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February 29, 2008

NBC National Heads-UP Poker Red Carpet Pics

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Dancing With The Stars next gig for Shannon Elizabeth, walking the red carpet at PURE in Caesars Palace


A mini-gallery of Flipchip photos of the PURE Nightclub red carpet for the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship Draw Party at Caesars Palace last night. An 11 AM start time today for three days of heads-up poker single elimination play that will reduce the crowd of 64 starters down to one champion with a half million cash in the backpack. Photos of the poker stars invited to the NBC Heads-Up in a mini-gallery on the Prof's Poker Blog.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Jennifer Tilly owns a coveted WSOP bracelet

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Don Cheadle demonstrated his poker mettle here last year


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Jason Alexander knows poker


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Gabe Kaplan is a long-time major poker tournament player


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Baseball legend Orel Hershiser


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Oliver Nejad and sideline reporter, Leeann Tweeden


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Survivor player Jean Robert Bellande


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Magician Antonio Esfandiari


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
Clonie Gowan and Shannon Elizabeth

40,000 Nevadans to be notified of possible HIV exposure

In an unrelated story to the ricin toxin, a mass exposure to HIV may have happened at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada that could have gone back as far as March 2004.

Six people are believed to be diagnosed with acute hepatitis C, after having had medications from used syringes. Medical staff was told the reuse of syringes and medication vials is standard practice.

Some 40,000 valley residents are in the process of being notified to test for possible exposure to hepatitis C and B and HIV.

An investigation is forthcoming on the surgical center for unsafe practices.

If you received medical services from the Endoscopy Center since March 2004, contact the Southern Nevada Health District at (702) 799-4636.

Toxic chemical ricin found in Las Vegas hotel

Earlier yesterday, a biological agent that authorities have determined to be ricin was found at the Extended Stay America Hotel, at 4270 South Valley View, off Flamingo and in walking distance of Gold Coast, The Palms, and Rio.

Ricin is a lethal toxin made from castor beans that is as much as 6,000 times more toxic than cyanide. It's typically ingested into the body and within 4 to 12 hours cells are prevented from creating needed proteins and eventually die.

Recently, ricin has made the news for being used in chemical and biological warfare. It has no known cure.

Homeland Security and Metro have swarmed the Las Vegas hotel to decontaminate a room that was found to contain ricin.

Federal agents have continued to surround the hotel throughout the night and early Friday hour.

No further information is known in this breaking story, but we will keep you updated as we find out.

February 28, 2008

Sam's Town 300 Saturday

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NASCAR Sam's Town 300
Try the simulater in the parking garage at Sam's Town on the Boulder Strip


NASCAR has come to Las Vegas and this means Saturday is a race day. 300 miles of the Nationwide Series racing in the Sam's Town 300 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. But don't wait until Saturday to join the party, its already happening all over town. NASCAR themed events, special displays, race cars, driver meet and greets, Budweiser Promos, and KFC discounts abound. Las Vegas is built on full time fun times and that makes Vegas and NASCAR a natural.

If you're lucky enough to be in Vegas this weekend and want a first hand driving experience without the possibility of spreading yourself across one of the race track walls go to Sam's Town Saturday to take a ride in the full motion NASCAR racing simulator. The exhibit will be open 11 AM - 6 PM. After giving the simulator a workout and partying at the Las Vegas Speedway for the Sam's Town 300 head back to Sam's Town for the Official After-Race Party.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NASCAR Sam's Town 300
Sam's Town will host the Sam's Town 300 After-Race Party.

February 27, 2008

The Met, San Francisco Opera to broadcast in Las Vegas theaters

Where else can you wear shorts and eat popcorn while watching an opera?

The New York Metropolitan Opera has been broadcasting live filmed versions of its operas in local movie theaters.

The Met's next opera is Britten's Peter Grimes playing March 15-16 at five Las Vegas movie theaters: the Colonnade (8880 South Eastern Ave.), Village Square (9400 W. Sahara), and theaters within casinos Sam's Town, The Orleans, and Santa Fe Station.

Now the San Francisco Opera has followed suit, likewise offering special broadcasts of its operas in movie theaters around the country.

Like New York, all will be in film-quality digital cinema format filmed live, with Puccini's La Rondine kicking off the program March 8-11.

Next is Saint-Saens' Samson and Delilah from March 29-April 1, Mozart's Don Giovanni from April 12-15, and concluding with Puccini's Madama Butterfly from April 19-22.

Performances were recorded live at San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House.

One theater will show all of the San Francisco Operas -- the Rave Town Square (6857 S. Las Vegas Blvd. off 215).

Check with theaters for times and ticket prices.

Blue Man Group and Allegiant form alliance

Next month, Blue Men invade the air.

In a unique cross-promotion, advertisements for the Blue Man Group will soon adorn sides of Allegiant Air's planes, and Allegiant's logo will appear in conjunction with the Blue Man Group's shows in Las Vegas.

Potential audience members will also be able to purchase tickets to the Blue Man Group via Allegiant's ticket reservations as well as onboard. Those who purchase tickets will receive special gift bags on their flight with Blue Man Group souvenirs.

Allegiant's business model of shuttles to Las Vegas from small-town airports as well as charging customers for extras (such as select seats and checked bags) seems to be working -- last year, Allegiant posted a profit of $44 million on $361 million in revenue. And this despite heavy competition and rising fuel costs.

We just hope our flight attendants don't also have scary looking bald blue heads.


February 26, 2008

Starbucks to close briefly Coffee Bean to offer free drinks

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Starbucks to close briefly
Starbucks at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas

In a few hours, local Las Vegas Starbucks stores will close for training for 3 hours.

In other words, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tonight, you'll be without your addiction.

Don't worry, though -- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has taken over as your liquid enabler by offering free drinks between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Stop by to sample how the other coffee brews. Our closest favorite is inside the Green Valley Ranch casino.

Here are 12 other locations.

First U.S. MagLev train considered for Las Vegas to Disneyland

maglevshanghai.jpg


From one playground to another.

A MagLev train (pictured above, an operating train in Shanghai) is being considered to transport passengers from Las Vegas to Disneyland at a speedy 300 miles per hour, less than two hours.

We say "being considered" because every time a train is brought up from our fine neon city to Los Angeles, plans are scrapped because of looming costs.

This time, though, a magnetically levitating train would be the first in the country, traveling quietly at fast speeds of up to 361 miles per hour.

Congress would be behind funding, which actually strikes us more as hurting the project because of the uproar that would occur if $12 billion (that's right, billion) in funds were allocated to transportation toward the purpose of gambling.

But we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Las Vegas NASCAR Speed Week

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Las Vegas NASCAR Speed Week
Las Vegas Motor Speedway is this week's center of the NASCAR universe


Las Vegas welcomes the arrival of the NASCAR express to the Sin City raceway for the UAW-Dodge 400. The desert jewel of stock car racing venues, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) offers race fans the ultimate NASCAR race week with innovative, modern accommodations. The entire facility sparkles in the sunlight with a glimmer and glitz that is pure Vegas. The Neon Garage is a unique LVMS experience for race fans, an unmatched closeness with drivers and crews plus live headliner entertainment. Within sight of the beckoning gambling leviathans on the Las Vegas strip, the race track takes its place on the official Las Vegas must-go-there list, often referred to as the "NASCAR Disneyland."


