photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Palazzo Las Vegas is the latest Las Vegas resort to join the prestigious Mobil Four-Star List. The Palazzo and sister property, The Venetian, are owned and operated by affiliates of Las Vegas Sands Corp (NYSE-LVS). This is the first year The Palazzo was rated. The Venetian has been on the 4-Star list for years and the 2009 Mobil award makes it four years in a row that the Venetian has topped the list of 137 North American hotels as the largest property.

Mobil Travel Guide has been rating hotels for five decades and has become one of the most trusted names in travel. Mobile Travel Guide awards for The Venetian and The Palazzo didn't stop with just two, others receiving 2009 Mobile Stars were AquaKnox, B&B Ristorante, Bouchon, Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Carnevino, CUT, David Burke, Delmonico Steakhouse, LAVO, Pinot Brasserie, Postrio, Restaurant Charlie, Table 10, TAO, Valentino, and Woo.

Congratulations to the Venetian / Palazzo for making us proud.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If you happen to be on the Las Vegas Strip on March 28 and all the lights go out, don't panic.

Las Vegas is one of almost 100 cities around the world that is being encouraged to go dark as a way to draw attention to the problem of climate change.

Earth Hour will occur between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with all non-essential bright lights turning off.

As for whether it happens in Vegas, that's up to the individual businesses and casinos. Considering casinos use their lights to draw people in, the way the economy is, an hour lost in player revenue can be a lot.

So any light in Las Vegas is an essential light. We somehow suspect all lights will remain burning.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A couple of dozen new photos have been added to the Flipchip 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo Photo Gallery. More of the "Uniquely Las Vegas" images we wait all year to collect. Las Vegas is the only place I know where any joe-the-guy can mix it up with the stars of porno - pose with 'em, chat with 'em, photograph 'em, get their autograph on an 8 x 10 full color glossy, even get them to stare at the backside of your cell phone...all this and more for the low price of admission.

Posted by flipchipro at 8:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A must see is the Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Although the Bellagio was sold to MGM Mirage, the Conservatory remains as an original Steve Wynn living work of art that changes with the seasons. The Chinese New Year theme is an annual favorite as the best Conservatory and Botanical Garden show of the year.

Tropical flowers, exotic scenes, giant bamboo, giant pandas, giant gold coins, and a lot of red. Every available foot of space in the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden are filled with color. Flipchip has uploaded another installment of 2009 Chinese New Year photos to the permanent gallery.

All of today's images were shot at the Bellagio Conservatory. Fell free to download any of the pics for use as defined in our Creative Commons License. Another load of Flipchip photos from the 2009 AVN AEE will be available this weekend or sooner.

Posted by flipchipro at 8:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The 8th Annual Las Vegas Women's Fair is this weekend, not coincidentally adjacent to another event geared to keep the other sex busy on Super Sunday.

What does a women's fair entail? Booths upon booths of wares being sold, including shoes, clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, spa treatments, interior design, and more.

And if you're dragged to the event by your better half, all is not lost -- there will also be free Stripper 101 and pole-dancing demonstrations.

The event is free and takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South Point Hotel & Casino.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for a job?

How about working for the United States government?

Recruitment for temp workers is currently going on for the 2010 U.S. census, and yesterday a census office was opened in Las Vegas.

Up to 500 employees will be needed at this office to conduct door-to-door, in-person surveys of all residents of Clark County, to find out such thngs as how many people live here and how much money they make.

What data is determined in the 10-year census is then used to appropriate money needed from Nevada.

Temp workers will begin in April, with pay at $14.50 per hour.

For more information, call the Census Employment Hotline at 1-866-861-2010.

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

>

"ND's Fuego - The Evolution of Nightlife" debuts a multi-faceted club experience beginning Feb.12 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Combining the elements of an interactive production with live performances, "ND's Fuego" will introduce an exciting and unique evolution of nightlife to Las Vegas.

"Fuego means fire and it stands for the passion in all of us," said ND, owner/director and creative force of "ND's Fuego." "The club will manifest this passion with hot Latin rhythms and will create the next generation of nightlife in Las Vegas. It will truly be an 'Evolution of Nightlife'."

