New Year's Eve route detours for CAT buses (including the Deuce) can be found at the RTC site.

Any route involving the Las Vegas Strip will have some sort of detour. Most altered routes begin after street closures begin (as early as 4 p.m.).

If you're planning to take mass transit tonight, be sure to review your planned bus route.

To make up for the confusion, all CAT and Deuce bus fares will be free from 6 p.m. through 6 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 1, 2006.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay is home to the FleurBurger 5000, which costs $5,000 not including tip and tax.

A hop, skip, and jump across the I-15 is mainstay In-n-Out Burger (4888 Dean Martin Dr./Industrial Rd.) offering a Double-Double combo for $4.99 not including tip and tax.

Prepared by Chef Hubert Keller, the FleurBurger 5000 is a Kobe burger containing foie gras, a special truffle sauce, and is served on a brioche truffle bun.

Prepared by Katie, the In-n-Out Double-Double is two 100-percent pure beef patties, topped with two slices of American cheese, tomato, hand-leafed lettuce, a choice of onions, and is served on a freshly baked bun.

The FleurBurger 5000 comes with black truffles.

The In-n-Out Double-Double comes with fresh cut potatoes, prepared in 100 percent vegetable oil.

Both are never frozen, nor do the burgers hit the grill before you order.

The FleurBurger 5000 comes with a bottle of Chateau Petrus 1990 poured in Ichendorf Brunello stemware imported from Italy that will be mailed to your home. The Petrus 1990 itself is valued at $988.

The In-n-Out Double-Double combo comes with a medium soda of your choice in a disposable cup that you can take home with you. Minus the cup, it's valued at $1.10.

This was a tough decision until further investigation found a 2-for-1 discount: if you're dining with someone and you order the FleurBurger 5000, your companion will get a free burger. Plus if you order it without the Petrus, the burger is $75.

That effectively brings the cost down to $37.75 for the burger, or a $4,962.25 savings.

I could not find any In-n-Out coupons.

The choice is simple: order the FleurBurger with an In-n-Out milkshake.

Posted by Poker Grub at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

For their Total Rewards player's club, Harrah's offers a quick way to achieve Platinum and Diamond status in one day. In a 24-hour period from midnight to midnight, earn 1,000 points to become Platinum and 1,800 points to become Diamond. This status is then good through the end of March the following year (March 2007 if earned before March 2006). If you're already a Platinum/Diamond member, earning these points within 24 hours will get your level renewed for one more year.

Points are earned based on $5 coin-in per point for slots and $10 coin-in for video poker. In other words, to become Diamond you'll need to playthrough $9,000 in slots or $18,000 in video poker over the course of one day. Normally it takes 10,000 points over one year to be upgraded to Diamond.

What will Platinum and Diamond get you? Increased offers. Harrah's mad marketing team mails constant fliers for free rooms, show tickets, food comps, gas cards, free cash coupons, slot tournaments, poker tournaments, and more. Diamond players receive priority check-in registration, free health spa, and are granted access to the Diamond Lounge, containing free drinks, free food, and, at Rio, free Internet access. A list of benefits can be found here.

(There's one additional level above Diamond called Seven Stars, requiring 100,000 points within one calendar year. Harrah's is mum about the offers those top-tiered players receive, but they include chartered flights to Harrah's properties.)

Also, if you're very close in points, you can sometimes sweet talk the Total Rewards host into bumping you up. I was able to get to Diamond with 48 points remaining (though it didn't include table play). They saw the previous day I'd earned 120 points, and they merged the two into one day without my even having to ask.

What's more, now that Harrah's owns Caesars, all of Caesars' properties will soon be converted to the Total Rewards system, meaning an even greater variety of benefits from being a Platinum/Diamond member.

Flamingo has already converted to Total Rewards, so you can begin racking up points using your same card at Harrah's, Rio, and Flamingo (as well as Showboat and Harveys casinos). Next up is Bally's and Paris on Jan. 17. Then Caesars on Feb. 14.

Other properties outside of Vegas to switch over include Bally's Atlantic City (Feb. 7), Caesars Atlantic City (Feb. 28), Caesars Indiana (March 7), Grand Tunica (March 21), and Shearaton Tunica (April 4).

The Harrah-fication has already begun!

Posted by Poker Grub at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Amazing Randi, who still has not had his $1 million paranormal challenge cracked, will present The Amazing Meeting 4 at Stardust from Jan. 26-29, 2006.

In addition to The Amazing Randi, this year's annual convention features speakers including Nadine Strossen, Mac King, Jamy Ian Swiss, Phil Plait, Julia Sweeney, Skeptic publisher Michael Shermer, the Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters" Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, Nobel laureate Murray Gell-Mann, NASA astronomer and designer of Saturn Vehicles Carolyn Porco, and more.

The panels for this year are "Science in Politics and the Politics of Science" and "Can a Skeptic Believe in God?”

Mac King will be onstage for the Thursday workshop "Information and Misinformation," where he'll show how you can be fooled without mirrors or holograms, using props straight from his pockets.

Penn & Teller also return again for some surprises to entertain guests.

Registration for the conference runs from $225 to $375 and can be purchased via PayPal at this link.

Stardust offers a discounted rate of $90 for Friday/Saturday and $60 for weeknights when you use the special group code TAM4.

Reserve your room at Stardust's online reservation system or call (800) 634-6757.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Planning to drive around Las Vegas for New Year's Eve?

Best valet your car and hoof it. The Strip will shut down on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. and you won't be allowed to enter from the west or east.

