Las Vegas News

Arizona Charlie's Cash Giveaway:

Play your favorite slots or table games between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight at Arizona Charlie's Decatur for a chance to win $500, three times an hour, culminating in a $1,000 drawing at 3 a.m.

UBT Legends:

Anthony Curtis competes on today's Ultimate Blackjack Tour in the season-ending "Legends Tournament." The table of Curtis, Ken Smith, James Grosjean, Ken Einiger, Stanford Wong, "MIT" Mike Aponte, and UBT season champion David Matthews may be the most formidable ever assembled. The show airs on CBS at 2 pm EST and 11 am PST. See a preview here: http://www.playubt.com

Strip #1 for New Year's:

According to a survey by travel Web site Priceline.com, the Las Vegas Strip tops America's list of most-preferred New Year's Eve destinations. Other favorites include SoHo in New York City, Universal Studios/Seaworld in Orlando, Fla., and Union Square West, San Francisco.

Einiger Bumped by Saddam:

Ken Einiger's scheduled appearance on On the Record tonight has been postponed, due to the imminent execution of ex-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

New Year's Eve Tips & Info:

As promised yesterday, here are some tips for navigating New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. Road closures: The Strip will be closed to traffic between Russell in the south and as far north as Sahara from approx. 6 pm on Sunday (earlier, if the crowds are large) until some time between 2 am and 4 am on Monday morning. The cross streets will also be closed, as will exits to/from the freeway. Parking: The Fashion Show Mall is offering parking for $30 per car. The New Frontier is another option, which is free, but expect that lot to fill up very early. If your car is parked in a hotel garage on the Strip, you will not be able to get it out until the Strip reopens on Monday morning. Designated Drivers: This company, which will pick up you and your car and take you home, is offering free rides to everyone from 5 pm tonight through 5 pm on January 1, 2007. There is no mileage limit, you just have to be within the Las Vegas area. Highly recommended if you're going to be drinking any alcohol at all, and even if you're not. Tel: 702/456-RIDE. AAA: They're offering a free towing service to all -- non-members included -- if you're not in a condition to drive your vehicle home. Five-mile distance maximum. CAT buses: Rides will be free of charge between 6 pm on 12/31 and 6 pm 1/1. The Deuce will stop running on the Strip by 5 pm on 12/31 and will start running again at approx. 3 am, depending on how quickly the crowds disperse. For further information, visit the RTC site at http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/ Taxis: An extra 560 cabs will be laid on, in addition to the usual quota. But expect every company to be busy, so book well ahead and allow extra time for your journey, especially if you're trying to get anywhere near the Strip/downtown. Casinos: All Strip casinos will close their doors to non-guests prior to midnight. This generally happens between 8 pm and 10 pm, depending on when they fill to capacity and how crazy the Strip gets. After the doors close, you will not be able to gain access without showing a room key. Have fun, be safe, and best wishes to you all for 2007 from everyone at LVA.

Ken Einiger On the Record:

Ken Einiger, author of our book Play to Win, will be a guest on tonight's On the Record with Greta Van Susteren. The show airs on Fox News at 10 pm EST.

New Year's Weekend in Vegas:

The relative tranquility of last week's Christmas in Vegas is definitely a thing of the past and there's a ton of stuff going on this weekend, while we gear up for Sunday's madness. Of course, the Huntington Press New Year's party is really the only place to be, but if you're not on our very exclusive guest list, here're some other suggestions: Music: There's so much music going on, we can only give you a taster here, but if it’s classic Vegas you want, Wayne Newton's finishing up his run at Harrah’s (11/22-12/30). Also for the more mature crowd, The Beach Boys are still at the Luxor (12/25-12/31). Something a little funkier? Soul Asylum plays MBay's House of Blues (12/29); The Black Eyed Peas are at the Events Center (12/29), followed by Van Morrison the following night; and Erykah Badu's also at HoB (12/30). Hootie and the Blowfish will be at the Silverton (12/31) – you might even catch them in their Shady Grove Lounge afterwards for a game of pool; Super Nova's at the Hard Rock (12/31); and Zowie Bowie ring in the New Year at Red Rock (12/31). Oh, and legendary UK DJ and "twisted House" master, Steve Lawler, will be manipulating the decks at Empire Ballroom's Late Night Empire bash (12/29). Other stuff: David Copperfield's at the MGM Grand (12/21-04/19); Joe Rogan performs at Mandalay Bay (12/30); as will Vince Vaughn (12/31). UFC 66: Liddell vs. Ortiz 2 takes place at the MGM Grand (12/30); and Dancing with the Stars – the Tour hits the Thomas and Mack Center (12/30). New Year's Main Events: America's Party's on the Strip, with a 007-themed firework display at midnight; then there's the sister party downtown on Fremont Street, with a line-up of six bands and a $80 entry tab. Every club, pub, bar, and tavern worth its salt will be hosting a party – check out the Question of the Day archives for 12/19/2006 for our listings of the bigger ones. And watch this space tomorrow for our New Year's survival guide, with tips for getting around town on the most insane night of the year. For more details about these and all the other myriad New Year events around town, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Men's Club Opening Delayed:

Men's Club, the new gentlemen's club at 3500 W. Naples Drive (oh, the typos we resisted!) was finally due to open its doors at midnight tonight. But it's not going to happen. Instead, the opening's been delayed until next Wednesday.