The venue will accommodate up to 1000 guests and will feature some of the biggest names in the music industry. On Feb. 12, salsa sensations Gilberto Santa Rosa and Victor Manuelle will perform an exclusive engagement as part of their current tour "Gilberto Santa Rosa & Victor Manuelle Show, La Historia Continua."

Tickets are on sale now at the Rio box office or by calling (702) 777-7776 or (888) 746-7784.

Posted by Desert Rock at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Brilliant reds, exotic shapes, tangerine trees, Dragons, gold coins, God of Prosperity, and the Ox. Las Vegas and China cultures have a strong bond through the Macau, China resort twinning. It's not surprising that both locales celebrate the Chinese New Year in grand fashion. All around Las Vegas the sights and sounds of the far east are never far away during the 15 days of traditional celebration for the Year of the Oxen. Early predictions say the 2009 Year of the Ox, Lunar Year 4707, will be a time of prosperity.

With the Venetian Macau and Venetian Las Vegas fused at the hip, would you expect anything less than an authentic Chinese New Year's Dragon and Lion Dance? A dance performed live by a dedicated troupe of artist under the guidance of a Dragon Master set to traditional Chinese music of drums and cymbals. A dance so powerful it brought to life a friendly Dragon of Good Fortune plus a pride of authentically costumed dancing Lions that followed in the Dragon's wake.

Flipchip's Photo Gallery of 2009 Chinese New Year Las Vegas Photos is now available with the first installment, all shot on site at the Venetian/Palazzo during the presentation of the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance celebrating the Chinese New Year of the Ox.

Stop by tomorrow for permanent gallery photos of the 2009 Chinese New Year themed Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Additional photos from Las Vegas locations will be added during the 15 days of holiday. All photos in the gallery are offered for download, free of charge, under the provisions of our Creative Commons License.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nearly 1 in 10 people in Nevada are unemployed. That means 128,000 Nevadans are looking for work.

In December, the unemployment rate increased to 9.1 percent, more than a 10 percent increase from November, It's the highest rate in over 25 years -- since September 1983.

The high unemployment rate positions Nevada as having one of the 10 worst rates in the union.

Issuing the bad news today, the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation also stated that collections of unemployment insurance for December was at an all-time high.

On the bright side, the government has upped collecting unemployment to just over a year at 60 weeks (instead of capping at 26 weeks).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

More than thirty images make up the first installment to the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment permanent photo gallery and are availble now. The Flipchip Photo Gallery Hi-Rez, larger images up to a size suitable for a desktop. Download the images free under our Creative Commons License.

All of the AVN gallery photos were taken at the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo earlier this month at the Sands Expo Center located within the Venetian/Palazzo resort complex on the Las Vegas strip. Flipchip has spent most of January covering events at the Venetian. Beginning with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the AVN Expo, then followed up by the Chinese New Year ceremonies, all events at the Venetian. Click or see post below for the Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance photos from the Venetian. Another installment of 2009 AVN Expo photos will be available soon.

Posted by flipchipro at 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A traditional Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance at the Venetian/Palazzo Resort set the mood for the 2009 Chinese New Year Eve, lunar year 4707. According to the Chinese lunar calendar the Year of the Ox, Ji Chou, begins on the first day of the first moon of the lunar calendar. That event occurs on Monday.

The Dragon Dance plays an important role in Chinese Culture as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year. A Pearl of Wisdom enticed the Dragon to follow it through the Venetian/Palazzo casinos. A trailing group of traditional Chinese musicians maintained a strong beat throughout the dance.

Dragons are symbolic of good luck, long life and wisdom and are viewed by Chinese culture as helpful, friendly creatures, while Lions are symbols of guardians against evil spirits and capable of summoning luck and fortune. The Dragon and Lion Dance is a perfect fit for the Las Vegas culture.

A mini-gallery of Flipchip photos from the festivities at the Venetian/Palazzo on Saturday afternoon after the jump.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Dragon Handlers

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Tiny Performer

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Performer with Pearl of Wisdom

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Inside the costume

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Lion

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Performers

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Performers

Posted by flipchipro at 2:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A traditional Chinese Dragon Dance to celebrate the Chinese New Year begins at 3PM Saturday, January 24 . If you've never been to a Chinese New Year Dragon Dance then peruse Flipchip's photos from last year's Dragon Dance and Eye Painting Ceremony at the Venetian / Palazzo in Las Vegas.

