Las Vegas News

ghostbar Going Dark in July:

The Palms' ghostbar will be dark from July 7 until mid-August, while the bar is remodeled as part of the property's $50 million upgrade. A new color scheme of black, white, and fuchsia, along with draping chandeliers, lush carpets, and a fireplace filled with flameless candles are designed to create a more "feminine and elegant" surrounding.

July 4th Caesars Celebration:

Joining Station Casinos, Caesars Palace will also produce a fireworks show in celebration of Independence Day. Caesars' show will begin at 9 p.m.

Temperature Misses Mark:

Yesterday's high temperature was 115 degrees, falling short of the record of 117 degrees. A high of 117 is also predicted for today.

Gregg Wins High Rollers:

Anthony Gregg beat his former roommate, Chris Klodnicki, in a brief 19-hand heads-up match-up to claim the WSOP's One Drop High Rollers tournament and the first prize of $4,830,619 million. Antonio Esfandiari finished 4th, taking down $1.4 million for his efforts.

Station Fireworks Show:

Station Casinos will lead the way again this year for fireworks on the 4th. Station’s nine-minute display -- dubbed the "We Love Locals July 4th Fireworks Blast" -- will emanate from Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock, which means you should be able to see it from either side of the Strip. The show is scheduled to start shortly after 9 p.m. Other smaller displays are also planned throughout the valley.

Magician at the Door:

Antonio "the magician" Esfandiari is among the final four players in the WSOP's One Drop High Rollers tournament. With play about to resume, Bill Perkins is the chip leader with 14.7 million, followed by Anthony Gregg with 13.9 million, Chris Klodnicki with 12 million, and Esfandiari with the short stack, but still plenty of fire power, with 9.2 million. Amazingly, Esfandiari won the "Big One for One Drop" tournament last year and its $18.3 million prize. The first prize up for grabs today is $4.8 million.

Hot!:

Predictions call for three days of 117-degree temperatures in Las Vegas, starting today. If the mark is reached, it will tie the all-time record set in 1942 and 2005. Yesterday's official high was 115 degrees.

Bonus-Points Day at Stations:

Today is another Station Casinos bonus-points day. Get 3.3X points on slots and 2X on video poker at all Station, Fiesta, and Wildfire casinos.

Pizza & Beer at Aria's Five50:

Aria has opened a new gourmet-style pizza and beer restaurant called Five50 in the space where the Skybox was located. A selection of 12 craft brews are offered to compliment the Neapolitan- and Sicilian-style pizzas.

Room & Buffet Bargain at the Palms:

Jump on this deal. Available to book this weekend only, the Palms is offering 35% off its normal rates with two free breakfast buffets thrown in daily. Base rates start as low as $52/night. Search all available dates here.

Hell's Kitchen Casting Call:

Auditions for Gordon Ramsay's reality TV show, Hell's Kitchen, on Fox will be held Monday July 1st at Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill inside Caesars Palace from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You must be 21 or older, competitive, outspoken, and have a talent for cooking. If you think you have what it takes just bring a printed out and completed casting application, a chef’s coat and a culinary/restaurant resume.

WSOP 'High Roller' Draws 166:

The One Drop High Rollers tournament with a $111,111 buy-in attracted 166 players and created a prize pool of $17,891,148 and a first prize of $4,830,619. With 26 players left, the leader is Martin Jacobson with 3,255,000. Last year's One Drop winner, Antonio Esfandiari, is lurking in 5th with 2,970,000.

UNLV's Bennet Picked First:

University of Nevada Las Vegas basketball star Anthony Bennett was the first player chosen in yesterday's NBA draft. The last UNLV player to go number-one was Larry Johnson in 1991. Bennett's being chosen first is expected to be a boon to the top-25 school's recruiting efforts.

New Reader Poll:

Our new survey, which this week focuses on the concept of non-smoking casinos, is now live. If you find that you can't access it via the regular daily QoD email you receive, then just click this link to vote in the new Reader Poll.

Sunset Extended:

A new stretch of Sunset Road, between Valley View and Decatur boulevards, was opened this afternoon by Clark County officials, road Thursday afternoon before rush hour traffic hit the streets. The opening concludes a $13.3 million project that included a bridge for Sunset Road to pass under the railroad tracks, an underground storm drain, a larger sewer system, and road upgrades.

