Grab your loved one. . .or that hot neighbor you’ve been lusting over (shame on you!) and join Alicia, Melissa, Dave and Scott as they talk about how each couple met (unusual on both accounts), their Valentine’s Day celebration, and our Quad-Crawl this weekend, which occurred just steps from the VVN studios.

It’s going to be a great show. Please be sure to join us!

LiLV+PC
Wednesday, 2/15
8:00PM PT
http://VegasVideoNetwork.com/LIVE

We have found ourselves in the enviable position of needing more help in our eleven-camera capable, all high definition, live streaming video studio.  As a result, we’ve created an opening for a part-time, PAID, studio apprentice.

This is not a "go-get-me-some-coffee" type of gig.

We’re looking for a unique individual who wants to roll up their sleeves, work hard, and get deep into the inner workings of what is arguably the next step in broadcasting.

If you’ve ever wanted to get in on the ground floor of this exciting new way of reaching a world-wide audience, this may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Sounds interesting?  Cool.  You’d be a great candidate if you are personable, enthusiastic, and willing to work crazy hours.  You should be VERY comfortable around technology — you’ll be helping with. . .

• pre-production (cameras, lighting, sets, graphics, guest prepping),
• production (video, audio, cameras, live chat), and
• post-production (audio, video, graphics, software, computers, social media, online)

Naturally, you are a fast learner with an affinity for all things techy, so regardless of the work you’ll be asked to do, you’ll catch on quickly and get the job done.   You should have a creative eye and mind, and should write well.  As time goes on, you’ll be capable of doing everything from writing show notes to being a technical director for any of the VVN shows.

This position will require 16 to 20 hours a week of your time.  There will be a mix of morning, afternoon and evening hours.  And it may turn into a full-time position.

If you’re our (wo)man, let us know.  Send an email to jobs@vegasvideonetwork.com.  Include your resume, tell us a bit about your technical capabilities/experience, and let us know why you’d like to work in a dark studio that is usually occupied by two crazy individuals.  If you’ve done any previous video work, we’d love to see that as well.

We look forward to hearing from you!

This year’s Meetup takes place at one of our favorite bars in Las Vegas — RHUMBAR at The Mirage. The folks at RHUMBAR have set aside an area just for our gathering!

As an added bonus, by RSVP’ing (see below for instructions), your first drink is on us!!

****IMPORTANT****
Anybody can stop by. To get on the list for your **free drink**, please RSVP Facebook AND send an email with a list of attendees (each of whom should have their own email address) to meetup@vegasvideonetwork.com.

These meetups are a BLAST. We’ve been having them since 2006 and they are always a great time to have a drink, meet old friends, and make new friends.

We will be located in the North-East corner of the outside lounge. There should be a large Vegas Video Network banner near us. And while the time of the event says 4-7PM on the Facebook page, you can better believe many of us will be there long after 7PM!

See you there!!!

Here’s the press release: Vegas Video Network to be Syndicated on Las Vegas Radio Station KSHP

(If you go to the link, you’ll hear the promo being run as well!)

Here’s the press release: VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK Launches New Show ‘Talktails with Chris Phillips’. Please take a moment to check it out.

A full press release will follow, but here are the highlights:

1. Date/Time: Thursday, APRIL 28th, 2011. 6PM – 9PM

2. First TWO drinks are on us!! By sending your RSVP to HappyHour@VegasVideoNetwork.com, you will be placed on the guest list and receive two free complimentary drinks.

3. You MUST RSVP: To receive your two free drinks, you must RSVP separately for each person attending (no "so-and-so plus one"). This means each person in attendance will provide their email address. (No, we’re not going to sell your email address — Emails will be used to update and remind everyone coming of the date and late-breaking info.)

4. Location: The brand new Nikki Beach and Cafe at the Tropicana Las Vegas. (This event is one week prior to the big Grand Opening!)

The event will be hosted by Access Vegas CEO Ted Newkirk and yours truly. Also in attendance will be your favorite hosts from all of the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK programs (Living in Las Vegas, Pub Crawl, Golf & Other Fore-Letter Words, Awkward Silence, Let’s Bet!, and Getting REAL (Estate) in Vegas). Also in attendance will be hosts for two new shows that have not yet been publically announced. (Both are VERY well known here in Las Vegas.)

Looking forward to seeing everybody. PLEASE TELL A FRIEND and send your name and email address to HappyHour@VegasVideoNetwork.com. The new Nikki Beach looks amazing and a good time will be had by all!

