Think you have what it takes to win your way into a shot at the largest reality TV prize?

Bodog will soon be taping "Calvin Ayre Wild Card Poker II," a poker reality show with an ultimate prize package of $2 million -- $1 million cash plus a $1 million contract that includes buy-ins and travel around the world to additional poker tournaments for the next year.

Open auditions will be taking place July 5-8 at Planet Hollywood's Sapphire 2 room between noon and 5 p.m. You must be at least 21 and bring a photo ID. Any level of poker skill is welcome.

Twelve players will be whittled down and placed in a house in "an exotic locale," where they'll compete against each other at the poker table and off.

And it could be you.

In your audition, we suggest portraying yourself as a nymphomaniac. That always seems to catch producers' eyes.

For more information, visit Bodog.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:54 PM | Permalink

Amidst all the World Series of Poker action is a charitable poker tournament to raise awareness about Darfur.

Called Ante Up Africa, the $5,000 buy-in will give you a chance to play with celebrities scheduled to appear, including Hank Azaria, George Lopez, Brad Pitt, James Woods, Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Jason Alexander, Matt Damon, George Clooney, Shannon Elizabeth, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, and Charles Barkley as well as poker celebs Phil Hellmuth, Phil Laak, Barry Greenstein, Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Clonie Gowen, Joe Hachem, Phil Gordon and Doyle Brunson.

You'll also receive a VIP pass to the VooDoo Lounge after-party.

The tournament is July 5 beginning at 4 p.m. and its fast structure is designed to complete by 9 p.m. It's hosted by Annie Duke and Don Cheadle (who came up with the idea).

Focus is on two nonprofit organizations -- the International Rescue Committee and the ENOUGH Project -- that raise awareness and activism, as well as provide assistance to those uprooted by crises.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:02 PM | Permalink

Want to attend a party full of poker players?

What about celebrity poker players?

Okay, what about celebrity poker players at a strip club?

On the eve of the WSOP main event, to make sure everyone is properly trashed, PlayersOnly.com and Bluff magazine are cohosting a party at the world's largest gentlemen's club Sapphire with an open bar from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Invited attendees include Phil Gordon, Gus Hansen, Eric Lindgren, Phil Laak, Jennifer Tilly, David Williams, Antonio Esfandari, and many more. Now you can buy your favorite poker player a lapdance.

Shuttles will also be provided from Rio to the club, located at 3025 Industrial Road.

You have until July 2 to RSVP with your I.D. To obtain an I.D., visit this link.

Only the first 175 people who respond will gain entry, good for one person and a guest. Invitations will be sent by July 3.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:24 PM | Permalink

After much speculation, Binion's has been sold again.

The legendary casino famous for originating the World Series of Poker was first purchased by Harrah's in 2004 before being sold to MTR Gaming for $20 million.

MTR recently dumped their Speedway Casino for $18.2 million, and now they've done the same with Binion's for $32 million.

The casino was hemorrhaging money, reportedly breaking even last year and down $1.3 million so far this year. Still, MTR made a tidy 50 percent profit off their sale.

The lucky (or unlucky -- downtown casinos haven't been doing very well) new owner is TLC Casino Enterprises, owner of Four Queens a few steps away.

Shareholders were ambivalent with the decision, as MTR Gaming stock rose 0.47 percent for the day to close at $14.86.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:41 PM | Permalink

Michael Jackson is packing up and leaving Las Vegas.

On Saturday, Jackson's $1 million lease will expire on his 10-bedroom house, where he'd been staying for seven months while negotiating a comeback concert that would have him in residence at a hotel-casino in our fine neon city.

Jackson and his three children will find somewhere else to live, rumored to be back to Europe, where he may pick up plans to try his comeback there.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:32 PM | Permalink

Nowhere else on the Strip could you find 99-cent shrimp cocktail... until now!

Sure, Golden Gate's 99-cent deal is one of the best bargains in town and worth heading downtown for it. The same delicious shrimp is also served in the diner, albeit at a higher price.

Now the Hooters Hotel & Casino is getting into the discount shrimp biz. And it's not the size of the shrimp that matters, it's the... well, yes, as a matter of fact, it is the size of the shrimp because they wouldn't be called shrimp for nothing.

Just show your Owl Rewards Club card (free to sign up, as are all casino players' cards) at the Hooters' Dam restaurant, and your shrimp cocktail magically reduces to 99 cents. That's $4 off the regular price.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:39 AM | Permalink

Are you 1 in 50,000?

The Palazzo, the new hotel-casino next to The Venetian, is expected to open at the end of the year, and applications for 4,000 jobs are now being accepted. Recruiters are steeling themselves for an expected 50,000 applications.

A quarter of those positions will already be filled by those transferring from The Venetian, but that means The Venetian will be looking to fill those slots.

