Tonight, Feb. 28, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can catch pole dancing performances from the International Pole Federation.

The IPF was formed to uphold the standards of the pole dancing industry with guidelines and communication for all its dancers.

This first performance will take place at the Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub (3535 Las Vegas Blvd. South) and tickets are $30, which we suspect is that high in order to keep out the riff-raff.

Just so you know, the regular admission fee to a strip club is $20, but how many of those dancers are members of the IPF?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has a special concert offer if you're a guest of their hotel this weekend (March 2-3), although it's a pretty pricey one.

For $299 per night, you'll get to stay at Hard Rock plus you'll get two tickets each to Seven Mary Three (Friday) and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (Saturday).

Both concerts begin at 8 p.m. and perform at The Joint.

We did some poking on Ticketmaster and found that Seven Mary Three runs $17/$32 per ticket, while Joan Jett runs $27/$57.

A standard room at Hard Rock that weekend runs $229 per night, and even with Ticketmaster's surcharges, you wouldn't be saving all that much.

Call 1-800-HRD-ROCK to book your reservation.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The rumor going around is that new Las Vegas resident Michael Jackson is gearing up for a tour, but will it just be him?

He's been spotted with Steve Wynn, with Wynn Las Vegas being his second home for dining out.

He's also been spotted with his brothers and sisters in Vegas.

Could it be that Jackson is preparing a comeback of the Jackson Five?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Stratosphere is holding an open call for bartenders, hosts, security, and servers for its new club/restaurant Polly Esther's.

Bring your resume and dress for an interview.

Polly Esther's is a retro-'80s dance club that in past incarnations around the country has devoted each of its floors to a decade.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you're able to donate blood, we're in very short supply and could use you.

United Blood Services is in need of the most common blood type, O negative.

Blood banks only have a 24-hour supply and would have to go outside the area for donors.

If you can donate, call (702) 233-9620 to make an appointment. Any hospital will be able to accept.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Want to see a free movie tonight?

Courtesy of CineVegas, click here for a pass to Black Snake Moan, the new flick by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow).

Black Snake Moan stars Samuel L. Jackson as a southern musician who tries to save a lost soul, played by Christina Ricci. This is the movie where Ricci is chained to a radiator for much of the movie. If that's your thing.

The movie screens tonight at The Palms's Brenden Theatres at 7 p.m. The pass is good for two, but show up early because it doesn't guarantee a seat if they're full.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Colony Capital, Frank Fertitta, and Lorenzo Fertitta have made an $5.4 billion takeover bid for Station Casinos, which accepted today.

The private equity purchase includes 12 casinos in Las Vegas and as much as $1 billion of undeveloped land.

The Fertittas are also Station Casinos' management, with Frank the founder and CEO and Lorenzo the president.

Like the recent purchase of Harrah's (for $17.1 billion), taking a company private enables expansion without having to answer to public investors.

The Fertittas and Colony Capital are offering $90 a share and will assume $3.4 billion in debt.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

I spend a lot of time at the Wynn Las Vegas covering the Wynn Poker Classic running thru March 11th. I make time to wander about the property and check out the window art of some of the exclusive shops in the resort. Like all things Wynn, its easy to take great photos anywhere on the property, so bring your camera and record the reasons the Wynn Las Vegas is the only casino resort in the world to have both a Mobil 5 Star and a AAA 5 Diamond rating.

Flipchip photos from the Wynn Las Vegas after the jump.

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

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new Triq Nightclub and Ultra Lounge (Planet Hollywood/Aladdin) has a special soft opening tonight beginning at 9 p.m.

To get on the VIP guest list, visit this link.

Triq is the club designed by Tony Verdugo (of Drais fame) and illusionist Steve Wyrick, who now has a home with the Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex in the Desert Passage (which will eventually be renamed Miracle Mile).

The $35 million, four-level complex sprawls 33,000 square feet with Wyrick's 500-seat theater, a boutique, lounge, and nightclub all in one.

Regularly $20, the lounge is free to those who see Wyrick in his Real Magic show.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A second Ben & Jerry's plant will soon be opening in Henderson, Nev.

By being able to serve western states better, Ben & Jerry's is expected to drop as much as 100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

The original and only other operating Ben & Jerry's plant is in Vermont. The Vegas branch will use growth hormone-free milk from dairy cows in Northern California and will manufacture pints of ice cream to sell in stores.

Here's hoping they'll also offer tours with free tastes.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Despite reports to the contrary, KVBC-TV is stating that Prince will soon be ending his open-ended show at Rio on March 31 to gear up for a tour to promote his album 3121.

Currently appearing at the newly named Club 3121 on Fridays and Saturdays at Rio, we suspect the spot will be filled by a friend of Prince if he plans to return. If no more Prince, either another artist or artists will replace him or the venue could change back to Club Rio.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you missed National Pancake Month, you're just in time for National Reading Month, taking place all of March.