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Las Vegas NASCAR Speed Week
Jeff Gordon doing charity work in Las Vegas


After the dismal rains on both Saturday and Sunday's race day at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Las Vegas has to be a mighty welcome sight to the thousands of fans that follow the race circuit. The city is filling up with the good natured bunch of dedicated fans that come for the racing and stay a few extra days for the Vegas food, casinos, and partying.

Watching the rain delayed Sunday race on Monday morning was an eye opening experience when I noticed the empty stands and the effect it caused. The empty seats sucked up any lingering race day excitement, made me feel lonely. Like I was watching some mid-week practice session. So where were the missing fans? They were already in Las Vegas, having left Fontana on a damp and dreary Sunday night.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Las Vegas NASCAR Speed Week
Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon meet Jesus in Las Vegas


Las Vegas is scheduled for some great weather this week, blue sky and mid-seventy temps. Saturday's Sam's Town 300 has more than a dozen sprint car drivers in the field including Las Vegan Kyle Busch and and teammate Tony Stewart in their fast moving Toyotas. They could be the dominate force in Saturday's Nationwide Series, don't miss this one scheduled for broadcast on ESPN2 at 4 PM Saturday afternoon. Tentative Sam's Town 300 driver list available here.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Las Vegas NASCAR Speed Week
A vintage Flipchip photo of Rusty Wallace in Las Vegas

February 24, 2008

Palms Place Las Vegas Set For Occupancy

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Palms Place Las Vegas
Palms Place on the right joins the two existing towers of the Palms Las Vegas Casino Resort skyline on Flamingo Road


George Maloof, owner of the Palms Las Vegas Casino Resort, received a certificate of occupancy from Clark County for the latest addition to the Flamingo Road property, the third tower, Palms Place. Joining the original Palms Tower and the newer Fantasy Tower, Palms Place Tower is a 599 unit condominium complex offering 600 ft² studios and 1,200 ft² One-bedroom suites. Twenty-one penthouse suites located on the top four floors range in size from 2,000 ft² to 7,000 ft².

Maloof indicated that approximately 80% of the studios and one-bedroom units will be available for short term rental through the Palms hotel. Renowned chef, Kerry Simon, will open a Simon Restaurant and Lounge in the tower in April. Celebrity buyers include Eminem and Jessica Simpson.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Palms Place Las Vegas
After dark Palms Place at the Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas

Academy Awards viewing party at Planet Hollywood

oscarstatue.jpg
Photo by Reuters


If you feel like going out and dressing up for the 80th Annual Academy Awards and you have a spare $250 and you want to benefit a good cause and you don't mind going somewhere to watch the Oscars on TV, stop by Planet Hollywood this afternoon.

The Arthritis Foundation of Southern Nevada is the charity, and the Grand Ballroom at Planet Hollywood is the host of the red carpet gala that begins at 4 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, then dinner at 5 p.m. and the only TV viewing party sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The event is $250, with proceeds going to the Foundation.

For more information, call (702) 367-1626.

Here are the major nominations. We see shut-outs in the top awards for Michael Clayton and Atonement, which, had they been released separately another year, would've swept.

Our picks in bold (after the jump).

Best Actor
George Clooney (Michael Clayton)
* Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd)
Tommy Lee Jones (In the Valley of Elah)
Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises)

Best Supporting Actor
Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
* Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Charlie Wilson's War)
Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild)
Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton)

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth II)
* Julie Christie (Away from Her)
Marion Cotillard (La Vie en Rose)
Laura Linney (The Savages)
Ellen Page (Juno)

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There) (way to go Cate, two nominations)
Ruby Dee (American Gangster)
Saoirse Ronan (Atonement)
* Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone)
Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton)

Best Original Screenplay
* Juno (by Diablo Cody)
Lars and the Real Girl (by Nancy Oliver)
Michael Clayton (by Tony Gilroy)
Ratatouille (by Brad Bird)
The Savages (by Tamara Jenkins)

Best Adapted Screenplay
Atonement (by Christopher Hampton)
Away from Her (by Sarah Polley)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (by Ronald Harwood)
* No Country for Old Men (by the Coen Bros.)
There Will Be Blood (by Paul Thomas Anderson)

Best Director
Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood)
* The Coen Bros. (No Country for Old Men)
Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)
Jason Reitman (Juno)
Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)

Best Picture
Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
* No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

February 23, 2008

Indecency complaint filed on Las Vegas TV series

streaker2.jpg streaker3.jpg


The Parents Television Council (PTC) filed an indecency complaint with the FCC on the NBC television series "Las Vegas."

Anyone is able to file a complaint on anything that goes over the public airwaves; PTC even has a handy form to let you do so on their behalf.

Naturally, when we hear indecency, we wanted to see what the hubbub was, so we watched the Feb. 15 show in question.

PTC, whose slogan is "because our children are watching," cited a scene on the fictional Montecito Casino's security monitors showing three women disrobing and running around the casino.

"We got streakers," says a giddy security guy in the show.

For something to be obscene, the FCC has three standards that must pass:

  • a person must find the material prurient (yep)
  • the material must depict sexual conduct (yep)
  • the material lacks literary value

"Literary value" is pretty broad. Is "Girls Gone Wild" of literary value? Are the naked buttocks on "NYPD Blue" literary? Er, strike that -- the FCC recently came down on 45 affiliates of ABC for $1.24 million ($27,500 per station) because of Charlotte Ross' state of undress.

But back to Vegas. The scene wasn't simply the girls running around naked the whole episode; it was part of the plot designed as distraction for the characters watching. Sure, it was prurient and sexual and gratuitous (so is your standard commercial), but it was for a reason.

From looking at the scene over and over (and over), not only did we think it contained literary and artistic merit, but we couldn't see any nudity. The producers took great effort in editing the women to show them in shadow or blurring out their naughty bits.

PTC might do better to file a complaint on their overactive imagination.

You can watch the show yourself online, streaming for free off NBC's site.

Not satisfied with just the complaint, PTC hits their targets where it hurts: the show's sponsors.

Though for the "Las Vegas" series, it may be too little too late. TVGuide.com mentions NBC has ended production on the show after a 5-year run, and that last Friday's season finale was its series finale.

Syndication could be around the corner -- "Las Vegas" aired their 100th episode last month.

streaker1.jpg

Paris Hilton celebrates birthday with Pussycat Dolls

parispussycat2.jpg


Last weekend, Las Vegas socialite Paris Hilton celebrated her 27th birthday (officially Feb. 17, if you're keeping track in your datebook) by making an appearance at PURE (at Caesars Palace), taking to the Pussycat Dolls stage.

RawVegas.tv has exclusive video of the Las Vegas socialite performing burlesque.

The video shows her sauntering around in Pussycat garb, then rolling around a bit uncomfortable-looking in a big champagne glass.

And speaking of champagne, as she moved over to LAX (at Luxor), someone sent her a $40,000 bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

The cost of that bottle of champagne was more than four times the opening weekend gross of her new movie The Hottie and the Nottie.

Don't be worried for poor Paris. Because her main job is partying, we suspect she pulled down a six-figure paycheck over the weekend for her appearances.

