photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

We were cruising the Las Vegas strip last evening and came upon this haunted village with numerous haunted houses and spooky characters. You can even have your photo taken by Don Parnal of Costello Photo with some dead guy in a coffin if you want permanent memories of Halloween. This place is the stuff of nightmares so be warned if you decide to go. One low price of $22 gets you into all the attractions and if you don't like to wait in line an additional $10 will get you a R.I.P. Fast Pass. The Monster Mayhem Haunted Houses are located at the new Town Square Mall on South Las Vegas Boulevard and the 215 Fwy.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

How do you open a brand new Harley-Davidson dealership with a 104,000 square foot store? If you're Red Rock Harley-Davidson in Las Vegas you schedule a "Rock-Hard, Ride Harder" three day party and cap off the grand opening festivities with a Charity Poker Tournament to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). That's how we do things in Las Vegas.

The Hoyt Corkins Celebrity Poker Tournament will get underway on Saturday at 3 PM at the H-D dealership located at 2260 S. Rainbow on the west side of Las Vegas. Players will be competing for a 2008 105th Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a WORLD model Curtis & Co watch plus the obligatory trophy. Other prizes include a bunch of great H-D merchandise.

There will be plenty of poker pros on-hand competing in the affair including poker legends Doyle Brunson and Phil Hellmuth, plus newcomers from the upcoming 2008 WSOP final table, David Rheems and chip leader Dennis Phillips. The buy-in for the Saturday, November 8th, tournament is $500 and everyone is cordially invited to participate. Satellites will run all day Friday, November 7th, for a very affordable $60 entry fee. WPT Boot Camp will be conducting free poker seminars for players wanting to improve their game. Ring games will be offered on Saturday in addition to the Hoyt Corkins Celebrity Poker Tournament. There will be complimentary drinks from Hogs & Heifers Saloon for all players. You must be 21 years of age to play.

Use this direct link for more details and to pre-register for the event. On-site registration starts at noon on Friday, November 7th. Seating is limited.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you're a hotel operator in Las Vegas during an economy slowdown, what do you do when your open your doors and no one comes?

Some may reduce capacity by closing floors to reduce workforce.

Herbst Gaming's Buffalo Bill's in Primm Valley (aka Stateline) has made the unusual cost-cutting move of staying open weekends but closing midweek.

The Las Vegas Sun reports that reservations can be made at Buffalo Bill's Friday through Sunday nights, but all midweek dates through December have switched to "sold out."

Herbst purchased the trio of Primm casinos (including Whiskey Pete's and Primm Valley) from MGM Mirage in 2007 and has since been struggling with its debtload.

The Primm Valley area is a bridge to Las Vegas, with drivers from California passing through to either try their first or last hand at luck.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The casino industry has been rocked the past few months, with "how low can it go?" a frequent phrase while watching stock prices plummet to new all-time lows.

Slot manufacturer International Game Technology, based in Reno, Nev., provides slot machines to casinos and had their earnings call today. Everyone prepared for the worst.

Which was bad, but not as bad as expected.

Announced were layoffs, a hiring freeze, and other cost reductions that would amount to saving $100 million per year.

At the end of September, IGT earned $52 million for the quarter, which was down from $123 million in the same period a year ago. That's less than half, but it's still in the black.

The opening of MGM Mirage's CityCenter late next year is widely anticipated for IGT's involvement in the networking of their slot floor. MGM itself has been cutting projects lately. If something happens with CityCenter being delayed or a change in plans, IGT will be affected.

IGT's stock opened at $12.91 and closed today at $12.01 (down 4.46 percent).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Poker Player Newspaper online is reporting an upcoming 60 Minutes on CBS will feature a segment on the cheating scandals in Internet poker rooms. New York based poker industry insider, Wendeen H. Eolis, has published an exposé of the 60 Minutes news show's effort to conduct an in-depth investigation into the apparent scams that have been used to separate unsuspecting Internet poker players from their money.

Eolis believes the show will probably air on Sunday, November 9th. If the date looks familiar it's the same day the 2008 WSOP final table will be broadcast on ESPN. Whether this segment will help or hurt efforts to legalize Internet card rooms remains to be seen. Depending on the slant of the 60 Minutes' producers, the piece could make a case for legalizing and regulating Internet poker or it could paint such a black picture it becomes politically untouchable. Much of the material for the segment was collected inside the Amazon Room, the WSOP's poker room, during the 2008 WSOP at the Rio Resort in Las Vegas last summer.

If you have an interest in Internet poker returning to the US in a legal, regulated, and money safe manner then you won't want to miss this edition of 60 Minutes or the latest Eolis' article, Sixty Minutes: The Ultimate Gamble.

