#136: Las Vegas in 2012 - Wishes, Wants, and Weight

Today’s Living in Las Vegas Podcast begins with a weight-loss challenge. We get our laughs (and calories) on at one of the many home-grown comedy shows found here in Las Vegas. And we share what we’re looking forward to (and hoping for) in Las Vegas 2012. Show notes:

• Visit LASIK of Nevada (50% Off Premium LASIK + $200 more if you mention VVN)
  
  
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• Weight loss update (damn it)
• Artwork by Romina
• Homegrown Comedy: “Laffageddon”
• Vegas is 2012 - Wishes and Wants
  • The Smith Center
  • First Friday 2.0
  • Splash Canyon Water Park
  • Full-boat Deals for Entertainers (ie; Stratosphere and Frankie Moreno)
  • Local’s Deals ACROSS THE BOARD (for example, MGM)
  • Van Halen in Vegas
  • 10 Year Anniversary of Scott and Melissa

When we first moved to Las Vegas, a trip to The Strip would occasionally include bumping into some form of street performing Elvi (the plural for Elvis, I believe) or showgirl.  You see them downtown as well. You get your picture taken with them, and then give ‘em a tip as thanks. 

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.