But because books aren't as edible as pancakes, for the fourth year in a row Mac King and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza (6500 W. Sahara and 4300 E. Sunset in Henderson) have stepped in to give away a certificate for a free Messy Sundae to any customer donating a new children's book for ages 4-12.

The Messy Sundae contains vanilla ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauce, whipped cream, and walnuts goodness topped with a cherry.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seafood restaurant McCormick & Schmick's is offering a $25 coupon if you make reservations online.

The offer is good through March 31 at the Flamingo location (335 Hughes Center Dr.).

Make a reservation first at this link, write down your confirmation number, then print the coupon at this link and enter that number.

A couple things to note: 1) it's good even if you're dining alone, and 2) it's good at dozens of other M&Ss around the country (the reservations link lists them all).

No one can accuse us of being Vegas-centric.

Their phone number is (702) 836-9000. Except for that, which is the phone number of their Las Vegas location.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On March 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada is hosting a beer tasting and bowling pin art auction at Jillian's. Hors d'oeuvres and desserts will also be served.

Local artists were given a bowling pin to lend their talents to, and now you can view and bid on their results.

Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at the door or online (before Feb. 22). Funds will go toward local outreach programs for children.

"Pints and Pins" takes place at Jillian's at Neonopolis (450 E. Fremont).

For more information, email Amy Beaulieu or call (702) 731-2227 x408.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Due to the controversy, you may not be able to find Cocaine in your neighborhood store.

That would be Cocaine the energy drink, which claims to have 350 times the energy of Red Bull without the sugar jitters.

We cannot find this drink but are jonesing to sample it.

We were even looked at funny when we asked for Cocaine at the casino while playing slots.

PayPal has a special promotion offering a one-time rebate of $15 on a $30 purchase. When we checked to see the eligible sites, imagine our surprise when we saw a merchant called Drink Cocaine Shop that accepts PayPal.

Knowing this is kismet and stars aligning and Britney back in rehab, we immediately added a case of 24 ($39.99) into our shopping cart but were crushed by the shipping fee. The cheapest was $19.51 delivered by UPS Ground.

Completely outrageous, particularly since the manufacturer, Redux Beverages, is right here in Las Vegas.

We elected to skip the online purchase but will continue our quest to find Cocaine in a store in a single can.

And we'll use the PayPal promo on an eBay purchase.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In addition to it being the Year of the Pig, this week is National Pancake Week, with today being National Pancake Day.

Like last year, IHOP will dole out a free shortstack (that means three pancakes) to any customer dining in between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. In exchange for your free breakfast, they will be accepting donations to the Children's Miracle Network.

Over $340,000 was raised at last year's National Pancake Day, and this year IHOP is hopeful to push past half a million.

And no, you can't add pork to your pancakes (we already asked).

Click below for locations around town.

If after today you're still on a pancake kick (as well you should be, as the week isn't over yet), cruise by Hash House A Go Go (6800 W. Sahara Ave.) through Feb. 24, where they'll donate 50 percent of all pancake sales to Southern Nevada's Make a Wish Foundation.

If you pick the chocolate chip "Wish" pancake that the Make a Wish Kids designed, they'll donate the entire cost.

Hash House A Go Go pancakes can be had from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

IHOP locations:

2450 Pebble Road
Henderson, NV 89014-7089
(702) 933-0420

1230 W. Warm Springs Road
Henderson, NV 89014-8739
(702) 547-4096

1201 S. Boulder HIghway
Henderson, NV 89015-ND
(702) 558-5321

1401 S Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89102-8508
(702) 877-1316

3595 S Rainbow Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89103-1005
(702) 365-1004

2210 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89104-2527
(702) 384-6412

6870 W Cheyenne Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89108-4590
(702) 656-3220

352 N Nellis Blvd Ste G
Las Vegas, NV 89110-5336
(702) 438-2000

9480 W Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89117-5357
(702) 341-9009

3780 S Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89119-5651
(702) 737-0375

4860 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89121-3018
(702) 454-1126

3260 E Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89121-7316
(702) 433-8430

9651 Trailwood Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89134-6249
(702) 243-2587

5970 Centennial Center Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89149-4558
(702) 515-1791

5170 S Fort Apache Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89419-1717
(702) 871-6696

2026 W Craig Road
North Las Vegas, NV 89032-3030
(702) 638-6500

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

The really big three day weekend that included three major events on the Las Vegas calendar came to a close Monday evening. Highways to Southern California were jammed with enough cars to add a couple of hours to the driving time which was nothing compared to the time delay suffered by people trying to take a jet plane out of town. Many are stuck at Las Vegas McCarran International airport for the night after the Southwest Airlines overbooking snafu.

Flipchip was out on the strip and posted these images of the end of a fabulous Las Vegas three day weekend. Check them out after the jump.

