According to a Philadelphia Inquirer article, the Atlantic City Council voted unanimously to ban smoking on the floor of every casino in Atlantic City. The ban will go in effect as early as April 15.

Last week, Nevada Judge Douglas Herndon upheld the new anti-smoking law. Although he threw out any criminal penalties associated with smoking in the wrong places, those who violate the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act can be slapped with a $100 fine for each infraction.

Casinos, strip clubs, and standalone bars in Las Vegas still allow smoking. However, there are some exceptions. Poker rooms are almost all smoke-free. The Orleans allows smoking in the poker room from Midnight to 8am and Fiesta Station has 24 hour smoking in their poker room.

Maybe Las Vegas should launch a campaign to target heavily addicted smoking gamblers from the East Coast?

"Come to Las Vegas, where you can smoke three packs a day while you play and then get a hooker afterwards!"

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever think about visiting Las Vegas for its kayaking? Want to see Hoover Dam up close and personal? Care to spot hawks, desert bighorn sheep, and lizards? Or just want to get away from the gambling and buffets and do something completely different?

From now until March 1, Desert Adventures offers a $20 discount off any of their guided kayak tours. Regular rates for kayaking in Black Canyon below Hoover Dam is $169 per person (plus a $13 launch permit from the Nevada Park Service).

Your trip begins with a pickup from your hotel and includes everything you need, including kayak, a professional guide, safety equipment, lunch, snacks, and bottled water.

For more information, visit their website or call (702) 510-4746.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Golden Nugget is throwing a Holiday Hangover blackjack tournament Jan. 5-7 with a $50,000 guaranteed prize pool.

Entries are $100 with a $100 rebuy. Special seats into rounds (including the final round) will be randomly drawn among all entrants.

The first-place winner will receive $25,000, with second $12,500, third $7,500, fourth $2,500, fifth $1,500, and sixth $1,000.

Semi-finalists not in the final round will receive $100 in promo chips.

To reserve your space, call Casino Marketing at 1-800-777-5687 or email mycasinores@goldennugget.com.

And remember: in blackjack tournaments, sometimes splitting 20 is good strategy.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In Martin Bashir's 2003 UK documentary, Michael Jackson was shown running up his credit card at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace... outside of the documentary, he was reported to have later returned those items.

Last weekend, Jackson was spotted in town, again at his favorite shopping haunt of the Forum Shops for some post-Christmas shopping. He shared camera opportunities with his three children (Paris, Prince Michael, and Prince Michael II), entourage, and security.

With the rumor mill swirling about Jackson exiting his own 18-month exile and shacking up in Las Vegas, could he be setting up plans with a Harrah's property to make a Britney Spears-type comeback?

In a town of regular Cirque du Soleil oddities, Jack-O would fit right in.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our neon city is sometimes gaudy enough without having to glare at graffiti.

To help decrease and deter that problem, spray paint is now being sold behind locked cages, similar to cigarettes and condoms, with a sign that states, "Graffiti is illegal."

Steps are also being made to put even more of the cleanup on the owners of the property. Without catching the vandals, there isn't much that can be done, and owners themselves are currently responsible for cleaning graffiti spread up to 500 square feet across their property.

Now, a city ordinance will not only have those owners cleaning up to 25 square feet, but they'll have 15 days to do so or else face a lien on their property.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Baldwin baby grand piano measuring 5'2" and colorfully painted by artist Peter Max is being sold to benefit charities The Gibson Foundation and Max's own Global Works Foundation.

From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., the piano can be seen at The Art of Peter Max Gallery inside the new expansion Terrace Level of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. This is one of only two galleries in the world exclusively devoted to the works of Peter Max.

If you're interested in purchasing the piano, call (702) 644-7070.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As you probably know by now, we're sucker for 2-for-1 offers.

This one is a little different, offering 2-for-1 tickets to Downtown Gordie Brown (though he's no longer downtown and now at The Venetian).

