We're excited about this offer, simply because we've never seen it discounted before.

The widely believed cream-of-the-crop of Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas is "O" -- at Bellagio. It's been performing to packed houses since it opened in 1998, but perhaps even the recession has hit this landmark aquatic show, because it's temporarily being discounted 25 percent for 10:30 p.m. shows

Normally $102.85, we found limited view tickets for $77.14 (plus $5 per ticket service charge).

The best orchestra seats go for $165, but with the discount they're $123.75 (plus $5 per ticket service charge).

Dates listed are April 2, 3, 16-19, and 23-26.

Order online at this link, and keep checking -- more may be added.

Other discounted shows include KA, LOVE, and Mystere -- all at 25 percent off. For more info, click here and select "Promotions."

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

The 48 Hour Film Project returns to Las Vegas on April 17.

Las Vegas filmmakers will begin that Friday with nothing but a character, prop, line of dialogue, and genre -- and then they have 48 hours to create a movie.

Inspired by 24-hour theatrical plays, the film version idea was hatched by Washington, D.C. filmmakers Mark Ruppert and Liz Langston in May 2001. Since then, the Project has expanded to over 150 competitions around the world.

Films will be screened at Brenden Theatres (at The Palms) on April 22.

Tonight you can mix and mingle at the Simon Restaurant (Palms Place, 6th floor) among the Project filmmakers. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy a special menu with $4.80 beer, while joining the terror and excitement of filmmakers as they gear up for April 17. Maybe you can even volunteer your services for upcoming films.

To RSVP, email lasvegas@48hourfilm.com.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From now until April 25, Station Casinos is giving away $2 million in Cadillac Escalade Hybrids and cash.

Hurry, before Station files bankruptcy!

Drawings are at all Station Casinos, including Fiestas, and take place at 8:15 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Earn entries through slots, tables, and even playing live poker and bingo.

For every 50 points you earn ($50 playthrough), you'll receive 1 entry.

In addition, the higher level you are, the more entries you'll earn -- Platinum receives 3x entries, President receives 4x, and Chairman receives 5x.

During each drawing, you'll have a chance to win $1000 in cash and a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. One car is guaranteed to be awarded each drawing and 100 players are guaranteed to win $1000 each drawing.

And hey, just by showing up to the casino to swipe your card, you'll receive 10 free entries every day.

Sounds like we'll be catching some movies at Station, right around 8:15 p.m.

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

The Las Vegas Sun took some time-lapse photography of the Strip going dark for last night's Earth Hour that lasted from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This is the first time the Strip has gone dark.

Invited by the World Wildlife Fund, Las Vegas was one of over 2,500 cities around the world to participate in a "lights out" as a sign of support to save energy.

The Fremont Street Experience also participated.

Pictured above is an image from that time lapse, the instant right after Luxor's beam turned off.

Play the video at this link

See Flipchip photos of Earth Hour Las Vegas with this link

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

One hour of "lights out" for Earth Hour darkened the Las Vegas Strip Saturday evening from 8:30 to 9:30. Even with the big resort's exterior lights extinguished and marquees dark, the secondary lighting from the car jammed strip plus the street lights, traffic signals, and lighted truck ads made the scene along the Las Vegas Strip only slightly dark.

While watching the lights go out along the strip I got a fleeting chill that I could be watching a dress rehearsal for the real thing now that the President has poisoned the Las Vegas well and deflected away our stream of life giving convention revenues. Just keeping the Strip lights turned on may prove to be mission impossible for some.

The ambient light dark photos offered here of this one-time "lights out" event are better if viewed in the hi-def larger sizes. Clicking anywhere within an image gets the bigger sized gallery photo. Go directly to the Flipchip Photo Galleries with this link.

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 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For a fourth consecutive year Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, will host the Happy House Poker Tournament and BBQ at her Northridge, California home on Saturday, April 25,2009, 1 - 6 PM. All of the proceeds will go to Happy House and its Mission to Build Better Families. Entry fee for the poker tournament and all of the amenities is $50 prior to April 10th, after that the price goes to $60. The winner of the event will receive a seat in Brad Garrett's poker tournament to benefit Maximum Hope Foundation and the Dream Foundation.

Poker players for the tournament should arrive by 12:30 PM, thirty minutes before the 1:00 PM command of "Shuffle Up and Deal" begins the eliminations. All poker tournament entrants must be 21 and up.

Be sure to bring the kids as there will be plenty of games for the younger members of the family. If you're coming for the party a $15 contribution to this most worthy cause is appreciated. Kids under 12 are free.

For information and/or to reserve seats or attend the BBQ: RSVP (818) 882-7483 or email: adam@happyhouse.org. Address to be provided upon RSVP.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The brain trust here at LasVegasVegas has a few expected credentials including college degrees, serious tech types, geek speakers, digital gadget lovers, even one guy that can that set the clock on most anything; but, none of the education or years of experience or clever people could protect us from ourselves when we went shopping for our Hi-Def TV.