Chuck Jones Closed:

The Chuck Jones Experience, an interactive exhibit celebrating the life of the famous cartoonist, has closed. We've heard rumors that it's seeking a new venue in town, but no details have been forthcoming as yet and we're not holding our breath.

Life Imitating LVA:

Our recent Reader Poll about outrageous fantasy casino themes of the future, which yielded some hilarious and seriously well-thought-out suggestions, turns out to have been even more ironic than we had realized, with the discovery today that Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris actually already serves a Barbie Milkshake, for real! (If you haven't already caught up with that survey's results, check it out in the Poll Archives and this revelation will make more sense.) Meanwhile, the latest Reader Poll is launching a couple of days later than is the norm, but it will be live on our home page Friday morning, so check it out, as it's on a subject that we know many people feel passionate about...

Andre's Gets Seasonal, Flexible:

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo, a Las Vegas institution that originated downtown, has launched a new spring and summer menu from Chef Andre Rochat and Chef de Cuisine Chris Bulen. The new menu concept offers more seasonal choices, while giving guests the opportunity to tailor their dining experience from an expanded à la carte roster of soups, salads, and entrées, or the option of selecting the chef's tasting menu. Prices on the new spring and summer menu start at $9 for appetizers and $19 for entrées.

Another Newbie for MGM Grand:

It seems barely a week passes these days without some kind of announcement from MGM Grand, and the latest word is that a new 24-hour restaurant opens on the casino level there at 6 a.m. tomorrow. Avenue 24 Bar & Grill will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring classic breakfast dishes and American fare.

Another New Attraction Coming:

Las Vegas casinos are seemingly falling over one another in a race to launch new bigger-and-better attractions on and around the Strip, from zip-line rides, observation wheels, and a "polercoaster," to free al fresco recreation centers and indoor and outdoor event venues. The latest new thing to be coming our way is a new Shelby American muscle-car exhibit, debuting south of the Strip sometime this fall, according to Vegas Inc. The company is apparently going to consolidate its local operations into a 135,000-square-foot facility, located about two miles south of the Strip at 6405 Ensworth St., which will feature a Shelby museum and gift shop and factory tours of the car production and modification facilities, which will also be located there. The current HQ, which is spread among five buildings near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, will shut down by Dec. 1.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

EDC may be behind us for another year, and July 4 just around the corner, but there's still a whole bunch of stuff going on this "in-between" weekend. Here are some highlights; check our Entertainment Events Calendar, in conjunction with the specific poolside events listed separately for each "daylife" venue in our Cool Pools feature. Andrew Dice Clay's back at the Hard Rock (6/27-6/30) Comedian Anjelah Johnson brings her hilarious brand of stand up at the Orleans (6/28-6/29) Terry Bradshaw brings his America's Favorite Dumb Blonde...A Life in Four Quarters stage show to the Mirage (6/28-6/29) Justin Bieber performs at MGM Grand (6/28), as does Beyonce (6/29) South Point welcomes the Art N Ink Festival (6/28-6/30) The annual charity extravaganza, Ribbon of Life, is at the Smith Center (6/30) The Magic of Rick Thomas is at Suncoast (6/29-6/30) Stephen and Damian Marley perform poolside at the Hard Rock (6/28) And former Vegas homeboy Ne-Yo's at the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan (6/28)

Poker Promoter Urges Venetian Boycott:

In a blog entry today, well-known poker writer and polemicist Nolan Dalla, who for many years has held the role of media relations director of the World Series of Poker, is urging for a week-long boycott of the Venetian poker room in light of Sheldon Adelson's controversial recent article opposing the legalization of online poker rooms, in which he refers to Internet gambling as "...a toxin that all good people should resist." See "An Open Letter to Sheldon Adelson from the Online Poker Community at businessinsider.com for more details on this latest furor to hit the poker world.

Louie in Search of a Star:

Entertainment columnist Mike Weatherford writes in the R-J that Louie Anderson has turned his search for an opening act into a social media contest. The comedian isn't looking for a fellow comic, but instead a singer or variety act (impressionist, for example), to complement the comedy. Aspiring fans are encouraged to upload videos of 15 seconds or under to Instagram video, using the hashtag #open4louie, or upload to YouTube and send him a link on Twitter or his official website.