To apply at both places online, visit The Venetian's human resources.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Ever wonder how fast those hotel-casino elevators travel?

Nine people at downtown casino Fitzgeralds experienced first-hand how fast.

Yesterday afternoon, one elevator was suspected at being overloaded when it fell rapidly but stopped short of hitting the bottom because of its emergency brakes. The elevator cables didn't snap.

Among the nine people included a bellman with a cart of luggage.

Three people -- including one child -- suffered minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Drop Dead Beautiful is the title of the 25th novel by Jackie Collins.

One of the settings of the new novel is Las Vegas, where heroine Lucky Santangelo prepares to open her billion-dollar hotel-casino but not if her enemies have anything to say about it, and even her children aren't off limits.

Sounds like classic Jackie Collins beach-reading to us.

The book officially launches June 26, but today from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Harrah's, you can pick up her new book and attend a reading and signing party with Collins.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:27 AM | Permalink

Today marks Nevada's first Graffiti Awareness Day.

Laws are in place putting the responsibility of cleaning up graffiti on businesses and neighborhoods. Clark County spends over $30 million in cleanup efforts.

Some businesses are hit by taggers just as soon as they clean up.

North Las Vegas has an ordinance that awards $250 to information leading to the arrest of a tagger.

Mayor Oscar Goodman has such disdain, he wants their thumbs removed.

Now businesses and neighborhoods will have help by the community, including county leaders and public officials.

Cleanup materials can be picked up this morning until noon at the Hollywood Recreation Center (1650 S. Hollywood Blvd. at Charleston/Sahara) and the West Flamingo Senior Center (6255 W. Flamingo Rd. at Jones/Rainbow).

More information on specific targeted locations is available at the above locations and at (702) 229-2330.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:14 AM | Permalink

Donny Osmond performs at The Orleans for half-off by using the code DONNY when booking online or by phone at 1-888-365-7111 or (702) 365-7075.

Osmond plays tonight through Sunday at 8 p.m. in The Orleans Showroom. Regular tickets run $55 and up. Half-price tickets can be had for $27.50, $35.75, and $46.75.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:41 PM | Permalink

The first Las Vegas hotel owned and developed by an African American will soon be a reality.

At a cost of $2.5 billion, real estate entrepreneur R. Donahue Peebles plans to build four 55-story towers of 800 suites and 1,000 condos across 13 acres east of the golf course at Wynn Las Vegas. The entire project will span 4.5 million square feet.

Peebles runs The Peebles Corporation, the largest African American-owned real estate development company that includes many 5-star luxury hotels around the country.

Designed to be nongaming, the development features the standard retail shops, restaurants, and 40,000-square-foot spa along with a pool 400 feet above the Strip.

Peebls hopes to complete construction by 2009.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:07 PM | Permalink

"What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas" is the most well-known phrase promoting our neon city.

If you're already in town, it's modified to "What happens here, stays here."

Now a new slogan will soon be tested against a slew of focus groups, and if they like it, expect to see a flood of ads until you're sick of it.

The slogan: "Your Vegas is showing."

"What happens here, stays here" will still be around, but "Your Vegas is showing" will focus on lassoing a specific audience.

Now if you'll excuse us, we have to zip up.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:01 PM | Permalink

Suspended NFL player Adam "Pacman" Jones will face two felony charges in a strip club brawl where three people were shot at Minxx in February. According to Clark County District Attorney David Roger, arrest warrants were being sought for Jones.

The brawl went down inside the Mixx strip club on February 19th during NBA All-Star Weekend. One employee has been paralyzed by the shooting and two others were also injured. ous wounds.

Jones faces two counts of felony coercion from allegations he bit a bar bouncer on the ankle and threatened to kill club employees. According to a Las Vegas police, the incident was triggerd by Jones after he showered strippers with cash. Two strippers began fighting over bills and that's when Jones allegedly punched one stripper.

Jones is also accused of threatening the life of club employees who tried to break up the melee. There is videotape evidence of Jones punching a man who police identified as his own business manager.

Also in that police report, Jones was spotted walking away from the strip club with a man who fired five or six shots toward people in front of Minxx.

The bouncer who fought with Jones was wounded in the chest and left forearm. Thomas Urbanski, a bouncer at the club was paralyzed from the waist down. A female club patron was wounded in the head.

Posted by Dr. Pauly at 2:32 AM | Permalink

Last month's announcement that Kirk Kerkorian was interested in taking MGM Mirage's Bellagio and Project CityCenter private drove up MGM Mirage's stock by 27 percent.

Today, MGM Mirage announced Kerkorian (who already owns 56 percent of the casino conglomerate worth $24.5 billion) is dropping his pursuit of the two high-end casinos and will instead partner with Kerzner International Holdings to develop a new North Strip resort across 40 to 80 acres of property owned by MGM Mirage.