Being cutting edge science types we knew the Creme D'la Creme of Hi-Def flat panel viewing technology was plasma. Just saying the word "plasma" produces that warm, smug feeling of techno envy. The way it rolls over the vocal cords like a dram of exotic nectar from the gamma quadrant's far east. Hey guys, bought a pla$$$ma display for the big game.

In reality, plasma turned out to be TV technology born in the fires of research hell. A laboratory curiosity that makes a great laboratory curiosity, when it works. Our plasma spent its life in a cardboard box in the cargo hold of yet another airliner taking the balky plasma to an even bigger Operation Center with near Einstein level repair technicians. Unfortunately, repairs were neither permanent nor long lasting. A full length movie without timeouts would have been a miracle. True to its plasmic roots, it would emit that unique hot electronics odor that compels you to ask a very knowledgeable person about the melting point of cancer, and right soon.

Fortunately for us, Wo Fat Airlines permanently misplaced the asthmatic plasmatic TV during a 4:20 fuel stopover in Noyen-Unotoke, then months later sent us an insurance settlement check drawn against insurer AIG. Deciding the AIG check would probably bounce, we went shopping for our second flat screen TV, again with our money. At least now we know what not to buy. Absolutely positively no plasma!

As it worked out this was to be our lucky day. Strolling through the aisles of LCD's, now that we know plasma is off the list there's only one choice left, LCD. Right? LCD is the way to go...and while standing there deciding what size LCD to buy, we met Doc Hale.

Turns out Doc Hale has written something like 8 video books that cover some of his vast knowledge of large screen, flat screen, Hi-Def television display technology. Fortunately for prospective buyers and do-it-yourself hook-up artist, Doc Hale has a web site, www.video123.net. A web place loaded with answers to all of the questions every TV buyer should know, before they buy. There's also plenty of How-to-do-it areas and links to other helpful home entertainment sites. It is the go-to place for setting up and hooking up for the best use of your media/entertainment equipment. Quick and easy and it's all in one convenient place. Everything you need to know about digital TV technology is available here.

We got the advice and purchased a Mitsubishi DLP from Doc Hale at Fry's Electronics in Las Vegas. If you think you're as smart as we thought we were about current Hi-Def TV then we suggest you go to Fry's Electronics in Las Vegas, head for the TV section where you'll probably find the Doc among the Mitsubishi DLP TV's. Introduce yourself and tell him you need help...lots of help.

Of course, you can do what we did. Buy something really expensive that you know absolutely nothing about. Commit to memory a variety of 800 numbers for customer service centers in India, and miss the big game completely. On the bright side, You now know to the penny what it costs to FedEx a 63 lb. package to Romania. You know that having anything with the AIG name makes you the laughing stock of the entire bank.

Who needs any of that? Take our advice and educate yourself about modern TV technology. We learned that the different types of TV are like different car types and we all know some car types are far less prone to failure. Know what you want before you go TV shopping.

We asked Doc Hale Five Important Questions every potential TV buyer should know before deciding their perfect TV. The Q&A plus why you shouldn't buy a Blu-ray today after the jump.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

1. What are the most common mistakes you see buyers make that they really should avoid?

Stay away from Plasmas. Sony, Mitsubishi & others don't even make them. I get a lot of complaints from people buying Visio. The #1 seller because it's cheaper.

2. In 140 characters, why DLP?

You can go Bigger, Better, Lighter, Faster and Cheaper, (less expensive). Your colors will not fade over time. You replace a $99.00 bulb every 5,000 to 6,000 hours (3 to 4 years) and you have a NEW TV.

3. Any tips for tracking down the best deals?

Most stores have a 110% 30 day guarantee. Visit your favorite electronics store, mine is Fry's, purchase your DLP TV and for 30 days if you find it cheaper the store (I like Fry's) will match the price and give you an extra 10% of the difference.

4. Suggested movies for getting the most out of the 1080p format?

Blu-ray gives you up to 6 times the picture quality of a regular DVD. I would wait for the new models coming out the end of April, 2009

5. What is your ultimate spare no expense dream system?

A 73" Mitsubishi DLP, a Blu-ray, and a $1.5K sound system.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All day today through the weekend, Palace Station plays host to over 300 MINI cars and their drivers.

Those owning MINI Coopers will make their annual trek across the country to join hundreds of other MINI owners in Las Vegas.

Including mixers and social events every day, the Sin City MINI Club has been behind this fun vacation every year since 2004.

This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the MINI.

Below is a YouTube video of 282 MINIs gridlocking the Las Vegas Strip last year.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Southwest Airlines has dropped their Wanna Get Away rates to only $49-$99 each way (purchase 14 days in advance).

If you're looking to travel to or from Las Vegas (or any other city in their roster, for that matter), you won't find a cheaper rate. $219 roundtrip, cross-country, including all fees and taxes is a bargain.

