These days, the newest way to vacation is by partaking in a “Stayaction”. Luckily, for Vegas Locals, this idea is more fun than say if you were living in South Dakota

Now, the LVCVA makes it easier than ever for locals to plan a Stayaction or just have fun on the weekends with their Stay and Play Here website. The site aggregates Local Deals from all hotels in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Laughlin, Mesquite and Primm.

As the site says, “This is the world’s premier vacation destination and it’s right in our own backyard. Why let everyone else have all the fun?” So, what are you waiting for? Go have fun!

I don’t know about you, but I’m always picking up Las Vegas themed gifts for my out of town friends and family. Usually, I buy in bulk and keep a few on hand for those last minute parties, birthday gifts, etc.

Now, recieve 20% OFF at some the shops at New York - New York Hotel & Casino. Available outlets include:

•  Essentials
• Soho Village
• Off Broadway
• I Love NYNY
• Nine Fine Irishman Retail (they have some cool jewelry)
• Zumanity retail

The offer is not available on tobacco, alcohol and sundries. Make sure to show your Nevada ID and mention the offer. Happy shopping!

If you’re a film lover, the CineVegas Film Festival is for you. The yearly event, held June 10-15, 2009, pushes the boundries of cinema.

The regular ticket price is $250. But Locals receive $100 off. The $150 package ($100 for Local Students) includes access to 16 films, all official parties, including two exclusive after-parties and access into CineVegas Headquarters at the Palms, where there is a daily happy hour with complimentary food and cocktails.

To purchase call 702.952.5555. Don’t forget your Local ID.

I took advantage of the beautiful weather this morning by taking my dogs for a long walk through the Summerlin Centre area (just west of the 215 between Charleston and Sahara). I was pleasantly surprised to find construction workers building away on a Saturday morning. New homes are going up in at least three communities (Traccia, Allerton Park, and Villa Trieste). Builders have been lowering their prices, and it looks like some people are being inticed by builder incentives, even though there are plenty of less expensive homes on the market.

Another bit of good news in the housing market is that a luxury condo developer in Summerlin that declared bankruptcy last year has had its communities taken over by another developer. These communities were partially completed, with homeowners living among the skeletons of units that were never finished because of the bankruptcy. It seems like a good sign that this investor considers this the right time to come in and finish off these properties that were unsellable just a year or two ago.

Yes, home inventory is still high. And, yes, a lot still needs to happen in the Las Vegas economy before things turn around. But it’s little signs like these that are encouraging and make me feel like we’re on the right track.

Melissa just left a message on my office voice mail. . .Danny Gans, who was headlining at Encore (and was a long-time headliner at the Mirage) has died.

This is sad news.  He was a classic Las Vegas act. . .of which there really aren’t many left. 

According to TMZ, Mr. Gans died at 3AM in his home in Las Vegas.  The news agency reports that his wife discovered his body and called for help.

Danny Gas was 57 52-years-old.