Ever thought about teaching in Las Vegas?

The Clark County School District has 3,000 teaching positions open for the 2007-2008 school year.

A Class A teacher (B.A. and Nevada certification) begins at a base salary of $30,299.

With Nevada seemingly dried up and too many students to accommodate, recruiters have been scouting outside the state, including the Detroit area.

If you're interested, schedule an interview by calling (702) 855-5414.

If you're in Detroit, interviews will occur May 19-20, June 9-10, and July 1. In Rochester, Mich., interviews take place at Oakland University on May 9.

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

Bellagio Resort Las Vegas Photo by: FlipChip / LasVegasVegas.com

We checked and can confirm that this is false, and that not only will Dalton not be leaving Bellagio's poker room, he wouldn't think of going anywhere else.

Now as for the rumor that Bellagio's dropping their 4/8 limit game, the jury's still out...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Carmen Electra, once in rehearsal for the new Hans Klok magic show at Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile, had been throwing tantrums and finally dropped out at the last minute.

The announcement was made along with a tantalizing stay-tuned message about Electra's replacement... none other than Pamela Anderson who will finally get a chance to be a Las Vegas showgirl, only with a multimillion-dollar contract.

Take that, Carmen.

To focus more on Anderson and 20 other dancers, the show was retitled to "The Beauty of Magic" and will now have a grand opening on June 2.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

MGM Mirage plans to invest in the new M Resort, an 80-acre mixed-use development including hotel-spa-casino that will be on the far south side of the Strip (near St. Rose Pkwy.).

MGM Mirage will put $160 million into the project by issuing a subordinated convertible note, which will change into 50 percent equity interest if it hasn't been repaid in 18 months.

Being developed by Anthony Marnell III, construction is expected to begin in the next couple months with the first $700 million phase expected to open in mid-2009.

Marnell's father owns Marnell Corrao Associates, a casino developer that built Rio, Bellagio, and Wynn Las Vegas. The firm will also be behind the M Resort.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last weekend, Metro and the FBI held a major bust of eight brothels in the Arville/Spring Mountain area, two miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.

"Operation Dollhouse" had been investigating the area for two years, culminating with the arrests of seven people charged with living off the earnings of 25 prostitutes. Some were also charged with drug trafficking Ecstasy.

Two law enforcement officers from San Mateo County in California happened to be at one of the brothels.

Sheriff Greg Munks and Undersheriff Carlos Bolanos offered apologies, saying they were dropped off by a limo after asking the driver to take them to a place offering massages.

Even if the "massage" they were seeking were at a legitimate business establishment, it would be questionable. That they were at a personal residence with no signage indicating massages is all the more suspicious.

Both Munks and Bolanos were detained and released, with Metro stating they received no special treatment.

Other customers were also identified and released.

No doubt the other customers were also there by accident...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stephens Media Interactive and the Review-Journal's movie club is holding a drawing to win tickets to see Spider-Man 3 before everyone else.

The $300 million movie (some say it approaches $500 million) previews May 3 at 7 p.m. at the Galaxy Theatres up at The Cannery in North Las Vegas.

You must be at least 18 years old to enter.

Nineteen winners will be drawn at random on April 27 and tickets will be mailed.

To enter, click here. You can opt out of receiving any email regarding future drawings.

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

So just how many people now live in our fine city?

You mean, people like us actually live there?

Not only do we live here, we go other places for vacation.

The Las Vegas population increases every year, but it balances by those leaving. We always put the number at a million.

Official data released this week from the 2007 Las Vegas Perspective shows Clark County ballooned 5.3 percent to 1.9 million, a hair away from 2.

Looks like next year we'll have to get used to holding up two fingers.

Other data shows the median price for new homes up 10 percent to $334,000, yet "for sale" signs stay up longer because home sales have fallen 27 percent.

The median household income is $53,100. Made even better with no state taxes, free valet, and free booze. But made worse by that cursed craps table.

Last year, the number of visitors were up 0.9 percent to 38.9 million. And like the "for sale" signs, if you've noticed more no vacancies at hotels or wonder why the need for over 5,000 more of them in 2007, available rooms decreased by 0.4 percent to 132,590.

Visitor data is taken from the Las Vegas convention and Visitors Authority, which also estimates that in 2010, there will be almost 40 percent more hotel rooms ready at 171,000. Surely you'll be able to find a room then, eh?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not only is Goldstar Events now listing cheap tickets for Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular and Mamma Mia!, they also have some free tickets to the comedy hypnotism show Mesmerized available.