And don't forget -- Southwest allows you to change your flight for no extra cost except the difference in price.

The only restriction is that you must travel outside of Friday and Sunday; in other words, your stay should span one or both of those days.

Purchase by April 6 for travel through Aug. 14.

Combined with hotel-casinos slashing their rates to the lowest in years, this makes a trip to Las Vegas one of the cheapest vacations you can find (more money to spend on gambling and food).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

We first told you about the troubles of Canadian businessman, Semion Cronenfeld, last Friday when we learned that he is alleged to owe $5 million to Green Valley Ranch Resort. Seems the once high flying real estate investor has fallen on hard times as the crumbling economy takes back most of the spoils.

In Nevada, failure to pay gambling markers is felony theft, akin to passing bad checks. What a tough way to end the week, owing $5 million you probably don't have.

Cough up five million or go to jail makes for a dark cloud over anyone's weekend; but, for Semion Konenfeld (he spells it both ways) it just keeps getting darker. Semion Cronenfeld is now worrying about coming up with $12.9 million get out of jail bucks.

He is facing additional casino collection efforts, this time from the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. They've asked the DA to file additional criminal charges against Mr. Kronenfeld for theft of $7.9 million in alleged debts resulting from unpaid gambling markers in 2008 at the Venetian.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

If you just paid attention to the headlines about our fine neon city, you'd think that with all the crime, our state would be somewhat dangerous.

Well, not just somewhat dangerous... CQ Press has published their Crime State Rankings for 2009 and has ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state in the country.

Nevada was plucked from 20 states, comparing crime rate against the national average.

A dubious honor, we've been the most dangerous for the past 6 straight years.

Grrr.

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

March basketball craziness has taken over the sports books in Las Vegas. Thousands of college basketball fans crowd into the cavernous Vegas books to watch their favorite teams take the journey down the road to the championship. What's better than being one of the many filling the Vegas Sports Books? How about being one of a smaller, more pampered class of sports fan that prefers to watch the games on the screens at Sapphire Las Vegas, world's largest gentlemen's club (70,000+ sq ft).

From the world famous Sapphire skyboxes, take in all of the action of your favorite college match-ups during March Mayhem at Sapphire Las Vegas . The party runs through the April 6th championship game. Watch the championship final at Sapphire and you'll also enjoy the 3rd Annual "Stripper Shootout" plus a Tailgate Party with complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers.

Sapphire Las Vegas is home to hundreds of gorgeous entertainers and was the location for World Topless Bull Riding Championship.

Make your reservations now to join the special March Mayhem Party at Sapphire Las Vegas. Complete details are available by calling 702.869.0003.

Read Dr Pauly's review of Sapphire Las Vegas. Sapphire dancers photographed at the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

For a little play at Binion's, we've suddenly become flooded with offers.

In this Las Vegas recession, concentrating your gambling on a smaller casino can result in a wide variety of freebies.

Binion's is now inviting us to their slot tournaments (with free rooms), blackjack tournaments (with free rooms), sweepstakes tournaments (with free rooms), and just free rooms in general... almost unheard of for locals.

One open comp is two free nights anytime in April and May, with additional nights at $25 for Sunday-Thursday and $42 for Friday-Saturday. We've also been given $40 in free slotplay if we stay at the hotel. Hey, a free staycation downtown with free money to boot? Bring it on.

Binion's has (perhaps temporarily) changed their comp program for the better.

Club Binion's members (it's free to join) now just need to earn 40 points to get $1 cashback and $2 in comps.

On the Strip, the average comp (not even cashback) is $1 for every $1000 playthrough.

The Binion's offer is just $200 playthrough in slots for $1 in cash and $2 in comps.

Combining cashback and comps, that amounts to an offer that's 15 times better than most places on the Strip.

Even video poker, traditionally 2x slots, only needs $320 in coin-in per 40 points.

The offer does exclude select video poker machines, presumably the ones that with the offer push the payback percentage to above 100 percent.

And don't forget -- on average, the slot machines at Binion's already have a higher payback percentage than the ones on the Strip.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Tomorrow, the Fremont Street Experience becomes the Fremont Taste Experience.

The Las Vegas Chefs Taste of Downtown takes place March 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offers samples of food from downtown restaurants.

Some of the restaurants previewed include Golden Nugget, Don B's Steakhouse (from Fitzgeralds), Triple George Grill, Hennessey's, and more.

Beer and wine tasting will be available for those 21 and over.

Amidst all the food and wine tastings will also be live music and other entertainment.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the event.

For more information, call Rick Albrecht at (702) 400-1378.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Duff McKagan and guitarist Mike Squires stopped by KOMP 92.3 radio earlier this week to chat with Carlota.

They also played an acoustic version of "Flatline" live in studio.