Read Wendeen H. Eolis' article now using this direct link to Poker Player Newspaper online.

Posted by flipchipro at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Despite the Game 5 of the World Series concluding tonight after a rain delay on Monday, Las Vegas has already decided the outcome -- Philadelphia wins.

Monday night, Game 5 was in Philly with the Tampa Bay Rays at a 2-2 tie against the Philadelphia Phillies at the top of the sixth inning.

Then the heavy rains came, forcing a delay until tonight.

Even though the game is still unfinished, Las Vegas has its own gaming rules when it comes to suspensions, and it states that if the home team is winning after 4 1/2 innings, the game is done. It scores based on the last completed inning. So the score, Las Vegas style, is 2-1 Phillies.

That's a win with relation to betting only. Because if Philadelphia does win tonight, they would win the World Series.

The rules have been this way for the past 20 years.

So what to do if you've bet on the Rays and are holding a losing ticket?

There's always another bet to make tonight.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Boyd Gaming, which had stalled its $4.8 billion Echelon in the old Stardust lot, is expected to keep the project partially constructed for the near future.

Boyd foresaw the current down climate in August, when it halted construction for 9 months after spending $525 million. Construction is now not expected to resume until 2010, when it was originally planned to open.

The casino operator may choose to open Echelon in stages or downgrade. They may also take in some additional partners. (Boyd and MGM Mirage co-own Borgata in Atlantic City.)

Today, Boyd posted a 73 percent drop in profit for this quarter, though the announcement of continuing to hold on Echelon pushed shares up. Net income for Q3 was $8.7 million (down from $31.9 million this time last year).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You only have 3 more days to vote early in Las Vegas, and there are almost 100 places around our fine neon city to do so.

The last day to place an early ballot is Oct. 31. Until then, you can vote at places including the Las Vegas Outlet mall, Albertsons, Smith's, libraries, Vons, Food 4 Less, community centers, UNLV, churches, Whole Foods, and many more.

For a list of places and hours that they're taking votes, click here.

After Oct. 31, you'll only be able to vote with everyone else in line on Nov. 4 at your regular polling place.

Already 241,000 people of Clark County have voted early. That's almost a third of registered voters.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Right after taping her "Tonight Show" appearance with Jay Leno, the wife of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will be whisked away to Las Vegas.

Michelle Obama will be in town for a rally tonight at Doolittle Park (1950 J St.).

Tickets aren't necessary, but RSVPs are recommended at this link. There's no charge.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the rally starts at 9 p.m.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Last week various media picked up that MGM Mirage had laid off 2,500 employees, as a cost-cutting move in this economic downturn.

An MGM official denied this was the case, saying 2,500 employees were not laid off Friday morning.

And therein lies the dance around specifics. Was it more or less? Was it not Friday morning when it went down but Thursday night or Friday afternoon?

We have our own inside source at MGM Mirage who asked to be anonymous, as he'd prefer to keep his job. He claims while the statement was untrue as written, MGM has allegedly laid off even more than the reported 2,500 -- he says as many as 4,000 employees got the boot. He says that managers of each department were asked to cut a percentage of their staff.

Whether true or not, we suspect we'll be hearing more about layoffs -- MGM and otherwise -- in the coming weeks.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

College Night at Hawaiian Tropic Zone (in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood) is held every Thursday between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. while school's in session.

The study break will include $3 domestic drafts, $5 well drinks, and $2 shots for women. Bottles of Skyy vodka will also be reduced to $100, and all appetizers are 50 percent off.

Undergraduates can also enter weekly drawings to win free bottle service.

Waitasec, we know the economy's bad and all, but last we checked, we were 21 in our senior year of college. Might this be encouraging fake I.D.s? And free shots for college girls may be a bit obvious in what they're trying to accomplish.

Still, we'll just leave by saying that you must be 21 or over and present a valid college I.D.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

In case you've ever been to The Palms sports book trying to place a bet on basketball, you may have wondered why you were turned away.

The Maloofs, who own The Palms, also own the Sacramento Kings, and the NBA has always prohibited bets because of a seeming conflict of interest.

As of today, however, the NBA had a change of heart and basketball bets are now being taken at The Palms, just in time for the beginning of the season next week.

There's one bet that can't be made, however, and that's on the Sacramento Kings. That would kinda be like betting in your own casino.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The annual National Finals Rodeo returns to Las Vegas in December, and Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas has roped in some offers.

Special rates for their South Tower rooms will be available throughout December, as low as $59 on weeknights. Call 1-866-946-5336 to reserve.

On Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m., all Team Roper contestants will hold an autograph signing.