Bring your camera for this colorful spectacle celebrating the coming Year of the Ox.

Posted by flipchipro at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

You've heard of freeplay at the casino, how about a free puppy?

Tomorrow is Change a Pet's Life Day, and you can help by taking home a pet from the Animal Foundation (655 N. Mojave Rd.).

All for free.

The national adoption drive sponsored by Hill's Science Diet helps 6 to 8 million cats and dogs who enter a shelter each year find a new home.

Hill's will cover the adoption fees for the first 10 pets adopted.

Other shelters around the country can be found at this link.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

More like the back-and-forth in a tennis match than a boxing match.

That's the feeling we've had for the on-again, off-again fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton. Which is having more rounds than a boxing ring.

First, both fighters verbally agreed to a 50/50 revenue split (of up to $20 million in prize money). A date (May 2) and location (Las Vegas) was set. Then Pacquiao, his head too big from trouncing Oscar De La Hoya, decided he wanted a 60 percent cut.

Hatton bristled, threatening a lawsuit.

Then the fight was off.

The latest, according to philboxing.com, is that it's on again, reporting that Pac has agreed on a 52/48 split with a guaranteed payday of $12 million.

Anything could still happen to call off the fight, but with this much money on the line, we suspect Pacquiao will eventually agree even if the split drops back to 50/50.

The presumed venue for the fight is the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Considering prostitution is legal about 90 minutes away in Pahrump, why lose extra money that the city could use, particularly in this recession?

Prostitution is legal in the state of Nevada except in Clark County (where Las Vegas resides) and Washoe County (Reno). Not all counties have brothels, however.

Yet prostitution exists in Las Vegas; just head to a Strip casino and hang out at the bar at 3 a.m. Metro and the casinos know what's going on but look the other way.

Off and on, the idea of legalizing prostitution has been brought up, and now committees are being formed to talk about the possibility.

Sen. Bob Coffin, who heads the Senate Taxation Committee, is open to a hearing for proposals on taxing and regulating legal brothels.

Those in the casino industry are generally opposed, but when it comes to the state of Nevada's budget crisis, anything will be considered, particularly if something can be taxed that's going on anyway.

Perhaps some intrepid casino magnate will propose a Red Light District casino.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The Year of the Ox is almost upon us. The celebration kicks off at 3PM Saturday, January 24th, with a Dragon Dance for the incoming Ox at the Venetian/Palazzo Las Vegas. If you're in Las Vegas and would like to watch this colorful tradition head to the Venetian Porte Cochere for the start to follow the dragon through the two casinos before arriving at the Palazzo waterfalls.

Don't miss the Bellagio's Chinese New Year show in the Conservatory. Always a crowd pleaser filled with too many Kodak moments. Flipchip dragged the Brownie to the Bellagio and shares these images from the luxurious Las Vegas strip resort.

Plenty more photos after the jump.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Open enrollment for the Nevada Prepaid Tuition program begins today and runs through April 24 (the last enrollment period was Oct. 15 to Dec. 14, 2007).

Prepaying tuition allows parents and family members to lock in rates for a child's college tuition. Since 1998, the state of Nevada has offered the program to over 13,000 children with more than $65 million invested.

You can pay in a lump sum or spread out monthly over 5 years. Other payment plans are also available.

The program can be easily transferred to private and public colleges and universities out of state. The program can also be transferred to another family member, even a first cousin.

All it takes is for the college of choice to accept tuition prepayment plans.

For more information, visit this link.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, the first day of the new regime, offers new hope and new drink specials at Hard Rock.

Today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hard Rock Hotel & Casino celebrates Obama Day 1 with $1 Bud Lights, $1 Right Gin cocktails, and $2 Stella Artois (foreign policy, y'know).

Dealers in the dancin' blackjack pit will be dressed in red, white, and blue and dubbed "Obama's Mamas."

Other drink specials throughout the casino include Obamaritas (Pinc Taco) and Obamartinis (Ago).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Slot machine manufacturer International Game Technology (IGT) has acquired some assets of competitor Progressive Gaming International Corp.

The purchase was announced today for an undisclosed amount.

Last August, IGT acquired a percentage of PGIC by loaning them $15 million.

In a regulatory filing, PGIC is required to sell all its assets to repay lenders, including $17 million to Private Equity Management Group Financial Corp., which foreclosed on PGIC by missing a payment on the loan.