Downtown Photo Competition:

Photographers have until July 31 to submit pictures of downtown for the Capture Downtown photography competition sponsored by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Citylife. The top three submissions will be awarded prizes and the top 15 will be featured at the Symphony Park Lecture. The theme of the competition is, Live, Work, and Play. Click here for more details.

Cooling Stations Up Around the Valley:

With summer in full effect, heat warnings are being issued to help raise awareness and keep people safe from over-exposure and dehydration. In addition to the warnings, cooling stations are being put up. According to local news channel Fox5, 13 of these stations have been placed throughout the valley, each offering water and shade. Visit www.helphopehome.org for a list of locations and operating times, or dial 211 free from any phone to find the station nearest you.

Deen Dumped:

The troubles persist for Paula Deen, as Caesars Entertainment has cut ties with the embattled celebrity chef over the controversy about a racial slur. Caesars has Paula Deen-themed buffets at its Horseshoe Southern Indiana, Harrah's Tunica (MS), Harrah's Joliet (IL), and Harrah's Cherokee (NC) casinos. The buffets will be rebranded.

Fountains at Bellagio Reach New Heights:

The Bellagio fountains were named the number one U.S. landmark in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice awards, beating out Gettysburg National Military Park, the USS Arizona Memorial in Honolulu, the Top of The Rock Observation Deck, and other famous American sites and spectacles. On the global list of top landmarks, the fountains ranked 12th.

Casinos Rev Up NASCAR Slots:

Bally Technologies' NASCAR slot machines are making their way into casinos around Las Vegas. A large vibrant screen encased in a sleek aerodynamic metal body sits afoot a cushioned bucket seat complete with the NASCAR logo and a sound system that emits audio from races and official NASCAR announcer, Eli Gold. Players can select a driver from a list of the most famous NASCAR racers to accompany them while they gamble, with the selected driver appearing on the screen. These are the first slots to license a major sports league of any kind, perhaps opening a path to further fuse casino gaming with professional sports.

Big Buy-In:

The "One Drop High Rollers" tournament begins today at the World Series of Poker. Its $111,111 buy-in is the biggest of the meet. One Drop High Rollers replaces last year's $1 million buy-in "Big One for One Drop," which will return in 2014.

Upgrade for Bally's:

The center-Strip property, which has quietly been upgrading its entertainment quota of late, has now announced plans to renovate its South Tower and rename it the Jubilee Tower, after the resort's iconic showgirl show, which celebrates its 32nd anniversary this summer. Renovations will include 756 remodeled hotel rooms and suites, which go on sale today for first guest arrivals late this summer, with nightly rates starting at $99 (plus resort fee).

More Pizza:

If there's one thing Las Vegas needs more than an additional "gourmet" burger joints, it's another pizza parlor, right? Fortunately, that's just what we're getting, with the announcement that 11-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani is to bring his "Pizza Rock" concept to Las Vegas later this summer. The restaurant, which will be located somewhere downtown, will feature gourmet (naturally) pizzas in a variety of styles, including Neapolitan, classic Italian, classic American, Sicilian, Roman, and gluten-free, plus cocktails, an extensive menu of imported draft and bottle beers, an Acoustic Sunday Brunch with specialty items like breakfast pizzas and meatball hash and eggs, plus a DJ playing Thursdays through Saturdays. Actually, it sounds pretty cool.

Toby Keith's Bar B'day:

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill is about to celebrate its eighth anniversary at Harrah's Las Vegas and is celebrating by offering guests food and drink specials this Saturday, June 29. Live music will be provided from 9:30 p.m.- 2:30a.m., courtesy of the Cef Michaels Band, while $8 specials will include the signature fried bologna sandwhich, all mixed drinks, and Jar draft beer. In addition, all guests aged 21+ will receive a free 12-ounce draft beer with the purchase of an entrée.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On:

In more milkshake news, For Goodness Shake opens at 10 a.m. this morning. Located at 4220 S. Grand Canyon Drive, the new custom milkshake, smoothie, and shaved ice parlor uses a base of non-fat yogurt (milk or lactose-free) and then allows customers to create their own beverage using a choice of 40+ toppings. A portion of each sale will be donated to Three Square Food Bank.

