Mirage Unveils New Fake Volcano

Although 2008 has been an increasingly tough economic year for hoteliers everywhere, the folks at the Mirage are still shelling out big bucks. The Las Vegas resort reportedly spent $25 million on a brand new fake volcano. The feature was unveiled Monday evening before a crowd of fake volcanologists.

The redesign is the work of WET, creator of the fountain attraction at the Bellagio. WET's new fire-shooting spectacle at the Mirage is accompanied by a soundtrack composed by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and famed Indian
percussionist Zakir Hussain.

While the drums beat, fireballs shoot more than 12 feet into the air, "lava" flows down the mountain's fissures and "eruption ignites the surrounding lagoon," said the Mirage.

Hart calls the result a "true union of the senses that will rattle your bones, just like a
real volcano."

The new volcano is just one of example of how tourists and Las Vegas can both win at the same time. As the Strip continuously makes efforts to revitalize itself, fans of Sin City are perpetually greeted with new resorts and attractions. A constant focus on reinvention has made Las Vegas one of the most dynamic tourist destinations in the world. While some cities may lose their charm, and natural attractions wear away and are torn down, you can be sure there's always something new in Las Vegas.

FareFinder: San Diego Specialist

FareFinder isn't limited to getting the word out on the best accommodations. Sometimes, it's the little things that make a difference, like great deals on places to eat and sightsee. Hence, the San Diego CVB newsletter was a personal favorite this week.

Among the highlights:

• The "Passport to Balboa Park" includes admission to 13 museums in the park, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Japanese Friendship Garden, and more for $39 ($21 for children).
  
  
• Also, the "Passport to Adventure" pass includes the Old Town Trolley Tour or San Diego Seal Tour, deluxe admission into the San Diego Zoo, a San Diego Hornblower harbor cruise, free admission into the Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Museum of Art, a two-for-one meal at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, and free entrance into Croce’s Jazz Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter. The passport has no expiration and costs $89.
  
  
• A Hawaiian-themed breakfast spot set along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Kono’s Surf Club is most famous for its affordable and generous all-day breakfasts.
  
  
• The Shores Restaurant in La Jolla offers a "Five for $5" Happy Hour Monday - Friday, 4-6 p.m., with appetizer and drink specials that include a Blood Orange Martini, classic gin or vodka martinis and numerous appetizer specials.

So enjoy San Diego and all it has to offer. Especially the weather.