That means east exits off I-15 will be closed for Russell, Tropicana, Flamingo, Spring Mountain, and Sahara. West exits off I-15 will be closed for Tropicana and Flamingo.

If you must travel, take Frank Sinatra Drive (formerly Industrial Road), which runs behind the west Strip casinos and garages. To access the east Strip casinos, take Koval Lane.

The Monorail and buses will also be running.

Click here for more information on the fireworks festivities.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The world's highest rollercoaster is coming to a close on Dec. 30.

Stratosphere's High Roller ride opened on April 29, 1996, the same day that the hotel opened their doors. It's 909 feet high on 840 feet of track and wraps around the tower at 32-degree angles at a speed of 32 miles per hour.

It's expected to take three months to completely dismantle the High Roller by crane.

Stratosphere will be replacing the High Roller with another more thrilling one.

Until then, you still have a few more days to experience the High Roller. Admission price is $4.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Good until Dec. 29, Rio has a coupon good for $5 off their Carnival World Buffet or, our favorite, $10 off their Village Seafood Buffet (mmm... lobster tail...).

Each coupon is good for up to four people, but if you have more in your party you can just print more.

The Carnival Buffet coupon is good Sunday through Thursday, and the Village Seafood Buffet coupon is good Monday through Friday.

A hint about this coupon: usually once it expires, they extend the date. Keep checking this original location of the coupon.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

After almost 7,000 performances since opening in September 2002, Tropicana's free Air Play show is closing.

Not until Dec. 31, though, so you still have a chance to see it.

Air Play is a 20-minute aerial act taking place in the air, above the slots on the casino floor. Acrobats, contortionists, singers, and dancers entertain you in six different shows every day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Station Casinos (which include the two Fiestas) offer a linked jumbo jackpot for slots that begins at $100,000 and increases every second until it hits or reaches $150,000. It can hit at any time and will reward one lucky player between $100,000 and $150,000. Once it goes off, every slot player playing with a Boarding Pass card will hear loud bells and receive $50 in free slotplay.

To bolster the quiet gambling time during the holidays, Station is adding a small jackpot in addition to the regular jumbo jackpot that is guaranteed to hit 15 times, every day from Dec. 25 to Jan. 8, 2006. This Holiday Daily Jumbo Jackpot begins at $15,000 and must hit by $25,000. Once it hits, every slot player playing with a Boarding Pass card will receive $25 in free slotplay.

The six Station Casinos are Palace Station, Boulder Station, Texas Station, Sunset Station, Santa Fe Station, and Green Valley Ranch. The two Fiesta casinos are Fiesta Rancho and Fiesta Henderson.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not seen together live for two years, the band Matchbox Twenty returns for just two shows at Hard Rock's The Joint -- Dec. 31 at 10 p.m. and Jan. 1 at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.com for $100-200 (Dec. 31) and $75 (Jan. 1).

Lead singer Rob Thomas has been touring his successful solo debut album "...Something To Be."

Guitarist Kyle Cook told Billboard.com what it took to get them back together: "Vegas, cash, New Year's Eve and booze, all in that order."

The band hopes to reteam for a new studio album, which would have a different edgier sound while maintaining their pop sensibility.

After this concert, though, Rob Thomas returns to his solo touring.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get your last-minute Christmas shopping done at Bass Pro Shops, located within the Silverton Casino (8200 Dean Martin Dr., about five minutes south of Mandalay Bay).

And if you page through a copy of What's On magazine, you'll come across a coupon for 20 percent off any one item. This coupon has been in the magazine on a regular basis for the past few months. If you stop at Silverton's front desk, you'll find free copies.

Bass Pro is to sportsmen as Greek shipping heirs is to Paris Hilton. But Bass Pro has so much more than sports-related items. I used my 20 percent coupon on a bag of gummi bears, found in a haystack within the two-story, 165,000-square-foot mecca store.

Yesterday, Bass Pro Shops Inc. announced a partnership with Station Casinos Inc. to open a new store in conjunction with a new casino in south Reno (Mount Rose Highway and South Virginia St.).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Through Dec. 25, Rio's Show in the Sky is now a Holiday Show in the Sky. And it's still free.

Daily at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. (with additional 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays), watch the main floor of Masquerade Village transform into Carnivale with giant Christmas floats suspended from the ceiling and circling the casino.

Have a souvenir photo taken with the performers, and if you're at least 3' tall, you can even ride in a float for $12.95 (purchase at the Rio box office 45 minutes before the show).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shaping into what appears to be an annual holiday offer, Penn & Teller are once again giving away two free tickets to their show to anyone who donates blood before New Year's.

Simply stop by United Blood Services (6930 W. Charleston) between now and Dec. 31, open up your vein, and you'll get two tickets to the Penn & Teller show at Rio.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Card Player Media, which publishes Card Player magazine, announced it will make Gold and Platinum health savings cards to hundreds of thousands of poker players, deeply discounting rates normally unavailable to the individual.

Focusing on players who have limited or no coverage, card players will now have medical, dental, vision, and other benefits for a starting rate at less than $10 a month. Acceptance into the healthcare program is guaranteed at 100 percent.

Additional benefits include no claim forms, no deductibles, no benefit maximum, no waiting periods, and no age restrictions. Preexisting conditions are also included.

For more information and to sign up for the Player Healthcare Savings Card, visit http://www.cardplayer.com/healthcard or call 1-800-860-3779.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The rooms of the Red Rock Station (with windows overlooking Mars)

Station Casinos, which is quietly sitting on huge hunks of key property (to the tune of 200 acres) all around Las Vegas (their middle name is "surround and conquer"), announced today that they will partner with The Greenspun Corp. to build a new casino in North Las Vegas to add to their collection. Station has a similar partnership with Greenspun in Henderson's Green Valley Ranch.