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 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas has turned into a crowded hostel for thousands of passengers that didn't get a seat on an airplane out of Vegas. We are talking about passengers with reservations for a Monday departure. Why are all those faithful fans in Vegas for the NBA All-Star Game sleeping on the Vegas airport floor tonight?

Southwest Airlines, the biggest air carrier for Las Vegas, made an error in estimating the number of departure no-shows they expected from the thousands of passengers here for any of the following--NBA All-Star Game, Chinese New Year, President's Day three day weekend and overbooked flights accordingly. I understand the airline policy of overbooking to keep planes full; but, creating the worst passenger jam at McCarran in anyone's memory is unacceptable. Not a good way to treat our guests with airport lines a mile long, literally. Extra Metro Police officers were rushed to the airport to do crowd control. Neddless to say, tempers flared, lines were cut and fights were numerous.

Additionally, NBA Commissioner Stern said he will not bring the NBA All-Star Game to the Las Vegas Thomas and Mack Center citing the substandard conditions at the aging Las Vegas sports arena. The Las Vegas airport screw-up is convincing many of the NBA fans tonight that Stern's "No More Las Vegas" proclamation is a good call.

Posted by flipchipro at 8:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Another camera hike along the Las Vegas strip on Sunday afternoon with the hundreds of thousands of people in town for the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, the Chinese New Year of the Golden Fire Pig, Daytona 500 NASCAR race, and the biggest clothing tradeshow in the world, the MAGIC Expo. Make the weekend a three day affair with the President's Day holiday and you have Las Vegas at capacity. Roads, sidewalks, resorts, restaurants, airport, public transportation, taxis and casinos full of partying visitors.

A few photos from Flipchip's trip to the strip after the jump.

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 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Happy New Year! Year 4705 from the Chinese calendar is the Year of the Golden Fire Pig and we will enjoy a lucky and prosperous year with the fun loving Pig, especially a once ever 600 years 'Golden Pig.'

Want to test your luck? Consider a trip to Las Vegas, the fun capitol of the Universe.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Spent Friday afternoon camera hiking on the Las Vegas strip checking out the start of the big three day weekend. Friday traffic was awesome even by Vegas standards consisting of a stalled snarling mix of cars, trucks, buses, scooters, peds by the thousands, Hummers by the hundreds. The NBA All Star game easily fills the town to capacity so imagine the additional load of masses of people here to welcome in the Chinese New Year of the Golden Fire Pig and don't forget about all those crazy NASCAR fans here for the Daytona 500. What a great town I get to call home, I love Las Vegas.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Getting stuck in traffic turned a 15 minute journey into an hour so I missed seeing CNN's Wolf Blitzer do his show live from the bridge in front of the Venetian. Didn't see Wolf but did see my choice for the title of Mr. Las Vegas, Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller fame. As usual he was in command of the crowd of excited fans entertaining them as they shot photos with the Vegas star.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Walking to the Venetian from Harrah's I noticed something different about the Mirage until I finally realized it was open windows in guest rooms, something you don't often see. The light finally came on when I realized that most of the crowds on the sidewalks (and in the Mirage guest rooms) were here for the NBA All Star party. I know why all those windows are open and its not to let in the carbon monoxide laden strip air.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Delta Nove

The NBA All-Star Game is in town and former hoopster Wayman Tisdale is peforming! There's also an Elton John show and a Barry Manilow event. And of course, Prince is playing a few shows at the Rio. Delta Nove is a new favorite band of mine and their show tonight should not be missed! They are a world-funk band based out of Long Beach, CA.

Saturday 2.17.07
Prince @ 3121 atThe Rio All-Suite Hotel
Elton John @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Barry Manilow @ Las Vegas Hilton
Wayman Tisdale @ Boulder Station Hotel & Casino
Delta Nove @ Moondoggies West
Vav Ohm @ The Box Office
Left Standing @ University Theatre

Sunday 2.18.07
Prince @ 3121 at The Rio All-Suite Hotel
Joshua Radin @ Art Bar
Charlie Murphy @ House Of Blues

Monday 2.19.07
Sparta @ University Theatre

Tuesday 2.20.07
Big Head Todd and the Monsters @ House of Blues

Photo Source: www.deltanoveband.com

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harrah's Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET), has launched the World Series of Poker Academy, which offers participants an opportunity to learn from some of the poker world's greatest players.

WSOP Academy instructors include 10-time World Series of Poker(r) bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth Jr., 2005 World Champion Joe Hachem, 2004 World Champion to name a few.

The first season of the WSOP Academy will be capped by a three-day Main Event Primer at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The Main Event Primer begins July 3 and ends July 5---the eve of the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'Em World Championship at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino(R), home of the 2007 World Series of Poker.

All sessions provide participants with in-depth seminars, interactive workshops, and handbooks. Each session will also include a tournament that awards a seat in the $10,000 buy-in 2007 World Series of Poker Main Event.