Station Promo Ends Tomorrow:

If you haven't already, tomorrow is the last day to take advantage of Station Casinos' $1.5 million Holiday Giveaway. The promotion is open to existing Boarding Pass members as well as newbies -- just get yourself to a Station or Fiesta casino asap, sign up for a new limited edition "Holiday" Boarding Pass/Amigo card, and start earning free slot play.

IP's Collectible New Year Chip:

Tomorrow at 11 am, Imperial Palace will issue a limited edition $5 New Year's chip, featuring a couple executing a ballroom dancing move on one side, and the facade of the IP on the other. The chip will be available from one window at the casino cage and purchases are limited to five per person per visit. Only 500 of the commemorative chips have been commissioned.

Station Announces Condo/Retail Project:

Station Casinos has announced intentions to create a "mixed-use" project near Palace Station. The project, similar to the company's District near Green Valley Ranch, would include condos and retail. Station has been acquiring land in the Richfield Village area west of Palace Station and says it will partner with the company that bought the Scandia Family Fun Center bordering I-15. Timelines were not disclosed.

50% Off Food/Drink at Silverton:

Wow -- today through December 30, the Silverton is offering 50% off every food and beverage item at all of the property's dining establishments in a "Countdown to New Year's" extravaganza. The offer is open to everyone.

Traffic Alert for US 95:

For the next couple of days, you're strongly advised to avoid the 95 between Decatur and Torrey Pines as the Nevada Dept. of Transportation implements the first phase of its $500,000,000 freeway widening project. The plan is to shift traffic to three newly built northbound lanes by Thursday morning and while the preparations are being made, onramps to the northbound 95 from Decatur and Jones will be closed. This is estimated to take from 9 pm tonight to 5 am tomorrow.

Jacko Moves to Vegas:

According to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Michael Jackson arrived in Las Vegas on Saturday and will be remaining here indefinitely while he tries to kickstart his ailing career.

New Bar at Excalibur:

A new "high-energy" lounge called Octane has opened on Excalibur's Castle Walk. Apparently it's biker-themed, with a display of custom-designed bikes and leather-clad bar staff who perform dance routines to classic rock tunes throughout the evening. The bar's open nightly until 2 am (3 am Friday and Saturday).

NBA All-Star Practice Tickets:

Tickets for the 2007 NBA All-Star Practice go on sale tomorrow at 10 am PST. The session, which features top players from the Western and then the Eastern conference, takes place Saturday, February 17 on Center Court inside the NBA All-Star Jam Session at Mandalay Bay. Tickets are $35 and available at the Mandalay Bay box office and at all Ticketmaster locations in Las Vegas, online at TICKETMASTER.COM, and at 1-800-4-NBA-TIX (622849).

UBT Championship:

Today's champions final matches Ken Smith, Monica Reeves, "Rock 'n' Roll" Darrell Arnold, Tyrone Jackson, "Hollywood" Dave Stann, Adrianna Jade, and David Matthews. It's a good one. Times vary across the country for today's show, so check your listings for CBS (in most areas it will air at 2 or 3 pm).

UBT Triple Play Begins Today:

The first of a three-show set that concludes the Ultimate Blackjack Tour's first season runs today at 1 am EST/10 am PST on CBS. Today's show includes Hollywood Dave Stann, poker star Freddy Deeb, and actress/poker player Jennifer Tilly. On Monday, Dec. 25, the Tournament of Champions runs. And on Saturday, Dec. 30, the Legends Tournament airs.

Sands Regent Purchase OK'd:

The Nevada Gaming Commission has announced their approval of the Herbst acquisition of The Sands Regent, which owns and operates locations including Rail City Casino in Sparks and Sands Regency Casino & Hotel in downtown Reno. The deal is expected to close by January, 2007.

Hachem Bags Bellagio Victory:

2005 World Series of Poker winner Joseph Hachem has claimed the first-place prize at the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship at Bellagio. For his efforts, Hachem, of Melbourne, Australia, took home $2,182,075 and earned a seat in the 2007 World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship at Bellagio in April.

Arizona Overtakes Nevada:

For the first time in 19 straight years, Nevada has been overtaken by its neighbor as the fastest growing state in the US. The Nevadan growth rate remains three times above the national average, however.