From Dec. 3-13, Golden Nugget has a drawing for a Ford F-150 truck. You don't have to be present, and you don't even have to play -- just sign up to the 24 Karat player's club or redeem your WNFR ticket stub. But if you want to play, you'll earn more entries when you play tables and slots.

On Dec. 4, 8, and 11, $50 will enter you into a Buckin' Bronco Blackjack tournament. Each tournament offers $30,000 in cash prizes, with $5,000 for the grand prize. Call 1-800-777-5687 for a reservation.

And if you find yourself without tickets, drop by the Nugget's Grand Event Center. Live, closed circuit monitors will show all the action for free.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Comedian George Wallace is showing his patriotism by offering up a free ticket to his show if you vote.

After voting, pick up the sticker showing you voted, then pop on by to any of his 10 p.m. shows at Flamingo for free admission (until Nov. 11).

You can even vote early and see a show before Election Day, just as long as you get the "I Voted" sticker. (Yep, that means you don't actually have to vote, just get the sticker -- but if you don't vote, the terrorists will have won.)

Tickets are normally $75 each.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hoping to broaden its range of coverage stemming from the Cole Puffinburger kidnapping a few days ago (the 6-year-old was later found), Nevada is instituting the addition of SMS on cell phones.

Currently, AMBER Alert messages appear on electronic billboards and on the news.

But by the time the public sees the message, it may not be enough time. Studies show that the first three hours after an abduction are the most important.

Now, to those who subscribe, an AMBER Alert text message will be sent out notifying everyone immediately of any news.

To sign up, enter your phone number at www.wirelessamberalerts.org.

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

This isn't your ordinary Halloween party.

Sure, Las Vegas will be swarming with pretty boys and girls in elaborate costumes.

But on Oct. 26 at 10 p.m., check out what the gals at a gentlemen's club will look like in their Halloween best.

The party takes place at the Playboy Club (at The Palms) and is hosted by the girls of Spearmint Rhino.

For tickets and for more information, email playboyclublasvegas.com or call (702) 942-6832.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This afternoon, Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin stopped by Las Vegas for the first time in her Road to Victory Rally. She began the rally this morning in Reno.

Speaking to thousands of supporters at the Henderson Pavilion, the Alaska governor focused on equality for women and running mate John McCain's ideas to create equal pay for men and women.

Palin promised she would be "an advocate and a defender" if elected.

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

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

In another sign of hard times, MGM Mirage announced today that it is doing away with their annual end-of-the-year bonus for all employees, at least for 2008.

Falling revenues and income contributed, as the bonus is contingent on profitability.

Interestingly, the casino did specify it was the cash bonus that would not be given, leaving open to the possibility of bonuses in the form of stock or other forms of payment to top executives.

Earlier this year, MGM Mirage laid off over 440 managers that was expected to save $75 million. They didn't state the expected savings from eliminating the bonus.

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

Start making your reservations today.

Here's an early peek at the 2009 edition of the Michelin food guide, which won't officially be released until tomorrow.

Michelin's star system is quite stringent, with a single star considered prestigious and three stars the highest honor.

One star: "A very good restaurant in its category."
Two stars: "Excellent cooking and worth a detour."
Three stars: "Exceptional cuisine and worth the journey."

Las Vegas had over 10 percent of the guide rated at one star or above.

13 restaurants had one star (including the new DJT at Trump International).

Three restaurants earned two stars: Alex (Wynn), Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace), and Picasso (Bellagio).

And the restaurant with the three-star honor goes to Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand, proving last year's listing at three stars was no flash in the pan.

And in fact, Joel Robuchon is the only restaurant in the guide to earn three stars.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Las Vegas haunted houses are ranked on a national scale with some of the scariest Halloween haunts in the country. Would you expect anything less than the best from the city known as the entertainment capitol of the world? Visit a Las Vegas haunted house and you're guaranteed a face-to-face encounter with some of the ghastly creatures that shun the neon, preferring instead to lurk in the darkest shadows. Many long-time Las Vegans claim the city has some very real spooks that have existed here in the isolation of the desert centuries before Bugsy built the first glitter palace on the strip.

The five Las Vegas haunted houses featured in this post are offered in no particular order of preference or rating. We suggest you tour all of the haunts and decide what's the best of the bunch. Parents can rest easy knowing there's plenty of security on hand and all the haunted houses have been inspected by the Clark County Fire Department for compliance to the same strict fire codes imposed on the casinos and resorts. Cast members are trained to maintain a safe and orderly atmosphere while scaring the holy bejesus out of you.

The LasVegasVegas tour of the five scariest haunted houses in Las Vegas starts after the jump...