On April 7, Duff McKagan's Loaded drops the album "Sick," their first full-length recording in eight years (stints with Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver took up some time).

The conversation and song were recorded live and can be seen on YouTube below.

In their chat, you can hear McKagan talking about Mixed Martial Arts and how "fighting saved his life."

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The more the recession goes on, the more the casinos lose (or rather, don't profit as much).

And the more the casinos lose, the more they're going after high-rollers who haven't paid what they owe.

The latest is Canadian businessman Semion Cronenfeld.

Cronenfeld's casino of choice was Green Valley Ranch and last year, he took out markers for $1.7 million, $2.3 million, and $1 million between Oct. 24 and 26.

Cronenfeld ran a Toronto real estate business, where his credit line contributed to his unusually large cash advance.

Like the real estate market that crumbled on 0 percent financing, casinos also extended credit to deadbeats who on paper looked like their credit was sterling but then later turned around and wrote bad checks to cover the loss.

The casinos are taking a gamble that they will get their money; if not, they prosecute as a felony theft.

Station Casinos, which co-owns GVR along with The Greenspun Corporation, expects to file bankruptcy by April 15.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 4:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the last showgirl shows in Las Vegas will soon close.

Onstage at Tropicana for almost 50 years, "Folies Bergere" is expected to seat its last customer on March 28, a time of mourning that will unintendedly be commemorated by Las Vegas turning its lights off for 1 hour (for Earth Hour).

Inspired by the Paris show of the same name (the nude show which opened in 1918), Folies Bergere was one of the first topless shows in Las Vegas and considered quite daring when it opened in 1959.

But like most of Las Vegas' gambling, tourists, and hotel rooms, audience occupancy has been down, and the show cannot go on.

RIP Folies Bergere.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The Las Vegas Strip will indeed go dark.

If only for 1 hour.

Earth Hour takes place from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 28, with everyone encouraged by the World Wildlife Fund to turn off all lights for an hour.

All of MGM Mirage and Harrah's Entertainment properties in Las Vegas will follow suit, at least their casinos' outdoor lighting and marquees. For MGM Mirage, this includes Bellagio, Excalibur, Monte Carlo, Circus Circus, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, New York New York, Mirage, TI, MGM Grand, and The Signature at MGM Grand. At Harrah's, this includes Harrah's Las Vegas, Flamingo, Paris Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, Imperial Palace, Rio, Bally's, and Bill's Gamblin' Hall.

In fact, most businesses and casinos will join in Earth Hour Las Vegas, including Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas Hilton, Boyd Gaming casinos, Hard Rock, The Palms, Hooters, Sahara, Tropicana, Wynn, Encore, Palazzo, Venetian, Stratosphere, downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience... in fact, if your lights are still on for that hour, shame on you.

Even the City of Light (in Paris. France, not Paris Las Vegas) will join the hour of darkness.

While showing a sign of commitment to vote against global warming, it will also save the big corporations Harrah's, MGM Mirage, and Venetian a couple bucks as they stave off possible bankruptcy.

No word on the Station Casinos, by the way, which has announced it will file Chapter 11 by April 15.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

An exhibit of 20th Century fashions from the turn of the century and each decade following will be on display at the Charleston Antique Mall in Las Vegas from March 22 through April 18. The public is invited free of charge daily.

Charleston Antique Mall is located at 307 West Charleston Blvd., in the downtown art district area, adjacent to the Holsum Lofts. The opening date coincides with the mall's annual anniversary celebration.

Antique and vintage outer wear, bridal wear, day, evening, leisure and lingerie wear, hats and accessories of all types will be part of the century of fashion display. Most of the pieces are on loan from private collectors.

Michelle Tully, the mall's owner, said that while the majority of clothing and accessories in the showing are women's fashions, men's styles and children's garments will also be represented.

Starting with late Victorian styles, the exhibit will go on to include styles from the 1910-1920 decade, the ever-changing trends of the 1920's, the very fashionable 1930's and into the stylish 1940's.

With the current rage for vintage and retro clothing, mid-century fashion designs and the iconic styles of the 1950's and 60's - Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy -will highlight the exhibit.

Disco fashions, mini and maxi hemlines, platform shoes, ethnic designs, all depict some of the 1970's styles included in the exhibit. The big padded shoulders trend of the 1980's will be shown along with fashions of that period influenced by popular couture designers.

The glamorous contemporary designs such as those worn by Princess Diana, and the glitzy craze of the 1990's will wind up the presentation of 100 years of fashion history.

The exhibit committee is composed of several antique dealers with various backgrounds that encompass fashion design, retail trends, and collecting antique, vintage and retro style clothing.

Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday, 10AM - 6PM. Sundays, 11AM - 5PM. For more information, call the Charleston Antique Mall at 702-228-4783.

Posted by pokerprof at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Allegiant Air is offering a free companion ticket for every ticket you purchase to Las Vegas.