IGT said that PGIC's global operations will combine with their international offices across Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America, Canada, and the United States.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If bigger is better and you don't feel like trekking (pun not intended, as the Star Trek exhibit is moving to Neonopolis) to the Las Vegas Hilton to see the swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, you can join fellow revelers at Planet Hollywood.

Beginning at 8 a.m. today, live streaming CNN coverage will be available on a huge 130' x 40' LED video screen. That's feet, people. (Hilton's screen is 18' x 32', though you get the comfort of sitting down indoors.)

The big tube is located in front of the Miracle Mile Shops facing the Strip, and there's no charge.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Free Donut Day isn't for another 4 months still, but today, all Krispy Kreme stores will give you one doughnut of your choice in honor of Inauguration Day.

'Cause nothing says Happy Inaugration like a doughnut.

Nearby locations:

Excalibur, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd.
(702) 736-5235

Fitzgeralds, 301 Fremont Street
(702) 366-0150

Circus Circus, 2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
(702) 733-9944

1331 West Craig Rd., N. Las Vegas
(702) 657-9575

3377 South Las Vegas Blvd. #2240
(702) 414-3408

7015 W. Spring Mountain Road
(702) 222-1813

9791 South Eastern Avenue
(702) 617-9160

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Las Vegas will celebrate the Presidential Inauguration Tuesday with most places tuned into the video feed from Washington D.C. starting at 8 AM. If you prefer to watch the historic gathering from the luxurious comfort of a Las Vegas showroom you can't beat the Las Vegas Hilton.

Doors to the fabled Hilton Theater will open at 8 AM for the 8:30 AM start of the festivities. This is the same Las Vegas showroom that hosted Elvis Presley when he performed his record setting series of Las Vegas concerts. The public is cordially invited to watch the historic event with free admission into the Hilton theater. The broadcast will air on an 18' x 32' HDTV screen with theater sound. See you there.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Get a free medium popcorn tomorrow only at the Brenden Theatres (at The Palms).

But only if you're a member of the Brenden Celebrity Movie Club.

Click here to join (it's free), and you'll receive emailed coupons along with special offers.

Brenden Theatres will also be launching their secret movie premiere on Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. (we think it might be New in Town, Renee Zellweger's new movie, or the horror flick The Uninvited). For the box office price of a regular movie, you'll gain entry to the new movie, receive free popcorn and soda, and get a special offer from a local restaurant (which looks to be New Orleans-style Matteo's Cafe). Prizes will also be given away.

But to see the premiere, you also have to be a member.

1/20/09 update: the coupon, which was delivered to our email late (ahem), can be found at this link. It's good through Thursday, and we'll look the other way if you print more than one copy.

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

While the Las Vegas locals special for the new Trump Hotel is $99, now there's a special Studio Suite deal for rock-bottom $89. And not just for locals, either.

Along with the standard 32" LCD TV, Stearns & Foster bedding, sofabed, floor-to-ceiling windows, jet stream tub, European-style kitchen, and much more, the offer also includes a $50 coupon off any massage or facial treatment at the spa, plus a late checkout time of 4 p.m. (no other hotel allows such a late checkout).

Just ask for the "Suite Escape" when booking at 1-866-939-8786.

Offer is good for travel from now through Feb. 11.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by mgs • lasvegasvegas.com

With the latest Las Vegas strip projects choosing different facades that don't include neon as the main design element, the city of Neon may soon be called the LED capitol or the mirrowed glass box capitol of the world. In years past a trip through downtown Las Vegas or a drive up the Las Vegas strip created neon shock and awe. Blinking, flashing streaks of psychedelic color from the miles of neon tubing provided the perfect invitation to join the fun and fantasy awaiting visitors inside the casinos.

LasVegasVegas photographer, MGS, shot a few photos of nostalgic neon endowed joints remaining on the Las Vegas strip during a recent Saturday night cruise..

photo by mgs • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by mgs • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Men's Fitness has rated Las Vegas the fattest city for 2007 and 2008.

But now, whether we're eating less, working out more, or just that people have moved, the 2009 data shows Las Vegas is now number 4.

For the past 11 years, the fitness magazine has graded major cities (the most populated areas) in the U.S. based on numbers of fast food restaurants, available walking areas, fitness centers, TV watching, commute, parks, and more.