The first phase of the $400-450 million, 40-acre Aliante Station is expected to break ground in late 2006/early 2007, contain 200 rooms, and open in mid-2008 on the northeast corner of Las Vegas Beltway and Aliante Parkway. It's also likely to be the only casino in North Las Vegas, one of the fastest growing cities in the country along with Las Vegas and Henderson.

Station's new Red Rock Station, currently being built in Summerlin, opens spring 2006.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Want to know who owns what in Las Vegas hotel's. This is a super informative page.

Posted by pokerprof at 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

USA Today calls The Blue Man Group "an absolutely ecstatic experience. The most inventive theater to come along in ages."

Celebrate the holidays with the blue men trio in their new digs at The Venetian by using a two-for-one ticket special good for the following dates:

Dec. 19-30 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 27-28, 30 at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Dec. 31 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Jan. 1-8 at 7 p.m.
Jan. 7 at 10 p.m.

Call The Venetian box office at (702) 414-7469 and mention "local 2-for-1."

Offer is good Dec. 19-Jan. 8. Limit four tickets per person and must have valid Nevada photo I.D.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As part of a push to make Clark County healthier, the Clark County Health District has launched its sixth annual campaign called "Take a Bite Out of Smoking."

Other than healthier dining, you might be interested in their collection of smoke-free restaurants that are compiled into a coupon book that offers diners two-for-one deals and other discounts. This is also a handy way to identify which places don't allow smoking.

You can get a completely free coupon book by stopping by one of the participating restaurants, by sending your name and address to tobaccoprogram@cchd.org, or by calling (702) 759-1270.

Over 300 restaurants include fast food and sit-down restaurants in mostly off-Strip locations in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Summerlin, but some restaurants also are contained within casinos.

A complete list can be found at this site, and we've picked out a random sampling below:

Aloha Island Grill
Big Apple Bagels
Brooklyn Bagels
Cafe Caubo
Coffee Pub
D’Amores Pizza
Dairy Queen
East Boy
Holy Grounds Coffee Lounge
Jersey Mike's Subs
Jitters Gourmet Coffee
Joey's Only Seafood Restaurant
Johnny Rockets (Stratosphere)
KC's Subs
Koto Japanese Restaurant (The Orleans)
Leonard's Airport Cafe
Mary's Hash House
Original Pancake House (Green Valley Ranch)
Port of Subs
Rokai's Philly Steak Express
Roma Deli & Restaurant
Souper Salad
Taco Time and Surf City
Teriyaki Madness
Villa Pizza

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Get your Sunday started right!

Every Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., House of Blues hosts The Fabulous Gospel Brunch, an all-you-can-eat southern style buffet with a different uplifting gospel group performing live every week. Guaranteed to get your toes tapping and stomach rumbling. Tickets are $39 for adults, $20 for ages 11 and under.

And, until Jan. 2, 2006, locals who show a Nevada photo I.D. will have mercy and get $10 off each ticket.

The menu includes:

breakfast station
Scrambled Eggs
Southwestern Style Eggs
Red Mashed Potatoes
Hickory Smoked Bacon
Cheddar Cheese Grits
Smoked and Blackened Catfish Board
Assorted Muffins

down south
Creole Chicken Jambalaya
Southern Deep Fried Chicken
Wild Mushroom Pasta
Turnip Greens
Jalapeno Cornbread Skillets with Maple Butter

salads
Smoked Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad
Red Pepper Aioli, Smoked Chicken, Walnuts, Red Onion ,Watercress, Red Pepper, Bowtie Pasta
Traditional Caesar Salad
With Wood Oven Croutons and Fresh Parmesan
Spinach Salad with Smoked Red Onion Vinaigrette
Tossed Shrimp Remoulade Shrimp Salad
Diced Tomatoes, Olives, Eggs, Capers, Shrimp, Remoulade Sauce, Lemon Oil, Chives
Sliced Seasonal Fruit Display

carving station
Prime Rib and Bourbon Glazed Ham
Served with Rolls, Creole Mustard, Horseradish, and Seasoned Mayonnaise

dessert
Banana Bread Pudding Served with Crème Anglaise
White Chocolate Walnut Brownie Display
Warm Cobbler

Okay, now we're starvin'.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Plaid Tidings, a special holiday repackaging of Forever Plaid, is currently running at Gold Coast until Dec. 31, then switches back to the regular show Tuesdays-Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $39.95.

On Dec. 19 at 6 p.m., the cast will meet & greet & sign their new CD Forever Plaid: The Fifteenth Anniversary Edition." Join them for coffee at the Rejavanate Coffee Lounge, 3300 E. Flamingo Rd., 702-253-7721.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The above photo, taken at Centennial Park (Fourth St. and Lewis Ave., downtown) may look unassuming enough (it's the site of the historic Las Vegas Grammar School from 1936), but 100 years from now after generations of condos and casinos have passed, a time capsule will be unearthed to give clues into how life was lived way back when on Dec. 15, 2005.

The Centennial Time Capsule was buried yesterday with a dedication by Mayor Oscar Goodman and his showgirls. Two metal chests were entombed in an aboveground vault to become the base of a glass and stainless steel sculpture where it will remain for a century, when jetpacks and flying cars are all the rage. The sculpture, representing the natural geography around Las Vegas, was designed by Stephen Hendee, assistant professor of art and sculpture at UNLV.