But hurry -- the offer expires at the end of today. Book today for flights running April 1 through Sept. 30.

An air/hotel package must be purchased with the second person on the same itinerary (same flight, staying in same room) and a two-night minimum stay. Hotels featured as part of the package include Encore, Wynn, Luxor, Bally's, Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, Harrah's, Mirage, Planet Hollywood, and more.

For more information and to purchase, visit their site.

When purchasing, de-select the Airport Shuttle Services. Pretty pricey at $14.50 per person, and since you'll be traveling with your friend anyway, a cab for both of you would be cheaper.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you're going out drinking tonight for St. Patrick's Day (we recommend O'Sheas, the Irish casino right on the Strip -- redheads get free green beer), you'll probably be out late.

But you probably also parked or valeted your car for free in a casino parking lot (ah the joys of casino livin').

Rather than catch a cab home (because we have enough drunk drivers on the road 24 hours a day), you can check in with Designated Drivers.

The volunteer organization will send two people out to come get you, anytime between now . and 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. One will drive you home safely in your own car. The other will follow you home (your designated driver needs to get home too).

Call 456-RIDE for the free service.

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The IRS isn't all bad. As long as they get their money.

This Saturday, March 21, is Super Saturday, where you can get free tax preparation help and ask questions of members of the Internal Revenue Service.

To qualify for the free service, you must have made under $42,000 last year.

Being in Vegas, expect these volunteers to be well-versed in whether you can write off gambling losses against gambling wins (ah, we wish we had wins).

The seven taxpayer assistance centers in Las Vegas are:

United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative
3890 S. Maryland Pkwy.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

AARP
2560 S. Jones Blvd.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

AARP
5175 E. Trop
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative
4505 Maryland Pkwy.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

IRS
110 City Pkwy.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative
1625 W. Carey Ave., N. Las Vegas
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative
710 W. Lake Mead, North Las Vegas
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nothing says St. Paddy's Day like a corned beef eating contest.

Hash House A Go Go (containing our favorite oversized meals outside of a casino buffet) at 6800 W. Sahara, and country station KWNR are holding the eating contest tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m.

Six to eight pre-selected eaters plus two people from the hungry audience will dive through two pounds of corned beef (cooked) and a wedge of cabbage (uncooked). The first to finish wins... however long it takes.

The top prize is 52 gift certificates worth $15 each. Other prizes will also be awarded.

While waiting, audience members can enjoy 95-cent 20-ounce domestic draft beers dyed green. Other Irish meals and breakfast specials will also be available beginning at 7 a.m. through 9 p.m.

A Certified Angus Beef representative and Las Vegas local Peter O'Donnell from The Scintas will act as judges.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 5:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Liam the Leprechaun did his thing at the Venetian and the results are quite evident. The Grand Canal that runs through the Grand Canal Shoppes turned a bright green. Gondoliers are sporting green sashes, ribbons, and shamrocks as they ply the green water. Gondola riders are serenaded with Irish favorites by the Italian accented deep baritones of the gondoliers.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

For a mere $16 you can take a ride through the hundreds of shoppes inside the Venetian Resort on the Las Vegas strip. It's all in the spirit of Tuesday's St. Patrick's Day so hurry on down to the Las Vegas strip while the Luck o' the Irish and the green canals pervade throughout the luxurious Palazzo/ Venetian resorts. The St. Patty's festivities will end Wednesday, March 18.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Posted by flipchipro at 12:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new concept begins this weekend in Las Vegas: Dinner in the Sky, or dining in the air over the Las Vegas Strip.

Twenty-two guests will sit in racing car seats around a SkyTable, which is hoisted 18 stories in the air (160-180 feet). Assuming no airsickness, diners will enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by executive chefs, all while peering over the Las Vegas skyline.

Guests are also offered the option of being picked up and dropped off at their hotel (though not via the SkyTable, of course).

Reservations can be made at this link or (702) 257-7303. In order to be safely secured to the seats, you must be at least 59 inches tall.

Hourly flights take place daily beginning at 5:30 p.m. Meal choices are Fillet Medallions or Sky Chicken.

The introductory cost is $169 or $199 for sunset (6:30 p.m.) flights.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Today between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Poker guru Bob Dancer (you know he's a guru when he has a video poker game named after him) will be signing copies of his new book Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner.

The event takes place at the new Eastside Cannery, upstairs at the nightclub "One Six" (because it's on the 16th floor).

Happy hour specials will be offered, and Dancer will answer any questions.

Afterwards, you can expect some of the group to play downstairs. Dancer has determined that Eastside Cannery has the best video poker on the Boulder Strip, with some games paying out at over 100 percent when playing perfect strategy and accumulating points.

Copies of his other books will also be available, including Million Dollar Video Poker, which details his rise to fame, including when he and his wife amassed over $1 million in 6 months at the Las Vegas casinos.

