve seen before.  It’s just fuckin miles of eye candy and I have to try and ignore all of it.  While I am a giant fan of the FSE and Turing all that space into a pedestrian mall, at night, it must have been impossible to drive down Fremont St.

E-441: Carousel Comping

Random Vegas
The lead singer of Devo did the cool/creepy art in the men’s room at Park on Fremont restaurant. (@VitalVegas)
Twitpic of the week
In what can be agreed is the sexiest Golden Nugget exterior signage ever looked as in the late 60s.  A time when Gold didn’t look like yellow.  The glow of the signage somehow embodies the phrase “feel all warm and fuzzy inside.” But Golden Nugget’s story is longer than that and even the signage couldn’t keep up with the demand caused its evolution into the property it is today.  Thanks to @las_when for sharing it
News
El Cortez expansion
New Sphere, Same Problems
The Match @Wynn

E-440: Personal Space

Random Vegas
40% of MGM Resorts guests decline daily housekeeping (VitalVegas)
Twitpic of the week
Simply Elegant and somehow sexy, like the leg lamp in a Christmas Story.  Milton Prell’s Aladdin’s original marquee was a looker, shared this week by @summacorp.  It’s not a marquee often featured in the great marquees of Las Vegas but it should be.  I can’t describe it without doing a huge disservice.  It’s like a neon ice cream cone but with an ad for Nudes On Ice on it.
News
Tropicana Stadium
Play Playground Las Vegas
BLVD complex

360 Vegas Reviews: Brew Dog

To summarize, although there were multiple service issues, it didn’t spoil our enjoyment. This place should do very well, having good beers, burgers and pizza right off the bat. The draw is going to be that roof terrace, the drawback is going to be the location. Price wise it’s in line with the rest of the strip with $11 beers and food at resort level pricing. Overall in our opinion, it’s worth a visit. It will be interesting to hear what other people think.