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The Asylum is rated among the 13 scariest haunted houses in the US and for good reason. These are the people that have been scaring Las Vegans for years. They have brought many innovations to the fine art of fright. In addition to the Asylum they operate a second haunt, Hotel Fear. Click to visit the Asylum website.

The Asylum Quick Facts:

Location: Alta and Rampart across from the Suncoast Resort

Dates and times of operation:

October 23, 24, and 25 from 6:30 PM -- Midnight

October 26, 28, and 30 from 6:30 PM -- 10 PM

October 31 from 6PM -- Midnight

November 1 from 6:30 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $11.00

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Henderson's only haunted house is also one of the best. Freaklin Brothers' Castle Vampye is guaranteed to terrify the most brave visitors to the castle. A coven of fanged blood suckers are waiting to scare the life out of you before they take your blood. You'll meet Igor, the hunched backed greeter that guides visitors to the Castle's entrance and don't forget to be wary of the giant grim reaper wandering the grounds. It's another of the don't miss Las Vegas haunted houses. Visit the Castle Vampyre website for more details.

Castle Vampyre Quick Facts:

Location: 1300 Sunset Rd at Sunset Hotel & Casino

Dates and times of operation:

October 17 -- November 1

Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM -- 11PM

Friday & Saturday 7 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $11.00 or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions

Click to print a $2 off coupon

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If you're one of those people that find clowns to be more evil than funny then this is the haunted house for you. Freaking Bros' Circus of Horrors offering a collection of the most frightening, vile exhibitions of terror collected over the centuries from a dark age Eastern Europe. Once past the Ringmaster guarding the door be prepared for up close events guaranteed to make even the bravehearts scream. Conveniently located next door is another Freakling Bros. haunt, the Mortuary. Visit the Circus of Horrors website for more details.

Circus of Horrors Quick Facts:

Location: Rainbow and Smoke Ranch by United Artists Theaters

Dates and times of operation:

October 17 -- November 1

Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM -- 11PM

Friday & Saturday 7 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $11.00 single, $18.00 for both Circus of Horrors and Mortuary, or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions

Click to print a Freaking Bros. $2 off coupon

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Don't let the black hearse parked out front affect you. Never mind the creepy, dank smelling troll with the shovel chasing people in the parking lot. The real journey of the dead begins inside the vermin infested passages of the Mortuary. Avoid tripping over the dead bodies and body parts as you try to avoid the demented perverts wanting to separate you from your body parts. The Mortuary is conveniently located adjacent to Circus of Horrors. Visit the Mortuary website for more details.

The Mortuary Quick Facts:

Location: Rainbow and Smoke Ranch by United Artists Theaters

Dates and times of operation:

October 17 -- November 1

Sunday thru Thursday 7 PM -- 11PM

Friday & Saturday 7 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $11.00 single, $18.00 for both Circus of Horrors and Mortuary, or $24.00 for a freak (line) pass to all three Freakling Bros attractions

Click to print a Freaking Bros. $2 off coupon

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Ranked in the top five scariest haunts in the nation and the only one on the Las Vegas strip, the Circus Circus Fright Dome stands alone atop the leader board of admission price; but, keep in mind it's five different haunted houses inside the giant pink dome. This one's a production suitable to its' location among other high dollar entertainment choices. The frights are at a level that is unsuitable for kids under twelve. Visitors come from around the world to experience the horrors of the Fright Dome. Visit the Fright Dome website for more details.

Fright Dome Quick Facts:

Location: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino

Dates and times of operation:

October 23,24,25,26,29,30, and 31 - 7 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $33.95 general admission, VIP Line pass adds an additional $15

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The same macabre minds that produced the Asylum offer up Hotel Fear. You'll be dying to meet the staff of this old world establishment that oozes all the charm and warmth of a moldy crypt. Many check in but few check out so stop by the Hotel Fear and come on in, if you have a strong heart. Visit the Hotel Fear website for more details.

Hotel Fear Quick Facts:

Location: Craig and Camino Al Norte (MLK) in the Home Depot parking lot

Dates and times of operation:

October 23, 24, and 25 from 6:30 PM -- Midnight

October 26, 28, 29, and 30 from 6:30 PM -- 10 PM

October 31 from 6PM -- Midnight

November 1 from 6:30 PM -- Midnight

Admission: $11.00

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The following photos were shot on location at Hotel Fear, meet the staff...

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 11:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Not one to let Tina Fey get all the press, Club Paradise (across from Hard Rock) is also hopping aboard the presidential campaign by focusing on Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Namely, a lookalike contest.

The gentlemen's club is soliciting other clubs around the country for their best Gov. Palin imitation. Just as long as that imitation involves a swimsuit. And heck, you don't even have to be female to enter.

The beauty pageant takes place Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.