What overtook our fine fat neon city? Miami made the top of the list, followed by Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

As for the fittest city, that would be our neighbors in Salt Lake City.

Excuse us, we're off to a buffet to help reclaim our title.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Studio at the Palms (pictured above), the state-of-the-art recording studio at The Palms casino, is fast becoming known as the go-to facility for recording artists.

Famous for Britney Spears spending time on her single "Blackout," the studio is also host to Maroon 5, Panic, Celine Dion, and LL Cool J.

Yesterday, the latest in the "Live from Las Vegas at the Palms" series of recordings was released, featuring live performances from My Morning Jacket. The exclusive six-song EP is only available on iTunes and is in the running for longest title: "Ryan Pickett Presents, in Association with Pickettmax Films: Candles and Panties '08-the iTunes EP- LIVE in Las Vegas! A Ryan Pickett Production."

Hear samples of the band's music at their MySpace page.

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

Want the boxing line on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton fight in Las Vegas on May 2?

A visit to sports books in town puts Pacquiao the favorite at -215 and Hatton the underdog at +160.

In sports betting terms, that means plunking down $215 to win $100 on Pacquiao, but on Hatton, it's betting only $100 to win $160.

Though we predict Pac to win, we can't deny the great odds being given and will be giving it up for the Brit.

But now the entire fight could be in jeopardy, as Pac is seeking a 60/40 split instead of the already agreed upon 50/50. Split down the middle, each fighter would receive up to $20 million. Pac is looking for $4 million more for $24 million with Hatton getting $16 million.

If Hatton doesn't agree to the new terms by the end of today, the fight could be called off. Or he could threaten legal action, as there was a verbal agreement to the 50/50.

Then you would see some angry boxing.

Already Hatton has conceded battling in Las Vegas instead of his home base of the U.K. and the specific date of May 2.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Day 4 photos from the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at the Sands Expo Center Las Vegas. The final day of the 11th Annual AVN AEE Expo (porn convention) was well attended and well documented on thousands of cell phone cameras held aloft by thousands of mostly male fans.

Word on the street says the adult entertainment business is down this year by more than 20%; but, you couldn't find any proof of a downturn in business at this year's Expo. Daily crowds of attendees appeared to be better than last year. Maybe the Adult industry is down overall while the AVN AEE Show is up. This is one of the most popular Las Vegas expo shows and best of all, it's open to the public.

The most Flipchip 2009 AVN AEE photos to date after the jump...

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Last week, Harrah's laid off or reduced to part-time 70 employees at Rio Las Vegas.

Like other gaming companies, Harrah's has been struggling in the recession, posting a Q3 loss of $129.7 million (Q3 last year was a profit of $244.4 million).

Now they've announced that the new tower at Caesars Palace will be postponed.

Originally scheduled to open this summer, the $1.3 billion Octavius Tower can be seen on the offramp from I-15 to Flamingo, and it would've added 665 rooms.

The delay only affects the room openings themselves; the added convention space and new pool will still open this summer.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While you may be drooling at all the AVN pics, our mouth is salivating over something a bit more attainable...

a Golden Nugget suite.

That's right, you heard us.

And it's not just any suite, this is their premium Spa Tower Suite, which is being given away for dirt cheap in this economy (normally it's reserved for high-rollers and can't even be paid for).

Pictured above, the two-level suite includes a whirlpool bath, wet bar, Internet access, and even a shoeshine machine. The view overlooks downtown Las Vegas and the Golden Nugget pool.

Hey Golden Nugget, anytime you want us to review your suite firsthand, you let us know, 'kay? We'd even be happy to type up the details from the whirlpool.

The suite is available for $189, $199, and $209 per night:

$189: Jan. 12-15, 25-29; Feb. 2-5, 16-18; March 2-4; April 12-16; May 10-13, 25-27
$199: Jan. 18-22; Feb. 15, 19, 22-26; March 5, 8-12, 22-26, 29-31; April 1-2, 5-9, 19-23, 26-30; May 3-7, 14, 17, 28, 31
$209: Jan. 23-24, April 10-11; May 8-9, 18-21

Regular rooms can be had at the above rate minus $150 (in other words, as low as $39 per night on selected dates).