The first WSOP Academy was held at Grand Casino Tunica in January. The second is scheduled for Caesars Indiana April 7-8. The third---a ladies only WSOP Academy taught by poker pro Annie Duke, who won $2 million in the 2005 Tournament of Champions---is set for Caesars Palace on June 8-9, just before the World Championship Ladies No-Limit Hold'Em tournament at the 2007 World Series of Poker. Go to www.wsopacademy.com for more WSOP Academy info.

Posted by Zounds Off at 10:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An interesting anonymous post on 2+2 claiming insider knowledge from a Harrah's board meeting yesterday is stating that for this year's World Series of Poker, Harrah's will not be accepting any advertising from online poker sites that allow U.S. players to play.

This includes Poker Stars, Full Tilt, UltimateBet, and others.

Perhaps they just got tired of blurring out all the logoed clothing?

We haven't been able to confirm the rumor but thought we'd pass it on. It sounds likely, though with a newly privatized Harrah's, they won't have pesky stockholders to answer to and can do whatever the Sam Hill they want to do.

If they drop the U.S.-supported online poker sites, Harrah's won't be out too much advertising dollars, as they're busily signing up nonpoker sponsors.

One major new sponsor is Hershey's, which is now the Official Chocolate of the 2007 World Series of Poker.

Hershey will be able to use the World Series logo and name in all their ads and will soon launch a campaign pushing a "Sweet Seats" promotion, where two lucky chocoholics will win seats into the main event, and others will win trips to Las Vegas.

The only bad beat to worry about here is clotted arteries.

Expect to see other consumer items become the Official Thingamobob of the 2007 World Series of Poker.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently divorced (but we don't hold that against her) Carmen Electra will soon be moving to Las Vegas.

Beginning May 12, the former Pussycat Doll will join in assisting Dutch magician Hans Klok for Phenomenon, a magic and variety show at Planet Hollywood (Aladdin).

Klok claims to be the fastest magician in the world, though for the United States, he may be the most unknown magician.

With Electra headlining the show and singing and dancing as well, that's likely to change.

The show is expected to perform an initial 13-week run at 5 performances per week.

Electra is in town for the All Star games and is expected to begin previews next week.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All this weekend in Vegas is All Stars, and one familiar face not seen in awhile will be competing in the "Shooting Stars" contest tomorrow night at Thomas & Mack.

Former All Star point guard Scottie Pippen who was with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan for a good part of the 1990s hasn't been on the court since the 2003-2004 season.

Now Pippen is talking about possibly making a comeback in time for the playoffs... and eventually heading into coaching.

But first he'll see how he does at "Shooting Stars."

One person who won't be seen at all this weekend, however, is former NBA All Star Tim Hardaway.

Hardaway was on a Miami radio show saying in reference to NBA player John Amaechi who is publicly gay, "I hate gay people. Let it be known, I don't like gay people."

Hardaway has since apologized, but the NBA Commissioner has forbidden him to take place in any All-Star events this weekend.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Las Vegas has been run over by the excitement of hosting the 2007 NBA All Star Game. Everyone in NBA basketball is in town giving their opinion of the possibility of Las Vegas landing a professional basketball team. Some of the commentators went way out on the limb saying it will almost certainly happen sometime in the next 10 to 20 years; while others were saying with certainty the gambling issue would prevent this from ever happening.

During my decades in Vegas I've only seen one local sports receive claim dedicated support...Tarkanian's UNLV Running Rebels. Despite this history of Vegas sports fans quickly becoming bored and walking away I think the town may now support an NBA Team, due in part to our exponential population growth, the many pro basketball stars that are always in the Vegas Night Life mix and the biggest reason Vegas will get an NBA team...one word...Maloof.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

No matter what happens Las Vegas is the ultimate 2007 All Star Game winner with the high dollar NBA fans filling casino drop boxes and retail cash registers at a record pace. Second biggest weekend for Las Vegas just behind the NFL's Super Bowl. Since many readers would love to be in Las Vegas for Big Game, but instead are suffering cabin fever and frost bite somewhere in the rest of the frozen USA, flipchip will be out with cameras providing his views of Las Vegas NBA style.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The plethora of NBA All-Star excitement going on this weekend has led NBA Commissioner David Stern to say he wouldn't stand in the way of a basketball team being relocated to Las Vegas.

In the past, Stern has disallowed a basketball team in Vegas while betting is accepted on NBA games; however, he wouldn't be opposed to a current team being relocated to Vegas.

We of course immediately speculated that the Maloofs might be interested because not only do they own the Sacramento Kings, but they also own and run The Palms... which is hosting many NBA All-Star events.

The Sacramento Bee put a stop to that, stating the Maloofs were committed to keeping the Kings in Cali.