He continues teaching his free video poker classes at the South Point showroom (northeast corner of the casino):

March 17, 1 p.m. -- Kings or Better Joker Wild
March 24, 1 p.m. -- 9/6 Jacks or Better Multi Strike
March 24 3 p.m. -- NSU Deuces Wild Multi Strike
March 31 1 p.m. -- What Video Poker Players Should Know About Slot clubs
April 7 1 p.m. -- Secrets of a Video Poker Winner

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The world's largest five-diamond resort is officially going green...for St. Patrick's Day. Today, Thursday March 12, the Grand Canal inside the the Grand Canal Shoppes will turn green in an Irish flavored ceremony hosted by Liam the Leprechaun at 10 AM. Liam will arrive in a gondolier to St. Mark's Square where he will throw gold confetti into the air from the spinning boat to open the green canal for gondola rides.

Gondoliers will be dressed in green scarves, sashes, ribbons and shamrocks for the duration of the St. Patty's celebration. The singing gondoliers will be supplementing their repertoire of Italian melodies with Irish favorites including When Irish Eyes are Smiling, My Wild Irish Rose, and Up among the Heather.

Liam the Leprechaun will spend most of Thursday, 11AM to 6 PM, retreating through the Grand Canal Shoppes; and, if found and greeted with "Luck o' the Irish" he will dole out prizes from his pot of gold including free rides on the Lucky Green Grand canal. Adult guests purchasing ride tickets for $16 per person March 12-18 can exchange their ticket stub for a free bottle of Guinness at the Mercato store inside The Grand Canal. Gondola rides are open Sunday-Thursday 10 AM-11 PM and Friday-Saturday 10 AM-Midnight. Tickets may be purchased at Emporio d' Goindola ticket office.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

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photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Ever wonder what goes on a day in the life of an average poker player?

Ph.D. candidate Jacob Avery will present his study "The Social Worlds of Everyday Poker Players" to the public on March 12 at 12:15 p.m.

This seminar is part of the Gaming Research Colloquium Series, which every month brings in guests to speak on topics centered around gambling.

The event takes place at UNLV in the Special Collections Reading Room at the Lied Library.

If you can't make it, a podcast of the talk will be available shortly after Thursday. Previous podcasts include "The Mob Never Ran Vegas" and "The Art of Managing Casino Games."

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Magician Mac King appears at Town Square today (a couple miles south of Mandalay Bay at 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South).

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., King will perform some of his magic and do a book reading, in support of National Reading Month.

Bring a book to donate to the Borders at Town Square, and you'll receive a 2-for-1 coupon to the Mac King show at Harrah's. This offer is good through the end of March.

The event is free and open to the public.

Any child that attends and donates a book will automatically get a free ticket to the show.

Through April 24, all Borders bookstores in Las Vegas will be collecting new books.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

As had been widely rumored for weeks, the Wynns have filed for divorce... for the second time.

Steve Wynn married Elaine in 1963, divorced in 1986, and remarried in 1991.

Announced yesterday, the divorce filing was made March 5 and papers were immediately sealed from the public, which means further details are unknown.

Also rumored is the possible cause of the breakup: that Wynn has fallen for a woman in her 40s.

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

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Just in case you thought she was lip-synching...

On Sunday night at her Circus show in Tampa, Fla., Britney Spears was heard on a live mic saying, "My pussy was hanging out."

This came after Spears was lowered down in a metallic-looking gold costume after the song "I'm a Slave 4 U."

Perez Hilton, who kicked off her tour March 3 in New York with a video of him welcoming the star on her comeback, of course has photos.

The Circus tour continues nationally. To see Britney and her hoo-ha in Las Vegas, both will appear at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets run $55 to $275 (the $275 rate is still available) and can be purchased at any of the MGM Grand box offices or Ticketmaster.com with all their fees.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 9:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

The New Joint, the new bigger concert venue at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, opens next month.

Here's the all-star lineup:

4/17 8 p.m. The Killers
4/18 8 p.m. Avenged Sevenfold (with Atreyu & Rev Theory)
4/19 8 p.m. Paul McCartney
4/24 9 p.m. Bon Jovi
4/25 8 p.m. Kenny Chesney (with Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum)
5/23 9 p.m. Flight of the Conchords (with Arj Baker)
7/13 7:30 p.m. Rise Against (with Rancid & Billy Talent)
9/13 8 p.m. Ricardo Arjona

In addition, concerts will be held poolside on Fridays at 9 p.m.:

5/1 Rusted Root
5/15 Eek-A-Mouse
5/22 Ozomatli
5/29 Sugar Ray
6/5 Gavin Rossdale
6/26 Gin Blossoms (with Tonic)
7/24 Unwritten Law
8/14 Los Lonely Boys (with Los Lobos)
9/11 Collective Soul

Pool shows are on presale through March 13 at 10 p.m. (password POOL).