1/2 Price Palms Buffet:

From Tuesday, December 26 thru Sunday, December 31, the Palms Fantasy Market Buffet will be offering 1/2 off! Good deal!

This Weekend in Vegas:

Okay, it's Christmas and as everyone gears up for the madness that is New Year's Eve, even Las Vegas is experiencing a moment of domesticity and calmness this weekend (aside from in the shopping malls, of course, where insanity reigns). Still, if you have any time out from the last-minute festive frenzy, there are plenty of things to do. All the holiday happenings we listed last week continue (just scroll down), from ice skating at the Hard Rock to Nevada Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker. Some of the other highlights include: The Beach Boys headlining at the Luxor (12/25-21/31) The Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Classic basketball tournament takes place at the Orleans (12/22-12/23) The Las Vegas Hilton hosts the Shaolin Kung Fu Show (12/22-12/24) Revolution, the new interactive Beatles-themed ultralounge at Mirage is opening its doors to the public (12/22) And the Neon Museum opens up the Neon Boneyard for its once-a-year only free guided tours from 10 am-4 pm (12/23) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Santa at Shark Reef:

Through December 24, from 10 am-4 pm daily, Santa will be hanging out at Shark Reef (Mandalay Bay) and accepting last minute wishes from children aged 12 and under. With each paid admission, kids will receive a complimentary photo with Santa and a candy cane.

Smoking Ban OK'd:

Clark County District Judge Douglas Herndon ruled today that he will allow December's voter-approved smoking ban to take effect in Clark County, but without criminal penalties. He made a distinction between criminal enforcement by police and civil enforcement by health inspectors, but declined to issue an injunction preventing individual smokers from being ticketed.

Traffic Snarl Warning:

With over 40,000 people expected to attend the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium this afternoon, traffic congestion is expected on the southeast side of town from around 3:30 pm today (the game starts at 5 pm). Try to avoid Tropicana Ave. and Russell Road if you can.

PURE to Open in Miami:

PURE, the nightclub inside Caesars Palace that helped revolutionize the Las Vegas club scene, will be opening a new location inside the newly renovated Fontainbleau Resort, due to open in 2008 at Miami's famed South Beach.

Harrah's Deal Done:

Harrah's has accepted a buy-out from Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group. The purchase price amounts to $27.8 billion -- $17.1 billion to buy the Harrah's shares and the assumption of $10.7 billion in debt. It's the largest deal in the history of the gaming industry.

Rocky Balboa Party Tonight:

Boxing fans might want to hang around the Aladdin casino tonight, where at 9:30 pm red carpet arrivals begin for the VIP party in celebration of Stallone's new Rocky Balboa movie. Apparently boxing stars attending the party include Mike Tyson, Tommy Hearns, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Gerry Cooney, Emile Griffith, Ken Norton, Tim Witherspoon, and Mike McCallum.

Harrah's Deal Looks Complete:

It's still not official, but all indicators point to an imminent announcement that the Harrah's deal is done with Apollo and Texas Group. Word is that the sides have settled on $90 per share, which sets the buy-out at $16.7 billion.

Santa's Helpers:

Add the Stratosphere to the list of casinos whose cocktail waitresses have donned sexy Santa outfits. The others are Hard Rock, Palms, and Texas Station.

Harrah's Still Pondering:

No decision has been made yet on the potential Harrah's buy-out, though word is that one is close. Insiders believe that Harrah's is leaning toward accepting the $15.5 billion offer from Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group. If the deal goes through, most of Harrah's current management is expected to remain in place.

Movie Night at the Whisky Attic:

The Whisky Attic (upstairs at the Freakin' Frog, 4700 S. Maryland Pkwy.) kicks off its Holiday Films season tonight with a screening of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians at 8:30 pm tonight. Free popcorn!

Hyatt Closes Casino:

The small casino at the Hyatt Lake Las Vegas has closed. The resort is in the process of being sold.

Jumbo Alert:

Station Casinos' Jumbo Jackpot is now at about $145,000. This is part of Station's bonusing system, which means the jackpot is guaranteed to hit by $150,000. If it does and you're playing in any Station with your Boarding Pass card inserted, you win $50 in free play. It's a good tie-breaker if you're looking for a place to play today.

Criss Angel Autograph Signing:

Criss Angel will celebrate the opening of his new Mindfreak store at the Luxor with an autograph signing from 7:30-9:30 pm this evening.

Blood Drive at the Trop:

Until 5 pm today, Bodies...The Exhibition and United Blood Services are hosting a blood drive at the Tropicana. All donors receive one free admission to Bodies plus the choice of one admission to either Folies Bergère or Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur.