Not a bad happy birthday, we'd say.

parispussycat1.jpg

Sen. Hillary Clintons costly Las Vegas Caucus

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent over $100 million on her presidential campaign.

But just how much did Clinton's campaign spend during last month's caucuses in Las Vegas?

According to a critical article in the New York Times, quite a lot.

Over $25,000 went for rooms at Bellagio.

Over $5,000 went to the Four Seasons.

More went to rooms at Planet Hollywood.

Jeesh Hillary, we could've found some cheaper places to stay for you.

(For the record, Sen. Barack Obama has also spent over $100 million, but according to the article, has more money in the bank.)

February 22, 2008

Win chance to play in NBC's National Heads-Up Poker Championship at Caesars Palace

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship
NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship production set being assembled in the tournament area at Caesars Palace Poker Room


On Feb. 28, filming begins at Caesars Palace for the annual National Heads-Up Poker Championship.

You have one last chance to enter this tournament for free!

PokerStars (make that PokerStars.net) offers a satellite just a couple hours from now. See, it pays to read us hourly.

Just sign up to the Round 1B tourney at 10 p.m. ET, and you could be on your way to 4 nights in Las Vegas, $1000 in cash, and a $20,000 buy-in entry to the 64-player Heads-Up championship (your travel would begin on Feb. 28, so make sure you're available).

If you don't win the satellite and can't afford the $20,000 buy-in but happen to be in town, you can be a member of the audience, where you could win other prizes such as t-shirts, dinners, and have the chance to be on TV.

Just call (702) 866-1043.

Crown purchases interest in Harrah's, Station Casinos

Crown_Logo.jpg


In December, Crown Ltd., the Australian gaming company owned by legendary billionaire James Packer, purchased Cannery Casino Resorts (consisting of Cannery up in North Las Vegas, Rampart in Summerlin, and Nevada Palace in Henderson, which recently closed to undergo a transformation into Eastside Cannery) for $1.8 billion.

But did you know Crown has spread out its investments around Las Vegas?

They own an interest in the holding company for the former Wet 'n Wild location on 27 acres south of Sahara. This was the space where they are or were expected to erect a $5 billion casino called Crown Las Vegas, hoped to be twice as tall as Stratosphere before the FAA ruled against and reduced to "only" 1,064 feet -- still taller than any building in the U.S.

Crown has an interest in the $2.8 billion Fontainebleau hotel-casino, nestled between Riviera and the Crown Las Vegas land parcel.

And since Harrah's and Station Casinos went private, Crown took interest in them as well... literally. They bought a $172 million stake (2.5 percent) in Harrah's and $241 million stake (4.9 percent) in Station.

They say the purchases were for investment purposes only.

But what's really going on?

With both private, no one but the inner sanctum will sink ships. But we suspect world domination. Or at least world casino domination.

Harrah's (which some gamblers refer as the Evil Empire) already has a foothold on the majority of casinos in the U.S... no doubt with their mouth watering at the rapid growth of Macau. It can't be easy sitting idly by while competitors MGM Mirage, Wynn, and Sands (which owns Venetian) present their newly gift-wrapped casinos to the Asian market.

Teaming with Crown would assist with that, while also allowing Crown to put its stamp on the United States gaming market.

Because why stop at a couple of local casinos?

'Course, that's all speculation.

February 21, 2008

Panic at the Disco will play the Pearl at the Palms

Panic! at the Disco
Tickets are now on sale for Las Vegas band Panic at the Disco, selected to headline the Honda Civic Tour. The four piece band whose second release Pretty. Odd. comes out March 25 will be playing the Pearl June 13.

Pure nightclub investigated by IRS agents

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace
PURE nightclub at Caesars Palace


When presented with a choice of hospitality investments in Las Vegas, looks like Zabeel Investments made a good one choosing The Light Group.

Pure Management Group, Light's closest competitor in Las Vegas, was under investigation yesterday by the IRS and U.S. Treasury Department.

Seems agents of both appeared with a search warrant at Pure headquarters and nightclub (at Caesars Palace) and spent all day sifting through records and confiscating computers, in what appeared to be the possibility of tax evasion.

Norm Clarke at the Review-Journal mentions the cash- and tip-heavy industry may have resulted in doormen reaching salaries of half a million a year.

And that much cash floating around without a cut for the government makes the IRS curious.

February 20, 2008

Billy Crystal To Take The Stage At MGM Grand Saturday, May 3; The Police To Return May 23

Billy Crystal, known for starring in films such as Running Scared, Throw Momma from the Train, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, and his own one man show, 700 Sundays, brings his award winning comedy to Las Vegas, May 3, at the MGM with tickets going on sale Saturday at Ticketmaster.

Tickets also go on sale Saturday asThe Police have extended their North American tour and will stop at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. In 2007, The Police thrilled millions of fans around the globe and their much heralded tour has sold more than 2.5 million tickets. The Police will be joined by special guest Elvis Costello & The Imposters.

Van Halen to perform for Tiger Jam XI at Mandalay Bay

The Tiger Woods Foundation has announced that Tiger Jam XI presented by AT&T will take place Saturday, April 19 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Golf legend Tiger Woods will welcome rock icons Van Halen to Tiger Jam XI to raise funds for the Tiger Woods Foundation and select Las Vegas-based charities.

Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office and Ticketmaster.

Las Vegas man mistakes Madonna for Marilyn

080220monroe.jpg
Photo by Associated Press


Hot on the heels of Las Vegas socialite Lindsay Lohan posing naked in New York magazine to emulate Marilyn Monroe's final photoshoot (Bert Stern photographed both) was the news that a man had found a nude photo of a hitchhiking Marilyn Monroe in his Las Vegas home.

Lawrence Nicastro, 73, claimed the photo came from a customer of his in New York back in 1962, the year Monroe died (doing the Stern photoshoot six weeks before).

Nicastro owned a service station at the time, and a customer left his car but didn't return to pick it up. He then placed the contents of the trunk in storage.

A press conference was set up today for the unveiling, undoubtedly with visions of dollar signs, until an authenticator revealed the photo he had was actually of Madonna from her 1992 controversial photo book Sex.

Madonna, Marilyn, Lindsay. We get 'em all mixed up too.

lindsaymarilyn.jpg
Photo by Bert Stern/New York magazine

Dubai invests in The Light Group

Dubai inched a little closer to becoming the Las Vegas of the east.

The Middle East, that is.

Last year, Dubai World made a splash by investing heavily (over $5 billion) into MGM Mirage, opening up plans for another mixed-use center like Project CityCenter north of the Strip.

Now Zabeel Investments has invested in 50 percent of The Light Group, the brains behind many of Las Vegas's hottest and choicest nightclubs, lounges, and restaurants (The Bank nightclub at Bellagio and Diablo's Cantina at Monte Carlo are its latest concepts). The undisclosed investment will bring much of the Vegas-style poshness of its clubs and restaurants to Dubai.

The added capital will also allow Light Group to expand its concepts across the United States.

February 19, 2008

Remastered Life of Brian to screen at Wynn

lifeofbrian.jpg


On Feb. 21, Cinevegas and Wynn have teamed up to screen the only in-theater screening of Monty Python's Life of Brian.