Access Vegas / VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK MeetUp + Happy Hour
Date/Time: Thursday, April 28th, 6PM - 9PM
Location: Nikki Beach at the Tropicana Las Vegas
RSVP: HappyHour@VegasVideoNetwork.com

Hosted by local “golf guru” Dennis Silvers (ESPN, Fox Sports, Sirius/XM Radio), Golf & Other Fore-Letter Words is the newest addition to the network’s line up.

LIVE and very fast-paced, the show featuring three major segments:

• “Tournament Scorecard” - an in-depth review of the previous week’s pro-golfing action
• “Birdies and Bogies” — a funny (and often critical) look at the news and rumors of golf
• “Handicap Helper” — Answers to viewer questions

Here’s the press release: VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK Adds ‘Golf & Other Fore-Letter Words’ to Network Line-Up

Come check us out LIVE this Wednesday at 6PM Pacific (http://VegasVideoNetwork.com/LIVE). If you have a golfing questions, send it along to golf@vegasvideonetwork.com.

We’ve been considering this addition for some time. Come to find out, integrating an audio feed for each and every show currently running on the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK, and doing so in an as automated fashion as possible, is not as easy as you might think.

We’ve spent time re-designing our production workflow and are happy to announce the Vegas Video Network now offers audio-only versions of all our current programming, including the Living in Las Vegas Podcast!

On the VVN website, we’ve added a new AUDIO page for folks who just want to listen or download their favorite episodes (LiLV or the other shows as well). I’ve added a audio-only RSS link to the top of the www.LivingInLV.com website.

Three Ways to Listen

If you want to list the most recent audio version of the LiLV Podcast on the web, click here.

For those of you who use iTunes, click here and iTunes will automatically start and load/subscribe to the new audio feed.

For those who want access to the RSS feed (suitable for Google Reader, for example), you’ll want to click this link.

Here are those links again:

• Living in Las Vegas Podcast (Audio only) - Website-based Episode Listing
• Living in Las Vegas Podcast (Audio only) – iTunes
• Living in Las Vegas Podcast (Audio only) - RSS Feed

Thanks all for the feedback and continued support. Melissa and I appreciate it!

Because we’ve just launched, we would really appreciate your support by visiting the page and clicking the “LIKE” button.

Thanks!

The Amazing Johnathan, the first Strip entertainer I insisted we see when we moved to Las Vegas, is going to be appearing LIVE on Awkward Silence.

What??!  YES!

AJ (that’s what his friends call him) will find himself in a “No Holds Barred. No restrictions” interview with our host-with-the-most, Brian Mollica.

AJ will be on the FEBRUARY 3rd, 2011 Awkward Silence episode, which starts LIVE at 6PM (PST).  If you’ve ever wanted to ask AJ a question (like, “where’s the best place to go bandana shopping?”), THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO!

See you on Thursday night!

I’m proud to say that with the New Year comes a new sponsor for the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK. We are very proud to be working with Dr. Richard Rothman and LASIK of Nevada.

In practice for over 20 years, Dr. Rothman has performed over 30,000 40,000 LASIK procedures and is the most experienced LASIK surgeon living in Nevada. I’ve known Dr. Rothman for several years now and have been impressed with his practice and the testimonials he continues to receive.

Speaking of testimonials, the LASIK of Nevada ad we’re running features Academy Award-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri, who flew from New York to get his LASIK procedure done by Dr. Rothman.

As part of LASIK of Nevada’s sponsorship, I asked if they’d offer VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK viewers special pricing. . .and they agreed to do so! Simply visit LasikOfNV.com/VVN and you’ll see that in addition to 50% off premium LASIK, if you mention “VVN”, you’ll receive another $200 discount!

If you’re considering LASIK, be sure to include Dr. Rothman and LASIK of Nevada in your research!

According to the article, a man in motorcycle garb walked up to a craps table, pulled a gun, and demanded chips.  He was seen fleeing on a motorcycle, heading westbound on Flamingo.

Police think the robber is the same person who robbed the Suncoast casino (located in Summerlin) on December 9th (stole less than $20k).

Here’s a link to the premiere episode.  Take a break from your busy schedule and spend 12 minutes basking in some sunshine of your own!

Today, the groovy folks at Cirque opened up a special offer for Nevada residents on 85.71% of their Las Vegas-based shows.  (That’s 6 out of 7.  Can you guess which one isn’t included?)  The offer extends all the way until February 28, 2011!