Completion of the property could bear the MGM Mirage or Kerzner name, and would bring Kerzner (who owns Atlantis in the Bahamas) his first presence in Las Vegas.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:03 PM | Permalink

When I lived in Las Vegas, Jamba Juice was my treat whenever I did well in poker.

From now until July 4, Jamba Juice is offering a free smoothie with the purchase of one using the coupon at this site. The coupon above is a slightly smaller version; use the coupon at the link to print from the actual website.

The one I went to was in the Pebble shopping center across from Green Valley Ranch and I-215 (1500 N. Green Valley Pkwy.).

Other nearby locations are in the Vons center at 2667 E. Windmill Pkwy. (Henderson) and at the UNLV student union building.

Other than that, Jamba Juice is pretty slim pickin's in the Vegas area. Believe me, though, it's worth the trek out to Henderson.

The coupon is also good at any participating Jamba Juice.

Posted by Poker Grub at 5:30 AM | Permalink

Could Lindsay Lohan celebrate her 21st birthday sober?

It's hard to think it's possible, but with Lohan in rehab since May 28 and her birthday July 2, it's likely -- particularly from a publicity point of view.

Despite ads and billboards (including a prominent one across from Rio) indicating otherwise, Lohan's 21st at PURE (Caesars Palace) has been canceled as of yesterday.

Lohan may keep her fee (rumored at $1 million) but will still have a post-21st bash for PURE.

Meanwhile, we expect PURE to milk advertising their club alongside Lohan's name until that party happens.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:17 PM | Permalink

New starpower has been added to The Producers, currently playing at Paris Las Vegas.

David Hasselhoff had a bit part as the flamboyantly gay director Roger DeBris in the Tony Award-winning Mel Brooks musical.

Now actor and former talk show host Tony Danza will play one of the leads that he played on Broadway -- Max Bialystock, originally made famous by Nathan Lane.

Danza is expected to join the cast Aug. 13 and run for a contracted 126 weeks through the end of December.

This adds new energy and hope to the show, which in recent weeks had seen audience waning.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:21 PM | Permalink

The Venetian has done it again. Not only do have they have the nicest poker room in Las Vegas, but now they house a brand new VIP pool above the Tao nightclub. When I tell you that this place is a hidden gem, I'm not kidding.

I found out about Tao Beach from a friend at work. As we all know, Vegas is about who you know. So, my co-worker happens to know someone that works for Tao Beach and she gave me the super secret password to get in. I loaded up and headed over to the Venetian early this morning because of course Saturdays are busy pool days.

Silly me, when I heard that Tao had a pool, I assumed that I would gain entry by going directly to Tao. I was wrong. So, I backtracked all the way across the casino to the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to gain access to the pool. A young guy standing at the podium gave me access to the elevators, stamped my hand, and assured me I'd be taken care of upstairs on the fourth floor. Located in the far left corner, behind all the pools, I finally found my way to the desert oasis known as Tao Beach.

More after the jump....

Knowing the super secret password was only enough to grant me access. If I wanted a chair, I had to pay $20 at the door. I grudgingly agreed because after all this work, there was no way I was turning around now. After giving the bouncer my charge card and the bottle of water I wasn't permitted to bring in, I was finally allowed to enter.

Once inside the ropes I was greeted by a beautiful cocktail waitress who would serve my every need for the rest of the day. I settled down on my chaise lounge chair and took in the scenery. If being treated like a queen or king is your thing, then you'll love this place. Before I got comfortable, a cute pool boy came by to give me a nice wet cold towel so that I could wipe down my already sweating body. Wow! That was a nice thought.

Private cabanas

Next, I was treated to a variety of freezie pops by yet another young pool boy. Shortly after that I decided it was time to put on some tanning accelerator and another pool by came by and offered his assistance. Good lord! Are they just standing behind me waiting for me to make a move or what???

I should mention that the females outnumbered the men by about 5 to 1 and bathing suit tops are optional. The most popular option is apparently to go topless because I was in the minority. At one point, a gentleman came by and offered me stickers to cover the ta ta's. I think they really wanted me to take off the top. The stickers said Tao Beach of course.

The music was pumping, drinks were flowing, and by 1:00 p.m. there was a line at the door and I could see crowds of guys outside begging to come in. When I left, one of the drooling fools begged me take off my bracelet and give it to him.

Of course Tao Beach has private cabanas, but only 7 of them. So, be sure to reserve yours far in advance. There are only 50 chaise lounge chairs and about 30 of them were already reserved when I walked in. So, my advice is to call ahead or get there very early. Of course, coming with a large group of attractive females won't hurt your chances of getting in either. If you like to party, if you aren't bothered my nudity, if spending $20 for a drink is your thing, then definitely check out Tao Beach - this is definitely where the "cool kids" party.