The one caveat is that you must show a Venetian MasterCard in order to get the free ticket to the impressionist. The offer expires March 31, 2007.

The Venetian MasterCard actually sounds like a good deal, offering no annual fee and points for later redemption at The Venetian. Every dollar you spend earns one point, every dollar you spend at The Venetian earns you three points. Free hotel rooms begin at 5,000 points.

And if you apply at this site, you'll get a free upgrade when you book a room using your card.

Is it worth all this hassle for a free ticket? We won't tell you the hoops we went through just to save 45 cents.

You can always cancel the card right after...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by flipchipro at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Katie Rees' pics from her Miss Nevada USA PR diaster should serve as a reminder that photos are forever. The more you wish they would disappear, the more likely the images will be posted in the front window to the world.

The link for the Censored version of the Katie Rees' Pics.

The link to the Uncensored version of the Katie Rees' Pics.

Doesn't take the local chapter of the Miss USA Pageant very long to put some mileage between them and the fired Miss Nevada USA 2007, Katie Rees. Meet Helen Salas, the latest in a line of Miss Nevada USA 2007 title winners.

Posted by flipchipro at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just in time for the holidays, KVBC Channel 3 is reporting that a probable water residue stain at the home of Freddy and Chillee Montero is in the shape of the Virgin Mary.

People are paying visits to the minor tourist attraction, praying, crossing themselves, and leaving candles and flowers.

The Monteros welcome visitors and doubters to judge on their own. The wet Virgin Mary can be found at the corner of Antelope and Cobblestone (Rainbow and Alta). Look for the crowd.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Dec. 30, The Venetian hosts a special No-limit Texas Hold'em Tournament featuring 2005 World Series of Poker champion Joe Hachem.

Buy-in is $1000+60 for 10,000 chips. An extra $10 to the dealers will give you an extra 2,500 chips.

A q&a and meet-and-greet takes place from 11 a.m. to noon, the tournament begins at noon, and the final table will be Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.

For more information, call (702) 414-POKR.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seems if you're a wild girl in the Miss Universe organization, there'd better not be pictures.

Miss Nevada Katie Rees was fired today after photos of her appeared on the Internet showing her in topless poses and kissing other women.

Miss USA Tara Conner, on her way to rehab for underage drinking and drug using, was granted a second chance by Miss Universe co-owner Donald Trump.

Runner-up Helen Salas (who was Miss Teen USA in 2004) will take over the title Miss Nevada and compete in the Miss USA pageant on March 23, 2007.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Move over Miss USA Tara Conner, with your petty underage drinking and cocaine binges.

Now comes word (from Canada.com) that Miss Nevada Katie Rees has her own tales of smooching other women and simulating oral sex... all documented by photos in which Rees appears quite R-rated.

Rees' lawyer says that the events occurred when she was young and immature at 17 years old before she was crowned in October at age 22.

Rees will represent Nevada in the Miss USA pageant in spring 2007.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Las Vegas Film Society (yeah, bet you didn't know we had one) has awarded Martin Scorsese's gangster flick The Departed best picture, editor, and editing. Last year, top awards went to Brokeback Mountain.

Twelve Vegas film critics (yeah, bet you didn't know we had that many) comprise the 10-year-old Film Society, which includes Internet criticism.

The Film Society also named Forest Whitaker for Best Actor in The Last King of Scotland and Helen Mirren for Best Actress for The Queen (still playing at the Regal Village Square on Sahara).

Best supporting awards go to actor Djimon Jounsou for Blood Diamond and actress Jennifer Hudson for the Christmas release Dreamgirls.

Unlike other film awards, The Las Vegas Film Society has an additional Youth in Film category (to Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin) and an award for the packaging, design, and content of a DVD, going to the Ultimate Collectors Edition of Superman. Which goes to show you that even if your movie stinks, you can still win with packaging.

