» Gaming lady luck and miss memorabilia
May/June 2009
Sheldon Smith is the education and publicity director for The Casino Chip and Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc. There are many reasons why he gives so much time and attention to this group, but make no mistake—he’s a collector, too. “My wife and I have always enjoyed playing in the casinos but haven’t been able to win many chips,” he says. “So we decided to collect them instead.”
» Business green gas, desert waves, and nevada sails
May/June 2009
Bucolic Carson Valley is the last place you might expect to find the latest in green fuels and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. These three Minden businesses will make you think otherwise.
» Events Spotlight classic “care” tour
May/June 2009
“High profile, below the radar” is how Gary Davis and Alan “Big Al” Crawley describe the ’Round Nevada Classic Car Tour, due to the prominent characters who have joined the event over the years. There have been Microsoft executives and federal and state judges, but it’s not the names that are important on this journey. It’s the cause.
» Shows Spotlight the king has arrived
May/June 2009
Lions, monkeys, and other exotic animals on the Las Vegas Strip are hardly a novelty any more. But get those animals to sing and dance, and you’re bound to turn a couple of heads. After 12 successful years on Broadway and tours around the world, “The Lion King” roars into Sin City on Friday, May 15.
» Web Extras harrah’s hot rods
May/June 2009
When Bill Harrah passed away in 1978, he left no indication as to what should be done with his priceless autos, which once numbered more than 1,400. Now, a part of the casino patriarch’s legacy is preserved in downtown Reno at the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection), which opened in 1989.
» Web Extras soaring nevada
May/June 2009
As the majestic peaks of the Carson Range drop out of view to our rear, my pilot, Jeffrey Hazlegrove of Soaring NV, asks if I’m ready for some tricks. I reply with an enthusiastic “Yes!,” and before I know it we’re upside down, 3,000 feet above the Carson Valley. Hazlegrove isn’t done yet. For the next 10 minutes he artfully maneuvers the glider through a series of loops, barrel rolls, and a couple moments of completely inverted flight.
» Web Extras a real cool time
May/June 2009
The Ramones played the Reno Livestock Events Center in 1978 during their Road to Ruin Tour. Local band Harbinger had been booked to open for the Ramones, and I had been drafted to serve as roadie.
» Web Extras papillon’s prize
May/June 2009
Papillon Helicopters and Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines, the largest premiere “flightseeing” companies in the world, unveiled their $9-million Boulder City Aerocenter on March 23. This marks the official debut of this ultramodern terminal that will house all of the Halvorsons’ Nevada operations under one roof, including Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines, and Canyon Flight Trading Company.
» Web Extras mobile nevada
May/June 2009
The Nevada Commission on Tourism has launched a new mobile Web site geared especially for mobile phones and devices that provides instant information about where to stay and what to do in Nevada cities.
» Feature if you build it…
March/April 2009
Recent generations in Reno have cheered on the Blackjacks, Chukars, and Silver Sox. When the Aces take the field in April, however, a whole new ball game begins. For nearly two decades, local fans have watched independent league teams unaffiliated with any of the 30 Major League Baseball teams. The Reno Aces are a Triple-A franchise—the highest level of baseball in Reno history.
» Feature delightfully isolated
March/April 2009
In addition to impromptu celebrations and the Halloween pig feed, Jarbidge hosts a Memorial Day party with live music and a barbecue; a two-day Fourth of July celebration with more live bluegrass, more barbecue, and a parade; a corn feed in early September; and a harvest dance in late September. The celebration centerpiece, however, is Jarbidge Days, Aug. 14-16.
» City Limits (in) a league of their own
March/April 2009
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009, the Morelli House—home to the Junior League of Las Vegas—is a testament to a gone-but-not-forgotten era in Las Vegas history. Its classic block façade, bold horizontal lines, open ceilings, and flying entry embody the fundamental tenets of midcentury modern architecture.
» Wide Open boundary peak
March/April 2009
Climbing Boundary Peak is more about the journey than the thrill of victory. Sure, it’s nice to reach the summit, but there’s only so much you can do on a rocky space that’s roughly the size of a small living room—besides feel relief.
» Tour Around Nevada battle mountain
March/April 2009
Due to Lander County’s (Battle Mountain is the capital) role in the gold-mining industry, many of the territory’s nearly 6,000 residents are prospering in a time of general economic disparity. That means good wages and steady, if not rising, home values. “I don’t know of anybody who is getting foreclosed on; it’s just not an issue out here,” says Charlotte Thompson, a hostess at the Owl Club.
» Cravings sushi obsession
March/April 2009
As ironic as it sounds—eating raw, fresh fish in a desert environment—Nevada is hooked on sushi. Nearly 150 restaurants attest to the Silver State’s seemingly insatiable sushi appetite. Getting fresh fish to Las Vegas and Reno is simple. However, at more than 500 highway miles from the ocean and with all flights routed through Salt Lake City, Elko seems an exceedingly unlikely spot for sushi. That is, unless you’re Ed and Merrie O’Donnell.
» Gaming reel ’em in at harrah’s laughlin
March/April 2009
Harrah’s Laughlin invites guests to fish for cash—appropriate for a hotel-casino surrounded by water—or Bonus Reward Credits as part of its new “Reel ’Em In” promotion. Through April 10, guests can enter for a chance to win a share of $60,000 in cash and credits.
» Business eco-friendly eatery
March/April 2009
Lance Graulich didn’t stop at family-friendly, affordable food in a welcoming environment. His persistent thoughts of community and social responsibility pushed him to make Create eco-friendly. He ignored initial concerns about cost and delved into years of painstaking research.
» Events Spotlight shutterbugs and photo-philes unite
March/April 2009
In its 21st year, Winnemucca’s Shooting the West photography symposium, March 4-8, continues to gain momentum and attention. Since its inception, the gathering’s aim has been to bring art to the Nevada town and provide amateur photographers a chance to mingle with top professionals.
» Shows Spotlight from the steakhouse to the penthouse
March/April 2009
Sure, it looks like Terry Fator is the closest thing to an overnight success that anyone can be in Las Vegas—especially a ventriloquist. But Fator has performed in Nevada for years. You can be forgiven for not remembering he once played a steakhouse in the Excalibur—or even the Clark County Fair in Logandale.
» Web Extras comedy’s thinking man
March/April 2009
George Wallace is one of the lucky ones—he discovered his gift early. At the age of six he watched comedians like Moms Mabley and Red Buttons. Drawn to the laughter and emotion they elicited, he tested some material on his schoolmates, and a star was born.