Coinciding with the release of the Immaculate Edition DVD, the night will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and free cocktails in the lobby of the Grail Theatre. You'll also get to hobnob with John O'Hurley, who plays King Arthur in Spamalot (though when we saw it last month he was on sabbatical from the show).

The movie begins at 8 p.m. inside the theater, then directly after all guests will receive free admission into the Tryst nightclub.

Cost is $30, with proceeds going to Nevada Public Radio.

To purchase, call (702) 952-5537.

Semi-Pro passes, Will Ferrell trivia, basketball game

semipro.jpg


A new Will Ferrell movie is always cause for celebration, and this time ESPN Zone (next to New York New York) hosts a "Semi-Pro Night" in honor of Ferrell's new movie Semi-Pro that opens Feb. 29.

The movie is about Ferrell on his way to fulfill his NBA dreams as a triple threat -- coach, owner, and player.

Beginning Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., you can join in on Will Ferrell trivia, basketball challenges, and just watching the game in HD. And you'll want to see Shaq in HD, making his Phoenix debut against Kobe and the Lakers, right?

If you're not a Shaq fan, other pro and college games will screen simultaneously.

Prizes will be given out, including t-shirts, trading cards, basketballs, and passes to a screening of the movie.

Admission to the ESPN Zone event is free.

Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Dr. Pauly discusses his quest for the perfect Vegas burger



1. Burger Bar

2. In & Out

3. Le Burger Brasserie

4. Kilroy's

5. Snack's at Bellagio


Do you crave a juicy cheeseburger almost every waking hour of the day like me? Thankfully, Las Vegas has several stand out restaurants that feature some of the best burgers on the planet. I have lived in Las Vegas (on and off) for the last three years and after a thorough investigation, here's what I discovered.

More in depth info on the best burgers in Las Vegas after the jump....

Here's an inside look into five of my favorite places to chow down on a burger in Sin City...


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay


1. Burger Bar

Address: 3930 Las Vegas Blvd.
Phone: 702-632-9364

The Burger Bar is located in Mandalay Place (the shopping area in between Luxor and Mandalay Bay). The owner is renown restaurateur Hubert Keller.

At Burger Bar you can choose from a selection of their signature burgers or if you prefer, you can build your own which involves eight categories of toppings including shrimp, salmon, lobster, foie gras, three kinds of mushrooms, truffles, and even cranberry sauce. They offer up sweet potato fries and my favorite... buffalo shoestring fries which are spicy and delicious.

Burger Bar features American Kobe beef, which is the most expensive on the menu, but you can choose to build your burger using Black Angus beef, Ridgefield Farm beef, or Colorado Lamb.

The Rossini Burger is listed at $60.00 and named after a 19th century Italian composer. Here's what you get... Kobe beef, sauteed foie gras, shaved truffles, Madeira sauce, on onion bun.

Another popular selection is the Surf & Turf Burger. For $24.00, you get Black Angus beef, grilled half lobster, and grilled green asparagus on plain bun.

If you have enough room for dessert, try their dessert burgers made out of donuts!

Burger Bar is an extremely popular eatery. They do not take reservations, so expect a long wait. Trust me, it's worth it. The best time to go to Burger Bar are off peak-hours (in between lunch and dinner).

They are open at 10:30 am and close at 11pm. They're open until 1am on Friday and Saturday.

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
In & Out Burger

2. In & Out Burger

Address: 4888 Dean Martin Dr. (which used to be called Industrial Dr.)

There are seven In & Out locations in Las Vegas. The closest In & Out burger to the Strip is located off of Tropicana on Dean Martin Drive. In & Out Burger is a 10-15 minute walk from the south Strip area (MGM or Excalibur), but most taxi drivers would be happy to take you via the drive through. It's not uncommon to see a few taxis waiting in line.

The burger chain operates primarily in the west coast. Their workers are some of the highest paid fast food servers in the world, which means you get excellent service.

You can never go wrong with In & Out. The burgers are juicy and their fries are made from scratch and cooked in vegetable oil. I usually order a double-double with Animal Style fries. Their shakes are some of the best in the business.

photos by Dr Pauly • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Double-double with Animal Style fries

There's a special secret menu, which you can find on the intertubes. In & Out Burger is open everyday at 10:30am. They close at 1am and until 1:30am on the weekends.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Le Burger Brasserie at the Paris

3. Le Burger Brasserie

Address: 3655 Las Vegas Blvd S
Phone: 702-946-4346

Located in the promenade connecting Paris to Bally's, Le Burger Brasserie is a French interpretation of the American classic food stuff... the burger. Le Burger Brasserie is the place to go to in Las Vegas if your palate desires a high-end gourmet burger. The chefs prepare burgers using chicken, salmon, lamb and veggie creations along with beef.

According to the website, "The restaurant's signature dish is the $777 Kobe Beef and Maine Lobster Burger, topped with caramelized onions, imported Brie, crispy prosciutto and 100-year aged balsamic vinegar and served with a bottle of Rose Dom Perignon champagne."

Le Burger Brasserie is open at 11am to 10pm. They are open to 11pm on the weekends.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Kilroy's

4. Kilroy's

Address: 1021 S Buffalo Dr, Las Vegas
Phone: 702-363-4933

Kilroy's has been honored by numerous Las Vegas publications for having the best burger in Las Vegas. Even the Food Network once bestowed Kilroy's with their "Best burger in Las Vegas" honor.

Kilroy's opened their doors in 1991 and has been serving locals ever since. Tourists have been making the trek out to Summerlin to feast on their burgers. They make their burgers with ground-chuck with a few special spices including BBQ sauce.

The service was a little slow and inattentive, which I heard happens a lot especially during peak hours. But the food makes up for the average service. The burgers are massive and you have to order baskets of onion rings or fries on the side. The three-cheese mushroom burger that I devoured was fantastic

Last year, there was a rumor that Kilroy's was closing due to the smoking ban, but thankfully, they kept their doors open. Kilroy's has two different locations. The one I visited was on Buffalo Drive in Summerlin.

Kilroy's is open every day from 11am to 11pm.

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Top 5 Burgers in Las Vegas
Snacks at Bellagio

5. Snacks at Bellagio

Address: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd.

Snacks is located in the Bellagio casino, next to the sports book and poker room area. I've spent a lot of time playing poker at Bellagio and Snacks is one of my favorite places to grab a quick bite.

Snacks serves an Omaha beef burger that is simply amazing. You can get it with bacon and/or cheese. It's a little pricey, but it has made such an impression on me that I'm mentioning it as one of my favorite burgers in Las Vegas.

There are only a couple of tables, so space at Snacks is limited. Snacks is counter service only, so you order at the counter and they call your number when it's ready.

Snacks is open at 9am every day. They close at 11pm on Monday thru Wednesday. They close at Midnight on Thursday and close at 1am from Friday thru Sunday.

Snacks is the perfect place for a late night burger after a long session of gambling at the Bellagio.

February 17, 2008

Las Vegas Crowded for Three Day Weekend

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Las Vegas strip crowded Friday night
Las Vegas strip crowded Friday night for the start of the three day weekend


Visitors in town for the three day Presidents Day Holiday weekend jam the Las Vegas strip Friday night. Not only were there long lines on the strip but lines for most eateries (even some of the less-than-stellar joints) were observed during the Friday night jaunt. Table games were doing a brisk business, slots were singing their siren songs, and poker rooms had few, if any, empty seats. Come on down and join the party, we never close.