Still, we can't help but think that after this weekend, the Maloofs may change their minds...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With all the recent big casino sales lately to private firms, this one seems cheap enough that we could've put in a bid from coins found in our couch cushions.

If you head up north around Craig Road, you've seen Speedway Casino. It catches gamblers into racing, as it's also on the way to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Owner MTR Gaming Group (which also took over Binion's after Harrah's gutted it for the World Series of Poker brand) has sold Speedway for $18.175 million to Mandekic Companies, a privately held company.

MTR is primarily known through their racetrack subsidiaries in West Virginia (Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort) and Ohio (Scioto Downs).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Treat your palate with a little bit of Asia!

This Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. is what the Las Vegas Hilton hopes to be the first annual Asian Food Festival, celebrating the Chinese New Year.

For $20 ($10 children), you'll gain acceptance at pigging out (it is the Year of the Pig, after all) at an all-you-can-eat buffet of a variety of Asian food inside the Hilton Center .

There'll also be entertainment every hour ranging from Chinese dragon dance, Japanese taiko drums, Hawaiian hula dance, Korean tae kwon do, karate, and even a fashion show.

The charitable event will go toward the Asian Chamber of Commerce, helping Asian children at risk and assisting them financially with education.

A drawing will also be held for a new car and a trip to Asia .

For more information and for advance tickets, call 1-800-881-0662, or email Kaori at kaori@angelikapromotions.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We know what you're thinking.

Presidents' Day is coming, and you still haven't gotten a gift for the President of your choice.

Don't you know that 'tis better to receive than give when it comes to celebrating our fine politicians?

This weekend, Station Casinos will give away $600,000 to 270 people, with up to $10,000 for each.

Unlike previous casino weekend holidays with Station, this one isn't part of their Jumbo Jackpot but won by drawing tickets.

What's more, you can even earn points by playing poker.

Earn tickets by playing table games, slots, bingo, and poker at the rate of 250 points for every ticket ($250 playthrough in slots gives you 250 points). Every hour of live poker play earns you 600 points (the equivalent of $1 in comps), so every hour gives you 2.4 tickets.

You can start earning tickets as soon as now, through Sunday at 6 p.m.

Ten people at each Station and Fiesta casino will win Feb. 16 at 8:15 p.m., Feb. 17 at 8:15 p.m., and Feb. 18 at 6:15 p.m. Using our quick math skills, that means you have nine casinos to choose from.

You must be present to win.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Chinese New Year for 2007, 4705 on the Chinese calendar, will be celebrated around the World this Sunday. The Year of the Pig officially begins this Sunday according to the Chinese calendar and should be a very good Year of the Pig because not only is the Pig the final year of the Chinese twelve year cycle; but, it is a 'Golden' Fire Pig year.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

The Golden part only comes around every 600 years so the 2007/4705 Year of the Pig is special indeed. The Years of the Pig place emphasis on sensory items like having fun, enjoying the food, savoring the drink, pleasing to the flesh, a feast for the eye. The Year of the Pig list of expectations reads like an ad for Las Vegas since we are famous for providing them in excess. I expect the Year of the Pig to be a very good fit and a great year for Vegas.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Las Vegas goes all out for the Asian Holiday decorating the town in red and gold with good luck streamers hanging on most strip buildings and inside there are forests of lucky tangerine trees and bamboo groves surrounded by acres of flowers. The Chinese calendar is based on lunar cycles instead of our calendar's solar cycle base so the start of a Chinese New Year varies. Those that have an interest in the Chinese New Year can find plenty of information about the Chinese New Year and the Year the Pig here. Next year, 2008/4706 will begin another 12 year cycle beginning with the Year of the Rat and progressing through the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and last, the Pig. Head for Vegas this weekend to enjoy another New Year's bash in the World's party central.

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 9:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recently, British pop star Robbie Williams announced his new swing album with a tour starting up this August in Las Vegas.

But first, he'll pop into rehab for dependency on prescription drugs. He admitted himself into a treatment center in the U.S., but his public relations agent had no further comment.

He celebrates his 33rd birthday today.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Mamma Mia!, the smash hit for the past five years at Mandalay Bay, will close the summer of 2008.

By the time it closes it will have logged 2,300 performances. With 22 ABBA songs per show, that's 50,600 songs heard reverberating around the Mandalay Bay shark tank.

The early announcement was made in an attempt to get the public to snatch up tickets before selling out. When all is said and done, Mamma Mia! will have been the most successful Broadway musical to play Las Vegas. Heck, with the early departure of Avenue Q, it already is.

A film version of the musical, produced by Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, will begin shooting in London and Greece later this year. It will star Meryl Streep in her first musical as Donna Sheridan, the mother of the girl searching for her father.

There's no official word as to what will replace Mamma Mia!, but with MGM Grand's relationship with Cirque du Soleil, we'd suspect another show with colorful double-jointed acrobatics.