If you can't wait until Dec. 15, 2105, here are some of the items contained in the capsule:

Oscar Goodman bobblehead doll
gaming chips
t-shirts
cocktail waitress uniform
CDs (Elvis, the Rat Pack)
DVDs of recollections of early and modern Vegas
newspaper
newscast
films
chef's hat
road construction sign
"Welcome to Las Vegas" sign
telephone directory

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As a professional lighting designer, I deal with all different aspects of lighting in different spaces around our growing city. One of the big problems I see is that people want to add lighting to there house but do not want to cut holes in there ceilings to add recessed down lights, or they do not have enough attic space to add lights. The answer is Track lights. In the lighting world today, there are so many different types and styles and colors of track lights that they are now very cool to use in your home. I want you to forget about the 1980's and the horrible track lights that were used in that era. Those lights went away when wood paneling made an exit towards the door. Today, you can get track lights that suspend from the ceiling by way of cables, you can mount small pendant, or even use track heads that are the shapes of small animals and bugs for the kid's room. Regardless of what your design is, there are track lights out there that will fit your room's décor. Track lights are much easier to install, and you may be able to install them yourself if you are savvy with tools, electricity, and not afraid of ladders. If not, an electrician can install them for a fee that will be less than recessed lighting. I also recommend putting your track lights on a wall dimmer rather than a switch. It may cost 15 dollars more but it will be the best money you ever spent… trust me. If you are still not sure you can located a lighting designer in your area for help. Written by Tom Kowalczuk IALD IES LC 702-260-8665 or check out our Las Vegas Flashlight website.

Posted by Tom Kowalczuk at 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Much Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" controversy has been made of NBC editing out Pamela Anderson's pole-dancing in this past Monday's "Elton John: The Red Piano," taped from the similarly named Las Vegas show at Caesars Palace.

The segment cut was Elton John singing "The Bitch is Back" against a backdrop of Anderson seducing a dance pole. This segment was included in press releases and preview copies sent out to critics, which reviewed the show uncensored.

The New York Daily News reviewed the show with the pole-dancing as "the biggest visual effect of the night," saying "director Dave Mallet chooses his camera angles and edits very judiciously, but leaves enough to preserve the hour's most Vegas-worthy moment."

A last-minute decision, NBC's standards and practices decided Pamela Anderson wasn't ready for prime time nor Vegas worthy. In a statement released the day after airing, NBC said: "We believed the content was not appropriate for 8 p.m.-7 Central time -- and decided to pull the song from the special."

If you missed it, you still have one more chance to see the show... and maybe Pamela Anderson uncensored as well.

Tonight, Bravo (9 p.m. on Cox Cable Channel 53 in Las Vegas) rebroadcasts "Elton John: The Red Piano."

TV Guide includes in its description of tonight's show: "Also: Pamela Anderson enhances 'The Bitch is Back' with a pole dance."

And if you can't trust TV Guide, who can you trust?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Planning to spend the holidays in Las Vegas?

Traditionally the cheapest hotel rates the days surrounding Christmas (with the New Year's Eve weekend being the most expensive), Hard Rock offers a $79 room rate for Dec. 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29; $99 for Dec. 20, 23, and 24; and $149 for Dec. 16 and 17.

Each room comes with French doors, a Bose CD stereo system, comfy 310-thread-count linens with feather pillows and blankets, 100 percent cotton terry in the bathroom, 100 percent cotton robes, a flatscreen Plasma TV, continuous music videos, and enough Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities to fill up your luggage.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Another month, another drop in Monorailship. And we don't just mean objects physically dropping from our favorite Vegas train.

November 2005 was another declining month for the $650 million Las Vegas Monorail, bringing in an average $76,000 per day and a daily average of fewer than 26,000 people. This is down from the $123,000 per day that needs to be brought in to break even. An average of 52,000 riders was expected when the monorail first opened in July 2004. It peaked in July 2005 and has been dropping ever since.

What could kill off ridership completely is a price increase of almost 67 percent. Currently at $3 per trip, each trip will now be $5 beginning Dec. 29. A one-day (24-hour) unlimited pass will be $15 (was $10) and a 10-ride pass will be $35 (was $20).

If you're a local, you're in luck: the gouging is just for tourists. Locals can purchase one-way rides for $1 each, but they can't be purchased at monorail stations. Don't want those tourists catching wise, y'know.

Beginning in 2006, locals can purchase $1 tickets at:

• The Downtown Transportation Center, 300 N. Casino Center Blvd.
  
• The South Strip Transfer Terminal, 6675 Gillespie St.
  
• The Regional Transportation Commission offices, 600 Grand Central Pkwy.

Perhaps the Las Vegas Monorail should expand to include stops to strip clubs and nightclubs. Then, like the cabbies, the clubs could pay the monorail for each customer it brings them. We're not telling administrators how to run their rail business, we're just sayin'...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sure, it's supposed to hold 70 million pounds (the equivalent of 72 747 airplanes) and survive an 8.0 earthquake from 50 miles away, but if you catch me out there after a couple Long Island iced teas, I'll still slap anyone silly who takes to jumping up and down.

Currently being built at the Grand Canyon for an early 2006 opening, the new attraction is a walkway with glass bottom and sides, composed of a million pounds of steel, and attached to the side of the canyon about 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

Credit (or blame) the Hualapai Indians, who own one million acres on the western rim of the Grand Canyon and wanted to do something more than add slot machines.