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Las Vegas strip crowded Friday night
Las Vegas strip traffic late Friday night

February 16, 2008

Las Vegas hotel occupancy at high, $99 rooms at Planet Hollywood

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Hotel occupancy in Las Vegas tied the all-time record in 1996 with 90.4 percent. Now you know why rooms are always sold out and why there's a mad rush to add thousands of additional rooms in the next few years.

With saturation comes high prices, and expect to pay a minimum of a couple hundred dollars a night if staying on the Strip.

The newly renovated Planet Hollywood (which did you know is also a Starwood Hotel/Sheraton Resort?) offers $99 rooms if booked between select dates.

The dates are:

  • Feb. 18-21, 27-28
  • March 5, 6, 9, 19-24
  • April 20--24, 27
  • May 1, 11-15, 21-22, 26-28
  • Sundays-Thursdays in June, July, August
  • Nov. 19-Dec. 25

You must book by March 31.

Book by calling 1-866-716-8130 and giving the offer code NEED.


Brand Steakhouse offers 8.6 pound beef porterhouse

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Except for the top five floors, the Monte Carlo has reopened (to the tune of $100 million in damages and revenue lost by being closed during pivotal gambling times of the 1-2 punch of Chinese New Year and the Super Bowl).

As one of their menu specials, the new Brand Steakhouse inside Monte Carlo offers up a whopping 8.6 pound porterhouse.

The mammoth chunk of meat feeds 6, but we'll look the other way if you're really hungry.

Brand is Light Group's new 5,000-square-foot fusion between fine dining restaurant and ultra-lounge. Now you can pig out in a happenin' lounge... is that a doggie bag in your pocket or...

To make a reservation, visit this link.

2-for-1 George Carlin on President's Day

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Monday, Feb. 18 is President's Day, and The Orleans invites you to spend time with your favorite George... Carlin, that is.

Yesterday we mentioned comedian George Carlin, who mused "Why are swear words the only words you find out are bad by saying them and being punished for saying them?", will appear at The Orleans showroom for select dates, but if you check out his special Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. show, you can get 2-for-1 tickets if you book using the code CARLIN.

Book online at this link or call 1-888-365-7111 or (702) 365-7075.

Tickets are normally $27.50, $33, and $44 each. You must be at least 18.

February 15, 2008

Comedian George Carlin performing at the Orleans

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Orleans Resort Las Vegas

George Carlin is at The Orleans February 14-17 and 21-24, April 17-20, and June 5-8 and 12-15. Noted for several comedic film roles and his biting commentaries on free speech and good taste, his best known routine is the "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television," most of which are now allowed but not the one Jane Fonda used this week on NBC's The Today Show.

February 14, 2008

Free monorail for locals Feb. 16, free speed dating for everyone

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Monorail Las Vegas
Las Vegas Monorail


It's a monotastic celebration at the Las Vegas monorail this weekend.

Whenever the monorail has a holiday, locals ride free. This time, stop by a station booth on Feb. 16 and show your Nevada I.D. for a free one-day pass. And you wouldn't possibly think of paying it forward by picking up another one-day pass at the other end and giving to a needy tourist, would you? (That'd be a $9 value, discounted anyway from $15.)

Also on Feb. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., celebrate with free entertainment at each monorail station, complete with DJ and photo opportunities.

Stop by the MGM Grand station for Elvis and showgirls, Bally's station for fortune telling, Flamingo station to "name that tune," Harrah's station for Dance Heads and a free personalized DVD, Hilton station for airbrush tattoos, and Sahara for handwriting analysis.

And if you're single and still ignoring Valentine's Day or were snubbed by the Elvis impersonator at the MGM station, get off at the Las Vegas Convention Center station and participate in free speed dating.

Speed dating is for ages 21 and over and takes place at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Station Casinos' 7x weekend

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Station Casinos
Sunset Station


From now through Feb. 18, Station Casinos offers a whopping 7x multiplier at their 7 properties.

Note that it does not include the Fiesta (Rancho or Henderson), as they're being migrated to a different business model away from the Stations. Focus will be on Fiesta as a unique, separate, individual local casino brand. Still owned by Station, just not part of Station.

Along with Station Casinos' 7x, they've also altered their Boarding Pass program to allow point redemption for freeplay.

Previously points (earned at 1 point for every $1 playthrough) would build and build before you redeemed them on restaurants, the gift shop, the movies, or other nongambling activities.

Now every 1,000 points you earn will convert to $1 in freeplay. To cash out freeplay, just playthrough 1x... and you'll even earn more points while you do so.

Let's see... Harrah's offers $20 in cashback plus $45 in comps after 4,500 points. That's $22,500 playthrough.

If you played the same rate at a Station Casino, you'd receive $225.

Monte Carlo Las Vegas Set to Reopen Friday

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Monte Carlo Resort Las Vegas
Monte Carlo Resort Las Vegas


Friday will see the Monte Carlo Resort on the Las Vegas strip reopen its doors for guests after a two week closure resulting from the fire that charred the hotel tower's south facing upper level facade. MGM Mirage, owners of the Monte Carlo, said the resort will open with 1,200 rooms and add an additional 1,300 rooms within a week. Extensive remodeling on the upper floors will keep 500 rooms out of service until a later date. Most of the guest services will be available on Friday including the casino, restaurants, wedding chapel, spa, and convention facilities.

Workers will continue repairing the January 25th fire damage that resulted from a welding crew installing walkways on the roof without using mandated safety procedures. During the current repair work the highly flammable polymer facade around the upper levels of the hotel tower will be removed and replaced with a fire retardant material design making the Monte Carlo one of the safest resorts in the world.

February 12, 2008

Miss LAX swimsuit contest every Wednesday at Luxor

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Every Wednesday night, the new LAX nightclub at Luxor holds a contest seeking the first Miss LAX.

Naturally, it's a swimsuit contest.

The grand prize winner will receive $50,000 in cash and appear with Criss Angel on his A&E show "Mindfreak."

You can vote online between March 27 and April 9 at their website, but meanwhile you can stop by tomorrow night to see the week 5 ladies strutting their stuff (pictured above are contestants from week 4).

If you have the, er, assets to compete yourself, click here for complete rules and an entry form.

Gambling to be permitted on private flight to Las Vegas

Gambling on an airplane? It was (out)bound to happen.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. is experimenting with outfitting private jets bringing their players from Hong Kong to The Venetian, and along the way, enabling them to start gambling right in the friendly skies.

Just so long as the plane is over international waters.

That's the tactic allowed by cruise ships, and Las Vegas Sands had no trouble pushing the idea through regulators. Players may even be happy, as they won't be subject to Nevada's state tax and there's something else to do over the long 15-some hours.

Two L-1011 Lockheed corporate jets were purchased for almost $100 million and are being equipped with a mini-casino with typical surveillance found in a grounded casino.

Tables games offered will cater to the Asian high-roller, beginning with baccarat.