The free dates look to be primarily Monday through Thursday evenings at 10:30 p.m., but your mileage may vary.

The service fee for the free show is $7.50 per ticket, and that's the only fee charged. To pick up tickets, just show your I.D. at the box office in the Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood.

Other performances are half-price at no more than $29.50 with a lower service fee.

Phantom tickets run $67 to $82.

Mamma Mia! runs from $49.50 to $66.

So not quite half price for those shows, but to see a big Las Vegas show for under $100? It's well worth checking them out.

We've used Goldstar many times while traveling (other cities include Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, and San Diego) and have never had a problem.

It's an excellent source for cheap tickets, and a place that deserves bookmarking.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just a few months ago, newly divorced Britney Spears was getting her wild on with new friend Paris Hilton in Las Vegas. Those all-night parties may very well have driven her to seek rehab.

Now it seems when the bald-headed mouse is away, the K-Fed will play. As in, Kevin Federline. As in, Britney's ex.

Federline was apparently at Tao (Venetian) on Friday, and he was spotted with none other than Paris Hilton.

Now before one starts thinking of the other celeb triangle web of Heather Locklear, Richie Sambora, and Denise Richards, we see that TMZ.com (normally gossip king purveyors) points out that Paris is still with Jason Strauss and was there to celebrate his birthday.

For the sake of her newly growing hair, we just hope Britney believes TMZ.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Another day, another billion-dollar casino sale to private equity.

This time it's the Stratosphere and Arizona Charlie's (both Decatur and Boulder locations) sold by Carl Icahn to Goldman Sachs Group for $1.3 billion. The purchase also includes 17 acres of Strip property and the Laughlin-based Aquarius Casino.

Much action is being made all along the Strip, and now even more focus is on the north Strip, with Wynn's new $1.7 billion Encore tower, Boyd's $4 billion Echelon Place, and Venetian's new $1.8 billion Palazzo tower still to come.

Last week, MGM Mirage spent $575 million for additional acreage around Circus Circus.

Rumor also has it that Station Casinos will be soon be redeveloping land around Palace Station to be a multi-use residential, retail, and entertainment block to the west and south. Their acreage is as large as the Echelon Place space.

With Las Vegas in the midst of the largest boom yet, could downtown piggyback on top of the Strip's success?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Suncoast Casino (9090 Alta Dr.) is closer to Red Rock than the crowded Strip, but if you take a chance between Mother's Day and Father's Day, you'll get room rates beginning at $50 and also experience Summerlin.

The $50 rate is good for selected dates between May 6 and June 17, and with the discounted room you'll also receive $10 in freeplay, $15 in table game play, and a free gift.

To book, call 1-866-636-7111 and mention code EDEAL05.

Note also that on May 5, 13, and 28, all points earned are doubled.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Former "Saturday Night Live" regular Joe Piscopo performs music and comedy at the Las Vegas Hilton, and if you click here, you can print out a coupon for two free tickets.

Piscopo performs Sunday through Tuesday at 9:45 p.m. in the Shimmer Cabaret.

To reserve in advance, call (702) 732-5755 or 1-800-222-5361 and mention the "Piscopo Shimmer Offer." You'll still need to present this coupon when you pick up your tickets at the box office.

The offer expires April 30.

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

Traditional blackjack pays 3:2 for blackjacks. If you wager $50, you win $75.

The trend on the Strip is the worse 6:5 for blackjacks (wager $50, win $60). Before it was confined to single-deck, but now it's spreading to shoes.

Balking at this trend, Casino Montelago (8 Strada di Villaggio, Henderson, 1-877-553-3555) in Lake Las Vegas is offering 2:1 for blackjacks (wager $50, win $100).

The offer runs Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through April 26.

There's a minimum wager amount of $5 and maximum of $50 per hand, and players are confined to playing one spot each.

Playing basic strategy, the house edge is 0.5 percent -- you should expect to lose 25 cents of every $50 bet.

With blackjacks increased to 2:1, the player has an advantage of 2.27 percent. Playing basic strategy (along with being rated on your Club Uno card) will then actually give you a positive expectation on the game.

Expect every table to be filled for those five hours a day, but since you're at the casino, you may as well play some other games. Ah, see how casino marketing works?

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

You'd think that after the $7 billion Project CityCenter, MGM Mirage wouldn't have much more than dust in their wallets.

Apparently they dug into their couch cushions, because in two separate transactions yesterday, they purchased 34 acres of North Strip property for $575 million, or $17 million per acre.

One of the purchases was from Concord Wilshire Acquisitions ($131 million), which had planned on building a $1.2 billion hotel-casino under the Maxim magazine brand.