In addition to the world's first sky walk, other attractions are planned including a hotel and Indian village with authentic native shelters from the Hualapai, Navajo, and Hopi.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" has been so popular at Tropicana that it's been extended until Jan. 31, 2006.

Already seen by over 16 million people, the 25,000-square-foot exhibit contains over 300 artifacts from 12,500 feet beneath the sea.

Experience such activities as walking the gangplank, living in a life-sized first-class cabin, and touching a real iceberg. Also on display is the largest piece of the Titanic recovered -- a piece of the ship's hull called "The Big Piece," it measures 23 feet by 15 feet and weighs 15 tons.

The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (9 p.m. last admission) and tickets are $16.95 (adults), $15.95 (seniors), $13.95 (locals), $9.95 (children).

Reserve tickets by visiting their website or by calling 800-829-9034.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Moving to Vegas? Want MTV to chronicle your move for their series "True Life"?

MTV has an open casting call for anyone moving to Vegas in the next few months and meets the following criteria:

• You appear between 18 and 28
  
• You live a captivating life worth watching (in other words, "the MTV lifestyle")
  
• You are willing to be taped as you prepare to move and settle into your new digs in Vegas
  
• You want to be a part of TV history

Deadline is Dec 17.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On March 6, 2006, Aladdin/Planet Hollywood offers a $50,000 freeroll freezeout tournament to all poker players logging at least 60 hours of live game play (no tournaments) in their poker room between Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2006.

Rounds are 20 minutes with blinds beginning at 25/50, then continuing to 50/100, 100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 400/800, 500/1000, 1000/2000, 1500/3000, 2000/4000, 3000/6000, and 4000/8000.

Players receive 2000 tournament chips and may purchase an additional 2000 for $10. This add-on goes directly to the dealers.

Prizes are as follows:

1st $10,000 + 14K gold Planet Hollywood Tournament Bracelet (retail value $4,800)
2nd 7500
3rd 6000
4th 4000
5th 3500
6th 3000
7th 2500
8th 2000
9th 1500
10th 1000
11th 950
12th 900
13th 850
14th 800
15th 750
16th 700
17th 650
18th 600
19th 550
20th 500
21st 350
22nd 300
23rd 250
24th 200
25th 150
26th-30th 100

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Time to pay Lady Luck a visit to use up those matchplays.

Last night, some two thousand employees at Lady Luck (Ogden Ave. and Fourth St.) received their walking papers with an announcement that the downtown casino will close for renovations beginning February 2006 and lasting one year.

Job fairs and job assistance will be coordinated and available for employees.

Lady Luck was purchased in May for $24 million by The Henry Brent Co. with plans to remodel and expand, and the original hope was to remain open to the public during construction.

The owners are in the midst of revitalizing downtown Vegas with a series of restaurants and bars on Third Street inspired by San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Already open are Hogs & Heifers, the Celebrity nightclub, the Triple George Bar, and the Sidebar.

More restaurants and clubs are planned, and all will remain open throughout the Lady Luck makeover.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking like a Jell-O shot, a new liquid hangover prevention cure is touted as a natural supplement proven to enhance the body's ability to process alcohol.

The FDA-approved food supplement called Cheerz Anti Hangover Lime Peeler Shots can be taken straight or even mixed right into the alcohol.

Stop by Treasure Island's Mist Bar & Lounge this Monday, Dec. 12 to sample free Lime Peelerz shots from the Cheerz Girls (note we said "from" and not "on"). Then let 'em know how you feel the next day. Cheerz states a University of California study found that 78 percent of drinkers consuming eight or more drinks found the product effective.

Las Vegas-based Cheerz USA, Inc. expects the shots to be available in clubs and bars in time for the holidays, when patrons really need it.

Now if some company could only invent a cure for beer goggles, we'd be all set.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Remember when a million bucks could still buy a full tank of gas?

In 1964, the old Binion's Horseshoe showcased $1 million that became a must-see downtown landmark. Over 5 million photos were taken next to the one hundred $10,000 gold certificates that showcased the mug of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Salmon Chase.

The $10,000 bill went out of circulation in 1969, and today there are fewer than 400 bills in existence. The collection, which accounted for almost a quarter of the bills in circulation, became an increasing security risk, still legal tender and valued at much more than $1 million. Becky Binion finally sold the collection for an unspecified amount but at least double the face value. Each bill is worth substantially more now ($75,000 each when it was sold), but the glue remnants on each bill to keep the display together dragged the price down.

Today, $1 million in hundred-dollar bills can be seen at Paris Las Vegas, taking up 100 times the space of the Horseshoe $1 million.

And because $1 million is never enough, rumor has it Mandalay Bay is preparing to display $1 billion.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Goldstar Events offers discounted tickets to theatrical events in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego.

But did you know they also cover Las Vegas?

Better than the 1/2-price ticket booths because you don't have to get up off your couch to purchase, you pay for your ticket with a credit card, print out the receipt, and take it to the box office with your photo ID and credit card the day of your performance. We've used Goldstar many times, have never had a problem, and have been pleased with the seats they've given us. Sometimes free preview performances pop up, too.

Subscribing to Goldstar is free, though they do charge a service fee per ticket, which is generally less than 10 percent of the full-price ticket. To sign up, visit their website and give them your email address.