Other awards for 2006:

Screenplay (Original or Adapted)
Jason Reitman, Thank You For Smoking

Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki, Children of Men

Score
Thomas Newman, The Good German

Song
"Ordinary Miracle" (from Charlotte's Web) by David Stewart and Glen Ballard, and performed by Sarah McLachlan

Family film
Charlotte's Web

Documentary
An Inconvenient Truth

Animated film
Monster House

Foreign film
Pan's Labyrinth

Costume design
Marie Antoinette

Art direction
Marie Antoinette

Best visual effects
X-Men: The Last Stand

William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award
Peter O'Toole (and not just because of Venus)

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We awoke yesterday to see a dusting of snow all over Henderson.

And then promptly went back to sleep.

Yesterday was also the birthday of Miss USA Tara Conner, who had planned her 21st birthday in Las Vegas at PURE (Caesars Palace) before another kind of rumored dusting put a stop to it.

Conner tested positive for cocaine and has been martini-ing it up underage at various bars around New York City.

Miss USA has also been seen lip smacking with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair.

So unladylike. So unbecoming behavior for a role model.

So royalty.

The Miss Universe Organization (co-owned by Donald Trump, Vivendi, and General Electric), fired 2002 Miss Universe Oxana Fedorova for not attending photo opportunities and charity events.

But apparently Conner's boozing and drugging weren't as bad, because Donald Trump granted Conner another chance. Just what does it take, we wonder.

First, it's off to rehab that more and more has become somewhat of a Catholic confessional to absolve sins. Or maybe that month away is just long enough for people to forget.

But because we're the skeptical type, we do have to point out that Trump is getting lots of free publicity for an institution that has been sluggish in awareness and ratings.

And giving Conner a second chance would only extend that publicity...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Like last year, those creepy looking blue fellas are again offering 2-for-1 tickets to locals for the 10:30 p.m. shows of the Blue Man Group.

Tickets can be purchased at The Venetian box office by showing a Nevada photo I.D.

Offer expires Dec. 28.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., stop by the VooDoo Lounge (on the rooftop of Rio) and join over 500 professionals for a holiday network party.

Free admission, free appetizers, and your first drink is free.

Bring plenty of business cards.

To RSVP, email rsvp@m1network.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Print the above coupon for 20 percent off full-price items at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino retail store. This includes merchandise from:

• True Religion
  
• Grail
  
• Antik Denim
  
• 7 for all Mankind
  
• Penguin by Munsingwear
  
• King Baby Studio
  
• Z-Brand
  
• Project e
  
• Modern Amusement
  
• Rock 'n' Roll Couture

Offer expires Dec. 31 and cannot be used with other discounts or promotions.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip LasVegasVegas.com

Harrah's Entertainment owns most real estate on the Las Vegas Strip.

Harrah's Entertainment will be sold to Apollo Management Group, the New York-based buyout firm run by Leon Black, and Texas Pacific Group for an estimated deal of $90 per share according to rumors heard on the Las Vegas Strip. The Special Committee made up of Harrah's board members has been in closed door meetings and apparently decided to accept the buyout valued at close to $17 billion. The two private investor groups' will take the casino giant private thus allowing a greater degree of flexibility without the close scrutiny of a publicly traded company. Expect an official announcement from the company within the next few days.

A buyout by Apollo and Texas Pacific has the potential to deeply impact the Las Vegas casino industry and will almost certainly involve changes for the Harrah's Entertainment owned World Series of Poker brand.

Posted by flipchipro at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Las Vegas is undoubtedly the place to ring in the new year, and if you have the bucks, yule (tee hee) get to see celebrities galore counting down at various nightclubs, which generally include drinks and food. For the money you're paying, they'd better.

New Year's Eve is the perfect fit for Vegas nightclubs, which open at 10 p.m. anyway.