Smashburger Spills on Secret Shake:

Smashburger, which has several valley locations, has taken one of its "secret" menu items public, with the unveiling of the Häagen-Dazs Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake to mark National Ice Cream Month in July. The shake, one of a number of off-menu items offered by the chain, which caters to regional tastes with customized menu items and invites customers to concoct their own burger and shake creations, will promote the PB&J from July 1 through Sept. 30.

A Trip to Cherokee:

In this week's regular Tuesday column, our resident video poker expert Bob Dancer gets personal, with an account of his recent trip to North Carolina's Cherokee Casino.

Lollipop Contest:

The Sugar Factory, the candy store beloved of celebrities that has multiple Las Vegas venues, is celebrating National Lollipop Day with a new flavor contest and online Couture Pop special this July. Starting Monday, July 1 and running through July 19, fans will be invited to choose from flavors including Strawberry Banana, Mocha Latte, Root Beer Float, Blueberries N’ Cream and Cotton Candy on the Sugar Factory website (how do you pick a flavor online?) The winning flavor will be picked to hit Sugar Factory shelves on National Lollipop Day, Saturday, July 20. Participants in the contest may receive one Couture Pop Refill Three-Pack for free from July 14 to 21.

New Ducasse Restaurant Rumored:

According to the Vegas Eater blog, Chef Alain Ducasse, who currently is represented in Las Vegas by his MiX venue at Mandalay Bay, is plannning to be bringing a new Italian bistro-and-market-style restaurant called Chef's Table to Crystals in CityCenter, although no official confirmation has been given to the rumor as yet.

Apple Store Expansion:

On Monday, July 1, the Apple Store in Fashion Show Mall will move to a temporary upstairs location while the current venue undergoes a massive renovation and expansion that will nearly triple the store's size. According to the Apple website, the project is due to take about three months to complete, although a call direct to the store revealed that the employees are completely in the dark on this and have been given no word on the schedule. The Fashion Show location opened in November 2002 as the 46th Apple Store in the U.S.; the expansion will see it take over neighboring spaces formerly occupied by Steve Madden and Tommy Bahama.

Buffets for Blood:

Donate your corpuscles to United Blood Services today at Eastside Cannery and receive two free buffet coupons. The blood drive runs until 4 p.m.

News from Capriotti's:

The valley's favorite sandwich shop is opening a new venue on Boulder Highway at Lake Mead tomorrow, plus the chain is celebrating summer with a limited edition "Firecracker" sub, featuring home-roasted turkey, zesty Capacolla ham, spicy crushed pepper relish, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, drizzled with oil and seasonings.

Supermoon:

Look up and to the east tonight, where a large and vivid full moon is expected to materialize, due to being at the closest point it gets to Earth. The "supermoon" will appear at about 8:20 in Las Vegas.

Nevada on Entrepreneurial List:

Nevada came in 10th on a list of "Most Entrepreneurial States" compiled by the Kauffman Foundation, based on the ratio of business startups to population. Nevada had 390 startups per 100,000 adults and was cited for its "business-friendly environment," which features no personal income, business income, or franchise tax; a streamlined licensing and permits process; and "relatively affordable" commercial real estate. Montana led the list with 530 startups per 100,000 adults.

Adelson on Online Gambling:

In a Forbes guest column, LV Sands Corp's Sheldon Adelson again assailed online gambling, calling it "fool's gold" and a "societal train wreck waiting to happen." Adelson has steadfastly opposed online gambling on grounds that it promotes underage and problem gambling, as well as poses a threat to the bricks & mortar casino industry.

Bonus Points at Silverton:

Slot players get 10X points today at Silverton. The bonus is for reel slots only; video poker is not included.

Wynn Approved in Massachusetts:

Voters in Everett, Massachusetts have passed a referendum approving a $1.2 billion Wynn Resorts casino plan. The local approval, which got 86% of the vote, was necessary before the company could seek one of three state licenses that will be awarded next year, including the one Wynn seeks in the Boston area.

Blackhawks/Bruins Game 5:

The Chicago Blackhawks are -155 favorites over the Boston Bruins in tonight's Game 5 of the NHL Championship. The total is U/5 -150.