Special Price For Blue Man:

Las Vegas Locals get a special two-for-one rate for the 10:30 pm performance of the Blue Man Group at The Venetian. This special is good through December 28, 2006.

This Weekend in Las Vegas:

It’s definitely Christmas time and while many production shows are entering their festive dark period, there’s still plenty to do, especially for the kids (and young at heart). Music: Mr Vegas himself, Wayne Newton, continues his headlining run at Harrah’s for the next month; The Donny Osmond Christmas Show will be at the Orleans (12/14-12/17); Paul Revere and The Raiders are appearing at the Suncoast (12/15-12/17); Tom Jones is appearing at the MGM Grand (12/07-12/20); Shiny Toy Guns will be at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues (12/15), followed by The New Cars: Road Rage Tour (12/16); Brenda Lee’s at Buffalo Bill’s (12/16) and Senses Fail will be at the Hard Rock (12/17) Festive Happenings: The Gift of Lights drive-thru continues in Sunset Park (11/17-1/01); the Family Christmas Tree Ice Show will be performing at the Fiesta Rancho (12/16-12/17); Hard Rockafella Center’s now open for skating (12/14-12/25); the Ethel M Botanical Gardens have been turned into a "Chocolate Wonderland," with half a million lights adorning the cacti (12/1-01/01); Lake Las Vegas is currently home to a giant floating ice rink and the Gingerbread House Gallery (11/17-12/23); the Magical Forest’s at Opportunity Village (12/23-12/30); the Bellagio conservatory’s decorations are up, featuring a 45-foot tree (12/4-01/6); Nevada Ballet Theatre presents the Nutcracker (12/14-12/27); the Teddy Bear Fantasy Suite’s open at the Four Seasons, with over 1000 teddy bears – entry’s free (12/4-12/23); and Fashion Show Mall hosts Believe in the Magic featuring dancers, an indoor snowstorm, local celebrities, and a 35-foot tree (12/08-12/24) Other Events: the Second Annual World Salsa Championships will be at the South Point (12/13-12/16); World Champion Bull Rider and President of Championship Bull Riding, Tuff Hedeman, will be at Gilley’s (12/15); there’s autograph-signing session with Criss Angel for the debut of new Official Criss Angel Mindfreak Store to the Luxor (12/16); for poker fans, some of the WPT players currently competing at Bellagio will be appearing at Light nightclub (12/15); the Harley Davidson Fashion Rock Show, hosted by Vince Neil, will be at Pure inside Caesars (12/15) and Tangerine inside TI (12/16); comedian Robert Schimmel’s performing at the Monte Carlo (12/15-12/16); and the Las Vegas Wranglers take on the Stockton Thunder at the Orleans Arena (12/15) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Viva Las Vegas to Close:

After a ten-year run at the Stratosphere, Viva Las Vegas will close on December 30. Producer Dick Feeney said he "didn't come to terms" with the property for another contract year, but hopes to move the afternoon revue elsewhere.

2007 Manilow Tickets on Sale:

Tickets for 2007 performances of Manilow: Music and Passion go on sale today. The show will continue to perform Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm in the Hilton Theater, with some weekly engagements, including Tuesday performances. Tickets can be purchased at the Las Vegas Hilton box office or by logging onto www.lvhilton.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or www.Vegas.com or by phone at 702/732-5755 or 800/222-5361.

Funny Mayor:

The main New Year's Eve party this year will take place downtown at the Fremont Street Experience. The celebration will include performances by five bands: Chicago, Smash Mouth, Five for Fighting, All-American Rejects, and Rock Star Supernova. Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman commented, "These are the six greatest bands of all time."

Fireworks Plans Announced:

While the delay in announcing details was cause for some speculation that there would be no New Year's Eve fireworks at all this year, it's now official: the Las Vegas sky will again be lit up at midnight on December 31. A $450,000 display dubbed "Vegas Royale 2007" will be accompanied by music from James Bond movies. The fireworks will be staged from seven Strip-casino rooftops -- MGM, Monte Carlo, Flamingo, Venetian, TI, Circus Circus, and Stratosphere. That's down from 10 last year, but organizers contend it will make for a "more intense" presentation.

New Vegas Stats Out:

According to a new report out by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, nearly 3.4 million people visited Vegas and southern Nevada in October, up 2.5% from the previous record for the month, set last year. The October tally pushed the total for the year to date up to 32.7 million (up more than one percent from the same time in 2005). Other figures released include a reported surge in average daily room rates, which increased 28% over 2005, to $135.

"Hard Rockafella" Debuts:

Mayor Oscar Goodman will host the Hard Rock's unveiling of Vegas' only outdoor skating rink, the "Hard Rockafella Center," which opens at 6 pm tonight. The Mayor will light the holiday tree at 7 pm. The fee for skating is $8 for adults, $4 for children, and $2 for skate rental, but bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive free admission.