Trouble is, where to choose? If you're going celeb gawking, think of the audience they attract. We'd easily pass up a looker for a rocker, a singer for a dancer, a baker for a candlestick maker (we're not sure what that means). This Dec. 31, there'll be a mix of both.

Britney Spears is at PURE Nightclub (Caesars Palace), rumored to have been paid $30,000 to look cute and count backwards.

Kid Rock will live DJ at JET Nightclub (Mirage).

Just like their divorce, Kid's ex Pamela Anderson will split and do countdown duties across the Strip at TAO Nightclub (The Venetian).

Dave Navarro hosts at Tangerine (Treasure Island).

Kara Monaco (aka Playboy Playmate of the Year) will smile at Playboy Club (The Palms). Alison Wawite, Miss May 2006, will tag along too.

Camp Freddy plays live at Body English (Hard Rock). Camp who? Camp Freddy is the cover band with celeb rockers including Scott Weiland (Velvet Revolver), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction), Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver), Billy Morrison (The Cult), and Donovan Leitch.

Cirque du Soleil performs at LIGHT Nightclub (Bellagio). Artists from O, KA, LOVE, Mystere, and Zumanity will be onhand for live displays of dancing.

If it were up to us, though, you'll find us mingled with the throngs of thousands on the Las Vegas Strip, marveling at the rooftop fireworks and trying not to get drinks spilled on our wool/nylon combo that we're hoping to get for Christmas.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Harrah's has been having secret meetings in New York to mull over selling their 40 casinos and World Series of Poker brand for $16.7 billion.

If it goes through, private equity firms Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group would buy up all outstanding shares at $90 a pop, up from their initial $81/share bid in October. That was before Harrah's stock rode a roller coaster of speculation up to $79.50 (as of Friday's close) and casino operator Penn National threw in a bid themselves at $87.

Before all this began, Harrah's stock was sitting quietly at the $65 mark.

Harrah's board of directors met over the weekend to decide the fate of the casino giant, and an announcement could be expected as early as today.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Las Vegas local band The Killers are expected to compose and sing the title song for the next James Bond movie, again starring Daniel Craig.

Speaking of James Bond, Las Vegas will celebrate New Year's Eve with a James Bond party, complete with 007's main theme.

The annual "America's Party" will have seven casinos launching synchronized fireworks from their rooftops at a cost of $500,000. It will be televised live from the big screens at the Fremont Street Experience.

The last couple years, Fireworks by Grucci staged the show with about 300,000 visitors swarming the closed-to-traffic Strip. This year, Pyro Spectaculars has the honor.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have your Christmas presents gift-wrapped for free at Fiesta Rancho in North Las Vegas.

Every day from noon to 8 p.m. through Dec. 23 (8 a.m. to noon on Dec. 24), wrappers will be on hand to take care of those awkwardly shaped packages. Wrapping will take place at the upper section of Cabo Lounge.

Donations will also be accepted, to benefit The Shade Tree Shelter, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mayor Oscar Goodman teams up with Santa Claus.

No, it's not an election campaign, it's another Martinis with the Mayor, a networking mixer.

This time the event takes place at Hogs & Heifers (which the movie Coyote Ugly was modeled after) on 3rd St. downtown, and if you bring a new, unwrapped toy, you'll get your first drink free. (They don't say if you'll get a second drink if you bring a second toy.)

Toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots, which benefits Sunrise Children's Hospital and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Raffle prizes will also be given away by Santa, whether you're naughty or nice.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Illusionist Criss "Mindfreak" Angel is all over Las Vegas these days, preparing for his upcoming show at Luxor, maybe as soon as next year.

If you're at Luxor, don't be alarmed if you fall victim to one of his street acts.

On Dec. 16, he will open his own Mindfreak shop upstairs at the Luxor Galleria.

From 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., there'll be a ribbon-cutting ceremony where he'll sign autographs.

But first, he'll autograph the ceiling.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As of the new year, Beacher's Rockhouse is turning into just the Rockhouse, eliminating the Beacher from its name.