You must book by Jan. 15 at 1-800-634-3454 or online.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Sunday was the final day of the AVN 2009 Las Vegas Adult Entertainment Expo. Fans crowded into the Sands Expo Center for the last hours to meet the stars of the adult entertainment business. The party has come and gone for another year. The numbers should be in soon for overall attendance among exhibitors, buyers, and fans. Overall business numbers could be off even though fan attendance could be up. Work continues on the 2009 AVN Gallery.

More Flipchip photos from Day 4 of the 2009 AVN AEE after the jump...

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 7:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Day 3 of the AVN 2009 Las Vegas Expo filled the great halls of the Sands Expo Center with an upbeat crowd of thousands. Fans, stars, industry reps and even a giant of the industry, Joe Francis, creator of the Girls Gone Wild series. Joe Francis and Hustler's Larry Flynt have joined forces to ask Congress for a $5 billion US taxpayer bailout for the adult entertainment industry similar to the auto maker's cash bag distribution.

More Flipchip photos from Day 3 of the 2009 AVN AEE after the jump...

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 5:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Day 2 of the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo ended Friday at 8 PM. The extended hours are for teh benefit of the fans crowding into the Sands Expo Center. AVN AEE is one of teh few expos in Las Vegas that allows access to the general public. All you need to do to join in the fun is buy a ticket.

More Flipchip images from Day 2 await after the jump. The permanent AVN Photo Gallery should be available early next week. As always, don't click through to the photos if you're easily offended by human sexuality.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 7:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now East Coasters won't have to go all the way to Las Vegas for a quickie wedding.

New York City is entering the fray of last-minute wedding chapels, with a new 24,000-square-foot marriage bureau that facilitates short-term planners.

This includes trinkets such as flowers, instant cameras, tissues, and elastic bands. Each for a price, of course.

The renovated building used to house the Department of Motor Vehicles, and $12 million was gambled on that bid to take some business away from Las Vegas.

Overseeing the design of the two chapels was Jamie Drake, who also designed Madonna's home.

Could NYC overtake Vegas for weddings? Data so far shows Vegas's wedding ceremonies lagging along with the economy, yet New York had an increase.

Vegas had 2.5 times more weddings than New York last year, and even with the downturn we suspect the allure of Vegas (coupled with free alcohol) will keep Vegas in the lead.

What we could really use is a quickie divorce chapel.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A subdued crowd at this years CES in Las Vegas. Late in the afternoon on the first day some of the exhibit areas at the Venetian were practically deserted except for the booth workers. Apparently we are seeing the side effects of a stalled world economic engine. 'Fewer Buyers and smaller orders' was heard from some of the international exhibitors. Is this another direct reflection of the current world financial crisis?

The once jovial party atmosphere that prevailed when everything electronic was hot has faded under the doom and gloom from the market place. And herein lies the irony, many of the new products are simply remarkable, a few are unbelievably sophisticated, and they are all for sale, right now...at a discounted price.

I'll be marking time waiting for a near future return to the great days with jobs were aplenty, crowds of buyers flowing through CES, prosperity among the populace. The world is a better place to live when the Halls of the CES are overflowing with orders, and the populace is buying the latest in big screen TV...just to watch one football game. Remember those days when we could and would buy a gigawatt mobile audio system just to listen to one song?

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Day 1 of the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is now complete. Almost too much to see and do at this very popular gathering. Add into the mix the 100K plus crowd in town for the CES expo and is is too much. After chasing around collecting press credentials, secret decoder rings, and other media stuff I quickly settled in and collected images from the acres of exposed skin.

I have quickly gone through some of today's shots and present them here. Most of them are after the jump, some of them are revealing, and all of them are photos of people having a good time and acting quite natural. If you're easily offended by normal sexual behavior then you could better spend your time browsing our shopping directory.

AVN AEE high quality images will be posted in the 2009 AVN AEE Photo Gallery later this week. Photos from the expo will be posted daily.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 4:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today's CES keynote speech by Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer (Bill Gates stepped down from day-to-day duties, including his regular keynote speech at CES) revealed that the beta version of Windows 7 will be available on Friday for free download. The final version is expected in November.

To a packed crowd at the Venetian for the kickoff of the Consumer Electronics Show tomorrow, Ballmer went through the highlights of the new operating system, which appears geared to replace the Windows Vista dud.