Benihana Contest:

The Benihana Lounge at the Las Vegas Hilton is looking for a new name (just the lounge, not Benihana Village itself). Nori Nishihama, the manager, is offering a dinner for two in Benihana's to the person who comes up with the winning new name. Contact Nori at 702/732-5334 if you have an idea.

Free Gift Wrapping at Fiesta:

From today through December 24, Fiesta Rancho will offer free holiday gift wrapping from noon-8 pm daily to all Amigo Club members (and until midnight on Christmas Eve) in the Cabo Lounge. A donation for the service is requested to benefit the Shade Tree Shelter for homeless and abused women and children.

World Salsa Championships:

Today through December 16, the 2nd Annual World Salsa Championships will be taking place at the South Point Hotel & Casino. Tickets are available from the box office (702/797-8055) and are $20 for the qualifying round tonight and start at $40 for Thursday through Saturday.

Skywalk Opening Announced:

March 28, 2007 has been named as the official public opening date of the Grand Canyon West "Skywalk" attraction, the cantilever-shaped glass walkway that's suspended more than 4,000 feet above the floor and 70 feet out from the rim of the canyon. Access to the Skywalk will run from dawn to dusk and will cost $25 per person in addition to the cost of a Grand Canyon West entrance package.

Art at the Ghost Bar Tonight:

Tonight's "Gossip Tuesdays" at the Ghost Bar (Palms) will feature an exhibition by renowned portrait/abstract artist Michael Wardle, who owns the Arts Factory gallery in downtown Las Vegas and has painted murals for several hotels and large homes here, as well as elsewhere in the western U.S.

Cheap Chocolate!:

M&M's World at the Showcase Mall (near MGM) is holding "Customer Appreciation Days" December 12, 13 & 14: 1/3 off everything in the store.

More Harrah's:

It's reported by several news sources today that the Harrah's buy-out offer from the private-equity partnership of Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group is expected to be raised from $83.50 per share to $87. The Harrah's board may give an indication of its intentions in the matter by the end of this week.

Grand Prix Tickets On Sale:

Tickets for Las Vegas Grand Prix went on sale today. This three day event will take place April 6-8, 2007 in downtown Las Vegas. The actual race is Sunday April 8 at 1 pm, tickets for this event is $44. For more information click here.

Holiday Promo at Caesars:

Following the success of Harrah's Las Vegas' "Great Gift Wrap Up" week in November, Caesars today launched the same promotion, whereby Total Rewards members can redeem their "Gift Points" for prizes ranging from iPods and cookbooks to cars and jewelry. Members who'd like to take part should visit the Augustus Ballroom today through December 17 for the final "Great Gift Wrap Up" shopping spree. All unused Gift Points will expire at the end of this promotional period.

Orleans Turns Ten:

The 10th Anniversary celebration at the Orleans from December 10-18 includes $10 dinner buffets, $10 off purchases of $40 or more in the dining rooms, and double points from 10 pm to 10 am thru December 17. A special anniversary room rate of $25 per night is being offered thru December 21: offer code DEC1210. On December 18, the date of the Orleans' actual anniversary, cake and champagne will be distributed in the casino from 9 am to 9 pm. The Orleans will also be giving away $50,000 in cash and prizes at 8 pm. Special 10th anniversary $5 and $25 gaming chips will also be available for purchase at the cage or at table games during the week of the anniversary.

Le Rêve Price Drop:

Effective today, ticket prices for Le Rêve, the Franco Dragone production at the Wynn, will be standardized throughout the entire week (no premium weekend prices) and will be reduced from $88/$99/$110/$121 to $79/$99/$118. Dark days remain Tuesday and Wednesday.

Palms Buffet Discount Back:

Through December 17, the Palms is running the half-price buffet promo that it offered for a limited time back in November. The deal applies to all meals and is open to all -- you don't have to be in the players club. Just be prepared to wait a long time in line...

$1 Beers in Desert Passage:

Local microbrewery the Sin City Brewing Co., which distributes exclusively in its home town, will be celebrating the first anniversary of its bar and retail shop in Desert Passage by offering $1 beers from open to close today (10 am-11 pm). The $1 special will apply to all four of the company's beers, including Sin City Amber, Sin City Light, Sin City Stout, and Sin City Weisse

Harrah's Discussions:

The Wall Street Journal reports today that Harrah's executives will convene Wednesday to discuss the two buy-out offers that it has been presented. Harrah's has been quiet subsequent to receiving offers from a private-equity partnership and then from Penn National.

Marathon Snarl:

The roads are tough today on the west side of the Strip, as many are shut off for the marathon. Spring Mountain and Flamingo are open across the Strip and freeway, but Spring Mountain closes farther west and you can't travel north/south from one to the other until you get past Rainbow.

