Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

March 19, 2011 5:16 PM Posted by Ed

Great podcast, didn't know you "broadcasting" live from Yankee Stadium - Hunter!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp3F51gtaZA&feature=related

March 20, 2011 5:24 AM Posted by Paolomello

I love the theme song for Vegas Gang! Don't change it!

March 20, 2011 5:26 AM Posted by detroit1051

Great Vegas Gang, as always. I needed you guys to make me take a step back regarding Marilyn Winn. I need to see what she can do to carry out Steve's vision. I reacted emotionally to the closing of Alex in large part because of her decree that people don't want gourmet rooms any more. I disagree with her, but the closing may not have generated so much angst had Steve not commented in the Conference Call. He made it sound as if he was an uninterested bystander who acted based solely on Marilyn Spiegel's opinion. That's probably not the case. His name is on the building, and he wouldn't have proceeded if he was in disagreement with Spiegel.

It was alarming to hear Jeff say out loud that Sahara may sit there, empty, for five to twelve years before something happens. I vote for another Wet 'n Wild on the site. :)

I agree with Jeff on Wynn's parking structure. It was always a pleasure to take the speed ramp straight up to the roof and park with no waiting for or battling with other drivers for spaces. I took my shots of Encore from the top of the parking structure. Amazing to see what has changed since 2006: Encore, Trump, Palazzo.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/551225081dsyHmh

March 20, 2011 2:32 PM Posted by Dramman

Just a comment on the LVS litigation, and why the suit is here not China. The US legal system has a bias towards cases being heard, rather than telling somebody to go somewhere else. Further, it is generally granted that the Plaintiff, not the Defendant, chooses jurisdiction, which cannot be changed absent good reason. Not to get into exact procedural law, the best argument here for Jacobs is the transaction and damages caused has a nexus in Nevada, thus Nevada is the best place to litigate and support Jacobs selection of a US court.

Here we have a US citizen, former (arguably current) Nevada resident, litigating the actions taken by an agent for a Nevada corporation. The employment contract was probably primarily contemplated and signed in Nevada. Jacobs probably had to make repeated trips to Nevada before and after the contract. Jacobs effectively, if not contractually, reported to Sands in Nevada. Given the W-2, he was paid from funds in Nevada.

We can go on, but likely this case has a nexus in Nevada, and all the relevant evidence can be best found in Nevada, where Sands is. The question in my mind is Nevada law, and how it portends to forum selection. The case may be moved to US District court in the end, but there is no way it is going to be moved to China given what I have seen.

March 20, 2011 2:52 PM Posted by Hunter

Thanks for that, George. I think this LVS case could end up being a really big story and I've been following it's progress. Great to have someone that knows something about the law comment.

March 21, 2011 11:59 PM Posted by Ted Newkirk

Excellent show, as always. I actually sit down, fire up a cigar, and simply listen so that I can absorb it all.

@Hunter - No question, the very fact that Sahara had gaming going on should have pretty much helped them keep the doors open. Incredibly bad management killed the place.

@Jeff - Las Vegas Sun did indeed report on the closure of the two Sahara hotel towers. Found it when I was researching (and scratching my head) as to why closing now, after weathering the recession:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/15/sahara-cites-weak-demand-closing-hotel-towers/

Disagree that the place will be imploded in the next decade or so (willing to make a friendly wager). But having said that, very much value and enjoy your input both on the blog and show.

@David - Excellent interview with Marilyn Winn. No question she tap-danced around Alex. Lots of talk, no definitives.

@The Panel - In the current economy, I believe that Steve Wynn recognized he'd have to pay a little more attention to the bottom line than he'd like to otherwise. Is there really anybody out there going "Oh... Alex is closed, I'm going to go stay at Venetian instead of Wynn"? Probably not. Isn't going to hurt the property.

@Chuck - We get it. You are anti-establishment. But at the end of the day, @VegasBill was on the red carpet at Eva Longoria b-day, and Norm! and Celine are still two of the most loved people in town.

Suggestion (and I'm dead serious): Go after the LVCVA. In fact, that is a suggestion for everyone/anyone on the panel. Even the Sun started to last year and abruptly the stories ended. Very fishy how literally nobody will take on such a massive and powerful organization that takes (from what I understand) upwards of $100 million in room "tax" revenue in each year

Except for running the Convention Center, the LVCVA seems to exist simply funnel money to Billy Vassiliadis and his no-bid, juiced-in R&R Partners advertising agency. With what appears to be no oversight or performance measures.

There is one ENORMOUS rock to be turned over there. With an unending amount of dirt to be dug up.

Cheers!

April 21, 2011 4:47 PM Posted by S.W.

Guys, I love the podcast tremendously. I listen religiously and greatly appreciate all you do. So please take this criticism as it's intended, as a call for improvement:

FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT'S HOLY, PLEASE!!! someone teach Chuck how to use the f'ing MUTE button on his phone!!!! His heavy breathing, typing, dogs barking, and what sounds suspiciously like occasional farting (seriously?!?!), are insanely irritating.

The fact that Hunter so often uses a speakerphone with its horrible echo and tinny voice quality make it hard enough to focus on what he's saying.... when Chuck's background noise interferes, it's incredibly annoying. SO PLEASE HIT MUTE!

April 22, 2011 7:42 AM Posted by Hunter

I have never and will never use a speakerphone.

April 22, 2011 9:52 AM Posted by Jeff in OKC

Well, what is that darned delay on your part of this podcast? I thought it was a speakerphone also.

April 22, 2011 11:46 AM Posted by Hunter

Ah, I didn't realize that even occurred.

Sounds like Skype had some issues in parts of the recording. Happens sometimes.