While it does not interest me that much, you could probably dig up something from the website of Robin Leach. That's right up his alley and even if it didn't happen, he's the kind of writer to embellish the story to make it interesting.

Have you dined there yet?

No, JMT, I have not dined at Beso for fear of getting into an altercation.

I hate getting 'altercated'.

Thanks for the Robin Leach suggestion. I'll follow through.

Thanks to JMT, we are now aware of where not to park when visiting the soon to open Cosmopolitan as the bottom parking structure requires a pump to keep it from flooding.

Would an indoor swimming pool be more appropriate? Or a berthing place for small boats?

But be aware that the Cosmo is not actually a part of CityCenter.

Not yet anyway!

As an aside it looks like one of the major LV night club operators will take over the Cosmo hot spots and then proceed to make an offer to purchase the Hard Rock Hotel/Casino.

Thanks for that Robin Leach suggestion, JMT. I just finished reading parts of it and never realized it existed before you mentioned it. Good LV info there.

will, remember that Robin has a strong reputation for making things up, especially if he needs more info to complete a story or make something out of nothing. I guess he is a decent source for filling in the blanks of a story when you only have bits and pieces.

Thanks for that info too, JMT.

To be perfectly honest .... I've never ever read anything written by or about Mr. Leach since I first visualized him as a celebrity chaser many years ago.

I have little respect for 'them kind'a folk" especially when they resort to gossip about people involved in sho-biz.

And personally ,,, I could care less about Paris and what she had for breakfast and who/whom with or how great a family man Brad happens to be.

But I sort of do find it interesting to see how the legal system handles the upper crust of Las Vegas and if and when her boyfriend gets a new job in this town after being fired by Mr Wynn himself.

But I do like to talk about the past, the present, and the future of this town we call Las Vegas.... and where it's heading in particular!

At present I see no promising light at the end of the tunnel which I estimate to be 10 to 20 years in the distance.

A lot of people got to remember to forget before this town returns to more prosperous times similar to just five years back.

Sort of an update here but nothing too exciting regarding Crystals ... the very high end shopping complex in CityCenter.

Crystals will not change its strategy of strictly high-end luxury.

If you shop there, you will be seeing more of the 'same' high end shops but they are adjusting with more 'trees', dining options, and places to sit.

The best news for high end buyers is that Crystals expects to be 86% occupied by this coming December.

I think that they offer pizza now!

Find out how much the shops are paying lease that space and you'll have a story. You'll find yourself scratching your head and wondering why it isn't 100$ occupied.

JMT, are you saying that price per square foot in Crystals is relatively inexpensive?

I have heard that one of the most expensive store spaces to rent was once in The Forum Shops in Caesars but I had difficulty ascertaining that and have no idea where they stand today.

I visit a lot of high-end store locations and often wonder how those stores could afford to pay the monthly rent as I seldom see anyone at all in those fancy shops.

That goes for all those shops in the Wynn resorts, Crystals and the rest of them, while Fashion Square Mall is always very busy.

I sometimes think that those high end stores get rent-free space due to the 'prestiege' that they bring to the complex.

I understand that Deutsche Bank has initiated foreclosure proceedings against Town Square and that the Outlet Mall downtown will be expanding, so at least one place seems to be doing well.

I sure hope this economy situation starts improving in 2011 but I seriously doubt it even though some say that the Strip casinos are showing signs of improvement.

We'll see!

LATEST RUMOR ... based on a brief mention in a local newspaper which I never read.......

The Harmon in the City Center could possibly be demolished but not before numerous lawsuits are settled.

Anything official on that subject, JMT?

I think you got it all, Mr City Center. I can an unrelated fact that I saw much of the Viva Elvis wrap removed from the Harmon. Who knows what they will replace it with.

There is speculation that while the lawyers argue back and forth over millions of dollars, The Harmon is probably just fine at it's current height. If it were to open as is, it would be easier to fill up than if it were 3 times taller, especially in this economy. Also buildings are designed to be overbuilt beyond current structural minimums. It remains unclear just exactly how unsafe The Harmon is. Maybe it can withstand a 6.8 earthquake, if code required it to handle 7.0. Maybe it has 3 percent less rebar in certain areas than code, but the structural integrity could be easily reinforced. Maybe it doesn't meet requirements for a hotel room, but is above code for an office building, commerical building, or other usage which might be better since we don't need the hotel rooms.

Unrelated to any of this is the fact that the Cosmopolitan is being lit up and will be a major player on the strip. MRI might need to consider that The Harmon might be there only new player on the strip that could compete with the Cosmo.

AT PRESENT the room-rate range in the COSMO is $160 - $350+ per night (according to their website),

I have a feeling those rates will change rather swiftly.

I agree. Furthermore, I think that whatever they drop to, Aria will have to be $10-25 lower to stay competitive.

I'm guessing that by March, you'll see $99 on the website and maybe $79 discounted specials.

Well after being such a pessimist about the Las Vegas casino situation. I was somewhat excited about the crowd I ran into at the Orleans last Saturday night .... Sat following the TG holiday.

Many feel that it won't continue but it felt great to see it anyway.

And it will be interesting to see how Cosmo fits into this presently bleak scenario.

Will, My sister didn't even want to see the new casino. It just didn't interest her. And there lies the problem, what is the hook for that place to the common man/woman.
I do agree it was nice seeing crowds walking the strip, and downtown! Even Mresort was fuller then normal on our 2 visits. I'm not saying busy, just better filled.

Yea, Lee! There really isn't much in there to "pull" anyone inside.

I've been inside CC a few times but in each case it was only to see if business was improving .... which it ain't!

If they at least offered a hot pastrami sandwich with a cold glass of beer on the side at somewhat of a reasonable price, I'd probably enter with my wallet.

But the way it is at present, I'd have to stop on my way to the bank and get a mortgage if I decided to stay over 15 minutes.

There ain't no bargains or Wynn type wonders to see there!

Actually I may be being a bit unfair because I did enjoy a relatively inexpensive Thai meal in the Aria whose name I presently forget, but I do recommend it if you plan to eat within the CC compex.

And I have yet to hear high praise for any dining spot within CityCenter.

Anyone hear anything different?