Combined with their Circus Circus property, this puts MGM Mirage in control of a 78-acre site that could be developed into something more massive than CityCenter (which itself is at 66 acres).

At 865 acres of property, it also places MGM Mirage as the largest landholder on the Strip.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

Tomorrow, Jennifer Harman hosts the Jennifer Harman Charity Poker Tournament at Caesars Palace.

Proceeds go to the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a no-kill animal shelter that cares for thousands of animals every year.

The tournament begins at noon with a suggested $300 donation as buy-in and suggested $200 donation for added chips -- all of which will go to the NSPCA.

Players will play for a $10,000 seat to the main event at the World Series of Poker.

Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil will be one of the celebrities playing. Matt Savage, Rob Huxley, and Kyle Morris will emcee, and Robert Williamson III will host a live auction at 10 a.m.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On May 4, Jessica Simpson will appear for one night only as she hosts the Pussycat Dolls at their lounge at PURE nightclub (Caesars Palace).

Expect to see Simpson don full Pussycat garb as she reemerges into the public eye. Simpson joins other celeb Dolls, including Pamela Anderson, Brittany Murphy, Charlize Theron, Paris Hilton, Scarlett Johansson, Shannon Elizabeth, and R.C. Clark.

While on a break from singing and acting, Simpson has been laying low with boyfriend John Mayer, who performs himself June 8 at Mandalay Bay but we suspect not in Pussycat gear.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Forget naming a bar. How would you like to name an entire town?

Open to North Las Vegas residents over 18 years old, developers of a new 160-acre retail and residential development in North Las Vegas are holding a contest.

Prizes include a $25,000 shopping spree at shops in your named town and a $200,000 educational scholarship.

To enter, visit the Heart of North Las Vegas.

The contest runs through June 23, and the winner will be announced July 3.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Roseanne Barr cancelled her appearance this past weekend at Krave, citing illness.

It came just after Barr mentioned on her radio show that gay activists were only concerned about themselves: "They don't care about any other group other than their own self because you know, some people say being gay and lesbian is a totally narcissistic thing, and sometimes I wonder."

In her blog, she apologizes that her wording shouldn't have been all-encompassing and clarifies her statement: "I find some gay people care little for issues that are not about them, and are ignorant about how CLASS is the real divisive issue, even more than race, religion or sexual orientation."

Barr continues to perform her standup act through April 30 at New York New York on the stage recently vacated by Rita Rudner. Tickets begin at $49.95. For box office, call 1-866-606-7111.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Poker player William Gustafik was stabbed to death, allegedly, by his wife Jill Rockcastle in their subleased condo at the newly opened $2 billion aqua blue Panorama Towers (pictured above), where other condos are owned by Pamela Anderson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tobey Maguire. Panorama is located on the west side of the I-15 and showed their model outside of last year's World Series of Poker.

According to Bluff, Gustafik earned over $30,000 from poker tournaments in August-December 2006. In March, he won $80,000 in the WPT Shooting Star at Bay 101.

Formerly a chiropractor, Gustafik recently switched to playing poker professionally.

Gustafik's wife is in custody in San Luis Obispo, California, where police found her unconscious.

Gustafik leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter from a different marriage.

No motive is yet known.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

First sharks, then ice cream on tax day. Ben & Jerry's free cone day is also today, their 29th annual where they expect to hand out over 1 million free ice cream scoops across the country.

Just stop by B&J between noon and 8 p.m. and pick up the free cone of your choice. Try one of their new Creme Brulee or Cinnamon Buns flavors.

At the Galleria Mall location at 1300 W. Sunset Rd. in Henderson, local celebrities will be on hand scooping your ice cream, including radio hosts Mark and Mercedes (Mix 94.1), Norm from the R-J, the Amazing Johnathan and his ill-fortunate assistant Penny, Mosaic, and The Scintas.

All proceeds at this location will go to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, known for their outstanding quality of education and involvement in the community. And if you make a donation at the Galleria Mall to the Museum, you'll pick up a gift certificate for a free cupcake from The Cupcakery, just a couple miles away.

Other participating B&J scoop shops include:

The Shops at Green Valley Ranch
2225 Village Walk Drive, Suite 177 (Henderson)

Sunset Station
1301 West Sunset Road (Henderson)

Planet Hollywood
3663 Las Vegas Boulevard

Trails Village Center
1910 Village Center Circle

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

Mandalay Bay once again throws you to the sharks in their sixth annual Tax Relief Day at Shark Reef.