That Beacher is Jeff Beacher, who will still be involved behind the scenes and will remain partner to the wild club.

Speaking of Beacher, the outgoing frontman is setting a goal to lose 100 pounds off his 370-pound frame beginning with walking through last Sunday's Las Vegas Marathon.

Between then and the 2007 marathon, he hopes to run it for real... 100 pounds lighter.

And like Paris Hilton, Beacher vows to remain celibate until then.

If he falls off the wagon and has sex with you before he drops to 270, he'll give you $100,000 plus another $100,000 to charity.

Temptation has never been so rewarding.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Three months ago, Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular was discounted by $25.

From now through Jan. 31, 2007, Phantom can be seen by locals for $50 off, or $75 each ticket that's regularly priced $125.

We're hopeful that this discount is just because tourism wanes a bit in the holiday months and are not taking this as a sign the show isn't doing well.

Though we can't help shake that uneasy feeling of seeing Avenue Q discounted before disappearing.

The box office is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at The Venetian. A local I.D. must be shown before purchasing.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Gelato Cafe has a holiday offer of 10 percent off their $10 gift cards.

Buy a $10 gift card for $9.

The Gelato Cafe can be found at The District 2 at Green Valley Ranch, the Tenaya Village at 7240 W. Azure, and 8550 W. Desert Inn Rd.

Or you can order by phone at (702) 216-0175.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week, the Las Vegas Monorail announced that its expansion plan to McCarran International Airport was granted for a land use permit.

Extending to the airport would require four more miles, with six additional stations including the Thomas and Mack Center (seating about 19,000).

Like the current monorail's funding, taxpayers wouldn't pay the bill. The entirety of the monorail comes from private investors. A further investment of $500 million would be required, with completion hoped by 2010.

The original cost of the monorail was about $650 million, and the system is operating on $446 million of debt.

The recent attempt to use showgirl ambassadors hasn't helped so far.

For the past six months, ridership has failed to meet the 20,000 daily riders required to break even.

Monorail revene would be even lower, if fares had not increased to $5 in January. To break even, $123,000 is needed per day.

Now in junk status, the monorail is in danger of default and going bankrupt.

Sure, extending to the airport to attract 44 million annual passengers (cut in half because the monorail doesn't service the west side of the Strip, then cut again because it also doesn't service downtown) might help, but shouldn't this phase have been completed first?

Under Nevada law, the monorail is classified as a charity. As much as we enjoy the monorail, our charity dollars will continue to go to the cab drivers.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Flipchip walked the strip over the weekend with camera in hand recording the sights of this 2006 Holiday season in Las Vegas. Everywhere crowds of happy holiday shoppers filled the malls and resorts along the Las Vegas Strip. Considering the number of people carrying bags and packages it appears Las Vegas is living up to its' reputation as a shopping paradise. Plan now to spend some time in the City of Entertainment during this Holiday season. Flipchip photos follow...

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sin City Brewing Company celebrates their anniversary today by offering $1 beers.

Located inside the Desert Passage (to become Miracle Mile) inside Aladdin (to become Planet Hollywood), Sin City has been around since 2003 and supplies its microbrew to its stores and casinos around town.

All of Sin City's beers are brewed under traditional methods that follow the German Reinheitsgebot.

We don't know exactly what that is or how to pronounce it, but we bet we'd have fun trying after a few $1 drinks.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The most excellent Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza gives a tip for getting a free Messy Sundae (pictured above), containing vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces, walnuts, and whipped cream topped with a cherry.

Just bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Sammy's at 6500 W. Sahara Ave. or 4300 E. Sunset Rd. and you can exchange it for the sundae.

It's all part of Sammy's annual Toys for Tots collection program.

A separate press release also has Sammy's accepting toys in exchange for a free appetizer coupon, good for your next visit. So if you're not in a sweet tooth mood, you can get some tapas.