Genting Gets Singapore Bid:

Genting International has been awarded the second license to build a casino in Singapore. Genting will build a $3.4 million resort on Sentosa Island, joining Sands Corp., which was awarded the first contract.

Fashionistas Moving Again:

According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Fashionistas is going to be moving into the Empire Ballroom this February. The producer of the show says that the two main reasons for the move are that Krave is hard to access from an outside corner of the Desert Passage mall and the new venue has a freestanding ticketing kiosk right on the strip. The second reason is that potential ticket-buyers are still having a hard time understanding that ticketed shows in the early evening are not gay-themed, like Krave nightclub. They also believe The Soprano's Last Supper will also follow suit leaving only Hypnosis Gone Wild.

Coin & Stamp Expo:

Today through December 8, the Skyrise Tower at Circus Circus will be hosting the Las Vegas Coin & Stamp Expo, with free appraisals and cash offers from top buyers, plus special holiday-themed gifts.

Wolfgang Puck TV Cameo Tonight:

The celebrity chef, who has multiple dining establishments in Las Vegas, stars tonight in his second season of the hit TV show "Las Vegas." Tune in to NBC tonight at 9 pm and see him heat up more than the kitchen...

Sweet:

Jean-Phillippe Patisserie at Bellagio was named one of "10 Great Places to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth" in today's USA Today. This is a great spot, not just for sweets, but for crêpes and sandwiches. LVA members can search our posted back issues for more detail from past reviews.

Good Trade:

There's a coupon in the sports section of today's LV Review-Journal for $10 off a bill of $20 or more at Big Dog's bars. The newspaper will cost you 50 cents (if you buy it outside of your hotel).

Vegas This Weekend:

There're NFR parties aplenty as the Rodeo winds up this weekend, plus classic Vegas headlining from the likes of Tom Jones and Mr Las Vegas himself, Wayne Newton. Oh, and if you're feeling energetic, it's the second annual Las Vegas Marathon (we're exhausted just thinking about it). Music: Wayne Newton is headlining at Harrah’s for the next month (11/22-12/30); Derek Sholl will be at the Monte Carlo (11/30-12/09); Clay Walker’s appearing at the Golden Nugget (11/30-12/03); Glen Campbell, featuring Debby Campbell, will be at the Suncoast (12/07-12/10); Tom Jones is appearing at the MGM Grand (12/07-12/20); Vince Gill's at the Las Vegas Hilton (12/07-12/09); Dierks Bentley featuring Miranda Lambert and the Randy Rogers Band will be at Mandalay’s House of Blues (12/08), as will Fear Factory (12/10); Greg Allman and Friends will be performing at Santa Fe Station (12/08); Hank Williams Jr.'s playing Caesars Palace (12/08), as is Stevie Nicks (12/08); Panic! At the Disco will be premiering at the Orleans (12/08); also at the Orleans, Trans Siberian Orchestra (12/10); and Tracy Lawrence will be at Boulder Station (12/08-12/09) Comedy: Bill Engvall plays the Orleans (12/06-12/09), and so does Jeff Foxworthy (12/09); Rodney Carrington will be at the Luxor (12/07-12/09); Playboy Comedy Tour, featuring Jon Reep and Adam Hunter will be performing at the Palms (12/09); and Ron White’s at Mandalay Bay (12/09) Other Events: Hitzville, the Show will be at the Las Vegas Hilton (12/03-02/12); the NFR's leaving town this weekend (11/30-12/09) and to say goodbye, champ bull rider Tuff Hedeman, will host a meet and greet party at the Silverton (12/08); plus, champ barrel racer Fallon Tayo hosts Boots and Bikinis at Scores, with the winner of the Sexiest Cowgirl contest getting $5,000 (12/08-12/09); Flavor Flav launches his new album and hosts an album release party at Studio 54 in the MGM Grand (12/09); it's the Las Vegas Coin & Stamp Expo at Circus Circus (12/8-12/10); Opportunity Village presents the 2nd Annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run downtown (12/9); and last but not least, the 2nd Annual Las Vegas Marathon's sets off from Mandalay Bay at 6 am, with a live performance from Blue Man Group and a party at the finish line, also at MBay (12/10) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."

Still Smokin':

A district judge has issued a temporary restraining order this morning that will temporarily delay the smoking ban by two weeks. The new law was supposed to take effect on December 8. There is a hearing set for December 19 to decide the fate of local smokers.

Strip Missing Gas:

A gas line break has caused nine hotels on the strip to be without gas. The hotel/casinos effected are Excalibur, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Wynn, Paris, Venetian, Mirage and Mandalay Bay. The problem occured at Tropicana Ave and Las Vegas Blvd South but has not impacted traffic in any way. Southwest Gas expects the line to be repaired by dinner time... fingers crossed.