From noon to 10 p.m. today, stop by the Shark Reef (don't valet or park in the garage; it's a short walk if you park close to the far south Shark Reef end) and bring your tax return.

Stamps will be available for purchase, and your postage will be officially hand-cancelled with a Las Vegas shark stamp dated April 17. You'll then receive a free t-shirt and a free ticket good for one admission into the shark tank.

We did this a couple years ago and still wear our shirt proudly.

If you're looking for the angle on a free shirt and ticket yet already sent off your taxes, just bring a stamped envelope addressed to the IRS. Too bad if the IRS receives a blank envelope, eh? Just say the real sharks helped themselves first.

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

If you've been living in sin, isn't it about time you made that commitment to your significant other?

No? Well, you could plan a trip to Las Vegas anyway.

Players consider July 7 -- that's 7/7/07 -- the luckiest day, and Texas Station will begin the lucky festivities by offering a free mass wedding.

Be a part of what could be one of the largest wedding ceremonies, with a free grand ceremony, a free minister, a free champagne toast, and a free marriage certificate holder.

You're on your own for the reception, but Texas can also put together a reception package.

Vow renewals will also be accepted.

To RSVP, email Julianna Atkinson or call at 1-800-654-8804.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 31 is the date for the 17th annual Epicurean Affair, where the best chefs in the world will show off their wares at Flamingo.

For $125 a ticket in advance ($150 at the door), you'll sample tastings from over 100 restaurants while navigating through custom environments (the pool, a sand pit, a "rave cave") inside and outside the hotel-casino.

Proceeds will go to the educational programs of the Nevada Hospitality and Lodging Association.

For more information, call (702) 733-3333.

For a list of participating restaurants and lounges, click below.

Here are a list of restaurants and lounges participating:

• 808
  
• Aladdin
  
• Al Dente
  
• Alize
  
• All American Bar & Grill
  
• Andre's French Restaurant
  
• Antonio's Ristorante
  
• Arizona Charlie's Decatur
  
• Aureole
  
• Bali Hai Golf Club
  
• Bally's
  
• Bally's Steakhouse
  
• Bars of Bellagio
  
• Beck's North America
  
• Bellagio
  
• Border Grill at Mandalay Bay
  
• Boyd Coffee Company
  
• Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace
  
• Buzio's Oyster Bar at the Rio
  
• Caesars Palace
  
• Cheflive Inc.
  
• Chicago Brewing Company
  
• China Grill at Mandalay Bay
  
• Chinois at Caesar Forum Shops
  
• Cili at Bali Hai Golf Club
  
• Club Rio
  
• Commander's Palace at Aladdin
  
• Craftsteak at MGM
  
• Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian
  
• DeLuca Liquor & Wine, Ltd.
  
• Desage Chocolatier
  
• Diego
  
• Dishes at Treasure Island
  
• Emeril's New Orleans Fish House
  
• Envy
  
• Fiamma Trattoria
  
• Fin
  
• Fiore Steakhouse at the Rio
  
• Flamingo Las Vegas
  
• Fleur de Lys
  
• Four Queens Casino Hotel
  
• Gaylord India Restaurant at the Rio
  
• Gilly's at the New Frontier
  
• Gordon Biersch
  
• Granello Bakery, Inc.
  