Offers expire Dec. 16.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

After a great dinner with close friends at the Palm Restaurant located in the Forum Shops I struck out to the Bellagio for some early holiday shopping. Along the way I enjoyed the spectacular lighted Christmas tree out front of Caesars; then across the elevated ped walkway to the Bellagio where I again got sidetracked watching the fountains dance to White Christmas; and finally, inside the resort to carefully go throught the many exclusive shops. Some photos of the evening trip follows.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 5:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sunset Station has a few online coupons, all good through Dec. 17:

• Oyster Bar. Buy a lunch entree, receive a free lunch. Daily until 4 p.m.
  
• Sonoma Cellar. Buy two entrees, receive a free bottle of wine (up to $20). Wednesday through Sunday.
  
• Costa del Sol. Buy an entree, receive $5 off (can be used on up to four entrees). Wednesday through Sunday.
  

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Set to take effect today is the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act that voters passed last month.

And at least for the next 15 days, Las Vegas is exempted.

Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon has given smoking a temporary reprieve until Dec. 19 at 9 a.m., when he will hear arguments from both sides.

According to the Act, smoking would be banned from all establishments that serve meals. These include bars and taverns that contain video poker. Given a choice between the two, some have simply eliminated the food rather than get rid of their cash cow slot machines.

Businesses filed for a last-minute injunction against the Act, citing discrimination and that it's unconstitutional. The discriminatory part is that the law allows smoking in the gambling sections of casinos.

While the law still goes into effect, prosecutors in Las Vegas will be unable to enforce handing out misdemeanors until after Dec. 19.

McCarran International Airport is still expected to follow through with going nonsmoking.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, guests at nine Strip casino-hotels started out unlucky for most of the day.

Southwest Gas Corp. accidentally damaged a gas line running beneath Tropicana Boulevard near New York New York, which knocked out gas at Aladdin (Planet Hollywood), Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, Paris, The Venetian, and Wynn Las Vegas.

Or, if you're keeping track: MGM Mirage 5, Harrah's 1, Las Vegas Sands 1, Wynn 1, and Planet Hollywood 1,

Guests began the day without heat, hot showers, hot water, and hot food. Gas was restored later in the afternoon.

No fire was started from the gas, and one lane of traffic along Tropicana was affected.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has agreed to buy the Hard Rock Cafe business for $965 million. The deal includes 124 Hard Rock Cafes and six hotels and casinos, but it does not include our favorite, the poker tournament friendly Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, which was purchased by boutique operator Morgans Hotel Group in May.

This is the first time an American Indian group has taken ownership of a major gambling company not on Indian owned land. The Seminoles realize 90% of tribal income from gambling operations so they come well prepared to do business successfully in this service industry.

Posted by flipchipro at 9:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This past Sunday, Lynn Bennett, co-owner of Sahara Hotel & Casino, passed away.

Bennett, 64, had been rumored to be in talks to sell the privately held North Strip property to billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

Director of marketing Ron Garrett has laid to rest those rumors and stated the Sahara will stay as is.

Funeral and memorial services will be today at Palm Mortuary.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last month, a no-smoking measure was passed by voters that takes effect tomorrow, Dec. 8.

McCarran Airport follows that measure to its strictest interpretation, banning all smoking in terminal restaurants and bars.

And that includes the dozen or so smoking lounges.

The international airport once flirted with removing smoking and did so 15 years ago but quickly reinstated after many complaints. Now in a climate that's more acceptable of nonsmoking public establishments (not to mention the new law), they follow over 60 other airports around the country that are nonsmoking.

Like Los Angeles International, McCarran will cordon off areas outside as designated smoking areas before entering security.

Slot machines, commonly found in the smoking areas, aren't expected to follow.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Terrible's turns 6 today with a fireworks celebration at 7:30 p.m. and free cake and champagne from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you were looking for a time to check out their new 500-space parking garage, hotel tower, and larger casino, why not do it while free cake is served?