GN Biloxi Opens:

Isle Casino, the first casino to open in Mississippi, is now the Golden Nugget Casino Biloxi. The rebranded casino opened yesterday, following the completion of the first phase of a $100 million renovation.

Station Bonus-Points Day:

Today is a Station Casinos bonus-points day. Get 3.3X points on slots and 2X on video poker at all Station and Fiesta casinos. These bonus days appear to be running every Saturday now.

Harmon Dispute Going to Mediation:

The principles in the dispute over who's liable for CityCenter's defective Harmon Tower will meet with a mediator in August in an attempt to reach a settlement. On Aug. 26, a settlement conference will be held in Clark County District Court to determine if the case will have to go to trial. Meanwhile, the tower's fate remains unresolved.

Hooters Refutes Sale Rumors:

The owners of Hooters are refuting press reports that they are actively trying to sell the property. Rather, they say they are pursuing a "nationally recognized hotel flag for the property [that] would be synergistic with the highly successful Hooters restaurant." That still sounds like they want a buyer to us.

VP Payback Clarification:

In an earlier post about the video poker games at Bar 702, we wrote "... Bar 702 currently offers the best video poker schedules of any non-casino location in town, with the lowest return on any machine being 99.1%, and some above 100%." To clarify, we were referring to the lowest "best" return. While it's true that every machine at 702 has at least one game returning 99.1% or better, there are other games in each machine's suite that have lower returns (though most of those are also higher than industry norms). The original post has been edited to reflect this.

Newton Attraction Moves Forward, Minus the Wayner:

Following approval of its bankruptcy-reorganization plan, which was obtained Friday, CSD LLC, the company behind the plan to turn former headliner Wayne Newton's private estate into a tourist attraction, will finally go ahead. The original plan ended in a bitter feud between the Newtons and the investment company, and in its new incarnation the as-yet-unnamed theme park will no longer include the singer's memorabilia collection, nor his exotic menagerie, nor the singer himself, who has now moved to a different property with his wife. Permission for the controversial attraction, which is opposed by many neighbors who don't want hordes of tourists being bused into the exclusive neighborhood, was granted by the Clark County Commission only on condition that it be developed as a Graceland-style theme park celebrating the singer's life and career.

Free Al Fresco Movie Tonight:

The Free Outdoor Picture Show series continues this evening at the District at Green Valley Ranch, with a dusk screening of Annie. Complimentary popcorn is provided; bring your own blanket.

VÉRONIC Voices Opens:

VÉRONIC Voices, the one-woman show starring vocal phenom Véronic DiCaire and produced by Celine Diion, opens tonight in the Jubilee! Theater at Bally’s for a limited run through Saturday, Aug. 31. The versatile vocal impersonator, whose repertoire includes the diverse likes of Christina Aguilera, Sheryl Crow, Billie Holiday, Susan Boyle, Whitney Houston, Katy Perry, and Dolly Parton, performs an 80-minute show featuring six backup dancers. Tickets start at $60 and are available from any CET Box Office or Ticketmaster outlet, or by calling 855-234-7469 or 702-777-7776.

Riv. Pres. Fired:

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has just reported that Andy Choy, president and CEO of the Riviera, was fired this morning. The move was part of parent company Riviera Holdings Corp's ongoing efforts to reorganize the struggling property’s management team. The senior VP of gaming also quit this morning, while the CFO, senior VP of operations, and director of security and surveillance have all parted ways with the ageing Strip resort-casino during the past 12 months. The Riv filed for bankruptcy for the third time in its 50+-year history back in 2010; 2013 Q1 revenues were down 35 percent from last year, at just $14.8 million.

Bad Blues Bar Rescue:

Former Vegas dive bar The Sand Dollar, now Bar 702, is the subject of Bad Blues Bar, the July 7 episode in the new season of Jon Taffer's "Bar Rescue" on Spike TV. Anyone who's familiar with this venerable institution knows that it's been need of rescue for a long while, lurching from one dubious incarnation to the next, and back again, but they called in Taffer and his team, including our own Anthony Curtis, who consulted on the gaming aspect of the enterprise, to try to get the joint back on track. Things got more than a little heated along the way -- both on and off camera -- which is what we love about "Bar Rescue," so check it out!

