Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey

12 years ago this week, the worst Hurricane in American History decimated Gulf Coast States from Louisiana to Florida.  It was Hurricane Katrina who came ashore as a Category 5 Storm and leveled everything in its path.  Susan and I were working in Biloxi, Mississippi at the time. 

The Casino barges we represented were thrown around like rag dolls, our home looked like a combat zone in the backyard, our roof took quite a beating; and had to be replaced in several sections; and when we finally had the opportunity to clean up, we had a six foot pile of debris that stretched from one side of our property to the other on the curb out front.

Devastation was everywhere after Katrina; and eventually led to Susan and I starting a new life out west.  The weeks leading up to our move were the hardest.  Cleaning up, walking through neighborhoods that used to be full of life; but the one thing sustaining us, volunteers and professionals from all fields of experience to help us put things back together.  The biggest contributions came from the American Red Cross.

This week, we have another devastating Hurricane in Texas.  While Harvey isn’t through, the people in Houston; and all around the path of Harvey face a long road ahead.  Harvey came ashore as a Category 4.  While Katrina was more powerful, she didn’t have the rain Harvey has; and Harvey has made more streets, roads and rivers rushing waterways.  Local Officials are reporting, Rivers alone are cresting 2 to 4 feet over normal.  More than 3,000 water rescues are being reported thus far.

Harvey has dropped over 11 trillion gallons of water on Texas so far.  Harvey has forced over 10,000 people into shelters thus far and rising.  The Houston Convention Center has been opened to shelter in, as well as a local furniture retailer.  Gallery Furniture has opened up their two showrooms in Houston as shelters for flood victims.  Their stores are stocked with food, water and mattresses.

Please help and donate www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey

Nevada History in Goodsprings still has the Pioneer Spirit.

In support of “Everything Vegas and Beyond” we leave the Strip for a fun trip out to Goodsprings, Nevada. Goodsprings is home to one of the oldest bars in the State; and it’s called the Pioneer Saloon.

I’ve always heard of the Pioneer; but until this week, have never been there. The Pioneer has been featured in many movies; and is currently featured in many of the promotional materials being distributed to promote Tourism here. It’s a favorite spot for FAM Groups, special events; and casual dining in an atmosphere from the Old West.

Here’s a bit of their history from the Pioneer Saloon:

The Pioneer Saloon built in 1913, by prominent business man George Fayle, will charm and envelope you with its intriguing past. As you cross the threshold from the present to the past, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip you will quickly come to appreciate this historical landmark. The interior and exterior walls are of stamped tin and manufactured by Sears and Roebuck. It is thought to be one of the last, if not the last of its kind in the United States.

The legendary bar installed in 1913 was manufactured by the Brunswick Company in Maine in the 1860's. As you belly up to wet your whistle you will rest your foot on the original brass foot rail installed when the bar was built. The famous screen legend, Clark Gable, waited for three days at the bar for word on his wife of less than two years, Carole Lombard. She was lost in a plane crash near Mount Potosi. You will be able to read this tragic story on an original newspaper and see a piece of the actual wreckage.

At one time the saloon was next to a hotel that served as a comfortable resting place for the many prospectors and miners in the west.

Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. at Treasure Island a must see attraction for Marvel Fans!

We have many different ways to have fun here in Las Vegas, including Superhero’s and Villains!  If you’re a Fan of Marvels the Avengers, then make your way to Treasure Island.

Susan and I recently had the opportunity to tour the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.  Thank You to Sheryl for the hospitality as we began our Mission to become Agents of S.T.A.T.I.O.N.  Beginning with Captain America and proceeding all the way through to The Hulk and Iron Man, we had a blast. 