• Hamada of Japan
  
• Hannah's
  
• Harrah's
  
• Heineken Premium Light Lager Beer
  
• Hugo's Cellar at Four Queens
  
• Island Oasis Frozen Beverage Company
  
• Jean-Philippe Patisserie
  
• Joel Robuchon at The Mansion
  
• Kokomo's
  
• Las Vegas Palm
  
• L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
  
• Lawry's The Prime Rib
  
• Le Provencal
  
• Les Artiste
  
• Maggiano's Little Italy
  
• Mandalay Bay
  
• Margaritaville
  
• McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant
  
• MGM Grand
  
• Michael Mina at Bellagio
  
• Ming's Table
  
• Mix
  
• Monte Carlo
  
• Neros
  
• Nevada Beverage Company - Wholesaler of Anheuser-Busch Beers
  
• New York - New York
  
• Nine Fine Irishmen at NY-NY
  
• Nobhill at MGM Grand
  
• P.F. Chang's China Bistro
  
• Paris Las Vegas
  
• Paris/Bally's/Rio-Pastries & Beverage
  
• Pearl
  
• Pepsi
  
• Rampart Casino at the Resort at Summerlin/J.W. Marriott/Cannery Resorts
  
• Red Bull Energy Drink
  
• Red Square at Mandalay Bay
  
• Red, White and Blue
  
• Renaissance Las Vegas
  
• Ricardo's Las Vegas
  
• Rio
  
• RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay
  
• Romance at Top of the World
  
• Roy's Las Vegas
  
• Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay
  
• Sara Lee Foodservice
  
• Seablue at MGM Grand Hotel
  
• Sensi at Bellagio
  
• Shangri-La Tea of Southern Nevada
  
• Shibuya at MGM Grand
  
• Shintaro
  
• Southern Wine & Spirits
  
• Sprint Yellow Pages - Pub. by R.H. Donnelley
  
• Steakhouse 46
  
• Stratosphere Las Vegas
  
• Superior Coffee
  
• The Mirage
  
• The New Frontier
  
• The Range Steakhouse
  
• The Venetian
  
• Toby Keith's
  
• Todd English's Olives
  
• Top of the World at Stratosphere
  
• Treasure Island
  
• Valentino Las Vegas
  
• Ventuno
  
• Vic and Anthony Steakhouse
  
• Voodoo Cafe‚ at the Rio
  
• Wild Truffles
  
• Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Sunday at 10 p.m., the Light nightclub at Bellagio is hosting a lingerie party.

And not just any lingerie party, but a Penthouse lingerie party.

And not just any Penthouse lingerie party, but one hosted by Penthouse Pets.

And not just any Penthouse Pets, but dogs on the top floor.

That made no sense, but when pretty girls are around, we get a little mushy headed. Our lingerie is at the cleaners, but we'll be camping out in the poker room and eavesdrop on the Light patrons.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Aladdin is now Planet Hollywood.

Desert Passage is now Miracle Mile.

Inside both will be the new V Theater bar, which is called...?

V is looking for a name for their new bar, and to avoid marketing costs, they're holding a naming contest for anyone 21 and over.

The winner will receive free drinks at your named bar for a year, two tickets to all shows running at the V Theater (Nathan Burton, Mesmerized, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, the Ultimate Variety Show, and the Fab Four), and $500 cash.

The newly named bar will open July 4.

To enter, submit your name, email, birthdate, bar name, and how you thought it up to bulivarri@davidsaxe.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today (Thursday) at 7 p.m., meet and greet NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals drivers.

Drivers will be signing autographs at the ESPN Zone in the New York New York Hotel-Casino.

If you're one of the first 25 people in line, you'll receive a $10 game card voucher for use in the interactive sports arena.

Scheduled to be in attendace are (deep breath now): Jack Beckman, Jeff Arend, Del Worsham, Melanie Troxel, Morgan Lucas, Tony Bartone, Jon Capps, David Grubnic, Rod Fuller, Hillary Will, Jason Line, Greg Anderson, Warren Johnson, and Jim Yates.

The SummitRacing event takes place today through April 15 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That Cocaine drink we've talked about that's based in Las Vegas was told that it's marketing its product illegally.

On the can itself and on their website, the drink is advertised as "Speed in a Can" and "Liquid Cocaine," while also touting itself as a dietary supplement and an alternative to street drugs.

One of the ingredients in the drink claims to reduce cholesterol and prevent hardening of the arteries. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to manufacturer Redux Beverages last week, stating that dietary supplements cannot claim to prevent disease. They say it's a drug and as such, needs to be approved by them.

Redux now has until next week to correct their marketing violations or else have their products seized and even prosecuted.

If that happens, we may have to pay double for the drink on eBay.

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

In 2000, Gov. Jim Gibbons took his wife on a vacation to Turkey.

That in itself wouldn't be out of the ordinary.

Six other people were also on the group vacation, including a military defense contractor who a year before just so happened to have received a $12 million federal contract to build an aircraft landing system.

Gibbons was a congressman on the House at the time, coincidentally on the armed services and intelligence committees.

When questioned by The Associated Press about who paid for the trip, Gibbons insisted he had all the receipts and that he had once made them available, but that we would just have to take his word because he refuses to again release them to the public.

This news comes as Gibbons is the subject of an FBI investigation for giving consideration to another contractor in exchange for lavish gifts, cash, and political contributions. Gibbons' wife was also discovered to have received consulting fees by Sierra Nevada Corp., the very company Gibbons helped obtain millions of dollars in no-bid federal contacts.

Just a little lessons in politicking: if you're going to take an alleged gift, make sure it isn't a public vacation with the folks you favored.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

Flipchip has been hanging out on the Las Vegas strip covering the poker action of the WPT's annual $25,000 buy-in championship event. While mostly tqaking photos of the players he took a break and hiked around the area with camera in hand. More Las Vegas photos after the jump.