Patrons of Club Paradise will vote on the winner, who will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day. The prize package is worth $10,000.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The Venetian Showroom will be filled with poker's elite next Tuesday evening, October 21, at 7 PM for the premier of the The Real Deal! interactive poker-themed stage show. Hosts for the event are funnyman Paul Rodriquez and insult-style comedian Vinny Favorito. They will be joined by The Real Deal! poker pros -- Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Jennifer Harmon, Phil Hellmuth Jr., Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson.

According to the press release, "...a completely original live show format combines fast-paced action and humor with the latest in wireless technology and abundant prizes, including a chance to win $1,000,000."

That's right, $1 million in cash. The entire audience can interact with the players on stage through the magic of wireless technology so you may be one of the lucky winners just by being in the audience. The show was created Merv Adelson and Emmy™ Award-Winning producer Gary Smith.

Times for the show are 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday with 8 PM primetime shows added on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ticket prices for the shows at 5 PM are $75 and $85 for the 8 PM primetime performance. VIP packages are available and include an opportunity to meet the poker stars afterwards. Of course, you must be 21 years of age for stage participation. A special section without wireless interaction is available at $45 for underage guest. Call The Venetian Box Office at 1.866.641.SHOW or 702.414.9000 for ticket purchase information. You can also visit the website for tickets.

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

An interesting offer we haven't seen before has just begun at MGM Grand.

Stay at the hotel-casino between now and Jan. 31, 2009 for the regular price, and anything you charge to your room will be 25 percent off (taxes and tip not included).

This includes room service, bar, spa, restaurants, bars, gift shop, and theater tickets. Just by staying one night, you could clean up in merchandise and sell it right back on eBay.

You must book by Oct. 27.

To book, call 1-800-929-1111 or visit this link and use code INB226.

We plugged in a few random dates just to check the price range of rooms, and it looks like the regular price for weekends are around $200 with weekdays at $90. Note you can't use a room offer in addition to this 25 percent off offer.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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After months of nonactivity, Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas will soon have new tenants that could revitalize the dormant non-casino area at the end of Fremont St. At the very least, it will provide some new jobs.

The Las Vegas City Council today approved permits for WET Ultra Lounge and Bar, an Italian restaurant, and the Spanish television network Telemundo.

WET Ultra Lounge and Bar is a nightclub hailing from El Paso, Texas and owned by Matt and Liza Meagher

The lounge and restaurant are expected to open by the end of this year; Telemundo will move in February 2009.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Got a Facebook account?

ENVY Steakhouse at Renaissance Las Vegas (Paradise and Desert Inn) will be awarding someone a gift certificate worth $100 to their steakhouse.

Just Become a Fan of ENVY on Facebook, then email adrian.burfield@gmail.com with your name and address.

At the end of the month, one person will be drawn randomly and awarded the certificate.

Note that they currently only have 32 people signed up and the month is half over, so you have a good shot.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The newish Irish bar McFadden's at Rio (which took over for oldish Irish bar Tilted Kilt) is hosting a Lingerie Party on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 p.m.

And not just any lingerie party, mind you: a lingerie party with porn stars.

Adult film stars Sunny Leone and Hanna Hilton hostess the night and keep the festivities going, including a sex trivia contest, sex toy giveaways, and $3 sex shots.

Come in your best, "most scintillating," sexiest lingerie and you could win $500 cash.

Entry is $10 for women and $20 for men, which is good for bottomless drinks between 10 p.m. and midnight. Then drinks are $3 until close.

Women drink free champagne all night.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Boyd Gaming has put all their properties under one player's club called B Connected.

Points have all transferred, and now will be good at all their casinos.

This includes the casinos downtown (Fremont, Cal Club, Main Street) and Strip (The Orleans, Suncoast, Gold Coast, Sam's Town), but also Borgata in Atlantic City and various riverboats around the Midwest. Boyd has 17 casinos altogether.

In the spirit of getting connected, they also now have a listing of all their slots. Much like Harrah's Slot Finder, you can now see if your favorite slot machine is at your favorite casino... just as long as it's a Boyd property.

To search, visit this link.

You can search by title and property.

They've combined all slots together -- stepper reels as well as video reels -- and you can also view a map of the property. Alas, it doesn't show where on the map the machine is. That would've been impressive, and we wonder if it may be coming soon because they break up the same game with different denominations. That would put them a step above Harrah's.

Once you arrive, slot personnel typically knows where machines are.

The website, still under construction, will soon allow player's logins which, we presume, will allow you to see comp balances and offers.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Expedia.com is running a special $50 off 3 or more nights on their upgraded Flamingo Go rooms.