Windows 7 is the next step in bringing connectivity to PC, TV, and cellphone. A multi-touch feature has been added, similar to what's being used on the iPhone and in the iBar touch screens at Rio Las Vegas.

Integration was the key focus, such as enabling the user to view past documents and websites across multiple programs without having to first open that program.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If you're one of the lucky ones that will attend the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at the Sands Expo Center in the Venetian you should find the following info useful. Show dates and hours are posted below for your convenience. Are you a fan with plans to attend and haven't bought your ticket yet? This link goes straight to the online ticket sales office.

If you're one of the unlucky ones that can't make it to Las Vegas this year then the following link will provide a long distance window direct to the Expo floor. Flipchip photos will be published daily throughout the January 8th - 11th run of the popular adult entertainment industry.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

MGM Mirage announced today that they are cancelling the residences half of The Harmon Hotel, Spa & Residences.

Part of the $9 billion CityCenter project, The Harmon was to be a boutique hotel-condo unit with 400 hotel rooms and 200 condos, but now when it opens at its new expected date at the end of 2010, it will only include the hotel rooms.

Scrapping the condos saves $200 million and sidesteps an expensive redesign that would be required by Clark County inspectors, who found mistakes in how structural steel bars were placed.

Though The Harmon reportedly had almost half its units sold (buyers will receive full refunds), restricting the unit to just hotels also saves having to sell the remaining condos in the current flagging economy.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The largest expo of the yea, 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), begins on Thursday and runs through Sunday filling the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center with the latest in electronic gadgets. The high volume of expo goers will add to the crowds on the strip and increase traffic on the streets around the expo areas. This is 'the gathering' of electrified powers that will define our all electronic, miniatured, digitized, accessorized lifestyles for 2009 and beyond.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Exhibitors from around the world will introduce new technologies and new products designed specifically for the mass market consumer. The latest in cellular communications will undoubtedly be the major focus of many of the exhibitors along with the always popular audio systems for your ride. This is the place that will turn your electron dreams into realities while suffocating your credit card.

World's largest consumer TV screen, world's smallest cellphone, world's smartest robot, world's
newest hand held device, world's latest technology...catch phrases that will be repeated repeatedly.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Even with world economy on life support the electro expo is expected to draw in excess of 120,000 participants and provide a nice across-the-board boost to many Las Vegas bottom lines. Job creation or more layoffs within the consumer electronics industry will depend on the sales numbers from the 2009 CES. CES is not open to the general public.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 5:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With The Palms hosting four nightclubs now, club-hopping can be done without a cab and just in the confines of one casino.

But why pay the cover charge each time or get the back of your palm covered in four different ink stamps?

Now for one price, you can pay to get into all the clubs at The Palms -- Playboy club, Moon, Rain, and ghostbar.

The cost is $20 from Sunday-Thursday and $40 from Friday-Saturday.

All-access wristbands can be purchased at the door (still have to wait in line) or online at this link ($7.80 service fee is added). Note that prices do tend to fluctuate depending on who may be performing -- sometimes the weekend all-access pass is $60.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Airlines have in general been slashing flights to Las Vegas. Before the end of 2008, Southwest held a two-day sale of half-off their Wanna Get Away rates (sorry, we were too busy stuffing our faces with holiday turkey to post that one in time).

Now a new airline expected to launch later this month embraces an innovative business model of pay-as-you-fly -- essentially, a pay-per-minute fee.

Like cellphone minutes, Airtime Airlines uses what's called iFLY airtime, where passengers purchase minutes in advance, then book flights based on how long those flights are expected to take. You have one year to fly, and any unused minutes then get deposited into the cellphone carrier of your choice.

Flight times are set, so longer or shorter flights won't affect passengers' minutes.

And though it will only cover South Africa (for now), if it proves popular, a domestic version may not be far behind.

We'd like to see a pay-per-minute buffet, because sometimes we just want to grab a sandwich and not have to graze through a smorgasbord of every meat group.

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Applicants can apply online for CityCenter jobs beginning at midnight Monday, January 5th. The massive Las Vegas strip project is officially taking applications for the 12,000 positions required to run the city within a city.

Check out our earlier post detailing the MGM Mirage staffing project for the $10 billion CityCenter project.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

A year long wait comes to an end this week when the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo opens its' doors at the Sands Convention Center located at the Palazzo/Venetian complex on the Las Vegas strip.