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

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flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

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flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

The NBC series "Las Vegas" lost original cast members James Caan and Nikki Cox this season. Caan wanted to return to movies and Cox wanted her career to head in a different direction.

Now it seems the series creators are looking toward bringing Tom Selleck onboard for its fifth season. The "Magnum P.I." Emmy winner would play the new owner of the Montecito Casino, previously run by Caan.

"Las Vegas" would mark Selleck's return to regular series television, though he guest-starred on "Friends" and "Boston Legal." He can currently be heard voicing Cornelius in the animated Disney feature Meet the Robinsons.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Las Vegas cast of "The Real World" will reunite in a six-episode MTV series entitled "Reunited: The Real World Vegas," which began filming this week for airing later this spring.

The original seven cast members (Alton, Arissa, Brynn, Irulan, Frank, Steven, and Trishelle, but we're not keeping track) will all be back sharing the same $2 million digs they lived in at The Palms five years ago. So famous was the penthouse suite that it's called The Real World Suite and can be rented out at the cost of tens of thousands per night.

The cast launched to fame five years ago when "The Real World" followed their exploits living in and working at The Palms. Now they're five years older, though maybe not wiser.

The seven members were contractually signed to do a reunion show, and this is the first time MTV has reunited a "Real World" cast.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to the Star gossip rag, Las Vegas magician Steve Wyrick is the latest person to kiss and tell with Anna Nicole Smith, who died of an accidental drug overdose in February.

In January 2005, Smith caught Wyrick's show at the Aladdin Hotel & Casino and was levitated by the magician... in more ways than one.

After the show, she caught him backstage, unzipped his pants, and gave him oral sex. Meanwhile, Smith's boyfriend Larry Birkhead (who took the above photo) and lawyer Howard K. Stern stood outside his dressing room until they finished.

Wyrick and Smith later convened at his hotel suite, where Wyrick said she wanted him to choke her while having sex.

Their sex liaisons continued over the course of the next few weeks at his suite and Las Vegas home.

Wyrick now performs in his new $34 million theater at Planet Hollywood.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dr. Al Schoonmaker of 2+2 and psychology and poker fame has a new one-hour weekly Internet radio show at holdemradio.com.

The show begins today with Mason Malmuth as his inaugural guest.

Each show will run an hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific time) every Tuesday.

Next week's guest is David Sklansky, with Barry Tanenbaum appearing April 24 and Matt Lessinger appearing May 1.

Weeks without guests will be devoted to listeners' questions.

All shows will also be archived and available online for downloading and listening at your convenience.

To call during the show, dial (702) 202-2086 or email Al directly.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I always rent a car whenever visiting Las Vegas. It beats waiting in the long cab lines, and for an average cost of $25 per day (including all taxes) and free parking or valet at the casinos, it's well worth it.

Picking up the car from Dollar was the same as usual, but when I returned the car yesterday, things had unexpectedly changed.

No longer could I return the car at the satellite location I usually do near UNLV, then take the free shuttle to the airport.

A Dollar employee gave me a map to return the car to a new location.

As of April 4, all 11 rental car properties are now housed in one building at a separate location called the McCarran Rent-a-Car Center, about three miles south of the airport on Gillespie Rd.

This means picking up and returning cars will take a bit longer than what you may be used to, and you should allow some extra time when returning. Ultimately with the increasing congestion, this separate location will make it easier for the renter.

Fortunately, following signs and arrows for the Rent-a-Car Center is clear, even though I had to pass through the tunnel and was almost headed onto I-15 if I didn't pay attention and veer right. Unfortunately, in busy times that area can get severely backed up with no other way to get to or from the airport.

Once the car is returned, there wasn't a need to seek out a specific shuttle bus -- all of them are labeled McCarran Rent-a-Car Center and run every five minutes.

They have just two stops -- international and domestic -- and drop you midway where you're then left to fend for yourself to find your airline.

McCarran spent $170 million on the new two-level, 131,000-square-foot center and $12 million on 40 buses. It's been in the works for years.

This instantly makes satellite locations and rental car shuttle buses obsolete, and at least for Dollar, they hadn't yet decided what to do with them.

The rental car consolidation in the 68-acre facility will enable much more efficiency and accommodate many more cars (with 6,000 parking spaces and 125 gasoline pumps). Former rental car locations at and inside the airport will make way for further airport expansion.

Posted by Poker Grub at 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino begins an iPod giveaway today through April 22.

