Baby Its Cold Outside

Paralysis of Analysis

Don’t let your heart be snowbound: Yes, Las Vegas is in the Mohave Desert. Yes, the desert is hot and dry. Yes, the average precipitation in Las Vegas is about 2.75” annually, but when it rains, “gully washers” start high in the foothills on the west side of town and cascade down onto the Strip a little more than 300 feet below, then down to Henderson, another 300 feet or so, and finally into Lake Mead. The County has spent millions of dollars to tame the flooding with catch basins strategically placed throughout the Las Vegas Valley and for the most part it works pretty well. No longer do cars float in the Strip Hotel Casino parking lots, and those lucky enough to be visiting during a desert rainstorm are no longer treated to Mother Nature’s fury. But the snow… well, that’s another story.

Oh the weather outside was frightful: Earlier this week a storm blew down from Alaska and Canada and through the desert. This happens every 5-8 years or so and the Las Vegas valley sees a sprinkling of show but not very often and not for very long. But records are made to be broken, right? The 3.6 inches that fell on Vegas last Wednesday was the heaviest snowfall in recorded history. That is not a misprint 3.6 inches was a record. McCarran International airport was shut down tighter than the lid on a pickle jar, and I-15 northbound to Utah and southbound to California was shut down. U.S. 95 north toward Reno and south toward Boulder City and Arizona was shut down. The city came to a grinding halt. Thousands of airline passengers were stranded. Of course, there are worse places to be stranded than Las Vegas, unless of course, you gambled all your money and had your airline ticket pinned to the inside of your underwear. Nobody was Leaving Las Vegas.”

The fountain of knowledge was turned off: Nevada, like most other states is experiencing an economic slowdown. Two rural schools had meetings planned to see if they would be eliminated forever. One, on Mount Charleston, was set to have a town meeting Wednesday to discuss its future but the meeting was snowed out. So were Christmas concerts, plays, and other school activities were all canceled. School administrators got their heads together and fortunately didn’t hurt themselves, but decided to close the schools Thursday. Let me repeat, 3.6” of snow. Of course, as luck would have it, Thursday was bright and sunny and teachers and students had the day off but without an opportunity to play in the departed, melted snow.


Are there bargains in Vegas?: The MGM seems to think so.

MGM GRAND AND THE SIGNATURE AT MGM GRAND MAKE ESCAPING EASY
WITH MASTERCARD® WORLDWIDE

Book Stay with MasterCard Card and Receive 30 Percent off Dinners, Shows and Spa Services!

This winter, Las Vegas visitors can indulge in a luxury getaway without busting their budget. MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, and The Signature at MGM Grand, a non-smoking, non-gaming luxury resort, are partnering with MasterCard Worldwide to offer a valuable experience and savings to cardholders and guests. Now through January 30, 2009, guests are invited to enjoy great hotel rates paired with incredible discounts on dining, entertainment, select retail and spa purchases when charged to the room. Whether relaxing or indulging, this limited time offer allows visitors to save while splurging. Offering the best of both worlds, The Signature at MGM Grand provides a peaceful retreat, just moments from the “Maximum Vegas” excitement of MGM Grand.

HOW IT WORKS: Book a suite, from $129 per night, at The Signature at MGM Grand or a room at MGM Grand, from $89 per night, with a valid MasterCard card. Receive 30 percent off bars, restaurants, select retail outlets, shows and spa services when you charge to your room and pay with your MasterCard card.*

MGM Grand offerings that can be charged to the hotel bill include:
 Award-winning dining featuring the culinary creations of some of the finest chefs such as Tom Colicchio, Michael Mina, Wolfgang Puck and the world’s most starred chef Joël Robuchon
 World-class entertainment including Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, a renowned production combining acrobatic performances, martial arts, puppetry, multimedia and pyrotechnics to bring the epic saga of separated twins to life; and MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, celebrating the artistry of the nude
 MGM Grand Spa’s pampering treatments for the mind, body and soul

HOW TO BOOK: Call 1-800-929-1111 and use booking code “SIG007” for The Signature at MGM Grand.

*Must book and pay with a valid MasterCard card. Book by January 30, 2009 and actualize by January 30, 2009. The 30 percent discount excludes room and tax. Guests will charge items to their rooms and the 30 percent discount will be applied upon check-out. Discount may be applied to dining, entertainment and spa. Please inquire for specific rules and regulations. Rates and availability vary.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kate Evans/Joan Bloom, M Booth & Associates
(212) 481-7000
katee@mbooth.com or joanbl@mbooth.com

About The Signature at MGM Grand: For a gratifying getaway, look no further than The Signature at MGM Grand, ideally situated away from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. Ranging from 550 to 1,500 square feet, suites feature king-size, pillow-top beds draped in 300-thread count sheets and soft, down comforters; bathrooms stocked with plush towels, cozy robes and June Jacobs’ spa products; and in-suite kitchens featuring top-of-the-line appliances and cabinets filled with bone china, glass stemware, sterling silverware and a selection of cookware. Guests also enjoy The Signature’s private pool complex, state-of-the-art fitness centers and superior concierge staff readily available to customize a dream vacation. While staying at The Signature’s non-smoking, non-gaming environment, guests are only steps away from the excitement of MGM Grand’s electrifying casino, award-winning dining, world-class entertainment, dynamic nightlife and luxurious spa and salon.

A little blogging music Maestro… One more time with Elvis doing, “Viva Las Vegas.”

Dr. Forgot