Tickets are $49.50 to $110 (including tax) and can be purchased at 1-877-632-7400 or by visiting Mandalay Bay.

Gold Star Events still offers half-price mid-range tickets (with service charge) a month in advance (subscribing is free).

And, mammamiaoffers.com offers a $30 discount per ticket at Ticketmaster with the code ABBA.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Let's toast that milkshake, because Men's Fitness magazine has named Las Vegas as the fattest city in America. Not just one of the fattest cities, but the #1 fattest city.

This was quite a triumph, with an especially hot summer keeping us in possibly being what pushed us over. We were second-fattest to last year's Chicago.

Every year, Men's Fitness surveys the fattest and fittest cities in the United States by taking into account data such as size of public parks, exercise, eating habits, and time sitting in traffic.

The 2005 fattest city was Houston.

Let's retain our title for 2007 with this 2-for-1 Love It coupon at Cold Stone Creamery. The coupon expires Feb. 28.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last year's gambling data is in, and as we predicted, 2006 was a record-breaking year for Nevada casinos.

First, traditionally slow month December 2006 took in $1.06 billion, up 17.1 percent from the previous year. The Strip accounted for $610 million of that, up 23.4 percent.

In total for 2006, gamblers bet a whopping $170 billion, with 7.4 percent of that considered win revenue for casinos -- $12.62 billion. That's an 8.3 percent increase over 2005.

The Strip won $6.69 billion, up 10.9 percent from 2005.

Downtown won $630.4 million, down 3.6 percent.

The breakdown of the $12.62 billion includes $8.3 billion from slots (up 6.9 percent) and $4.16 billion from table games (up 11.1 percent).

Further breaking down the slots win: dollar slots won $1.03 billion, quarter slots won $1.26 billion, and the increasingly popular penny slots won $1.3 billion. Multidenomination slots won $3.49 billion.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

A few photos of the action tasking place on the Las Vegas strip. The $2 billion plus addition of the Encore Tower at the Wynn Las Vegas is already twenty stories out of the ground and construction crews go 24/7 on the massive project. In typical Wynn style the completed structure will ensure the Wynn Las Vegas remaining as the finest resort on Earth. Across the street the Venetian's Palazzo addition has almost reached the planned fifty-five stories. Like the Wynn, the Venetian is ultra luxurious with marble stonework that dazzles the eye and rivals the great European structures. The Great Golden Brick of the Trump Tower continues to push upwards heading for the near stratosphere.

Sadly, across the strip the old Stardust Resort has gone dark and been reduced to a steel skeleton awaiting the final explosive event on March 12th. The Boyd Group's $5 billion Echelon Place will begin construction on the cleared strip frontage. Such is Las Vegas, we document our history in quarterly growth fractions with continually replace yesterday with today while we plan tomorrow. Why is it so exciting to be a part of Vegas, even for a few short days? Because you get to ride the neon rocket into the future.

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 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony was selected as an injury replacement at the NBA All-Star Game slated for February 18th in Las Vegas. The leading scorer in the NBA was snubbed by fans in voting and not among the coaches picks to represent the Western Conference All-Star Team.

Anthony was picked by NBA commissioner David Stern along with Josh Howard to replace Yao Ming and Carlos Boozer, who are both unable to play due to injuries.

Anthony is leading in the NBA in scoring with 30.8 PPG in a season that has been marred by a 15 game suspension. Anthony had to sit out 15 games after he sucker punched Marty Collins from the NY Knicks during a brawl of a Knicks-Nuggets game in December. After clocking Collins, Anthony quickly retreated. The league offices came down hard on Anthony and both teams involved, only two years after the horrible Pacers-Pistons brawl that involved both players and fans.

Many hoops pundits have suggested that Anthony's actions during the brawl were directly related to why the fans overlooked his efforts. However, the Western Conference is rich in the forward position with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett slated to start along with Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, and Amare Stoudemire also making the team. Commissioner David Stern specifically said that he did consider Anthony's penalty when selecting him as an injury replacement.

"I'm glad it happened. It's an honor," Anthony said.

This will be Anthony's first All-Star Game appearance.

Photo Credit: Google

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Through the end of this month, if you hit a natural royal flush on a video poker machine at the Las Vegas Hilton, you'll get a suave and chic micro-fiber jacket that will keep you warm at nights.

You can also snatch the jacket if you hit a jackpot of $1,000 or more on a slot machine.

Just remember to play with your player's card (it's free) and verify the win by a slot attendant.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Las Vegas is known for the quickie wedding (with an equally quickie divorce... ahem, Britney).

How about going to Vegas to crash a wedding?

The Little Chapel of the Flowers (1717 Las Vegas Boulevard, near Stratosphere) is seeking people to come crash their weddings once a month, beginning tonight.

Crashings normally will cost $15, but for tonight it's free if you RSVP at (702) 735-4331 or email info@littlechapel.com.