For every 5 points earned ($20 playthrough in slots per point), you'll automatically receive an entry into their daily drawing at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., taking place at the Las Vegas Lounge in the casino. Six iPods will be given away each weekday and 10 will be given away on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you earn 2,000 points in one day ($40,000 playthrough), you'll receive the iPod Nano free.

If you're a new Backstage players club member, print this coupon and once you play $10, you'll get $10 in free slot play.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

"Double Down Texas Holdem(tm)" is underghoing a 90 day trial in the pit at Palace Station. The game is approved for use in casinos in Mississippi. Double Down Texas Hold'em, recently introduced by Las Vegas game developer, JKR Gaming, LLC, takes the best from poker and blackjack and combines it into one exciting new pit table game. Players are offered a number of optional prop bets that pay odds.

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

Similar to Texas Hold'em poker the game offers players an opportunity to make various prop bets and receive odds on the bets according to a table. Based on your first two 'hole cards' you can receive odds on side bets for 'Big Slick', 'Blackjack', 'Twenty', even a 'Pair'. The 'Double Down' part enters the game when players are offered an optional "Double Down" bet after seeing the first five cards.

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

The combination of the two card games into one is such a 'natural' allowing players to quickly master the various betting options and strategies. Finally a pit table game that combines the excitement of fast paced blackjack with the decision making of live hold'em poker. After just a few hands you'll be wondering what took so long for this poker/blackjack hybrid game to appear.

The only place to play in Las Vegas is the main pit at Palace Station Casino in Las Vegas. The first and currently 'only' Double Down Hold'em Poker(tm) game is undergoing 90 days of field testing at Palace Station. Look for the longhorn steer symbol in the middle of the casino at Palace Station, take a seat, buckle up and enjoy the game.

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

flipchip photo lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, Cool Blue Entertainment holds open auditions for models and talent aged 5 to 35. Those that pass will be asked to attend the "Fusion Model Talent Search" on April 28-29.

The $700 weekend workshop will be lead by talent scouts, agents, and managers from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and international cities.

Scholarships to pay for that weekend are available.

Though it's an open audition, you must first call to schedule a time: (702) 804-2501 or 1-888-254-5075.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Oops.

Yesterday at 3:30 p.m., roller coaster "Speed, The Ride" at Sahara stalled and stopped for an hour, with 16 people left stranded 15 feet in the air.

A circuit blew and the system rolled them back a bit and then stopped, right before they were headed for a loop.

No rider was hurt, and shoulder safety bars did not malfunction.

The 45-second ride zooms through loops of 360 degrees, speeds of 70 mph, heights of 224 feet, drops of 25 feet, and 3.5 G forces - and then repeats the whole thing in reverse. The system is programmed to stop whenever a circuit breaks.

Single tickets cost $10, all-day passes cost $21.95, and if the circuit breaks again, you'll ride for free.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tucked inside the Hooters Casino Hotel on the left close to the entrance is Dan Marino's, one of the finest steakhouses we've been to.

For a limited time, you can get all-you-can eat baby back ribs for $16.99.

The ribs are spice-rubbed and slow cooked and comes with a choice of three signature BBQ sauces: sweet whiskey, spicy chipotle, or tangy apple cider.

With your ribs, you'll get a jalapeno cheddar corn muffin and will also have your choice of two side dishes: red beans and rice with andouille sausage, French fries, sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes, pineapple coleslaw, and brown sugar baked beans.

Dan Marino's is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. To make a reservation, call (702) 739-9000.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stratosphere is offering new signups to their Ultimate Rewards players club $100 in cash and $100 worth of comps for your slot play on your first day as an Ultimate Rewards member.

Earn 10 points on slots to receive a t-shirt.
Earn 400 points to receive a t-shirt and two free buffets.
Earn 1,200 points to receive a t-shirt, two free buffets, and two show tickets.
Earn 2,000 points to receive a t-shirt, two free buffets, two show tickets, and $100 in cash.

In addition, with that heavy play on a first day, you should also expect to see free and casino rate room offers in the mail for future stays.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gelato Cafe offers the first gelato happy hour (that we know of) every Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Any gelato you purchase, you'll get a second one of equal or lesser size for $1. We just asked for another scoop of the heavenly Italian ice cream.

There's a Gelato Cafe in The District 2 at Green Valley Ranch (120 S. Green Valley Pkwy. #174), Tanaya Village (7240 W. Azure #150), and at 8550 W. Desert Inn Rd. #103a.

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

If you're a Diamond or Seven Stars player at Harrah's, one of your benefits is a free pair of tickets every month to a show in Las Vegas.