Here’s the shows and promo codes:

• "Mystère" at Treasure Island Hotel
  $37.95-$54.45 (reg. $75.90-$108.90)
  Code: Local
  Runs Saturday-Wednesday
  Two ticket minimum
• "Criss Angel Believe" at the Luxor Las Vegas
  $54.45 (reg. up to $109)
  Code: Luxor
  Runs Tuesday-Saturday
  Must be booked in pairs
• "KÀ" at the MGM Grand
  $54.45 (regularly $99)
  Code: MGM
  Runs Tuesday-Saturday
• "Zumanity" at the New York New York Hotel & Casino
  $54.45 (reg. $105)
  Code: Zumanity
  Runs Friday-Tuesday 
• "The Beatles Love" at The Mirage
  $68.75 (reg. $130)
  Code: Mirage
  Runs Thursday-Monday
• "Viva Elvis" at ARIA Resort & Casino
  $68.75 (reg. $125)
  Code: Aria
  Runs Tuesday-Saturday

Our first live show within the network will be this Sunday, at 10AM Pacific. You’ll be able to join us on the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK “Live” page by going here: http://www.VegasVideoNetwork.com/LIVE

Hope to see you there! We’ve got a lot to catch up on!

The Vegas Video Network is an online broadcasting network that specializes in insider news and expert views about Las Vegas. 

We built the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK to end the struggle of finding Vegas-related video that is centrally located, professionally-produced, timely and relevant. We’re driven upon three key principles:

1. An easy-to-use website
2. The sophistication and live aspects of Broadcast TV
3. Las Vegas experts who promote the city and are actively engaged with their viewers

We had our Launch Party last Saturday.  Lots of folks in attendance, both at the studio and online (15 states, UK, Germany, Canada and Russia). It went out live (naturally) and the video of the festivities is now available as a video-on-demand file.

Please take a moment and visit the site.  We’ve got a bunch of great shows lined up on the network – something for everybody.

Our first show to go live will be “Pub Crawl”, which premiers this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 7:30PM.  Come by and see what we’re up to!

Really.

I’ve been “heads down” since August 2nd on the VEGAS VIDEO NETWORK.  I think it’s going to be a big deal.  I hope you feel the same.  Please sign up. You’ll like it, I promise.

I had heard earlier this month that a lion attacked a trainer at The Lion Habitat at MGM Grand.  Come to find out, a tourist was shooting video when it all took place!

The attack begins off camera.  It appears the male lion decided he’d had enough of the thinner trainer.  After the initial attack, the lion and trainer are separated only for the lion to go after him again a bit later in the video.

Here’s a thought – let’s stop thinking that putting a wild animal in an unnatural environment isn’t going to eventually piss it off.

For my part, I butcher about three seconds of a BeeGee’s classic. Rip’s death-defying performance is much more impressive. In both cases, I’d suggest you not try this at home.

It’s been ten days since our last video, which demonstrates how busy we’ve been! It’s hard to shoot video when you’re a Builder Bob apprentice! And speaking of Builder Bob, let’s meet Rip Rippetoe, as he explains what we’ve still got to do.

In this latest behind-the-scenes video, we take an over-the-shoulder look into some of the steps required to build our 288 square foot stage.  (We also feature the entertainment styling’s of one Wade Roberts.)

First we have Jason, who hails from Missouri and is clearly capable of any bodyguard duties I may need in the soon or distant future.

Next is Amber, a Las Vegas local who is a very impressive graphics designer. (She’s worked with several casinos here in town.)

And the latest addition is Michael and Melissa, a cute couple from Oregon who are in the midst of buying a short sale home here in Las Vegas.

Welcome all to the site!

By the way, are YOU on our Friends of the Living in Las Vegas Podcast page? It’s easy! Just attach a photo of yourself to an email and send it to friends@livinginlv.com. Include your name and location and you will join fabulous folks like Jason, Amber, Michael and Melissa!

In today’s video, we learn how to set off a fire alarm without starting a fire and see first hand that I have lost all track of time.

On November 23, 1998 I jumped into the entrepreneurial waters.  Since then, I’ve started three successful businesses (website design, branded music CDs and Internet broadcasting).  For each of those businesses, I’ve been fortunately enough to have, on average, about a 10 foot commute to work. 

That is, until about ten days ago.

For some time now, I’ve been working on a concept for a new type of offering from PodWorx.  It’s an idea that I’m very excited about and one where the technology has caught up with the vision.  It’s never been attempted here in Las Vegas and based on the feedback I’ve received from a group of very smart folks who’ve been briefed (after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement), there’s a lot to be excited about.

To create the environment necessary for this new concept, I have to expand beyond my existing work environment.  As a result, I have found myself in the land of commercial real estate.  After a relatively-short search, I was connected with a great guy/landlord and a great space from which to launch this project. 

After securing a small amount of funds from outside sources, on August 2nd, 2010, I accepted the keys to my first commercial property!  A wave of excitement, fear, anticipation and the unknown washed over me.  I’m not a Builder-Bob kind of guy, so I was nervous.  Luckily, I have two GREAT friends (Rip and Wade) who are helping me build what I believe will be one of the coolest video studios in town.   