As a wedding crasher, you'll attend a real wedding and share in the reception with hors d'oeuvres, cake, a buffet dinner, cider, band, and dancing.

Please dress accordingly.

If you don't feel like attending in person, The Little Chapel also lets you view weddings online for free. But no cake.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Call 1-888-435-8665 to purchase Elton John tickets or check online to buy Elton John tickets.

It's flashback weekend with 60s and 70s bands hitting Vegas. Time to bust out the old bong, gas up the VW bus, and break out your tie-dyes. Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead will be performing with his band Ratdog at the House of Blues on Sunday. Be on the look out for random hippie sightings all weekend especially at Mandalay Bay. The Moody Blues and Foreigner are also playing shows this weekend on the Strip.

This weekend's music calendar:

2.9.07 Friday
Elton John @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace
The Moody Blues @ Las Vegas Hilton
Foreigner @ Luxor Hotel & Casino
Petula Clark @ Suncoast Hotel & Casino

2.10.07 Saturday
Elton John @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace
The Moody Blues @ Las Vegas Hilton
Foreigner @ Luxor
Petula Clark @ Suncoast
Keith Sweat @ Texas Station
Blue Turtle Seduction @ Moondoggies West
Young Love @ Beauty Bar Vegas

2.11.07 Sunday
Bob Weir & Ratdog @ House of Blues
Elton John @ Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Petula Clark @ Suncoast Hotel & Casino

Photo Credit: David Allen

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 9:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's booty parlor night tomorrow after 10 p.m., with the Love Jones Fashion Show at Body English (Hard Rock Hotel and Casino).

See the latest and least lingerie and accessories from Love Jones, and receive a special booty parlor gift at the door. The last time we went to one of these things, they gave away pink fluffy handcuffs which we have to say were way too easy to break out of.

Women are admitted free before midnight and champagne is free all night.

Music is provided by DJs Vice & Dig Dug.

By the way, did you know if you're a UNLV alumni (and can prove it with the membership card), you can get 20 percent off anything within the Love Jones Lingerie Boutique?

Just make sure you go on your own. It isn't too classy to buy something with your gal and then ask for a discount.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Basketball fans in attendance for the NBA All-Star game on Feb. 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center will be treated to a halftime show worth going just for the show itself.

Toni Braxton (currently playing The Flamingo) will open the show with two songs, and Christina Aguilera will close with two songs from her Grammy-nominated album Back to Basics. This marks the beginning of Aguilera's live appearances, before she heads off on her national tour beginning Feb. 20 in Houston.

Wayne Newton (currently playing Harrah's) will perform pre-game along with showgirls from Tropicana's Folies Bergere.

Those without tickets can hear the show live on ESPN Radio 920 AM.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

South Point is jumping on the poker bandwagon of other local casinos (Station, Hilton, Silverton) by offering a big-money freeroll for players playing cash games.

Through March 31, play at least 50 hours of poker in live cash games (no tournaments), and you'll be entered into a $30,000 freeroll where first place is $10,000. Players who make it to the final table will win at least $1,000.

In addition, you can earn double hours between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The tournament will take place April 16-17.

For more information, contact South Point's poker room at (702) 797-8073.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Despite a continual loss of money from month to month, the Las Vegas Monorail has received approval from the Clark County government to almost double its size, extending from its southernmost end of MGM Grand to further southeast, ending at McCarran International Airport.

Plans are to have construction on the extension begun next year and running by 2011, in conjunction with McCarran's plans to open their new terminal.

December 2006 was the transit system's worst yet at an average 15,430 riders per day. In 2006, its average daily passengers was 19,219 per day. In 2005, there were 28,122 daily riders.

Passengers currently pay $5 per trip. Before the fare increase, the system needed at least 50,000 riders per day just to break even.

The monorail now has the task of raising $500 million for the 4.2-mile extension themselves -- no public funding has been used for the current $650 million monorail, and the extension will also be built using private money.

It'll have to happen fast; cash reserves for the monorail will only keep it financially solvent through 2010.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty

Caesars Palace may have stepped in to prove Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil is indeed a winner (we assume by request of Angelil himself) last week.

Now Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley is gloating he won $700,000 over Super Bowl weekend by betting on the Colts and also winning in blackjack.

The Associated Press mentions his loss at over $10 million over the years. And in one six-hour session, he lost $2.5 million.

"I can afford to gamble," he said while at the same time admitting to a gambling problem.

We'd like to see if any casino steps up to show Barkley's win/loss statements to show whether this $700,000 is enough to offset his losses.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't think Valentine next weekend, think NBA All-Stars!

Feb. 15-18 will be jam-packed with sportsy things to do, but if you're at Planet Hollywood (Aladdin), get ready to rock the casino with a smorgasbord of music.

Rock the casino? Smorgasbord? Yep, that's why we ain't in marketing. But at least we can spell smorgasbord.