Harrah's homepage doesn't list what show, and most of the shows that were available last year aren't this year.

Here's the skinny on your free tickets, which you can pick up vouchers for at the Total Rewards booth and then trade for actual tickets.

Bally's: Jubilee!
Flamingo: Society of Seven with Lani
Flamingo: Second City
Harrah's: Mac King
O'Sheas: Vinnie Favorito

George Wallace, which was free last year, is now 2-for-1.

These are all subject to change; check with the Total Rewards club for the latest information.

When you choose your show, you'll be given a voucher that can be turned in at the box office for two tickets. You'll be able to choose your show over the next 7 days.

Which means that if you have four people in your group and plan your trip accordingly (as in, toward the end of the calendar month), you'd be able to grab up two vouchers and get all four tickets together.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

A stop at the Bellagio to pick up some flyers for the Five Star World Poker Poker that begins on Saturday and is capped by the $25,000 buy-in World Poker Tour Championship final TV table on April 27. Flipchip's Bellagio Las Vegas photos after the jump.

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 1:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Beginning next month, Planet Hollywood's shopping area (formerly Aladdin's Shops in Desert Passage) will officially become Miracle Mile Shops.

But that doesn't mean that the renovation will be finished by then. After unloading the Arabian theme for a more modern and contemporary look, the 1.2-mile circle of shops will be worked on in phases through the rest of the year and 2008.

New shops and restaurants will soon include H&M, Trader Vic's, Marciano, Taverna Opa, and Hawaiian Tropic Zone.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Wearing just a banner for clothing, models Meggan Anderson (pictured above) and Christina Cho plan to stage a PETA protest outside of Burberry, which is inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Demonstrators will inform the public about PETA's fur-farm expose that depicts the suffering and death animals are subjected to in order to become clothing for sale by Burberry. Burberry's fur is obtained by animals that are gassed, electrocuted, or having their necks broken. Video footage shows the animals willing to gnaw off their legs to escape.

On a happier note, the banner that will act as clothing for the models will read: "We'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur."

The protest will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon.

More information can be found at BloodyBurberry.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

International Game Technology (IGT), the largest slot manufacturer, has purchased Jay Walker's new video poker concept that will soon be hitting casinos.

If the name sounds familiar, Walker made a fortune with Priceline.com.

His patented slot idea is to offer the player "guaranteed play" for a set amount of money.

And in return, the machine will give many more hands to play.

For example, a $20 buy-in will give you 75 video poker hands at the max bet of $1.25. Normally $20 will only last as much as 16 hands, so the guaranteed play machines -- with the same odds -- offer over four times as many hands.

You can leave at any time, but once you cash out you forfeit your remaining hands.

How can the casino make money by giving extra hands?

The trick is in the credit meter, which starts at 0 and can dip into the negative. If you have no wins in your first 10 hands, your credit meter will read -125 credits and you'll have 70 more hands to climb out of the hole.

On the other hand, if you hit big (above 80 credits, the equivalent of $20) on your first few hands, you can cash out without risking further loss by playing out the remaining hands.

At the end of your hands, you can cash out if your balance is in the positive. If negative, you don't owe any more than your original $20.

A solid marketing ploy for casinos to entice new and returning players, expect to see Guaranteed Play Video Poker soon and then later a slot version.

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

photo by FlipChip/LasVegasVegas.com

Las Vegas Strip condominium project, Sky Las Vegas, the new condominium project located on the north Las Vegas strip next to the new Hilton Westin, was the scene of an accident injuring four workers with three to hospital with burn injuries. One of the workers was reported to have second and third degree burns over 30% of his body. Crews were venting natural gas from a fourth floor swimming pool control room when an unknown source sparked an explosion. There was no visible damage to the structure and the fire was out before firemen arrived.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Harrah's next Total Rewards promotion is a Set Sail Dream Cruise Giveaway, awarding five cruises per week for seven weeks at each of Harrah's casinos. That's over 1,200 cruises that Harrah's expects to hand out this spring.

Harrah's decided to take their normal $1 million prize and split it up to share among many players in the form of Royal Caribbean Line cruises to the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera.

Each cruise is for two people with full accommodations over five days and four nights.

In addition, one in 10 players who swipe their cards on designated promo days will win travel-related merchandise (spa bag, toiletry bag, tote bag, luggage set, luggage tag, etc.). Every time you swipe your card, you're entered into the drawing.

The promotion begins April 23 and runs through June 10. On the final day, five finalists will be selected and awarded a two-week cruise. One lucky finalist will also receive $50,000 in cash.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)