Free Entry to Tryst Nightclub:

Bring an unwrapped gift to Tryst nightclub at the Wynn any Thursday this month, starting tonight and ending on 21st, and receive complimentary admission (usually $20 women and $30 men). The toys will be donated to the After School All-Stars youth program.

McCarran To Go Smoke-Free:

Yup, as of tomorrow, McCarran airport will be going totally smoke-free. Even those stinky goldfish bowl smoking rooms will be gone.

Hard Rock Cafe Chain Sold:

The Seminole Indian tribe of Florida is purchasing the Hard Rock Cafe chain from the UK's Rank Group in a deal worth $965 million. The deal does include the two casinos in Florida, but not the Las Vegas Hard Rock, which was sold back in May to the Morgans Hotel Group.

Direct Flights To/From Mexico:

Mexicana de Aviacion, Mexico's first airline, announced today its new route between Las Vegas and Culiacan. The route has been created to accommodate the high demand of passengers traveling between the two cities. Mexicana flight 427 will depart Las Vegas McCarran International Airport at 2:30 am Mondays and Fridays, arriving at General Rafael Buelna Culiacan International Airport at 6 am. Returning Mexicana flight 426 will depart Culiacan at 10:10 pm Thursday and Sunday to arrive in Las Vegas at 11:35 pm.

Criss Angel Plays Kris Kringle:

From 2:30 pm tomorrow, illusionist Criss Angel will be making some holiday wishes come true by handing out toys to local underprivileged children at Calvary Lutheran Church (800 N. Bruce Street).

Vegas in Gay-Friendly Top 10:

Las Vegas was just named the #8 gay-friendliest city in the US, behind San Francisco, New-York, Miami, and others, according to recent survey by Harris Interactive.

Bodog Pulls US Ads:

Bodog.com Entertainment, until now seemingly bullish in the face of the recent US anti-online gaming legislation, announced today a plan to pull all its U.S.-facing gaming-related advertising, mostly for its free-play and educational site, Bodog.net. The advertising pullback includes television, radio, magazine, and newspapers in the U.S. market. So expect that huge billboard outside McCarran to be gone soon, if it isn't already...

Terrible's Anniversary:

For Terrible's sixth anniversary celebration today, there will be free cake and Champagne 4-7 pm, a fireworks display at 7:30 pm, and lots of low-stakes gambling specials. For example, a royal flush on nickel video poker machines pays 6-1 ($1,200), four 6s in VP wins bonuses from $10 to $100, a 6-card winner in blackjack pays a $60 bonus, a hard 6 in craps pays a $10 bonus, and a $6 race bet gets a "free lunch" (most of these run from noon till 9).

Locals Receive Phantom Discount:

Starting now through January 31, 2007 Las Vegas locals will enjoy $125 seats for $75 to Phantom! The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian.

Ronn Lucas on nip/tuck:

Tonight at 10 pm on FX, local ventriloquist Ronn Lucas will make a guest appearance. He will play a ventriloquist whose puppet believes a full facelift is necessary for their success as a team.

Xmas Promo at New Frontier:

The "Win Your Weight" promotion at the New Frontier has been discontinued, but a new promo takes its place. The "$10,000 20 days of Christmas Cash Giveaway" will award $100 cash at random to five Rewards Club members each day. Drawing dates: Dec 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, and 25-29. Drawing times: 12:15pm, 2:15 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:15 pm, and 8:15 pm.

LV Sands to Launch Online Casino:

Las Vegas Sands Corp. today announced plans to enter the online casino and poker market, with a product initially aimed exclusively at players in the UK. The project will be a joint venture between the owner of the Venetian, Sands, Palazzo, and Paiza brands and Cantor Gaming, which is already in partnership with Sands Corp. via its deal with the Venetian to be the first casino to offer mobile gaming devices in Nevada. The site is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2007 and offer all the most popular casino games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, slots, and online poker, and will offer customer age and location verification, online payment processing, and customer service. The project won't be the first time that a US land-based gaming company has dipped a toe into European waters: Previous attempts by MGM Mirage and the Hard Rock to launch online casinos across the pond proved unsuccessful, as did a similar foray by Playboy magazine. We'll await future developments of the Sands' project with interest.

Stars in Town for Billboard Awards:

The Las Vegas Strip should be awash with celebs tonight as the MGM Grand Arena plays host to the annual Billboard Music Awards. Performers scheduled to appear include locals The Killers, plus Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige, The Fray, Ludacris, and headliner Janet Jackson. Chris Brown and Nickelback are both anticipated to be among the big winners this year.

Buy-Out Offer for Stations:

Stations received a $4.7 billion buy-out offer today from a group that includes its current top executives. The offer reportedly comes from a new company formed by the Fertitta brothers and Colony Capital Acquisitions LLC. Station is reviewing the offer.