Posted by Carmen at 3:23 AM | Permalink

A British dancer/single mother at gentlemen's club Spearmint Rhino is saying she carried on a four-month tryst with George Clooney (both pictured above).

Today's Daily Mirror describes in detail Sarah Talley's romance with the actor, which included being showered by gifts for her and her son.

Talley states she met Clooney in the VIP room of the strip club right after wrapping the filming for Ocean's Thirteen. She called him down-to-earth, nice, and funny.

The relationship began with daily text messages, then Clooney's private jet to shuttle her to his home, where he cooked her scrambled eggs, played basketball, and watched movies before things became intimate.

Their text message relationship fizzled out once Talley vacationed in Britain for a few weeks.

Spearmint Rhino is behind the Fashion Show Mall at 3344 S. Highland Dr.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:48 AM | Permalink

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

I swept in to the new Pearl venue at the Palms on Wednesday night to see The Noisettes perform for their first time ever in Las Vegas. This was a night of "firsts" for many of us. I've never seen an indie rock band perform, this was my first time at Pearl, and to be honest, I'd never heard of the British band from London called Noisettes until two days ago when I was given a CD entitled What's The Time Mr. Wolf.

My first impression of the CD was pretty noncommittal. I couldn't make a firm decision one way or the other, but when the three person band came bursting onto the stage, I certainly woke up. Shingai Shoniwa was a ball of energy dressed in a lime green skirt and black tights. Did she down four energy drinks, a shot of espresso, and snort a line of blow before coming out? It's quite possible, but whatever she did helped energize me because I certainly wasn't tired anymore.

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

Indie rock is one way to describe the Noisettes, but I also picked up hints of jazz, soul, blues, pop, and disco. There's something for everyone at this show. Shoniwa knows how to work a room. She's on the floor, she's on the speakers, she's half falling off the stage, and I don't know that I've ever heard the tone in someone's voice go quite that high. I must have heard a mirror cracking in the bathroom somewhere.

Jamie Morrison on the drums was pure genius, almost spell binding. Lead guitarist Dan Smith definitely knew his way around his instrument. He was a perfect compliment to the well rounded band as I definitely picked up on the intense chemistry between him and Shoniwa.

So, if you are looking for something different, eclectic, over to the top, edgy and dramatic, go see the Noisettes live. The CD doesn't do them justice.

Editor's Note: Don't forget to check out Flipchips' photo gallery of the Noisettes.

Posted by Carmen at 8:15 AM | Permalink

The struggling Neonopolis in downtown Vegas has been dealt a further blow -- the Poker Dome is leaving.

Up for only a year, the Poker Dome Challenge offered live poker tournaments with players in a soundproof dome, enabling the audience to be privy of hole cards in real-time. As an added element of suspense, players wore devices that displayed their pulse.

The Poker Dome had signed a three-year lease and was let out of their remaining two years.

Originally created by converting three of the Galaxy movie theaters, The Poker Dome will be re-converted to movie theaters this fall.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:14 PM | Permalink

Not only is Gilligan's Island: The Musical coming to Las Vegas, but producers are putting out feelers to try to get Paris Hilton to play Ginger after she gets out of jail.

Based on the popular TV series, the musical is written by show creator Sherwood Schwartz and his son Lloyd. Keeping it in the family, the music is by Schwartz's daughter Hope and son-in-law Laurence Juber. Not for a lack of talent, though -- Juber has scored movies and was part of Paul McCartney's Wings.

Already in the cast is another Schwartz alumni -- Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady on Schwartz's "The Brady Bunch."

We think Hilton as Ginger would be perfect casting, and she wouldn't even need to sing and dance all that much.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:32 AM | Permalink

Mark down these dates:

Oct. 26-28.

That's the weekend of the third annual Vegoose music festival, to again take place over Halloween weekend at the Sam Boyd Stadium and all across Las Vegas.

The lineup and tickets have not yet been announced, but will be posted as soon as we find out.

For more information about the 2005 and 2006 Vegoose festivals, visit Vegoose.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:06 PM | Permalink

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

The Noisettes, a post-punk revival indie rock band from London played Las Vegas for the first time Wednesday when they took stage at the Pearl in the Palms Resort. Composed of James Morrison on drums, Dan Smith on guitar and Shingai Shoning handling vocals and guitar the high energy three filled the Pearl with their unique sounds.

FYI, they were heard doing their single Scratch Your Name on the Sopranos series finale.Flipchip was there with the cameras and offers some of the scenes from the evening...

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 12:47 PM | Permalink

David Lynch will attend tonight's screening of Blue Velvet, presented by CineVegas.

The 9th annual Las Vegas film festival began June 6 and runs through June 16 with screenings at The Palms' Brenden Theatres.

Blue Velvet screens at 10 p.m., with Lynch doing a q&a afterwards.