The AVN AEE is open to the public. Buy a ticket and bring your camera for some fantastic photo opps with the stars of the adult entertainment business. Flipchip will be there with his cameras recording images for daily post here and our 2009 AVN Photo Gallery. FYI: The AVN Galleries are our most popular photos.

Flipchip photos from the 2008 AVN Expo after the jump.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 6:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The World Series of Beer Pong moves upscale to the Strip this year, for its 4th annual competition.

Through Jan. 5, Beer Pong players convene at the Flamingo, vying for a $50,000 grand prize with a guarantee of 12 games.

Last year, the number of players increased by 20 percent to 600.

How do you play?

Each team stands in front of a pyramid of cups. A player then throws a ping pong ball into an opponent's cup. That ball is removed from the cup, the opponent must drink the beer, and the cup is removed.

The team to eliminate all of their opponents' cups wins.

Though it's too late to register, head down to the Flamingo to watch the dawn of an exciting sport before ESPN grabs it up.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hot off their reunion benefit concert for President-Elect Barack Obama (back when he was just a candidate in October), the remaining members of the Grateful Dead will be reuniting for a 19-city tour this spring.

Band members Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, Bob Weir, and Bill Kreutzmann have mended their differences and will be joined by Warren Haynes and Jeff Chimenti.

The Dead last played Vegas in 2004, which was the last year they performed together. Alas, Las Vegas is not on the slate of the new tour dates, but Los Angeles (May 9) is a hop, skip, and a 5-hour bus ride.

For other interested folks, check the Meetup group for Vegas for The Dead.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 1:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

New Years has come and gone. The Las Vegas Strip is back to the normal jammed up traffic and sidewalks crowded with visitors swilling beer from plastic footballs. All of the holiday parties are nothing more than foggy memories.

Motorcycle jumping and truck flipping took center stage during the festivities. Rhys Millen stayed healthy enough to successfully back flip his off road truck although the landing was rough and he ended up upside down; but, he did complete the first ever (intentional) back flip in a truck.

Robbie Kneivel was billed to be jumping the new volcano at the Mirage. He did not jump the volcano and never intended to do so. Apparently Fox TV promoted the stunt as a jump over and through the erupting volcano. Instead, those that watched this one got a rather ho-hum 200 foot jump ramp to ramp in front of the volcano.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The other Robbie, "Maddo" Maddison, stole the night with his spectacular first time stunt of flying his bike from the ground to a landing atop the Arc de Triomphe. He then did a couple of laps around the top and then drove off the side to free fall more than five stories before landing hard on the down ramp. The incredible forces of the landing injured his hand; but otherwise, he was OK. The crowd was thrilled and certainly got their money's worth for the free show. I wonder what the Australian plans for next year?

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The fireworks show was lame after officials refused to allow them to be launched from the tops of the strip resorts. They used the parking garages instead and all of the thousands of people milling about on the strip had no view of the $550K pyrotechnics show. Parking garages are located behind the towering hotels.

Overall, the crowd was somewhat subdued from years past even though the numbers beat last year's 200K plus. A few photos of the aftermath from America's Party on the Las Vegas strip.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 6:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Buy an entree, get an entree free at Silverton.

Last month's terrific offer of buy one, get one free at all restaurants at Silverton (except Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, and Luciano) went over so well, they're doing it again this month, beginning today through Jan. 31.

It includes the buffet, so if you're dining alone or in odd numbers, you can pay it forward for the person behind you.

This time, however, they've limited the window to 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Which means no weekend brunches and no midnight snacks.

This is steakhouse time, though, where the offer also applies to the upscale Twin Creeks steakhouse, possibly the best deal we can think of.

No coupon is necessary, just show your Discovery player's card (it's free to sign up) before you get your check, and your second entree of equal or lesser value will be removed from the bill. Don't forget to tip for both entrees.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's official -- Manny Pacquiao, fresh off his win against Oscar De La Hoya, will fight Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 2.

The venue is still being determined, but we suspect it will be the MGM Grand Garden Arena, which tends to host the majority of fights. (The only concern is that the Thomas & Mack Center has 4,000 more seats.)

The boxing match is expected to generate as much as $60 million in revenue. Up to $20 million each is expected to go to each of the boxers.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)