You actually have a Mission Briefing with Maria Hill to start; and while you’ll have to go on a Mission to find out what that might be, here’s the Official Mission Brief from their website: 

To delve into the history, science, engineering, genetics, technology and profiles of Captain America, Hulk, Thor and Iron Man. Your goal: To interactively assemble case files on each of the characters and move on to become qualified members of the AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. If you think you have what it takes. If you think you can be something more… 

Susan and I were on Team Thor as we were guided through the interactive process of learning how to be an Agent of S.T.A.T.I.O.N.  You have your own App and here’s how it works: 

The Avenger’s S.T.A.T.I.O.N. app will be your training device, leading you through your mission to become a S.T.A.T.I.O.N. Agent. Carefully follow directives issued by Maria Hill, explore, learn and answer what is asked. The app will show your progress as you make your way through the S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Stay focused and diligent and you will succeed! 

The app is available on preloaded devices at Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. or you can prepare for your mission by downloading the app beforehand on your own device.  Available on iOS or Android.

Website: www.stationattraction.com  Thanks again to everyone at the Avengers for a Great time! 

The Circus has come to Paris Hotel and Casino!

Step right up, the circus is coming to Paris Las Vegas.

The producers of the world’s biggest magic show, “The Illusionists,” have teamed up with the award-winning puppeteers from “War Horse” to bring “CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus” to the Las Vegas Strip.

The show takes audiences on a journey back to the turn of the century, a time when the big top was a big deal when it came to town.

“CIRCUS 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus” has all the thrills and chills you expect from the circus – amazing and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the world, contortionists, strong men, acrobats and high wire acts, plus an exciting new twist.

Elephants, the majestic animals associated with the circus, are back in the ring like you’ve never seen them before. The award-winning team of puppeteers and model makers who created “War Horse,” brings to life two stunningly beautiful elephant puppets for this show. The puppets appear throughout the show as the mother teaches her calf the tricks of the trade. Their movements are so lifelike you’ll think you’re watching the real thing.

“CIRCUS 1903 –The Golden Age of Circus” is designed by scenic artist Todd Ivins and set in a decadent circus tent. The first act is set in front of the circus with trucks, props and rigging. The second part of the show features the tent, flagpoles and rigging being raised into the roof of the theater.

Costumes for the Las Vegas show are designed by Angela Aaron, whose impeccable recreations of original turn-of-the-century circus costumes were inspired by authentic photograph collections and historical museum pieces.

No circus would be complete without its music. The soundtrack of “CIRCUS 1903 –The Golden Age of Circus” embodies the time period and accentuates the thrill and danger of the acts. 

Js Travel Consultants is a Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business!

Js Travel Consultants is proud to announce, we are now a Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When searching for Veteran-Owned Small Business, please consider our Services as your Veteran-Owned Small Business in Southern Nevada.

Js Travel Consultants is here to help you become a part of all the exciting opportunities in our city and state with “Everything Vegas and Beyond” Booking Groups, Attractions, DMC, Golf, Incentives, Meeting Planning, Shows, Tours, Transfers, we’re here to help with all your receptive needs! We’re fully licensed with the State of Nevada and City of Las Vegas. All inquiries are responded to within 24 hours.

Thank You for your continued support and Working with Js Travel Consultants!

The Golden Knights make more history!

The Las Vegas Golden Knights have had a lot of great announcements since joining the National Hockey League; but this one may be one of the biggest.  The Knights have a Head Coach!

53 year old Gerard Gallant will be the first Head Coach in Golden Knights history.  Gallant comes to Las Vegas from the Florida Panthers.  He led them to their first 100-plus-point season in 2015-16 when they went 47-26-9 to win the Atlantic Division.  Gallant also has an overall winning record in the National Hockey League.  He’s compiled a 152-140-4-31 record with both the Panthers and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Gallant and the Staff of the Golden Knights can now get down to business on the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft.  The Draft is scheduled to be held on June 18th, picks introduced on the 21st.

Las Vegas gains approval from the NFL for the Raiders to relocate!

Back in June of last year, the Las Vegas Golden Knights became the latest Franchise to join the National Hockey League.  Less than a year later, Las Vegas has another major Sports Team becoming a part of the city.  The National Football League has formally voted to approve the relocation of the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas.

The vote taken at the League Meetings in Phoenix this week was almost unanimous.  With only the Miami Dolphins voting No, NFL Owners voted 31 – 1 to relocate the Raiders to Las Vegas. 