Dennis Hopper, who stars in the film, was present for previous CineVegas fests and serves as chairman of the Creative Advisory Board.

Passes are still available for as little as $100 for all films (for locals).

Individual tickets are $10.

Both can be purchased at the festival box office, located at Brenden Theatres.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:14 AM | Permalink

Last week, a dolphin by the name of Duchess gave birth to a baby dolphin at the underwater Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage.

The survival rate of births in captivity is small, and veterinarians have been watching the 25-pound calf nonstop.

While baby is doing well, we won't know for a few weeks before the vets are confident of his survival.

Officials plan to then hold a contest to name the calf.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:24 PM | Permalink

When boxer Diego Corrales was killed by crashing his motorcycle last month, his blood-alcohol content was 0.25 percent, more than three times the legal limit for Nevada drivers.

Sgt. Tracy McDonald concluded an investigation today by announcing that Corrales was driving drunk, could possibly have prevented the accident caused by excess speed past the 35 mph speed limit, and was driving without a valid license.

Corrales was without a license from a previous incident involving an arrest for drunk driving.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:27 PM | Permalink

Palace Station, known as the original Station Casino, has special summer rates beginning at $39.99 per night.

Take our word for it -- while those rates may not include the tower, you want to avoid the courtyard as much as possible to have as less a Norman Bates experience as you can. Once you book, you'd likely be able to ask for and receive the tower when you check in.

Along with your discounted room rate also comes:

• 10 percent off the gift shop
  
• 2-for-1 entree at Pasta Palace
  
• 25 percent off room service
  
• 15 percent off the Grand Cafe
  
• 10 percent off any hair product or service in the Beauty Station
  
• one free well drink or domestic beer at Jack's Irish Pub during happy hour, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday
  
• free gift (when earning 300 points in a day)

Book online by visiting this link (we even found cheaper $34 nights) or by calling 1-800-634-3101.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:06 PM | Permalink

Through June 18, locals can stop by Rio and get one free buffet at the Carnival World Buffet for every 100 points earned on their Total Rewards card.

Just play 100 points on video poker or slots and then head to the Total Rewards desk, show your Nevada photo I.D., and ask for the free buffet coupon using the 100-point offer.

You'll then receive a coupon good for a free buffet, valid Monday-Thursday for the next 7 days.

Points do not come off your card and you can request one for every 100 points you've earned.

Regular cost of the breakfast buffet is $13.99, lunch is $16.99, and dinner is $23.99.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:41 PM | Permalink

About once every couple years, we make a point of stocking our closet with the latest fashions just to keep up with the young hip kids. While we're still puzzled why long shirts are in fashion for men when to us it just looks like a nightgown, that doesn't stop us from buying one or two to use as sleepwear.

Such was the case this weekend, when we visited the always reliable Las Vegas Outlet Center, located a mile or so south of the Strip (7400 Las Vegas Blvd. South).

Here you'll find 130 outlets of brand names at discounted prices. And quality brand names, such as Nike, Reebok, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Perry Ellis, Haggar, Skechers, and much more.

One of the places we shopped was Rue 21, a cool clothing store that's currently offering a buy one pair of shorts, get one for 50 percent off. They had select shirts for sale the same way.

They're also issuing coupons at the register for $10 off ($20 purchase) or $20 off ($40 purchase), for June 14-18.

Prices are already cheap enough and with the coupon, we too can look like we're trying to be 20 years younger.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:26 PM | Permalink

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

The 2007 World Series of Poker continues to set records and payout millions of dollars in cash to those players with the skills, heart and luck to make the money. The biggest poker show on Earth is always a spectacle of action and photo ops. Flipchip and his cameras document all the happenings and sights so you can be there even if you can't make the trek. Check out the excitement, drama and emotions on the Poker Prof's Las Vegas Poker Blog.

Posted by flipchipro at 9:30 PM | Permalink

Bruster's Real Ice Cream has revealed a $1 million ice cream cone in Las Vegas.

But would anyone eat it?

Designed by Lazare Kaplan, the cone mimics the look of Bruster's cherry vanilla ice cream, but this one isn't edible: the jeweled cone is almost 20 troy ounces of 18k white and yellow gold, with 548 round diamonds, 87 square emerald cut diamonds, and a 5.63 carat radiant cut diamond.

Total weight is 152.16 carats, and if you purchase it, you can write it off on your taxes -- all proceeds benefit the Big Borthers Big Sisters of America.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:32 PM | Permalink

Nathan Burton preempted being frozen in ice (what a wuss), and that leaves open other stunts of incarceration.

On Monday, Las Vegas comic Joe Trammel (better known as the TV Guy), jailed himself inside a 10x4x7 cell at the downtown Fremont Street Experience next to Fitzgeralds, where he'll stay for 23 days.