Las Vegas Tops Top Ten Fattest City List

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Las Vegas Fattest American City
Flipchip vintage Vegas photo, Surf Buffet

Best read while chanting, "We're Number One!, We're Number One, ..."

Another award for the city of excess, this time the honor comes from Men's Fitness magazine's 9th Annual report on America's fattest and fittest cities. Once again, Las Vegas came through with flying calories to defend the title, we also topped last year's gluttony list.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman doesn't exactly take exception with the dubious honor but said the magazine should list all of our many community centers including 43 recreation centers and 85 parks ensuring 65% of local residents live within half a mile of a park. He should have also mentioned that most of them are empty most of the time.

I can define the root cause for this blimping-up of Vegas in three words...Circus Circus Buffet.

The complete list of the "Fattest and Fittest Cities in America" is in the March, 2008 issue of Men's Fitness, now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.

Top ten lists of fattest and fittest American cities after the jump...

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Las Vegas Fattest American City
Downtown Las Vegas offers chocolate dipped bananas and deep fried twinkies. Low-cal, of course


The Top 10 Fattest Cities in 2007

1. Las Vegas
2. San Antonio
3. Miami
4. Mesa, AZ
5. Los Angeles
6. Houston
7. Dallas
8. El Paso
9. Detroit
10. San Jose

The Top 10 Fittest Cities in 2007

1. Albuquerque
2. Seattle
3. Colorado Springs
4. Minneapolis
5. Tucson
6. Denver
7. San Francisco
8. Baltimore
9. Portland
10. Honolulu

February 11, 2008

Harrah's Diamond now 11,000 points, Boyd introduces One Card

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<em>Harrah's Las Vegas</em> By Cirque du Soleil


Comp cutbacks are underway.

With inflation and cost of living comes increased play required to achieve and maintain status.

At Harrah's, you now need 11,000 tier points in a calendar year in order to reach Diamond level, which is then good through March of next year (if you make Diamond this year, you'll be Diamond through March 2010).

At $55,000 of playthrough in slots ($5 per point), this is a 10 percent increase. Video poker is double that.

The Total Rewards Platinum level was already increased last year to 4,000 tier points, so we knew it was just a matter of time before Diamond was bumped up.

The new Coast/Boyd club is called the One Card (taking part of the name of the old Mandalay Bay casinos' players club) and includes Sam's Town along with The Orleans, Suncoast, and Gold Coast.

Based on a tier system like Total Rewards, the Ruby level is the basic level for every signup.

The Sapphire level requires 20,000 tier points within 3 months. This is $20,000 of playthrough (coin-in, not coin-out like they'd been doing previously), or $1 per point in slots.

The Emerald level requires 125,000 tier points within 3 months.

Unlike Harrah's, achieving a level must be done within 3 months and only lasts for 6 months.

Harrah's has the luxury of having 40-some casinos around the country where you can enjoy the privileges of that membership for at least 15 months.

But at Boyd with the typical tourist visiting Las Vegas twice a year, you'll barely take advantage of any of those perks you've earned.

Rollout to other Boyd casinos is planned in the second quarter of this month, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Give blood for Cavemen and chicken

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Taking a cue from Penn & Teller's annual blood drive in December, Golden Nugget is offering two free tickets in exchange for your blood.

The tickets are for their resident show Defending the Caveman, and if that's not enough, it also comes with a Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers' three-finger combo (three chicken fingers, crinkle fries, Texas toast, Cane's sauce, and a drink).

Raising Cane's is located off Charleston/Decatur, 1120 E. Flamingo, and at the Factory Outlet Mall south of Mandalay Bay.

The blood donation offer is open all this month at United Blood Services, and you can also schedule an appointment at (702) 233-9620.

'The Beatles Love' By Cirque du Soleil Wins Two Grammys

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<em>The Beatles Love</em> By Cirque du Soleil
"The Beatles Love" By Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage Las Vegas


The Beatles "Love" by Cirque du Soleil playing at the Mirage Resort Las Vegas won two Grammys at the Sunday night music awards show. Congratulations to everyone for their efforts of excellence and for bringing such good publicity to Las Vegas. Those that have not had an opportunity to take in a performance then, by all means, you should do so.


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
<em>The Beatles Love</em> By Cirque du Soleil
"The Beatles Love" By Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage Las Vegas


The very popular Circue du Soleil show garnered the following Grammys :

Best Surround Sound Album
Love - Paul Hicks, surround mix engineer; Tim Young, surround mastering engineer; George Martin & Giles Martin, surround producers (The Beatles)
[Apple/Capitol Records]

Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media
Love - (The Beatles)
George Martin & Giles Martin, producers
[Apple Records/Capitol Records]


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<em>The Beatles Love</em> By Cirque du Soleil
"The Beatles Love" By Cirque du Soleil happens nightly at the Mirage Las Vegas

February 10, 2008

2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas

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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


This week's mini-gallery of previously unpublished Flipchip photos from the 2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. A Flipchip visual distraction as you're watching NASCAR drivers' Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch play bumper cars while going 200 miles-per-hour at the Daytona Raceway.

Vegas sports' books have posted odds for the Daytona 500 with Jimmie Johnson the 4-1 favorite to win it, Jeff Gordon is 5-1 and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the third favorite at 7-1. Tony Stewart is 10-1 and sparring partner Kurt Busch comes in at 18-1 while little brother Kyle Busch is 15-1.

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


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2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
Have we reached the end of the 2008 Adult Entertainment Expo photos? No! Not yet, more photos are coming

Las Vegas band Panic at the Disco headlines Honda Civic Tour

Panic at the Disco leaves Sin City for center stage as the headliner for the 8th annual Honda Civic Tour. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced the participation of the platinum-selling, MTV Video Music Award-winning band at the company's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif.

The event featured the unveiling of the Panic at the Disco customized and autographed Honda Civic Hybrid and a surprise performance by the Las Vegas-bred quartet

Panic at the Disco's platinum-selling debut, 'A Fever You Can't Sweat Out' (Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen), spawned multiple radio and video hits, among them "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," which went to #1 on MTV and was named Video of the Year at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.

February 8, 2008

The Talented Mr. Roto discusses fantasy sports at ESPN Zone

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ESPN Zone
ESPN Zone Las Vegas


Tomorrow at 6 p.m., Matthew Berry will talk about fantasy sports and q&a with the audience at the ESPN Zone (next to New York New York).

Berry is a four-time Fantasy Sports Writer Association award winner. He's also ESPN's senior director of fantasy, a title that we suspect not many people have.

Also known as The Talented Mr. Roto, Berry will chat about fantasy strategy for the current basketball and hockey seasons, as well as the upcoming motor sports and baseball seasons.

The event is free, and the public is invited to bring their laptops to enjoy ESPN Zone's complimentary wireless Internet.

Roseanne Barr to perform nightly at Sahara

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Sahara Hotel & Casino Las Vegas
Sahara Hotel & Casino Las Vegas


The Amazing Johnathan has long been disgruntled at his Sahara landlords.

The comedian-magician has left his residence amid accusations that the former owners of the casino hid cameras in dressing rooms. Johnathan is also upset at Sahara's practices of comping more than their standard 20 tickets per show.

Johnathan is rumored to be negotiating another location for his show, perhaps at Krave (Planet Hollywood).