Various extra wins are available revolving around the number 6. For example, get quad 6s in video poker and win extra cash. Or win in blackjack with 6 cards and get an extra $60.

Don't forget that Terrible's refunds 5 percent to 10 percent of any loss greater than $500 over 24 hours.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tomorrow night (Thursday), you'll want to pull out those thigh-highs and shake your booty to Tao A-Go-Go, the nightclub to go-go at the Venetian for a $10,000 cash prize.

Miss Tao A-Go-Go will be chosen by a panel of judges from dance-off competitions throughout the night beginning at 11 p.m.

Register at 10 p.m. and receive a quick confidence booster in the form of a free drink ticket.

Check out this YouTube video to see who you'll be up against.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Flipchip took a tour through downtown Las Vegas to watch Hizzoner, Mayor Oscar Goodman, flip the big switch to turn on the Christmas Tree lights at the Fremont Experience. A large holiday crowd was onhand for the festivities and cheered the when the tree blinked on.

The Mayor's prerequisite showgirls were by his side wearimg practically nothing unless you count feathers and after the Mayor departed they joined Santa as Vegas showgirls elves, much to the dismay of some of the parents with children. Few were allowing their children to be photographed with a Santa flanked with all that bare skin, actually cold blue bare skin (temps were in the thirties). A few of Flipchip's photos of the Las Vegas official Christmas tree... lighting ceremony.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (owners of The Venetian) announced it will partner with Cantor Gaming to create an online casino, initially targeting the UK.

Cantor Gaming is also providing The Venetian with a wireless prototype, allowing gaming in nongaming areas of the casino.

The site is expected to launch in mid-2007 and will contain The Venetian brand name.

Should the tides of online gaming within the U.S. shift, Las Vegas Sands would be in the enviable position of flipping a switch to instantly allow U.S. players on already developed software.

Shares of Las Vegas Sands closed 6.95 percent up, at an all-time high of $97.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight at 7 p.m., Sushi Roku (at Caesars Forum Shops) hosts "Cocktails and Shopping on the Rocks," an evening of cocktails and sushi.

Southern Wines and Spirits' Jeffrey Blake hosts with demonstrations of how Sushi Roku creates their celebrated cocktails. Tips and recipes will be handed out.

Cost is $50, including a $25 gift card to an Innovative Dining Group restaurant (Sushi Roku, Katana, or BOA).

No bartending experience is required, but you do have to be over 21.

To reserve your seat, call (702) 733-7373.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We'd expected to see gal pals Britney Spears and Paris Hilton appear together at the Billboard Music Awards, which broadcasts tonight from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, airing live on FOX.

Alas, much like she did with her ex-husband, Spears dropped out, leaving Hilton to go it alone.

Now Hilton has also cancelled, citing being offended from scripted comments poking fun at her celebrity friends.

According to her spokesperson Elliot Mintz: "It is my understanding that some satirical references ridiculed some of her peers. Paris did not want to say anything that could appear hurtful or embarrassing about people she knows."

Hilton, of course, is the bastion of not doing anything that might prove embarrassing, such as a certain home porn tape or, well, any of her nightclub spottings across Las Vegas and beyond.

Still on the slate to perform is Gwen Stefani (promoting her new solo album "The Sweet Escape"), Ludacris, the Killers, and Janet Jackson, who returns to television since popping an embarrassing boob.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Station Casinos today received a $4.7 billion offer ($82 per share) from a group that contains its own management team, chief executive Frank J. Fertitta III and president Lorenzo Fertitta. The investor group of the Fertittas (who are brothers) also includes Colony Capital, LLC.

Since closing at $69.10 on Friday, shares in Station as of 10:30 a.m. ET leaped over 17 percent to $81.35.