If those dates sound familiar, it's the jail term of Paris Hilton.

In further Free Paris sympathy, the cell will be pink Trammel will be dressed as Hilton the entire time, barring bathroom breaks (you don't really want to see that).

Good thing it's solitary confinement.

When Trammel isn't in jail, he's performing at The V Ultimate Variety Show inside Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile.

No word on whether Trammel will be extending his stay, now that Hilton will be serving her entire 45 days.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:05 AM | Permalink

Away from the glitz and the neon, you can actually find yourself in the arms of Mother Nature if you head outside the Strip.

Opening tomorrow is the new $250 million Las Vegas Springs Preserve, comprising 180 acres of trails, gardens, galleries, museums, park, and 1,800-seat amphitheater.

Similar in scope to the sprawling Central Park in New York City, this Las Vegas version features activities and exhibits focused on featuring and preserving the environment.

The preserve itself is free; the galleries cost between $10.95 and $18.95, free for children under 5. Locals receive a discount.

Visitors can experience a living bat cave (watch your hair) and enter a simulation of what it would feel like to be in a flash flood. The Desert Living Center (pictured above) offers a look at how it was built, showing careful consideration to making it the most environmentally friendly building in Nevada.

On Saturday, singer Jewel will christen the amphitheater with an acoustic concert. (Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for about $45.)

And if you happen to feel you're a little too far from Vegas reality, you can have dinner at the Springs Cafe -- owned by Wolfgang Puck.

The grand opening this weekend offers many activities and tours geared especially toward children.

The Las Vegas Springs Preserve is located at 333 S. Valley View Blvd. and opens tomorrow with hours 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, visit The Las Vegas Springs Preserve or call (702) 822-8344.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:05 PM | Permalink

Eventually every awards show will take a road trip to Las Vegas.

The latest is the Latin Grammy Awards, which will take place at Mandalay Bay on Nov. 8 (nominations will be announced Aug. 29). It will air live on the Univision Television Network.

Focusing on excellence in Latin music, this 8th annual Latin Grammys had previously played in Los Angeles and New York.

The show is seen in over 100 countries, and last year the live broadcast reached 11.3 million viewers.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:40 PM | Permalink

How beautiful is this pool???

One of my favorite places to hang out is the pool at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa. Traditionally, Station Casinos are home to Las Vegas locals, but I haven't met a visitor yet who hasn't been impressed with the Red Rock.

There isn't just one pool either. There are many strategically located all through the backyard area. The kids have a great place to swim, the adults have a bunch of great places to swim and it looks to me like everyone is happy. I've had the pleasure of spending massive amounts of time at this pool and I'll tell you that the place is pure paradise.

More after the jump...

When you show your room key you are immediately whisked into the pool area where you have your pick of many chairs to lounge on. The chairs are cushiony and soft, very comfortable. Most of them have cute little tables next to them for drinks, cell phones, magazines, etc.

Customer service at the Red Rock is fantastic. Not only do they give you as many towels as you want, but they help you and your party find seats. If they don't have any seats available, they take some from the back and put them out for you. I was really impressed the first time I saw this happening. I'm not sure if this is standard practice, but I lay out at a lot of pools in Las Vegas and I've never seen this before. Usually you are out of luck if all the chairs are taken.

I always bring an Ipod when I lay out, but most of the time I don't need it because Cherry is always blasting great tunes for everyone to enjoy and of course they have a fantastic sound system. Cherry is the Red Rock's super hip and ultra cool nightclub and they have their own pool. That's right!! Last summer I was lucky enough to know someone who knew someone and he obviously knew someone (yes, that's how we roll in vegas), and we partied at the Cherry pool and we had our own cabana and our own private cocktail waitress. Guys - these chicks are pretty hot. Not only that, but I met about ten local strippers that party at the Cherry pool every Sunday. If you like to party, you definitely need to check this out. Make a reservation first though because Cherry only has 8 cabanas.

While we are on the subject of cabanas, let me explain. Just about every casino in Las Vegas has a pool area and most of them have cabanas that they rent out. A lot of them are air conditioned or have fans, most have T.V. screens, private stocked refrigerators, soft couches to lay on, curtains to close if you have more than sleeping in mind, and super plush lounging chairs outside of the cabana for sun bathing.

The Red Rock is no exception. Not only do they have 19 private cabanas, but they have chairs in the pool (perfect if it's a really hot day) and they also have covered and uncovered daybeds by the pool.

These beds rent for $50 during the week and $100 on the weekends. Cabana prices range from $150 - $300 a day.

Most pools have a strict "guests only" policy when it comes to laying out by the pool so my advice to you is to watch for my weekly reviews of the best pools in Vegas and then make an informed decision about where you want to stay the next time you come to town.