Meanwhile, Roseanne Barr will take over the Sahara stage beginning March 1 for an open run.

Barr was last seen in Las Vegas performing an extended run at New York New York.


Dragon Dance, Eye Painting Ceremony at the Venetian Las Vegas

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Chinese New Year 4706
Chinese New Year Celebrated at the Venetian Las Vegas with authentic dragon dance


Crowds turned out in mass to watch the dragon dance complete with an eye painting ceremony and firecrackers. The colorful dance began outside the Venetian then moved through the casino and finally made it's way to the new Palazzo. The route was lined with happy Vegas visitors and the gaming tables were filled with gamblers, some of whom didn't even look up as the parade passed them by. Accompanying the dragon was an authentic drum and cymbal ensemble that provided a pounding beat for the dance. For a brief period Thursday afternoon it was easy to imagine you're in the Venetian Resort in Macau China instead of Las Vegas.

Flipchip was there tagging along with the dancers and musicians, more photos after the jump...

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Preparing for the traditional eye painting ceremony before the dragon dance moves through the Venetian


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon dance begins


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon wrangler


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon wrangler


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon dance moves through the casino


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon dance moves to the Palazzo


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon bends into a circle


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dragon moves through the Palazzo


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Chinese New Year 4706
The Dragon


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Chinese New Year 4706
The Dragon has left the building

Heidi Fleiss Hollywood Madam Arrested

Nye County Sheriff's Office photo
Nye County Sheriff's Office photo


Hollywood Madam, Heidi Fleiss, was arrested last night in Pahrump. She was suspected of DUI, possession of narcotics without a prescription, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. A male passenger was also booked for being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Heidi Fleiss and her companion were booked into the Nye County jail.

The fallout from this latest turn of events might well be the end of Fleiss' efforts to establish a stud farm in Pahrump that would provide sex for hire for women. Pahrump is located 80 miles from Las Vegas in Nye County where prostitution is legal.


Heidi Fleiss

February 7, 2008

Former Miss Nevada Katie Rees arrested

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Late in 2006, former Miss Nevada Katie Rees was fired from her sash for appearing in photos of undress and unfit for a beauty contestant. As with any of these photos, they quickly spread on the Internet.

The photos are a little to racy for a family blog, but we can give you the above photo (courtesy of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department), which is Rees' mugshot from yesterday.

Yep, seems she again made the news when she was pulled over in the middle of the night for speeding, found that she had a suspended license and a car with suspended plates, was driving an uninsured vehicle, and if that wasn't enough, resisted arrest by allegedly kicking and elbowing the officers. She was immediately placed under arrest and held at the Clark County Detention Center.

Oh okay, here are the photos off TMZ that got Rees dethroned.

February 6, 2008

Cher to perform in residence at Caesars Palace

Celine Dion was so big, two stars are filling her shoes.

Bette Midler begins Feb. 20 at Caesars Palace's Colosseum with her new show The Showgirl Must Go On.

And beginning May 6, Caesars Palace confirmed that the long-rumored Cher will have four shows a week for that month, reappearing every couple months.

Cher who was last seen three years ago in her sell-out Farewell Tour. But farewell isn't always goodbye, and her new show will touch on some of the songs (with dance) in her tour but also reflect on her entire career, including her time from the Sonny & Cher days.

Elton John will continue to alternate between Midler and Cher.

Dragon Dance & Eye Painting Ceremony at the Venetian Las Vegas

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Chinese New Year 4706
Chinese New Year Celebrated at the Venetian Resorts Las Vegas

An authentic dragon dance ceremony will be performed for the public at the Venetian & Palazzo on the Las Vegas Strip. This very special event will feature dancers and musicians in elaborate traditional costumes playing authentic music and will include firecrackers and an eye painting ceremony. The festivities, slated for Thursday, February 7 at 3:00 PM, will begin at the Venetian's Porte Cochere then the ceremony will wind through the Venetian casino, into the atrium of Shoppes at the Palazzo, through the Palazzo casino and end in the upper Palazzo Porte Cochere. The Dragon dance is open to the public and free.

Make plans now to be at the Venetian for this traditional Chinese New Year celebration that symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming Year of the rat. In Chinese culture dragons are considered to be friendly creatures associated with strength, good fortune, wisdom, and longevity. A second dragon dance will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 6 PM.

More photos after the jump...

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Campanile Tower draped with red silk banners for Chinese New Year 4706


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Chinese New Year 4706
Venetian Grand Entrance with red silk banners and lucky tangerine trees


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Chinese New Year 4706
Traditional tangerine tree brings good luck to all who pass


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Palazzo grand entrance surrounded by lucky tangerine trees

Kelly Pavlik vs. Jermain Taylor II at MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Feb. 16

Boxing's two best middleweights, undefeated world champion Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik and once-defeated former world champion Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor, will resume their hostilities at 166 pounds, when they face-off in a battle of epic proportions. Boasting a combined record of 59-1-1 (46 KOs), a sterling winning percentage approaching 97% and victory by knockout percentage of 78%, the Pavlik vs. Taylor collision explodes Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Japonais opens at the Mirage

Japonais, one of Chicago and New York City's most adored and critically acclaimed restaurants opened in Las Vegas. Renowned restaurateurs and partners in all three Japonais properties, Miae Lim, Rick Wahlstedt and Jeffrey Beers (also the restaurant's designer) have joined forces with The Mirage in opening a Japonais outpost in one the country's most thriving culinary cities.

The restaurant also features a 3,000-square-foot bar and lounge overlooking The Mirage casino floor and a 110-foot-long glowing "fire" wall made out of glass,

Sammy Hagar in Las Vegas pictures

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Sammy Hagar was a late addition to the concert schedule at Pearl this past Saturday.

Being Sammy fans, we figured checking it out would also give us a chance to see the new concert venue at The Palms.

We've seen his Cabo concerts around town, and it's always an occasion. He brings a beach vibe to his shows, and sooner than later you're thinking you're outside wanting to take your clothes off.

Note that Sammy appeared at a non-Harrah's property. The rumor is he's still planning to open a Cabo Cantina in the Neonopolis area downtown.

This time we stood in back, passing on the opportunity to be onstage with him with 100 or so other fans.

More fuzzy pictures of the show are after the jump.

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Las Vegas Sports Books Lose Millions on the Super Bowl

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Wall of screens at a Las Vegas Sportsbook
Wall of screens at a Las Vegas sports book

Nevada casinos reported a total loss of $2.6 million on the Super Bowl because of the upset win from the New York Giants over the New England Patriots.

According to an ESPN article, Giants winning outright costs sports books record $2.6M, an influx of tourists in town for the Super Bowl apparently bet heavily on the underdog NY Giants.

Overall, the upset might be great news for Giants fans, but the outcome cost the casinos. The betting line had dropped to -12. In addition, a lot of money was wagered on a two-way parlay with betting on the Under at 54 (for the final score) and the Giants getting +12. The sports books had to payout 2.5 to 1 on those wagers. And don't forget all those money line payouts for the Giants at +475.

The press release says that 174 sports books in Nevada collected over $92 million in Super Bowl wagers. That was the third highest amount. The record was set in 2006 with $94.5 million.