The Go rooms are the newly renovated rooms from a year or so ago. Small but modern and ultra chic. We stayed in one when they opened and enjoyed the great view (see picture above) but felt a little exposed in the bathroom (the sliding fog glass door that you could still peek through probably did it).

Still, very European and the nicest rooms in the hotel.

Visit expedia.com, search on your dates with Las Vegas and Flamingo. Then check "Deluxe, upgrade to luxury Go room" and use promo code FAN50 when prompted. You're actually booking the Deluxe but will be upgraded to the Go room, plus $50 off.

The code, by the way, will work for any Vegas hotel (or any hotel period, for that matter) that is booked through Expedia.

Offer is good through Jan. 31, 2009 for booking now through March 31, 2009.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Our favorite time of year is rapidly approaching and no, it's not the holidays or Christmas. It's the Vegas convention of conventions that follows the holidays, the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. Scheduled for January 8-11 for the trade members and January 9-11 for the fans, this is a must see event.

That's right, this is one convention that allows anyone with an ID and the price of admission to walk right in off the street to meet and greet all the stars of the adult movies. Have your photo taken with a living goddess, get an autographed poster of your favorite hottie or just walk around with a pocket full of memory cards for the point and shoot that's firing away for priceless memories to show the grandkids.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

As we have in the past, we'll be there for the full run with a brace of Nikons and enough flash cards to put a man on Mars. Needless to say, the AVN Expo photo galleries are our most popular pics so expect to see it all even if you can't attend.

Those that can should make the pilgrimage to Sin City for the annual skinfest. Packed into the Sands Expo Center at the Venetian/Palazzo will be more bare skin than you can see in 78% of midwest cities on any given month.

Trade members can register with this link while fans can get their tickets here. Any one out there want to volunteer as a roving reporter or camera assistant?

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 9:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony reaffirmed their marriage by renewing their wedding vows in Las Vegas.

The super secret and small ceremony was a spur-of-the-moment decision, after partying at various nightclubs around town including Pure.

After Pure, they dialed up a minister (in a 24-hour town, anything is possible), then headed upstairs to their private penthouse suite at Caesars Palace, with two friends in attendance.

The singing couple then renewed their vows at 3:15 a.m. early this morning.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nevada licenses were last changed 6 years ago, and in an effort to heighten security, they are being changed again.

Licenses will now look different and contain more security features to make it more difficult to counterfeit and alter. The security features, already in place on driver's licenses in 14 states, is produced by L-1 Identity Solutions in California, and will be mailed from their secured office.

Yes, that means Nevada driver's licenses will no longer be available in Nevada.

Pictured above is the new license. Features include a digital photo as part of the card (instead of attached), a ghost image of the same photo, a state outline ontop of the ghost photo, several patterns overlapping images and text throughout the card, and other measures not revealed.

You may remember a couple years back when records were stolen from a Las Vegas DMV. Now no records will be kept at a Nevada DMV, as all records will be stored at a central location... in California.

If you pick up a new license or renew at the DMV, your old license will have a hole punched and returned, and you'll receive a temporary 30-day 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper to enable you to continue driving until a maximum of 10 days later when you receive your new license in the mail.

We're unclear how being mailed a new license is part of the heightened security, but ours is not to question why. Licenses will still be able to be renewed online.

The rollout of the new licenses will begin tomorrow in Carson City and extend to Las Vegas by the end of November.

The cost will be funded by taxpayers and a 75-cent fee increase per driver's license -- $22.

But at least they will still get you into strip clubs for free.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight's "American Chopper" episode features Las Vegas magician Steve Wyrick performing his spectacular live stunt from his "Steve Wyrick Real Magic" show at Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops. It was taped in September.

In the show that airs at 7 p.m. on TLC, Wyrick seemingly produces a motorcycle (custom-made by the Teutuls family) out of mid-air. And fire. Because without fire, it wouldn't be as exciting.

Wyrick has since driven the chopper around town, and it will now go in the lobby of his theater.

Viewing parties will take place tonight, with the main ones at the nightclub next to his theater and the Hawaiian Tropic Zone, both in the Miracle Mile.

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

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

ACORN, the low-income advocacy group, had it's Las Vegas office raided on Tuesday as police searched for evidence of voter fraud. The group claims to have just finished it's 2008 voter registration drive after signing up more than 80,000 Clark County Nevada voters.

Ironically, ACORN had scheduled the announcement of the close of it's successful voter drive on Tuesday. Michael Slater, Project Vote director, said the raid was nothing more than a stunt. He further stated that the group has been cooperating with local law enforcement agencies for the past six months and have voluntarily handed over questionable registration documents realized from strict quality controls applied to in-house vetting. A Nevada Secretary of State spokesperson confirmed that ACORN had been providing information that could be used in their criminal investigation.