Posted by Carmen at 6:14 AM | Permalink

Noisettes have played anywhere and everywhere; on rooftops, on boats, in squats and even in timber yards. They've toured Europe and the US along side such legends as Tom Vek, Babyshambles, the Mystery Jets and were the supporting band for Muse's monumental 2007 European tour. Right on the heels of their US tour with TV on the Radio, the Noisettes are back, this time alongside long time friends, Bloc Party and The Maccabees! The critically acclaimed trio (see NME , ROLLING STONE and SPIN ) and LasVegasVegas.com wants to invite YOU to enter and win a chance to see their show on June 13th at the amzaing Pearl Theater at the Palms Las Vegas.

For complete rules and ccontest details visit: The Source Sweepstakes Rules.

For complete Noisettes tour dates check out the extended entry.

TOUR DATES
Date City State Venue
5/27/07 West Palm Beach FL Pompano Beach Amphitheatre
5/28/07 Tampa FL USF Sun Dome
5/29/07 Orlando FL Firestone
5/31/07 Atlanta GA Tabernacle
6/1/07 N Myrtle Beach NC House of Blues
6/2/07 Winston-Salem NC Millenium Center
6/3/07 Washington DC DAR Constitution Hall
6/5/07 Philadelphia PA Tower Theatre
6/6/07 New York NY Knitting Factory
(Noisettes Only)
6/7/07 Asbury Park NJ Asbury Park Convention Hall
6/9/07 Chicago IL Schubas (Noisettes Only)
6/11/07 Kansas City MO Uptown Theatre
6/12/07 Denver CO Ogden Theatre
6/13/07 Las Vegas NV The Pearl
6/14/07 San Francisco CA Popscene (Noisettes Only)
6/15/07 West Hollywood CA Troubadour(Noisettes Only)
6/16/07 Alpine CA Vejas Concerts in the Park

Posted by pokerprof at 10:10 PM | Permalink

photo by flipchip/lasvegasvegas.com

Check out all the action of the biggest poker show on the planet, the World Series of Poker, happening now at the Rio Resort in Las Vegas. The action will continue for 47 days (and nights) and hand out 55 custom gold braelets. Follow along with the thousands of players vying for millions in cash reported by the award winning team of Dr. Pauly and Flipchip. All of WSOP news and links can be found on the Poker Prof's Vegas and Poker Blog.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:43 PM | Permalink

I need new pants.

I like to go to Vegas.

JC Penney and Dockers have teamed up with a great offer that gives the best of both worlds.

Just buy $125 (pretax) worth of men's Dockers between now and June 9, send your receipt to Dockers, and you'll get a voucher for a free roundtrip ticket to one of 10 cities, including Las Vegas.

Other participating cities:

Boston
Chicago
Dallas
Los Angeles
Miami
New York
Orlando
San Francisco
Washington, D.C.

You can purchase online or at a JC Penney store.

When sending the receipt, you need to specify three choices of dates (inbound/outbound) at least 30 days before you want to depart.

In addition, you must also specify three choices of destinations.

This dampens the offer a bit, but could prove exciting to know that you'll be going on a vacation but not necessarily know where.

Another problem might be if you want to travel with someone and you both end up going to separate cities.

Once they receive your receipt, you'll be contacted within 2 weeks to review your itinerary.

More information at this website.

Me, I'm going to roll the dice and choose three cities.

Wherever I end up, at least I'll be wearing pants.

Posted by Poker Grub at 8:02 AM | Permalink

So you say you want some free offers? How about buy 1, get 1 free? Or what about dollar-off coupons?

The What's On magazine is full of these things, offering a host of coupons every week.

What's more, copies are readily available for free in hotel rooms.

A sampling of what's available:

• Buy 1, get 1 ticket to Folies Bergere at Tropicana
  
• Buy 1, get 1 ticket to Xtreme Magic at Tropicana
  
• $2 off admission to the Titanic artifact exhibition at Tropicana
  
• $2 off admission to the Bodies exhibition at Tropicana
  
• $4 off admission to Madame Tussauds at the Venetian
  
• $10 off Bite (erotic show about vampires) at Stratosphere
  
• 20 percent off any one item at Big Bass Pro Shops (Silverton)
  
• $10 off La Cage at Riviera
  
• $10 off Nathan Burton's Comedy Magic at the V Theater (inside Planet Hollywood)
  
• $3 off a day pass for unlimited rides on the monorail (regularly priced at $15)
  
• $10 off Hypnosis Gone Wild at Empire Ballroom
  
• Buy 1, get 1 ticket to the Vinnie Favorito Comedy Show at O'Sheas
  
• $20 off The Soprano's Last Supper at Empire Ballroom
  
• $5 off Legends in Concert at Imperial Palace
  
• $5 off Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at Planet Hollywood
  
• $10 off Star Trek: The Experience at Las Vegas Hilton
  
• $5 off Marriage Can Be Murder
  
• $5 off Todai sushi buffet at Planet Hollywood
  
• 10 percent off Battista's
  
• 20 percent off The Garden Grill at Circus Circus

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:08 AM | Permalink

Curious about that $40 million theater and $5 million pyrotechnic chandelier that was built for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular in residence at The Venetian?