Shows are subject to change can can be purchased at the Joint box office or at Ticketmaster with all their fees.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With unemployment up 10 percent in Clark County, FedEx Office is offering some relief.

Bring your resume either on disk, flash drive, or hardcopy, and they'll print 25 black-and-white copies for you on resume-quality paper, for free.

Get crackin', because the offer is only good tomorrow (Tuesday).

In Las Vegas, we counted about 300 locations, so there is certain to be one near you.

For locations, visit this link.

And hey, while you're there, drop off a resume at FedEx. You never know.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has a buy 2, get 1 offer.

For every 2 nights you stay, you'll receive 1 free night.

Offer is good through April 30 and applies to any night, but blackouts apply.

For more information, visit this link, but be warned: Las Vegas isn't yet listed in the Morgans group of hotels since they took over.

Call 1-800-HRD-ROCK to make a reservation and mention this offer. The free night will be taken off your bill upon check-in.

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

Ever wonder about the process of books turning into movies?

A free seminar will be held this Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Russell Banks, celebrated author of novels (that later turned into films) The Sweet Hereafter and Affliction, will join New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell ("The Treatment") and writer/actress Guinevere Turner, who co-wrote the screenplay American Psycho and writes for "The L Word."

The seminar takes place at the UNLV Student Union Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy.

The event is sponsored by the Black Moutain Institute, a literary center that promotes discussion on current events.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Huck Seed won all six of his heads-up matches at the NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship played over the last three days at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Win number six eliminated the final player remaining between Seed and the $500,000 first place money, Vanessa Rousso.

Seed's worthy opponent, Vanessa Rousso, was the first female to reach the final table of the Heads-Up poker championship. Huck took charge of the final table and swept the first two matches in the best of three final table series thus ending Rousso's dream of becoming the first woman to win national heads-up title. More information and photos direct from Caesars Palace Las Vegas are available on the Poker Prof's Blog.

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

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Well known professional poker player, Layne Flank, was arrested early Friday morning after he was alledged to be speeding and being in a traffic accident with an ambulance. Las Vegas metro police charged Flack driving 21MPH or more over the speed limit, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, and driving under the influence before they carted him off to jail.

All of this occurred after the Friday night draw party at PURE nightclub for the 2009 Heads-up matches. As a result of the events Layne missed his match scheduled with Vanessa Selbst and was replaced by David Oppenheim.

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1 out of 10.

That's how many people are unemployed in Clark County, which contains Las Vegas.

At 101,700 people, this is a record, which beat last December's record of 9.1 percent.

The national unemployment rate is 7.6 percent.

Fewer people moved to Nevada as well. For the past 10 years, the population was growing about 4 percent. Last year in 2008, there was only a 0.8 percent increase.

If you're seeking casino employment, the new M Resort employs 1,800 people and is looking for 250 more.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Inside Edition" is reporting that Las Vegas-based Jerry Lewis may have a 57-year-old daughter.

Suzan Minoret claims Lewis had an affair with her Las Vegas showgirl mother in 1952. Her mother revealed the news on a cancer scare.

Lewis's oldest son Gary (also of Gary Lewis and the Playboys) submitted to a DNA test, which was funded by "Inside Edition."

That test came back at an 88.7 percent probability in favor of Minoret being related to Jerry Lewis. A DNA test from Lewis himself would help determine a 100% probability.

Minoret has already slapped up a website, outing herself as Lewis' biological daughter, where she shows pictures of herself and a video of herself imitating her biological dad.

She even obtained the URL suzanlewis.com.

That domain was purchased in January 2008, so Minoret was prepared.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

Hurry and snatch up this deal before we do!

The Palm Restaurant (at Caesars Palace Forum Shops) is our favorite steakhouse in Las Vegas, and this link will take you to a page offering a $25 gift certificate that's worth $50.

At the time of this posting, there were only 28 gift certificates left.

Check back at that link for future upcoming offers, including Roma Deli, Sophia's Pizza and Subs, Via Brasil Steakhouse, and McFadden's.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Station to Boyd: no thank you.

Last week, Boyd Gaming offered $950 million to Station Casinos to purchase some of their properties.

Boyd isn't exactly in the greatest shape, with a halted $4.8 billion Echelon (which rumor has it may continue in mid-construction indefinitely) and $221 million in losses last quarter.

Station executives noted this and refused the buyout offer, preferring to go ahead with its planned Chapter 11 restructuring instead.

Now if Boyd were to offer more money, that could be a different story... one in which bond holders may force Station to take.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Along with seemingly every other stock out there, gaming stocks have also been pounded the past year.

Assuming that in economic downturns, certain industries such as gaming are immune, one look at how casino stocks have been dropping shows otherwise.

IGT, the largest manufacturer of slot machines, should largely be unaffected, because casinos always need new product to keep players coming in.

But if casinos aren't doing well, casinos won't have money to buy. And if they aren't buying, even slot manufacturers will slide.