Project Vote officials claim the raid was politically motivated considering the timing and ACORN's complete cooperation with authorities. Nevada Secretary of State Spokesman Bob Walsh said the raid was conducted because the problems could have been more widespread than what ACORN reported to their office.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

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photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

After multiple recent cancellations, Cher has decided to cancel this year's remaining performances in Las Vegas.

Depending on the rumor or the reported doctor, she has either asthma-related bronchitis, Vegas throat (desert air cough), or chronic abdominal pain. Or a combination of all three, which may or may not have been brought on by her ex-boyfriend.

Cher (and Bette Midler) took over for Celine Dion's residency at Caesars Palace. For Dion, Caesars sprung for a million-dollar humidifier in the theater to steer clear of Vegas throat, but perhaps Dion took it with her.

Cher is expected to resume performances in early 2009.

In other cancellation news, Linkin Park has also withdrawn from next Monday's show in Vegas due to a back injury from singer Chester Bennington.

Tickets for both will be fully exchanged or refunded at point of purchase.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Attend Las Vegas' 9th annual Duck Derby fundraiser, and pick up one of 10,000 duckies.

Taking place at the Town Square Park (off the Strip, south of Mandalay Bay) on Oct. 25, thousands of ducks will be in the Town Square fountain, each of which can be adopted for $5 apiece (you can also adopt ducks at various Town Square retailers).

On Oct. 25, ducks will be plucked and awarded donated prizes. Over $1 million in donated prizes will be given.

The Derby will also include fun things for kids and adults, with live entertainment, street performers, inflatable rides, crafts, pumpkin patch, midway rides and games, and celebrity appearances.

The fundraiser benefits medically dependent and critically ill children and their families at Positively Kids.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Psst... want to know how to get slots into your strip club?

Without bribery?

The trick is to get that slot license. Once you have it, it's harder to not have it, if you know what we mean.

It'll also entail some slight subterfuge.

Here's how, in two simple steps:

1. Apply for a restricted gaming license of no more than 15 slot machines. Make sure your venue is a bar or restaurant. Those establishments get far less scrutiny than a gentlemen's club, which the Gaming Control Board visits in person.

2. Once receiving your license, install the slots and then casually convert over to a strip club.

It's much more difficult and costly to launch an investigation to revoke a gaming license once it's given.

The recent license denial of slots from Girls of Glitter Gulch occurred when undercover Gaming Control Board agents were reportedly solicited for illegal prostitution and drugs while visiting. That's definitely a no-no when it comes to licensees, at strip clubs or elsewhere.

It's he-said/she-said when it comes to whether that really happened, or whether it's an excuse to deny the gaming license to an establishment of "ill repute."

Six Las Vegas strip clubs have gaming licenses with slots, but some had the slots first before becoming strip clubs.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

It's that time of year when the air turns cool, pumpkins are for sale on every corner, and ghosts haunt the night. It's Halloween in Las Vegas. Sales of meat cleavers, wood chippers, chain saws and double bit axes peak around this time of year. Haunted houses appear in vacant lots overnight and there's enough fake blood to float the Enterprise.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Las Vegas is known for it's haunted houses. Many are rated in the top ten of the scariest in the country. Fright Dome located at Circus Circus is currently in the top five on the national list and our personal experiences rate it #1. Those of you with a weak heart should just stay away, the rest of you should bring a change of clothes.

Flipchip is out visiting the haunted Houses dotting the Vegas landscape and will offer a gallery of photos along with phone numbers, locations, hours, ticket prices, and special features.

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Early Saturday morning a Las Vegas jury found former football star O.J. "Juice" Simpson guilty of all charges relating to an armed robbery in September, 2007 at Palace Station Casino. The jury returned a guilty verdict on all twelve charges including armed robbery and kidnapping. He was immediately taken into custody and awaits a December 5 sentencing where he could be sent to prison for the rest of his life.

Co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart was also found guilty on all twelve charges and taken into custody. Simpson has maintained he was only trying to recover his personal property when he led five men into the Palace Station guest room where sports memorabilia dealers were waiting for an apparent buyer. The defense argued that no crime was committed and Simpson was only recovering property stolen from him; but, the jury didn't buy it.

Ironically, the guilty verdict was delivered 13 years to the day after Simpson was found not guilty of murdering his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles at the conclusion of the "Trial of the 20th Century."

Posted by flipchipro at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Stay over a Tuesday at Harrah's Las Vegas, and get that room for 2 cents.

Spirit Airlines is making the special offer as part of their Top Picks, essentially a buy 2 nights, get 1 for 2 cents deal.