Shows currently on the block include:

Mamma Mia! -- regularly $82.50-$110, discounted to $49.50-$66

America's Tribute To Neil Diamond -- regularly $58.95, discounted to $23.80

Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was -- regularly $47.95, discounted to $23.80

Larry G. Jones, the Man of 1002 Voices -- regularly $22-$30, discounted to $11-$15

An Evening at La Cage -- regularly $64.50-$75.50, discounted to $23.80-$38.80

And, a one-night only benefit performance for Cystic Fibrosis is Barry Manilow's Music and Passion on Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. at the Las Vegas Hilton. Regular price is $100, but Goldstar still has tickets available for $50.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Reading Room, that cool little indie book store steps from Mandalay Bay's shopping walkway Mandalay Place, holds a book reading and signing by George Knapp, co-author (with Colm Kelleher, Ph.D.) of Hunt for the Skinwalker.

Skinwalker, whose subtitle is "Science Confronts the Unexplained at a Remote Ranch in Utah," delves into the strange events of the unknown that have occurred the past 50 years at the Skinwalker property.

The authors spent hundreds of days at Skinwalker and personally observed and investigated such strange phenomena as:

• vanishing and mutilated cattle
  
• UFOs
  
• otherworldly creatures
  
• invisible objects with magnetic fields that cause cattle to stampede
  
• flying orbs of light
  
• a book reading on the Las Vegas Strip
  

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Magician Rick Thomas performs his "The Art of Dreaming" show Dec. 19-27 at 7 p.m. at the Stardust.

Regular price is $24.95 but through Dec. 31, 2005, use the above coupon for $5 off. (Click the image for a larger version.)

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For blackjack players, Sahara is giving away one free Ace every day at the player's club.

Just show your Club Sahara card and photo ID and ask for a "This Ace on Us" playing card. While you're there, swipe your card at the kiosk outside Club Sahara to see if you've won anything from cash to 6-packs of soda to mystery gifts to $1,000,000 (I'm still waiting on that one).

At the blackjack table, bet a maximum of $10 (Sahara has $3 and $5 tables). The card acts as if you'd been dealt an Ace for your first card, giving you a better chance at getting dealt a blackjack, which still pays 3:2.

Cards are good until Dec. 25.

New Sahara Club members (it's free to join) receive $10 in free slot play, which you'll continue to get for every 200 points of playthrough. New members can get a free buffet for slapping 100 points on their new card. This can take awhile, as each point equals $10 of playthrough. Is an $11.99 buffet worth risking $1000? The casino expects to take at least $60 for every $1000 you wager in slots, so it depends how loud your stomach is talking.

For table games, stop by the monorail entrance and grab a brochure advertising Sahara. Inside is a coupon for $50 of non-negotiable chips for $40. Go to the main cage, give the coupon and $40 to the cashier, and you'll get ten $5 blue chips (a free $10) that must be wagered at the tables (including craps but excluding poker). What's nice about this offer is they don't check your ID or player's card, so you can keep doing this as long as the cashier doesn't recognize you.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

NBC announced the talent scheduled to appear on the 2005 Radio Music Awards, airing live from the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood casino on Dec. 19 (9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET).

Known as the Golden Globes of the music industry, the RMAs recognize the importance of radio in the music industry.

Scheduled to perform this year are nominees Snoop Dogg, Rascal Flatts and Gavin DeGraw, along with Ricky Martin, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Michael Buble, Ashlee Simpson, and the Pussycat Dolls.

Also appearing are Ciara, Sean Paul, Steve Harvey, Anna Nalick, Crossfade, Lifehouse, Bo Bice, Scott Weiland, Frankie J, Ryan Cabrera, and more.

Tickets range from $65 to $350 and are still available via Ticketmaster.

And the nominees are:

Artist of the Year/ Mainstream Hit Radio
50 Cent
Black Eyed Peas
Ciara
Kelly Clarkson
Nelly
Gwen Stefani
Usher

Artist of the Year/Urban and Rhythmic Radio
50 Cent
Mariah Carey
Ciara
Destiny's Child
Game
Lil' Jo & The Eastside Boyz featuring Usher and Ludacris
Usher

Artist of the Year/ Alternative and Active Rock Radio
Foo Fighters
Green Day
Linkin Park
Metallica
Nirvana
Pearl Jam
Red Hot Chili Peppers

Artist of the Year/Country Radio
Brooks and Dunn
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
George Strait
Keith Urban

Artist of the Year/Rock Radio
AC/DC
Aerosmith
Green Day
Led Zeppelin
Metallica
Pink Floyd
Van Halen

Artist of the Year/Adult Hit Radio
3 Doors Down
Kelly Clarkson
Goo Goo Dolls
Green Day
Avril Lavigne
Maroon 5
U2

Song of the Year/Mainstream Hit Radio
"We Belong Together" -- Mariah Carey
"1,2 Step" -- Ciara (with Missy Elliott)
"Behind Those Hazel Eyes"- Kelly Clarkson
"Since You Been Gone" -- Kelly Clarkson
"I Don't Want To Be" -- Gavin DeGraw
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" -- Green Day
"Over and Over" -- Nelly (with Tim McGraw)

Song of the Year/Urban and Rhythmic Radio
"Candy Shop" -- 50 Cent
"1,2 Step" -- Ciara (featuring Missy Elliott)
"How We Do" -- Game (featuring 50 Cent)
"Lovers & Friends" -- Lil' Jon & The Eastside Boyz (featuring Usher and Ludacris)
"We Belong Together" -- Mariah Carey
"Let Me Love You" -- Mario
"Drop It Like It's Hot" -- Snoop Dogg

Song of the Year/Alternative and Active Rock Radio
"So Cold" -- Breaking Benjamin
"Cold" -- Crossfade
"Best of You" -- Foo Fighters
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" -- Green Day
"Holiday" -- Green Day
"The Hand That Feeds" -- Nine Inch Nails
"Home" -- Three Days Grace