Wouldn't that be a good name for a slot machine? Smorgasbord Slots o' Cash? Yeah, that's why we ain't game designers either.

Anyway, Planet Hollywood is hosting what's shaping up to be a pretty interesting weekend of music events, hosted by Nelly and Jermaine Dupri. There should be some prize for surviving the whole thing.

Thursday at 8 p.m. begins performances by Akon, Ali+Gipp, Bow Wow, Chingy, The Clipse, Lil Wayne, Rich Boy, and St. Lunatics. Tickets are $40 to $200 at the Aladdin Theatre.

Friday at 9 p.m. will find Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, and Pharrell hosting an all-night Rat Pack Party at the Planet Hollywood Hotel Ballroom, with tickets at $100.

Saturday at 9 p.m. is the Big Ticket Party, hosted by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, TI, Lil Wayne, Carmelo Anthony, and Floyd Mayweather. Also at the Planet Hollywood Hotel Ballroom for $100, you'll have a chance to hobnob with celebrities and professional athletes.

And if you're still conscious, Sunday at 10:30 a.m. begins the SoSo Derrty Celebrity Comedy Brunch, headlined by Cedric the Entertainer. Tickets are $75.

Later that evening at 9 p.m. is the final event -- the Applebottoms & King Magazine Lingerie & Pajama Party, hosted by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, and Melyssa Ford. Take a gander at the newest lingerie. Tickets are $100.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster and The SoSo Derrty Experience, with specials like $2,000 for a four-night stay and VIP access to all the parties.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Flipchip played in a tournament Saturday evening and heard hours of talk about the Colts/Bears game today from winning football bettors. He compiled the gist of the in-depth conversations and lays out what kind of game the poker playing sports bettors are expecting from these two explosive teams. Get Flipchip's poker-table-talk game report plus a mini-gallery of Saturday evening Las Vegas photos here on the Poker Prof's Poker Blog. Now, get comfortable, surround yourself with calories and join the estimated 140 million Americans enjoying today's "big game."

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Galaxy Theatres, which has two locations at The Cannery (North Las Vegas) and Neonopolis (downtown) is holding an Oscar contest on their website.

Just answer the six main Academy Award categories (best picture, director, actor, actress, supporting actor, supporting actress) correctly and you'll win a pass for two every month.

Now come on, Galaxy, why not give out an unlimited pass to every movie you screen for a year?

We won't knock a free movie, though, and have already submitted our entry of Oscar upsets.

Ties will be broken by a random drawing of all correct entries.

If there are no correct entries, a drawing will be held.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ever wonder what a high-profile high-roller loses in a casino?

What about the husband of a high-profile performer in that very casino?

Celine Dion's husband/manager Rene Angelil was accidentally outed by Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications at Harrah's.

In the London-based The Observer, Jones mentioned that Angelil "probably gambles $1 million a week."

Dion performs her popular show at Caesars Palace, which is owned by Harrah's.

In context, her comment was in reference to speaking about pathological gambling. "The problem with problem gambling is not about how much you gamble," she said. "It really isn't. It's about gambling what you can afford. That's a very difficult determination. Celine Dion's husband is a big gambler. He probably gambles $1 million a week. But he can afford to."

She later retracted her statement, stating she had no idea how much he actually gambled.

Now, with permission from Angelil to apparently prove he isn't a gambling degenerate and loser, Harrah's has released his win/loss statements from 2005 and 2006. He lost $230,300, but they were quick to point out that within that period, he's also won $259,079 in poker.

A far cry from the $1 million per week. Of course, we don't know his wins/losses from other casinos.

We can't count that many zeroes, so we liken this to taking your wife shopping. Sometimes it's best to sit on the bench or read the newspaper in the car. When you're married to Celine Dion who's performing nightly at Caesars, what else can you do while waiting in a casino but gamble?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Want to know where Vegas locals go on vacation?

So would we, because every day that we wake up to the neon lights is like a vacation to us.

But for those jonesing for the Colorado River, take a gander at Laughlin with this River Palms offer of two nights for $20 per night.

The offer runs through Feb. 28.

Also included is 3x points on weekends, bonus cash for winning two royal flushes, and all the pasta you can eat for earning 25 points.

To book, call 1-800-835-7903 and mention code EXTRA4U. Or visit their website.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Nevada resident who chose to remain anonymous became a multi-millionaire during his lunch break.

Yesterday, he stopped by the Pahrump Nugget Casino (Pahrump, Nev.) and had a hunch to play Penny Megabucks instead of his usual video poker. After losing $44 of his $100, the Penny Megabucks jackpot went off for $18,799,414, making it the largest amount ever won on penny slots.

He thought he won $3,000 but knew it was more after the progressive reset to $10 million.

With the winnings, the 66-year-old winner said he would pay off some bills and take his wife to Australia.

"Some" bills?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)