Gay Happenings Abound Downtown:

We're not sure what happened with the planned Grand Opening of KRAVE Massive on June 15, but the "world's largest gay nightclub" is now officially open for biz on Fremont Street, while the recently debuted Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, a.k.a. The Center, is launching a queer arts and culture series called the Centerpiece. Commencing June 29, the series will feature documentaries, book signings, live music, spoke-word performance, comedy, and more. Visit thecenterlv.com/centerpiece for the complete schedule. All events are free to attend.

Revel Goes All-In for Gamblers:

Having struggled to the point of declaring bankruptcy after less than a year in operation, Atlantic City's luxury resort is finally getting down to business. No longer called Revel Resort, on Thursday a name-change to Revel Casino Hotel was announced and with it, a new slogan: "Gamblers Wanted." Abandoning an earlier emphasis on non-gaming attractions that has seen the similarly challenged Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas achieve accolades for its dining and nightlife, while still struggling to pay the bills from the anemic revenues generated by a red-headed stepchild of a casino, Revel has already reversed its non-smoking policy and introduced a new moderately-priced restaurant called Relish. Last month, a new high-limit slot area debuted, and now an aggressive promotion has been launched, offering a refund on all slot losses greater than $100 to Revel Card users, in addition to matching all slot free-play offers from all of 11 of its Atlantic City competitors. Players must simply show the original mailed coupon(s) at the Revel players desk and a matching amount of free-play will be loaded onto their card.

Bar 702 Dealing Again:

The video poker games at Bar 702, formerly the Sand Dollar Lounge, are back in action. The bar was the subject of a Spike TV Bar Rescue episode in which Anthony Curtis was enlisted to upgrade the video poker program. Following the resolution of a licensing issue, Bar 702 currently offers the best video poker schedules of any non-casino location in town, with a schedule returning at least 99.1% available on every machine, and some above 100%. Bar 702 is located about a mile west of the Strip at Spring Mtn. and Polaris. The show airs on July 7.

Navegante License Approved:

Navegante Gaming Inc., the father-and-son company of industry veterans Larry Jean Woolf and Larry David Woolf, has won approval from the Nevada Gaming Commission to manage Hooters Hotel & Casino. The property is is in the process of undergoing a remodel that has already seen $3 million spent to replace carpeting and affect some hotel renovations. A name-change for the off-Strip hotel-casino is also expected shortly, although attempts to find a buyer have, to date, been unsuccessful.

Heat/Spurs Game 7:

The Miami Heat are -5.5 favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in tonight's deciding game of the NBA Championship. The total is 188.5.

New Resort Planned Near Strip:

Approvals have been granted for the Dynasty Resort Hotel, which is planned for E. Flamingo Rd., between Tuscany and the old Key Largo. Dynasty will have 794 rooms, a retail area, and meeting space, along with a 100,000-square-foot casino. The hotel tower is currently planned for 260 feet, but Dynasty is petitioning for an FAA variance that would allow it to be built to 375 feet. The resort could open by 2015.

Ultimate Poker's Million Dollar Summer:

Ultimate Poker, the first legal online poker site, is offering up $1 million in cash and prizes during its "Million Dollar Summer" promotion, which kicks off June 21 with a $50 deposit bonus. Over the coming months, locals and tourists are also invited to share in a season of increased cash bonuses, tournament add-ons, freerolls, UFC prizes, WSOP Main Event seats, and more. Visit UltimatePoker.com and follow @UltimatePoker on Twitter to stay in the loop about the latest promos and deals.

Traveling with Cash:

Today's Question of the Day is on the subject of flying domestically with large amounts of cash and we're receiving lots of useful tips, not to mention some scary anecdotal feedback, from a number of readers. We're adding it all as "Updates" to the answer, so thanks to everyone who's contributed; if you haven't yet check it out, we recommend everyone reads this answer if you're ever likely to fly with any significant amount of cash and you want to ensure its safety.

Identity Change for Aria Bar:

The former Bar Moderno at Aria is now called Lift Bar and has commenced offering live entertainment nightly from 9 p.m. The venue's located near the guest elevators on the casino level and is open 24 hours.