Song of the Year/Country Radio
"Nothin' To Lose" -- Josh Gracin
"Mr. Mom"- Lonestar
"That's What I Love About Sunday" -- Craig Morgan
"Mud On The Tires" -- Brad Paisley
"Bless The Broken Road" -- Rascal Flatts
"Some Beach" -- Blake Shelton
"Baby Girl" -- Sugarland

Song of the Year/Rock Radio
"Be Yourself" -- Audioslave
"Best of You" -- Foo Fighters
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" -- Green Day
"Burning Bright" -- Shinedown
"Just Like You" -- Three Days Grace
"Vertigo" -- U2
"Fall to Pieces" -- Velvet Revolver

Song of the Year/Adult Hit Radio
"One Thing" -- Finger Eleven
"Give a Little Bit" -- Goo Goo Dolls
"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" -- Green Day
"Breakaway" -- Kelly Clarkson
"You and Me" -- Lifehouse
"She Will Be Loved" -- Maroon 5
"Lonely No More" -- Rob Thomas

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Driving around Henderson, Nevada, I ran into traffic and was stuck behind a Viper, an Intrepid rental, and a billboard truck.

On the billboard was an ad for the M&M Store that I hadn't seen anywhere else, so apparently that eyesore advertising works after all. In case an M&M rival was doing the driving and because it isn't listed on their website, I confirmed the below sale with a call to the head mucketymuck M&M.

It's the first annual M&M's World customer appreciation sale today through Dec. 8, where everything in the store is 1/3 off.

Some restrictions apply, but here's a chance to pick up some rare color M&Ms, gifts you can't find in stores, and other unique items that say M&M.

The 28,000-square-foot, four-level M&M Store is located at 3785 Las Vegas Blvd. (next to MGM Grand) and is open Sunday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Las Vegas Food and Beverage Magazine Vice President Bryan Bass will teach a new nightclub management class at the University of Las Vegas beginning January 2006. The weekly class will last four months and take students on field trips to Vegas' top nightspots. Guest lecturers will give students an idea of what they can expect to be successful in the exploding industry.

Says Bass, "With the world's greatest classroom mere blocks away, there's no other city that can offer a hands-on experience such as this."

For registration information, contact F&B management office of the Hotel College at (702) 895-3011. The course listing is FAB366C.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Like Studio 54 did a few years ago, legendary New York punk club CBGB is considering a move to Las Vegas next year. Started in 1973, CBGB is credited for launching the careers of many bands including the Talking Heads, Blondie, and the Ramones.

Despite an outpouring of support and successful performances raising money from Kid Dynamite, Lifetime, Bouncing Souls, and Gorilla Biscuits, club owner Hilly Kristal has decided not to renew the lease in their current East Village location in New York City.

The past five years, CBGB and their landlord Bowery Residents' Committee have been fighting in court over a rent dispute. The BRC was asking for considerably more than CBGB's $19,000 rent and the Manhattan courts ruled CBGB did not owe any extra money.

Recently, CBGB had come to terms with the BRC and both had agreed on rent increases including a security deposit with two guarantors. This, however, was all predicated on a lease renewal.

The New York Post reported yesterday that CBGB may move to Las Vegas, specifically the Desert Passage area at Aladdin/Planet Hollywood. They quoted Kristal as saying, "It could be really good. I'm considering it..."

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mystere, Cirque du Soleil's first permanent show that's still chugging along over 10 years later, offers a special buy one ticket, get one ticket free for locals only. And by locals, we mean you'll need a driver's license that says Nevada (agree not to tell their mother, and ask your teenager where they picked up their fake ID).

Call (702) 796-9999 and mention the two-for-one holiday offer. Regular ticket prices are $60, $75, and $95. There's a limit of six tickets per household, and the offer expires Dec. 25.

Mystere performs at Treasure Island from Wednesday through Saturday (7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.) and Sundays (4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.). The shows start on time, but do arrive at least half an hour early for some of the funny pre-show pranks they pull on unsuspecting audience members.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Terrible's (4100 Paradise Rd.) celebrates its fifth anniversary all day on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

"Five" is the magic number, with the figure factoring into many promotions tomorrow only:

• 5x points slotplay
  
• royal flushes pay 5x (penny through nickel slots, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  
• quad 5s get a $50 bonus (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  
• $5 bonus for suited blackjacks
  
• 5-card 21s get free t-shirt or hat
  
• 5x odds in craps
  
• $50 bonus for every fifth game winner in bingo
  
• free t-shirt when placing a $5 bet at the sportsbook
  
• $5 lunch buffet and dinner at Terrible's Buffet
  
• $5 entrees at Bougainvillea Cafe (on $10 or less entrees, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  

No player can win more than twice, which is more than enough incentive to get up and leave your machine once you hit.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., free cake and champagne will be fed to everyone.

I plan to show up at 5 p.m. and pick up five pieces of cake and five glasses of champagne, which will put me in a decent mood for the 7:30 p.m. fireworks show.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paris with monkey on her sleeve

We know, we know. First Jessica and Nick, now Paris and Baby Luv.

We're as devastated as you are whenever one -- much less two -- big-name celebrity power couples break up in the same week.

In Paris' case, she was unwilling to give up the boy-toy willingly. When she went bananas at the "it's not you, it's me" speech, authorities had to step in to forcefully separate the two lovebirds.

Paris Hilton recently picked up a pet monkey (named Baby Luv) on a trip to Las Vegas and smuggled it into Los Angeles, where it's illegal to own the kinkajou.