We've been following the Reno, Nev. company and are puzzled how undervalued their stock seems to be.

One particularly interesting blip was this past Thursday, when on no news, IGT took a big hit from an already low 9.27 closing to end Monday at 8.03, a drop of about 13 percent. (This time last year, the stock was trading in the low 40s.)

Keeping aside the fact that the stock market as a whole hasn't been this low in 13 years, we also noticed that yesterday and today had IGT's highest volume of trades since November.

In the news yesterday was IGT slashing their dividend to 6 cents a share (vs. 14.5 cents last quarter). This saves the company $100 million annually and was largely greeted as a positive, as the stock closed up 5.6 percent.

We suspect on Monday there was some Wall Street chatter that IGT might eliminate the dividend completely and thus clients sold. That caused the dumping. Then at its low (which was near its historical low), other or the same clients picked up the stock at 13 percent off.

Not that we would ever accuse Wall Street of manipulating the stock market, especially in times like these, but we have to wonder...

Posted by R.C. Clark at 7:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

From AP--

MGM Mirage casino co. says it may default on debt

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- MGM Mirage Inc., the gambling company owned by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian, said Tuesday that it may default on its debt amid development of its biggest casino project ever, the $8.6 billion CityCenter in Las Vegas.

Unless the economy turns around and more people start gambling again, the Las Vegas-based casino company believes it will break its loan agreements this year, it said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

[HH: Shame on you, filthy degenerates! This is your fault for not doing your job. Now get out there and gamble like you mean it. Oh, and remember, there's always help and support available for your problem, just call this toll-free number. But do it later. You'll have to act fast as there's a coupon book with $50 free slotplay if you get to the casino in the next 30 minutes. Hurry, supplies are limited.)

That would mean a default on its senior credit facility, which MGM has asked to modify.

MGM Mirage will delay filing its annual report until March 17 because it is still assessing its financial position and liquidity needs, the company said in Tuesday's unscheduled filing. One factor in the delay, the company reported, was its decision last week to tap $842 million of its $4.5 billion senior revolving credit agreement to cover general expenses.

[HH: It would seem consumers aren't the only one's living off their credit cards....Maybe MGM should get in touch with one of those debt counseling places by calling the toll-free number at the bottom of their screen. After they call the gambling support toll-free number, of course.)

As of the end of September 2008, MGM Mirage had $13.29 billion in long-term debt.

....

MGM Mirage has not reported on its financial position since September nor posted its earnings for the quarter that ended Dec. 31.

The March 17 report is to include an auditor's assessment of whether MGM Mirage can continue as a company.

Posted by Human Head at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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How about a free burrito?

Anyone who gobbles down the new burrito nicknamed The Bomb at the NASCAR Cafe (at Sahara) will get it for free, along with a t-shirt that you "Conquered the Bomb."

The catch is, this burrito chockful of cheese and guacamole weighs in at a whopping 6 pounds and is 2 feet long.

If you fail, you pay $19.95 and get a tiny t-shirt that says "Weenie."

The winner, incidentally, also receives a pass to unlimited free rides on Sahara's roller coaster (which appropriately runs forward and reverse, presumably what the burrito will be doing to you shortly after consumption).

Posted by R.C. Clark at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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If you don't already have it in your bookmarks, DestinationCoupons.com is a valuable repository for coupons for use in big city restaurants, including Las Vegas.

Some specials include 1/2 price appetizers and cocktails at KOI (at Planet Hollywood), $5 off a meal at Planet Hollywood (at Caesars Palace Forum Shops), and even $5 off the Spice Market Buffet (at Planet Hollywood).

Best yet, the coupons can be printed (and reprinted), with no player's card required.

They also have promotions for nightclubs, tours, and even weddings. Nothing says a Las Vegas wedding like having a coupon for it.

Posted by R.C. Clark at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

photo by flipchip • lasvegasvegas.com

NASCAR Champion and team owner Tony Stewart spent his Saturday afternoon at the Palazzo Resort on the Las Vegas strip. Hundreds of fans waited patiently in long lines for an opportunity to meet the charismatic driver and collect an autograph. Styewart showed up a few minutes late, a few minutes after the Nationwide Sam's Town 300 ended. What was he doing? Watching the race, of course.

NASCAR fans are some of the nicest people that crowd into Las Vegas for any event. They come to town and enjoy the festivities of speed week at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, consume tons of food, drink truckloads of booze, fill hotels to capacity. and gamble. This bunch really loves to play and that guarantees casinos are packed with cash toting race car fans. Sports books are standing room only and most poker rooms have wait list.

The Shelby 427 at the Las Vegas Motor is much more than a car race, it's an annual event that draws people from around the world to experience the excitement, fun, and pageantry of Las Vegas with the bonus of seeing first hand a big-time NASCAR race. It's a lifetime treat everyone should do at least once.

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

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