February 4, 2008

Bette Midler performs part of Las Vegas show on Oprah

Bette Midler, who on Feb. 20 steps in Celine Dion's shoes at Caesars Palace in the new show The Showgirl Must Go On, was on Oprah last week.

The Divine Miss M spoke about her show, her clothes, losing weight, Al Gore and the environment, and her 21-year-old daughter Sophie (attending Yale and who looks just like her).

"Caesars Palace will never be the same," she says of the 100 shows she's embarking on over the next two years.

On the Oprah stage, Midler premiered a big band, high-energy piece from her show, previewed below:


Year of the Rat • Chinese New Year 4706

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Chinese New Year 4706
Chinese New Year 4706, the Year of the Rat


A new 12 year cycle begins with the Year of the Rat, Chinese New Year 4706. Thursday brings the new moon and the start of the year 4706 will be at exactly 3:44 UT. Noted for having the best intellects and powers of observation those born in the Year of the Rat demonstrate exceptional perception and prudence. Always capable of seeing the "Big Picture" makes those with Rat nature good bosses capable of working in fluid situations that require creativity.

The rat is an extrovert with a strong presence, friendly and sociable, romantic and passionate, and blessed with a special ability to restore harmony and peace to those around them. If you have a rat for a friend you are truly lucky since they are charitable, supportive, and sharing.

All of the photos were taken at the Conservatory & Botanical Garden inside the Bellagio Resort located on the Las Vegas Strip. More photos after the jump...


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Sheng Chi, God of Wealth


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Chinese New Year 4706
Visitors crowd the Bellagio's Conservatory for the Chinese New Year


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Chinese New Year 4706
Dings filled with sticks of smoldering pungent incense in the Bellagio's Conservatory


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Chinese New Year 4706
Legendary world of the stone islands of Halong Bay Vietnam, the mountains are revered as pillars between heaven and earth


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Chinese New Year 4706
The mountains are surrounded by exotic trees and covered with rare orchids


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Zig-Zag Bridge focuses the walker's attention to the current place and time. Following the principles of Feng Shui, negative energy and bad spirits have trouble navigating the corners


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Zig-Zag Bridge crosses a koi pond surrounding the classic Chinese gazebo


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Koi slowly swim below the zig-zag bridge


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Tai Hu stones from Lake Tai are porous limestone allowing the circulation of ch'i, natural energy, to create synergy of yin and yang


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Bamboo Towers, representing humility and fidelity, are entwined with exotic orchids


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Beautiful Feng Shui Waterfall is strategically located to attract good fortune and bestow it upon all who pass


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Huge Pandanus tree


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Chinese New Year 4706
Chinese New Year 4706, the Year of the Rat

Reading Room at Mandalay Place to close

readingroom.jpg
Photo by about.com


Maybe there isn't a market for literature in Las Vegas.

We always found the Reading Room, that 1,300-square-foot bookstore at the entrance to Mandalay Place in front of Mandalay Bay to be somewhat of an anomaly.

Here we are in a great big neon city and there people are browsing through books with employee recommendations written on bookmarks. Just like your local independent bookstore back at home.

Next to it is a Starbucks, which before that was a Chocolate Swan.

Every couple weeks the Reading Room would host a book reading and signing by a famous or not-so-famous author. It wasn't out of the ordinary to see Kirk Douglas one week and a local author the next. The readings were well-attended and, again, odd to occur mere steps from a casino.

Alas, all good things come to an end, and MGM Mirage, which owns Mandalay Place, will soon be closing our beloved bookstore.

Other victims of the MGM axe have quietly been shuttered throughout Mandalay Place, including the pricey children's toy store Five Little Monkeys. We suspect it's to keep the stores updated to a more hip, urban, upscale clientele sought by the new Luxor (which directly connects the other side of Mandalay Place, and which MGM Mirage also owns).

I suppose we'll have to go back to picking up a quick paperback at the drug store or gift shop or airport. But who will recommend what we read?

RIP, Reading Room.

"Ghost Hunters" open auditions next week

ghosthunters.jpg


Got a haunted kitchen?

Sci-Fi Channel's "Ghost Hunters" wants to hear about it and all other hauntings.

Open auditions for the Great American Ghost Hunt take place Feb. 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (With an additional unscheduled date of Feb. 17.)

Both will be at the Las Vegas Town Square, the new shopping area off the Strip a couple miles south of Mandalay Bay. Could the Town Square be built on old Indian burial grounds? We suspect more than a couple bodies were buried in that space, Indian or not.

If the former plumbers choose your haunted location, it'll be featured on a live show this Halloween. You'll also join the team at the Stanley Hotel for dinner and a ghost-hyunt.

For more information, visit this link.

February 2, 2008

2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


Another mini-gallery of previously unpublished Flipchip photos from the 2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. Flipchip has once again locked himself in his office and made his selections without any input from the rest of us. Something to check out while you're watching the 27 hours of pre-pre-game show for the Super Bowl XLII.

Speaking of football, the general consensus in the poker rooms here in Las Vegas seems to favor the Pats to win big, cover the 12 points and go over the 54 total game points. Of course there is always that group of "take the points and pray," citing the fact they are 12 points ahead before the coin toss. Maybe their right, anyone remember Joe Namath and the Jets way back in '69? You didn't even need the 21 points.

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
2008 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo
The end of the 2008 Adult Entertainment Expo Las Vegas Photos? Not yet...more next weekend

Monte Carlo Fire Update Photos

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Friday afternoon at the Monte Carlo fire site


Late Friday afternoon workers were busy inside and out at the closed Monte Carlo Resort on the Las Vegas strip removing the damage areas resulting from the fire. Rooms on the upper floors were being stripped of carpet while the exterior workers on scaffolds 33 stories in the air were removing the damaged facade and covering the bare framework with clean, white fireblock wallboard.

The entire polymer decorative facade that proved to be highly inflammable will be removed and replaced, ensuring the Monte Carlo to be one of the safest hotels in Las Vegas. Flipchip was there Friday and sent along these photos.

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
A closer view of the cleanup at Monte Carlo fire site


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Monte Carlo fire damage cleanup


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Monte Carlo fire damage cleanup


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Friday afternoon at the Monte Carlo fire site


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Monte Carlo fire site


photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Monte Carlo Fire Update
Close-up of the workers at the Monte Carlo Friday afternoon

February 1, 2008

Playboy Bunny Hunt this weekend

playboyclub.jpg


Anyone can be discovered at the Playboy Bunny Hunt on Sunday, Feb. 3 at 9 p.m.

Just show up at the Playboy Club (at The Palms) and be ready to be interviewed by Playboy Playmates as well as Bunny Mom Pat Lacey.

For more information, visit this link.

Famous Las Vegas Welcome Sign Turns Red

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com
Famous Las Vegas welcome sign turns red
Famous Las Vegas welcome sign moments after turning red Thursday evening


Famous Las Vegas welcome sign turned red at 7 Pm Thursday evening and Flipchip was there to record this historic moment. The red is to support the fight against heart disease by the American Heart Association and CardioVascular BioTherapeutics, Inc.

Considering the half dozen or so stents propping my cardio vascular system open I'll be wearing red all day in support of the February 1st National Wear Red Day.