Special Ticket Prices:

Larry G. Jones: Man of 1002 Voices is offering all military, including police and firefighters, free addmission and locals 2-for-1 through December 25, 2006. Larry G. Jones performs Thursday through Monday at 9 pm at Fitzgerald's.

UBT at Barona:

The Ultimate Blackjack Tour is at Barona Valley Ranch in San Diego this weekend. It's an invitational event, but play is open to the public to view. Players advancing to today's final rounds include Annie Duke, Freddy Deeb, and Hollywood Dave Stann.

First Friday Promos:

Although perhaps overshadowed by the NFR festivities this month, downtown's First Fridays arts festival provides a welcome break from the bulls tonight and is also offering some cool promotions. Swing by the City Life booth for VIP passes to the after party at the Beach nightclub (opposite the Las Vegas Convention Center), which are good for free admission and a free beer (three lucky couples will also win open bar passes and other goodies). From 6 pm and while supplies last, the booth will also be giving away complimentary passes for an advance screening of the new Leonardo DiCaprio/Jennifer Connelly movie, Blood Diamond.

Golden Nugget NFR Promo:

From today through December 9, play your favorite slots and table games at the Nugget and earn tickets to win a 2007 Ford F-150 King Ranch truck. Unusually, you don't even need to be present for the drawing to win.

Vegas Weekend Happenings:

The National Finals Rodeo’s in town and there’s no escaping it – from music and comedy to drink specials and, well, just general cowboyness all over the place. But after the Rodeo comes Christmas, and if you’re more in the mood for gingerbread twinkliness than a cheap Crown Royal, there’s plenty of that on offer too. Oh, and it’s First Fridays. Never a dull moment… Music: Wayne Newton’s headlining at Harrah’s for the next month (11/22-12/30); Derek Sholl will be at the Monte Carlo (11/30-12/09); Randy Travis is appearing at the Golden Nugget (11/30-12/03); Barenaked Ladies will perform at the Aladdin (12-01); all weekend Big & Rich will be at the Las Vegas Hilton (12/01-12/03); Earl Klugh’s at the Suncoast (12/01-12/03); Rodney Adkins will be at Santa Fe Station (12/01-12/02); Steve Holy is performing at Boulder Station (12/01-12/02); Styx play the Luxor (12/01-12/02); headlining at the Hard Rock is Uncle Kracker and Shooter Jennings (12/01); Billy Dean will be at Whiskey Pete’s (12/02); Gary Allen and James Ingram are appearing at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues (12/01-12/02), as are Black Label Society and Black Stone Cherry (12/03); Death Cab for Cutie’s at the Hard Rock (12/03); and My Red Carpet featuring Chris Brown and Jesse McCartney will be at the Orleans (12/03) Comedy: Howie Mandel headlines at MGM Grand (11/30-12/06) and Larry the Cable Guy’s at the Orleans (12/02) Culture: Now open the 6th Annual Gift of Lights in Sunset Park (11/17-1/01); the Ethel M Botanical Gardens have been turned into a "Chocolate Wonderland," with half a million lights adorning the cacti; Lake Las Vegas is currently home to a giant floating ice rink and the Gingerbread House Gallery; Cavalia’s still in town at the Rio and has now been extended until the 22nd (11/16-12/22); it’s First Friday time again downtown (12/01); Art in the Stars will be at the Stratosphere (12/01); and the Drop Dead Gorgeous nationwide beauty pageant finals take place at the Beauty Bar on 3rd St. (12/2) NFR highlights: Hard Rock's hosting "Rodeo at the Rock," with an entertainment lineup including music events and a custom car and bike show, plus a free shot and beer when you present your NFR ticket stub and Bud/Jack Daniels drink specials; Mirage host’s nightly meet-n-greets with top rodeo competitors; Friday night the Palms is hosting a "Daniels Darlins" contest in The Lounge, with JD drink specials and merchandise giveaways; and Harrah's outdoor country-themed party nightly kicks off at 4 on Sunday on the southwest corner of Flamingo, with live DJ, mechanical bull, line dancing, and cash prizes Other Events: Hitzville the Show will be at the Las Vegas Hilton (12/03-02/12); Holiday of Nations is starting at 2751 Emerson Ave. and all proceeds will benefit Youth For Human Rights (12/01-12/03); Henderson’s Terrible 400 Desert Race will have a free concert and pre-race car show on Friday on Water St. and the race starts Saturday at 6 pm, exit US 95 towards Searchlight, the start/finish line is two miles from the exit (12/01-12/02) For more details about these and other events, plus full listings of all the permanent shows Las Vegas plays home to, click here to use our "Shows & Events" finder, under "Vegas Info."