The video above is the first of several I’ll be recording during the building process.  We’re still in stealth mode but I wanted to share the process as best I can. Ten days into the project, I’ve learned a lot, spend a great deal of time at Home Depot and Ahern Rental, and feel as if my credit card is beginning to melt.

Stay tuned. . .

The Tea Lounge on the 23rd floor of he Mandarin Oriental at CityCenter is offering locals 20% off their bill for tea and/or tea cocktails now through Labor Day.

What is a tea cocktail?

Good question.  Here’s a couple examples:

Royal Tea – orange vodka, simple syrup, chilled Osmanthus Oolong tea, splash of lemon juice, on the rocks.

Tea-tini – bourbon, chilled jasmine pearl tea, and apple juice, sweetened with agave nectar.

I wonder if I can hang a Lipton bag on the side of my Tanqueray and Tonic and call it a tea cocktail?

Are you looking to be part of a fun show or know someone who is? If so then forward this to them.

Looking for an assistant in a comedy magic show on Fremont Street. Must be attractive, friendly and outgoing (very good with people).

Job duties include: Pitch the show 2 hours before the show, Work along-side the shows performers in a one-hour show.

Experience a huge plus, however if you’re a natural we would love to take a look.

Hours: Approximately 2:00pm- 5:30pm. Wed-Sun

Flat fee ($60) for your appearance plus commissions on sales of tickets.

Please send any information you think may be helpful in addition to a headshot (photo), plus full length photo, number to reach you at and resume. We will not even take a look without a photo. You will be performing on stage and must look presentable to the public.

This is a fun environment however we are also very hard workers.

Call 702.287.0915 to set up an interview on Friday

His email address (for the headshot, resume, etc.) is screamoutloudmarketing@yahoo.com. 

I put out a tweet about Las Vegas street performers that solicited a funny response by Bridget Magnus, a Las Vegas local.  As I often do when I get a reply on Twitter, I checked out her blog.  Come to find out, she’s a Realtor.  And I was pleasantly surprised to learn that she publishes a weekly blog post called “Friday Figures”, which provides a synopsis on what’s what in the Las Vegas real estate market, based upon figures from GLVAR MLS system.

I asked if she’d be interested in sharing her insights with our Living in Las Vegas Podcast readers and she agreed to do so.

Welcome, Bridget.  Thanks for joining the team!

So, here’s an official “attaboy” to the folks at Wolfgang Puck.

Several Wolfgang Puck restaurants are offering locals 20% off through September 30.  The offer is good for lunch and dinner food only (not drinks) seven days a week at the following restaurants:

• Spago (The Forum Shops)
• CUT (Palazzo)
• Trattoria del Lupo (Mandalay Bay)
• Postrio Bar & Grill (Grand Canal Shops/Venetian)
• Wofgang Puck Pizzeria (Crystals, CityCenter)

Locals must show ID to their server to take advantage of the offer.  More info can be found at www.wolfgangpuck.com.

Have you ever wondered how much these folks make?

Me, too.

The local Fox news station did a short story on street performers — about how they’ve gone from Elvis and showgirls to KISS’ Gene Simmons, Storm Troupers, Spiderman, and Austin Powers.  The gist of the piece was that some street vendors who sell a product are angry that the street performers don’t have to go through the same permit and licensing requirements as they do.  It’s an interesting debate, but what REALLY got my attention is how much a street performer can make.

According to “Gene”, he makes between $75 to $400 a day sticking a fake tongue in his mouth and posing for pictures.  For a five-day-a-week, fifty-weeks-a-year gig, that averages to $59,375.  But what REALLY REALLY got my attention is what the Storm Trouper makes.

The reported wrapped up the piece by saying that she heard the Storm Trouper “can make seven to eight hundred dollars. . .just amazing!”

What?!?!  $700-$800 a day?!?!?

Yep, go out and buy a Storm Trouper costume, and prepare yourself to make as much as $200,000 a year.

Which begs the question:

Do They Have Storm Trouper Costume in XL?

May the source (of revenue) be with you.

Although I’m very very impressed with realtor.com’s search functions (it does what those ‘sign-up-to-get-your-search-info’ sites do for free), I stumbled upon a cool feature in Google Maps.

Under the MORE tab (found on the upper-right of the map), select “Real Estate…”.  Instantly, all homes for sale in your area pops up on the map.  Additionally, the column to the left of the map presents some simple criteria for the search (Listing type, # of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, square footage).  After narrowing the search, you get a clearer look into what’s happening in your area. 

When you click on one of the teardrop thingies, the property info comes up with a link to the website with the property’s details.

Pretty cool stuff.