Last month, we'd predicted a possible takeover of Station. If you'd purchased stock then, your portfolio would be up 25 percent. Just before then at its quarter ending Sept. 30, shares were going for $59.70.

Maybe we should hang up our quill keyboard and go to Wall Street.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Flipchip was at the Bellagio Sunday evening checking out the Fifth Annual Five Diamonds World Poker Classic tournament. Somewhere between the parking lot and the Fontana Room he followed the wafting aromas of hundreds of pounds of chocolate at the Jean Philippe Patisserie. The dessert Shop is all dressed up in holiday clothes topped off by a chocolate Santa flying high in the chocolate aeroplane complete with spinning propeller. The hand crafted chocolate centerpiece was created by the master culinary artist at the Bellagio Resort.

The Jean Philippe chocolate factory at the Bellagio resort.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas is Tryst (at Wynn Las Vegas), but what always turns us off is the admission fee. Not to mention the discrimination against men -- women are $20, men are $30.

But if you have an unwrapped gift in hand on a Thursday this month (Dec. 7, 14, and 21) between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., you'll get in for free.

Gifts will go to the After School All-Stars, a youth program that offers after-school activities for middle-school kids in town.

If you happen to be a local, however, just flash your local ID on these or any Thursdays and you'll get in for free. But bring a toy anyway, eh?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

The Vegas weather was real winter freezing temp stuff, the palm trees were shivering, poker rooms were doing a brisk business and I was hiking the frozen landscape with my wife on a mission to Carnegie's Deli in the Mirage resort for a take out "Woody Allen." Somewhere between the Wynn and the Mirage we both lost the feeling in the extremeties and had to duck into the Venetian for a warm-up. Finally we made the Mirage and then decided to have a gourmet pizza at the California Kitchen by the poker room. Terrific as usual but I came for the best deli sandwichin Las Vegas so grabbed one for later. A tram ride over to the TI and a cut through the pirate casino to Fashion Show Mall, athen cross the strip to the Wynn resort, a poker room rendezvous with the Prof and the journey was complete. A few Flipchip photos of Thursday night's Las Vegas Strip trek for your cold, wintry Friday.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The newly christened South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa (formerly South Coast) is offering a buy-1-get-1-free room offer for stays Dec. 10 through Feb. 1, 2007.

The free night must be of equal or lesser value. Dates excluded are Dec. 30-31 and Jan. 4-9, 2007.

Along with the free room, you'll also receive a free funbook worth $200 containing:

• 1000 Bonus Points for New Slot Club Members


• $7 Bingo Bucks w/ One Pack Buy-in


• 20% off a $50 Purchase in Don Vito's


• $20 Instant Credit for a $500 Jackpot


• Buy One, Get One Free Game of Bowling


• One Free Cocktail


• Free Souvenir at the Gift Shop


• 20% off purchase at the Gift Shop


• $1 Off Shoe Shine


• $1 Off per hour at Kid's Tyme


• Buy One, Get One Free Sundae at Kate's Korner


• 10% Off Seattle's Best Purchase


• 50% Off Club Rental with Green Fee at The Revere Golf Club


• Buy One Drink Get One Free at Buckman's Grill at The Revere Golf Club


• Free Sleeve of Revere Logo Balls with purchase of AM Green Fee at The Revere Golf Club


• $20 Off Signature Golf School at The Revere Golf Club


• Free Hot Dog with a $20 Race Wager


• Free Bottle of Wine with 2 Dinners at Buffet


• Free Room with a Jackpot of $1,200 or More


• Free Dessert with Entree at Don Vito's


• Free 15 oz. Margarita with Entree at Baja Miguel's


• Free Junior Popcorn at Century Theatres Matinee


• Las Vegas Shows Save up to 50% at Prestige Travel


• Buy One Get One Free Breakfast or Lunch at Garden Buffet

To book your room, call 1-866-791-7626 and mention code EDE1119 or visit their website.

All bookings must be made by Dec. 24.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)