Though they've let patrons take a quick peek in the past, that was only after the show. Now, the theater is open for museum-like gazing and mouth-dropping from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Even better, it's free. And if you hide in the Phantom restrooms downstairs, you may get to sneak into the show too. 'Course, we don't recommend that.

This replica of the 1800-seat Paris Opera House is worth seeing the show for. It's breathtaking from all angles, and even though we had great seats in center orchestra, we kind of wanted to be in the balcony so we could see the scope of the entire place.

Patrons can purchase a $250 VIP package, including a ticket to the show and a backstage tour with a meet-and-greet with the cast. Regular ticket price is up to $125, and for that upcharge, we'd expect to get dinner too.

Maybe some pristine fried eggs. Get it? Rhymes with Christine Daae. Hello? Is this thing still on?

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:01 PM | Permalink

Former Clark County Commissioner Lynette Boggs-McDonald has a lot of explaining to do.

Boggs-McDonald was appointed to the Clark County Commission in April 2004, won her election in November of that year, but lost a re-election last year.

Commissioners are required to live in their own district, and before re-election, a surveillance video was circulated showing Boggs-McDonald living outside her area.

A warrant is now out for her arrest stemming from that felony, which also includes two counts of perjury.

In addition, she's being charged with using campaign funds for personal use, posting over $1,200 in babysitting expenses.

A website called Evict Lynette had been lobbying to evict Boggs-McDonald while she was in office. The site was set up by the Nevada State Democratic Party.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:29 AM | Permalink

With all the attention on the WSOP the next six weeks, don't forget to put in your hours at your friendly local poker room.

Especially because Station Casinos again holds their $500,000 Poker Plus freeroll tournament at Texas Station on Aug. 18-19.

To qualify, play 75 hours in live cash games in one or more Station Casino poker rooms between now and July 31.

All players are guaranteed to win $100 (which usually comes with a baseball cap and t-shirt, not that we've ever been knocked out on the first day or anything...).

Chip leaders at the end of Day 1 will split $10,000.

The remaining prizes are as follows:

1st -- $70,000
2nd -- $30,000
3rd -- $15,000
4th -- $10,000
5th -- $8,000
6th -- $6,000
7th -- $5,000
8th -- $4,000
9th -- $3,000
10th -- $2,000
11th-50th -- $1,000
51st-500th -- $200

Games switch between limit hold'em, Omaha hi, and no-limit hold'em. Players receive 700 chips to start. Yep, they want you out of there fast (not that we lasted just an hour or anything...).

In order to fund the guaranteed half a million, the regular progressive jackpot will be reduced to 45 percent and will increase at a slower pace. Normally the jackpot rake funds all of the progressive. At freeroll time, however, 55 percent of the rake goes to the freeroll.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:54 PM | Permalink

Last week, Gov. Jim Gibbons signed a law to force bands performing in Las Vegas to be called tribute acts if they don't include any members from the original band.

A band found without "tribute" or "salute" in their title can now be fined for deceptive trading practice.

We haven't been to Sahara in some time, but we remember seeing (and hearing) The Drifters, yet somehow without any of the original members. Only one -- Bill Pinkney -- is still alive.

Sonny Turner of The Platters, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, and Jon Bauman (Bowzer) of Sha Na Na have been the most vocal, lobbying lawmakers and suing bands using the name of their bands.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:29 AM | Permalink

Actor Kevin Spacey is producing and acts in the new movie 21, based on the book Bringing Down the House, about the notorious M.I.T. students who devised a scheme to take down over $3 million from casinos by counting cards in blackjack.

The team -- which included poker pro Andy Bloch -- was caught and banned from playing.

But that didn't stop them from helping Spacey play blackjack while he was in Vegas doing research.

When they knew it was the right time to increase his bet, they signalled him.

Spacey walked away with $42,000 in winnings.

The team formed the Blackjack Institute, where they teach their winning strategy through seminars and home training courses.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:32 AM | Permalink

It's hard to believe, but New York New York's roller coaster has traveled one million times.

To celebrate, after your first ride, re-rides are just $1 for today only.

A special ride for employees, media, and other special guests will run at 3 p.m.

Last summer, cars were redesigned to look like yellow New York Checker cabs (pictured above).

The coaster still speeds along at 67 mph, climbs to 203 feet, and drops 144 feet.

Rides are normally $12.50 (with $6 re-rides) and runs Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to midnight.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:23 AM | Permalink