Britain's Daily Star reported Paris has an M.O. of this type of smuggling, most recently attempting to adopt a baby kangaroo from Australia -- also against the law to own in California.

We hear she next has her sights on an Oompa-Loompa.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Innovators of fireworks displays at presidential inaugurations and Olympic performances, Fireworks by Grucci is back in Las Vegas to celebrate the end of the city's year-long 100th birthday with another world's largest fireworks show, bigger and better than previous years.

Pyrotechnics for this year's New Year's Eve extravaganza will carry the theme "Vegas Through the Years: A Finale to the Centennial," otherwise known in hush-hush circles as VTTY: AFTTC.

Over 40,000 effects will launch from 10 hotel-casino rooftops with a coordinated soundtrack featuring Vegas stalwarts Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Elvis, and Liberace. Celine Dion, call your agent.

Effects from tourbillions, comets, mines, peonies, and chrysanthemums will combine to form Gold Flitter Split Comets during Sinatra's "Luck Be a Lady Tonight," and multicolored Strobes shells will illuminate Liberace’s "Chop Sticks." Elvis' "Viva Las Vegas" closes the show.

With over 300,000 visitors expected this year, you might think about sleeping in your rental car. We've done it before and aren't ashamed.

More information on the show and New Year's festivities can be found by visiting www.americasparty2006.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're all warm and giddy about the looming opening of yet another hotel-casino where we can leave our mark.

This one is the pristine South Coast Casino (Las Vegas Blvd. and Silverado Ranch), previously mentioned in a this post containing discounted room rates.

Now they're offering charter member opportunities, which means you might nab a player number under seven digits (remember when phone numbers were only two digits?).

But wait, there's more! Sign up online as a new club member by Dec. 5 and receive the following charter benefits:

• free commemorative opening t-shirt
  
• 2,500 bonus points for your first point earned
  
• 2-for-1 buffet coupon for your first point earned
  
• $20 in instant slot credit when you first play at the South Coast
  
• 2,500 points when you book a room for a friend, family member, or yourself
  
• a special room rate of $75 when you book Sunday through Thursday
  

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

For a limited time (they don't say for how long), Wynn is offering a terrific buffet comp for new players, which is the best food comp in town for little play.

Get a player's card from the Red Card desk and use it to play video poker or slots. Once you rack up 50 points, return to the booth to collect two free buffets. The comps are good for your choice of breakfast (8 a.m.-10:30 a.m.), lunch (11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), or dinner (4 p.m.-10 p.m.) with a champagne brunch on the weekends (8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). We recommend splurging on the dinner, which is normally $31.95.

You can use each comp separately, but you must use both within three days.

Each point breaks down as follows:

For video poker, each point is a playthrough of $9, or $450.
For other slots, each point is a playthrough of $3, or $150.

Normally for two free buffets you need to get to 500 points (which is still in effect).

Hop on this one -- who knows how much longer it will last.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Dec. 3 at 8 a.m., Opportunity Village will strive for an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records with the "Largest Santa Gathering" at the Fremont Street Experience. The record to beat is last year's Newton and District Dial-a-Ride in the U.K. with 4,260 Santas.

Be a part of this charity by participating in The Great Santa Run or the Kris Kringle Jingle and join Head Santa and Honorary Chairman Oscar Goodman, who happens to be the mayor outside of his Santa duties. Siegfried & Roy are also Honorary Chairmen.

The first 4,500 participants receive a 5-piece Santa suit with hat, belt, and beard (younger runners receive elf hats) for the Great Santa Run (a 5K fun run around the Fremont Street Experience) and the Kris Kringle Jingle (for the casual jogger, a brisk one-mile walk/run around the Fremont Street Experience). If the record is beaten, you'll receive a certificate from Guinness acknowledging your participation. You'll also get a ticket to the 2005 season of the Magical Forest, a guest pass to 24 Hr Fitness, a gift certificate to The Tan Factory, and other gifts.

Additional prizes are offered for participants collecting sponsors and pledges:

• Raise $100 -- Receive a Family Four Pass to the Magical Forest
  
• Raise $500 -- Receive all of the above and a 24 Hr Fitness Membership and Tan Factory gift certificate.
  
• Raise $1,000 -- Receive all of the above and two tickets to Celine Dion's A New Day.
  
• Raise $5,000 -- Receive all of the above and trip for two to Los Angeles and passes to Disneyland.
  
• Raise $10,000 -- Receive all of the above and trip for two to Hawaii.
  
• The individual who raises the most money will receive all of the above and a trip for two to London, England.

The entry fee is $75 at (702) 259-3741 or at their website.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., Green Valley Ranch's Grand Events Center hosts Scotty Emerick and Friends in an All-Star Jam: Toys for Tickets children's benefit.

Who are the friends? They can't officially say because of conflicts with other casinos, but we have none of those conflicts. The friends are: Toby Keith, Charley Pride, Phil Vassar, Max Carl, Sarah Thiele, and the Wolf Creek Band.

Tickets cost a donated toy worth at least $10. They can be picked up (and dropped off) at any Star Nursery at the following locations:

• 5380 Blue Diamond Rd.
  
• 7330 W. Cheyenne Ave.
  
• 8725 S. Eastern Ave.
  
• 2600 Ann Rd.
  
• 5340 Boulder Highway
  
• 8170 W. Charleston

You must be at least 21 to attend.

Proceeds benefit the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Secret Santa program at Child Haven, and the Children's Advocacy Alliance.

More information at country station KWNR 95.5 and at (702) 547-5300.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)