You must stay two nights at regular price on either side of the Tuesday to get the free Tuesday (Sunday-Tuesday, Monday-Wednesday, Tuesday-Thursday).

Hmm... we wonder what the lightest night of the week is at casinos...

Offer expires Nov. 30.

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

Oct. 3, 1995, O.J. Simpson was found not guilty of two murders.

Today, exactly 13 years later, Simpson awaits jury deliberation on another trial, where he stands to be convicted of numerous felonies including robbery and assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping.

The jury could reach a verdict today.

Simpson did mention that he's come to like Las Vegas and would move here. If found guilty of kidnapping using a deadly weapon, he'd be here for the rest of his life, just behind bars.

Either way, we hope we don't get another book out of him: If I Did It Again: Confessions of the Kidnapper.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Closing arguments have concluded at the O.J. Simpson trial in Las Vegas for armed robbery and kidnapping. Presiding Judge Jackie Glass sent the jury home with instructions to return on Friday morning to begin deliberations leading to a decision of guilt or innocence. Some of the Vegas local smart money is betting on a split decision resulting in a hung jury.

While the defense maintained in the closing statements that no crime was committed in the hotel room at Palace Station the prosecution tried to convince the jury that a crime of such evil magnitude occurred that the defendant should receive a life sentence.

The jury will now determine what happens to the Juice. Will he continue to be a free man or will he spend the rest of his life in a Nevada prison cell? Stay tuned for the conclusion of this often boring trial that mostly put on public display the greed factor of the sleazy among us.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett was known for gallivanting around the world in various modes of transportation - jet, glider, boat, hot-air balloon. Among his over 100 world records in a balloon, he's the first to fly solo around the world.

Fossett was last seen in September 2007, flying solo in a plane over Nevada after taking off from the ranch of hotel entrepreneur Barron Hilton. (Hilton is grandfather to Paris Hilton.)

Fossett then went missing.

After multiple million-dollar search parties came up empty, Fossett was declared legally dead in February 2008.

This past Monday, a hiker found some of Fossett's belongings near the Sierra Nevada. This led to a search that today found Fossett's plane wreckage, along with human remains that has been taken to DNA labs for an identity test.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo courtesy of The Venetian/Palazzo

Miss America 2008 Kristen Haglund was seen hiking around The Shoppes at The Palazzo in Las Vegas gathering up bags full of bling. Since this was an official trip as the reining MA, Kristen was sporting the official crown.

She even had lunch prior to the spree to ensure enough energy to make it all the way through the 450,000 square foot shopping mall. FYI the lunch was one of our favorites, warm spinach salad with duck comfit and toasted almonds, from Emeril Lagasse's Table 10.

One of the gratis items she was toting away was a Swarovski crystal credit card holder from Edidi. Maybe she hasn't heard that the credit bailout failed.

photo courtesy of The Venetian/Palazzo

Posted by flipchipro at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The bad economy is bringing out the worst in criminals.

Or maybe everyone is just getting inspired by OJ.

This morning at The Orleans, four people (two men and two women) gathered together at a bar before heading to one of The Orleans' hotel rooms.

A few minutes later, one of the women (possibly a prostitute) left the room, then returned with another man who attempted to rob the people in the hotel room.

A gun was fired and shot one of the men in the stomach, then the gunman and the woman who led him to the hotel fled.

The man who was shot was rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover.

If you were at The Orleans and can possibly identify the suspects or have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photos by the flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Hash House a Go Go (6800 W. Sahara at Rainbow) is celebrating their 3rd anniversary by sharing their birthday with yours.

If your birthday is in October, stop in and with your order of an entree you'll receive a free giant birthday sundae.

You'll need to show your ID to prove you were born in October.

We recommend Hash House's delicious, abundant breakfasts that are piled high on the plate. Food is so ample that we've always had to get doggie bags whenever ordered (that's a good thing, because the food holds up well for lunch the next day).

Offer expires Oct. 31.

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

Since the robbery, not much more has come out about the two suspects who robbed the sports book at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Both are about 5'6" and 150 pounds each and were wearing dark clothing and motorcycle helmets (pictured above is one of the suspects leaving the scene after the robbery took place). Their getaway car was a stolen Durango, possibly driven by a third unknown suspect.

Both were armed.

The heist reportedly took up to half a million dollars from the casino.

There's a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555.

p.s. O.J. was heading to court at the time.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

High tail it on over to The Palms' Brenden Theatres tonight with this free pass for 2 to the new Keira Knightley flick The Duchess.

The movie is at 7 p.m. and also stars Ralph Fiennes.

Click here for the trailer.

If you miss the free screening, you can fork over $20 to catch it when it opens wide on Friday.

Click here for the link to the pass.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)