This comes by way of aggressive efforts brought forth by Las Vegas and the State of Nevada.  A record $750 Million of public funding will be used to build a brand new Stadium.  Bank of America is adding $650 Million in Financing, while the Raiders are paying $500 Million.

The next step in this move is the Raiders and the City agreeing to a Stadium Lease, operational details, revenue sharing; and all the things that go into operating this type of venue.  The Raiders are currently planning on being in Oakland for the next two years.  They will become the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.  We’ll have more updates on this move as they become available. 

Steely Dan is coming to Las Vegas at the Venetian in April for an exclusive Residency!

They're one of the most iconic bands in the Music Industry; and starting in April, Steely Dan will open a new Residency at the Venetian Las Vegas!

Steely Dan’s nine-night exclusive Las Vegas residency, titled “Reelin’ in the Chips,” will entertain audiences with a “greatest hits” set of diverse selections from the band’s extraordinary catalog. Steely Dan has sold more than 40 million albums and helped define the soundtrack of the '70s with hits such as “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Rikki Don't Lose That Number,” “F.M.,” “Peg,” “Hey Nineteen,” “Deacon Blues,” and “Babylon Sisters.”

Steely Dan will perform in the Opaline Theatre from April 12th through April 29th.  9 shows are scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM each night. www.venetian.com/entertainment/steely-dan/ is the link for more information and tickets.

For all your Las Vegas inquiries, please contact us at (702) 539 -7834 or send an email to jahiggins@jstravelconsultants.com  We are "Everything Vegas and Beyond"

Wheel of Fortune pays off big!

Another Lucky Player has hit the Jackpot in Las Vegas!  One of the more popular Slot Machines patrons play is Wheel of Fortune.  According to a published report, a Wheel of Fortune machine paid a $1,200,000 Jackpot at New York New York.

Accoding to the report, the Jackpot hit around 9:30 PM on Sunday 1/29/17.  According to the report in the Las Vegas Sun, an IGT Spokesman said, this is the 2nd Jackpot paid out this year. IGT is the company who produces the popular game.  The other $1,200,000 was hit on 1/14/17 also at New York New York.

No information on who the Lucky Winner is.  Players hitting a Jackpot have the option of remaining annonymous; and they often stay that way.  IGT says, in the 20 years Wheel of Fortune has been in Casinos (Worldwide) they've paid out more than $3 Billion in Jackpots, creating more than 1,000 Millionaires.

The Las Vegas Sun and International Game Technology contributed to this report. 

Happy Lunar New Year entering the Year of The Rooster!

Happy Lunar New Year for 2017 which is the "Year of The Rooster".  Chinese New Year Events are being held all around the World; and is the largest Human Migration in the world.  Over 3 Billion Journeys take place each year as people return home or travel to celebrate the New Year.  The Chinese people have an average of 7 days off to Celebrate the New Year.

Festivities start the day before the New Year and continue until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the New Year.  Here in Las Vegas, many of the attractions and properties have elaborate decorations or a series of events, such as, the Aria, Bellagio Gardens, Wynn Las Vegas, the Venetian & Palazzo, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the new Lucky Dragon.

The Forum Shops has an enourmous 12 foot high - 22 foot long Dragon that weighs in at 950 pounds.  It sits at the entrance to the Casino at Caesars Palace.  Over 30,000 amber and red LED lights bring the Dragon to life.

Celebrations are being held all around the city through February 4th.  The Linq Promenade will have Dragon Dances each day at 6:00 PM.  The dances are performed by the Lohan School of Shaolin.  The High Roller will also glow Red and Gold in Honor of the New Year.

People born under the sign of The Rooster are hardworking, resourceful, confident and talented.  Famous people born under the sign of The Rooster include, Rudyard Kipling, Benjamin Franklin, Nancy Reagan, Joan Collins, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Eric Clapton, to mention just a few.

For all your Las Vegas inquiries, please contact Jim at jahiggins@jstravelconsultants.com or call (702) 539 - 7834.  Website: www.jstravelconsultants.com