Thursday, September 19, 2013

Vegas on the Silver Screen

Vegas on the Silver Screen

Las Vegas is the ultimate playground. The allure of Sin City is the freedom that it exudes to the imagination to let go and act on fantasies you would not dare to do in your hometown. The same appeal is translated in movies filmed in Las Vegas through characters coming from different walks of life.

It is pretty amazing to see just how many movies have been filmed in Vegas either in their entirety or just for a few segments. Even more movies have mentioned the city. There is no substitute for Las Vegas, many other cities around the world try to replicate but there is a reason why the name of the city sparks excitement.

Here are some of the most popular titles throughout the years: Ocean’s Eleven (1960), Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970), Diamonds are Forever (1971), Casino (1995), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Showgirls (1995), Swingers (1996), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997), Rush Hour 2 (2001), Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Memento (2001), Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (2005), Rocky Balboa (2006), Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), Knocked Up (2007), 21 (2008) and The Hangover (2009).

When friends and family members of the Jeff Allen Sports team come to visit they like to see locations where the films were made and to take pictures if they are able to. While some of the locations are no longer around, the more recent movies do have locations where visitors can see and pose by. There are also many Hangover movie items available for sale around town such as a t-shirt with baby “Carlos” strapped onto it. The front desk at Caesar’s Palace says they frequently get asked if Caesar actually lived there…they are good sports and usually play into it. A bit of a bummer but you cannot book the suite that they used in the movie as it does not exist. You can however take a look at some of their Fantasy Suites.

While CSI is not a movie, it is a long-running show that has showcased the city and is a noticeable franchise connected to it. Visitors can go to CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand to go through simulated crime solving activities and visit their gift shop for show memorabilia.
What movie will you be location chasing on your next visit?

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Las Vegas Food Festivals

Las Vegas Food Festivals

As if there weren’t enough things to cram into your agenda when you visit Vegas, you have to consider the special events that are available to go to. Known for being a destination meeting place where people come together to experience new things, the constant stream of festivals in Las Vegas are great events that brings locals and visitors together.

One event that comes twice a year is the San Gennaro Feast. As you may guess it is an Italian festival that celebrates Saint Gennaro from Naples Italy. The reason it is held twice a year is because of the saints’ preserved blood that liquefies and turns reddish from its usual solidified and dark color twice a year in the first week of May and in September. Not to worry-no blood is involved at this feast; instead you can indulge in your favorite Italian foods from the best vendors around town. Highlights for some team members of Jeff Allen Sports are the chicken parmesan, spicy Italian sausages and cannoli’s. It is a great time for the whole family with something for everyone- carnival rides, live music, specialty pop up shops and of course tons and tons of food.

Other cultural events that happen every year are the Las VegasGreek Food Festival , the Ho’olaule’aPacific Islands Festival, and the Hispanic International Day Parade just to name a few. These festivals bring to light histories of the different ethnic groups and allow everyone to experience a little bit about their culture through the medium of food, music and arts. These festivals are wholesome activities that the team members of Jeff Allen Sports like to bring their families to and we are sure that you will enjoy them too. An up and coming event worth checking out is LUCKYRICE at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Hotel that highlights Asian cuisine.

Upscale culinary events of note that come to town and are available to the public are the Food& Wine All-Star Weekend, the LasVegas Epicurean Affair and Vegas Uncork’d. These festivals cumulate the best chefs showcasing their dishes as well as perfect alcoholic pairings. Make sure to check event details if you have people under 21 years old in your party as they most likely will not be able to attend. Also, be sure to either get there early or an hour late to avoid the long lines if you are not going to get VIP tickets. The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair 2012 had one of the longest lines Dylan from the Jeff Allen Sports team has ever seen “It was literally insane. You would get to the end of a line and think that was it then you got led down another hallway with another line and it kept going and going…It was worth it though. Once I sunk my teeth into a deviled egg tartare and took a sip of my first Presidente margarita of that night I was in heaven” he said. With over 70 of the finest Las Vegas dining destinations set up to give out samples Dylan equated the event to a marathon, “You really have to pace yourself when you go to events like this. If you shovel everything down too fast you are never going to be able to taste everything. Save heavy carbs for last too”. Someone is a pro at this!

The great success of these food festivals have brought about other great competitors into the market that have a growing following with themed vendors including food trucks, BBQ masters and beer breweries. We are very excited about this ever-growing trend, who doesn’t love to eat and experience new flavors?

Friday, September 13, 2013

Vegas and Tattoos

Vegas and Tattoos

Each town has its quirks. For Vegas, it seems to be tattoos. It is practically a requirement to have one to live here! Seriously take a look around at the locals next time you are in town- it must be a secret rite of passage. Many team members of Jeff Allen Sports go to Skin Factory for their tattoo fixes.

We asked Danny from Jeff Allen Sports what the fascination was with getting ink and he said, “It’s addictive-kind of like eating chips. You can’t just have one! It also gives people the opportunity to literally wear their personality on their sleeve or sleeves. I’ve seen some really cool tats and some whacked out stuff too”. When we asked him about the pain involved he replied, “What pain? I use Mr. Numb so I don’t really feel anything. Stuff works great”. Aha so that’s how they sit there under the needle for a few hours totally relaxed.

But that still doesn’t explain why everyone I run into seems to have at least one prominently displayed. It must just come down to the social culture of Vegas. If everyone has one why not get one? Almost like girls with implants. It is so normal in this town to see them that it makes them blend in. Maybe that’s what it is all about, blending in. Having something to talk about when meeting a stranger; each tattoo is symbolic and has meaning.

When we asked Danny from Jeff Allen Sports to tell us about his ink he said, “I’ll just tell you about one for today. This one here is for an old friend who passed away. We were best friends since third of fourth grade and when he died the summer before our senior year of high school it was really hard. I like to think he’s still looking out for me”.

Seeing the waves of tattoos walk past each day it’s pretty crazy to just imagine the stories attached to each one. With Las Vegas being a town that brings together so many different people from different backgrounds, it definitely leaves you something to think about.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Vegas Is a Pretty Big Deal Now

Vegas Is a Pretty Big Deal Now 

In case you didn’t know, ole Las Vegas is getting too big for its britches. Too big in fact that starting June 2014 it will be getting a new area code…725. Established in October 1947, the 702 area code originally serviced the entire state of Nevada. As time went on and cities developed new area codes, 702 was left to service Clark County. Fast forward to the present, it is stated that by the third quarter of 2014 all 702 numbers will be completely taken.

As an established business that has been around for many years, Jeff Allen Sports, is proud to have the 702 area code in front of their phone numbers. It is a small testament to their customers that they have stood the test of time and are prepared to continue to be their source for sports betting information going forward.

What changes? Starting May 3, 2014 all calls to 702 numbers must be dialed with 10 numbers. If a caller fails to dial 10 numbers their calls will result in error messages. So start changing the contact numbers in your phone now that do not have 702 in front of them to avoid those messages!

The new 725 area code will affect all of Clark County including Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, Mesquite, Laughlin, Moapa Valley and North Las Vegas.

Las Vegas now officially joins the ranks of other cities like New York and Los Angeles that have gotten so big they need more area codes to function. What is next for the growing city? We can’t wait to find out.