PokerStars Challenges NJ Court Ruling:

Rational Group, the Isle of Man-based parent company of PokerStars, is appealing a ruling that allowed New Jersey's Atlantic Casino to scrap the online giant's bid to buy the property, while keeping the $11 million advance that had been paid as an advance. In a appeal filed this week, Rational Group claims that the judge made a series of errors that led to a faulty ruling; if the challenge is successful and the sale proceeds, it will make PokerStars the first online-poker site to acquire a land-based casino.

Las Vegas This EDC Weekend:

Yup, folks, it's Electric Daisy Carnival time once again; if you're interested in all that psychedelic shenanigans, may we respectfully direct you to the Las Vegas Weekly, which has great listings of all the EDC-related pool parties and entertainment, saving us the bother. In the meantime, here's a bunch of other stuff going on: Catch me if you Can is playing at the Smith Center (6/18-6/23) Steve-O and Tom Green are back at the Hard Rock (6/20-6/23) Véronic Voices kicks off its two-month residency at Bally's (6/20-8/31) The Mirage welcomes comedian Lewis Black (6/21-6/22) Tower of Power takes the stage at South Point (6/21-6/23) Wanda Sykes does stand up at TI (6/21) Boz Scaggs takes the stage at the Palms (6/22) Infected Mushroom entertains at the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan (6/20) And Beachlife at the Hard Rock welcomes Juicy Beach with Robbie Rivera, Lucky Date, and Treasure Fingers (6/22)

Blackhawks/Bruins Game 4:

The Boston Bruins are -140 favorites over the Chicago Blackhawks in tonight's Game 4 of the NHL Championship. The total is O/4.5 -130.

Fantasy Headliner Departing:

Lorena Peril, long-time leading lady of Luxor's adult revue Fantasy, will be exiting her role this fall to embark on a global tour of Grease, in which she will star, opposite her husband Ray Jon, as Sandy. Final selections to fill the lead spot in Fantasy are ongoing.

Mob Tour Upgrades:

The long-running Vegas Mob Tour, a nighttime guided coach trip that visited significant mob-related venues in the city, has now joined forces with the Mob Attraction at the Tropicana. The experience, which now costs $98.46 per person (plus tax and fees) and lasts for four hours, departs from the Mob Attraction entrance at the Trop, instead of the Royal Resort, and leaves at the earlier time of 5 p.m. in order to take in the tour, free pizza from Gino's Pizza Party, and entry to the Mob Attraction, which is the final port of call and drop-off point for the tour. Due to the new partnerships and extended duration of this experience, the Las Vegas Advisor Member Rewards Book 2-for-1 offer for the Mob Tour has been suspended; we're in talks with the organizers and hope to instate a new offer soon. Stay tuned...

SHe Caters to Ladies ... at Last:

In an apparently entirely un-ironic press release, SHe, the Steakhouse in Crystals at CityCenter figureheaded by Eva Longoria, which from its debut announced that its orientation was to be as a female-friendly steakhouse (whatever that is), has announced the introduction of Ladies Night. Starting June 27, every Thursdays female guests will be able to enjoy select wines-by-the-glass for $5, signature cocktails for $7, and a special small-plates menu.

X Train to Sell Tickets:

Seeing as the company behind the X Train -- a planned "party train" that will operate between LA and Las Vegas -- originally announced that they'd be selling tix for a New Year's Eve 2010 inaugural trip, we're not holding our breath, but Vegas Inc. reports that Las Vegas Railway Express intends to launch a travel-booking operation in July, ahead of a planned 2014 launch of the service. Apparently, they now also intend to expand the as-yet-untried concept, with "Casino Fun Trains" offering rail transport between other major cities and casino destinations, e.g., Sacramento to Reno and Houston to New Orleans.

Pre-Opening Plans for Resorts:

Vegas Inc. reports that Genting Group apparently has plans to start hyping its new Strip property -- a transformation of the stalled Echelon into the new Asian-themed Resorts World Las Vegas -- well ahead of the scheduled opening. Although the project isn't even due to break ground until 2014, and isn't scheduled for completion until two years later, the company has sought permission to construct two pagoda-styled preview centers, embellish the surrounding construction fencing with Chinese imagery and a sound system broadcasting news and music, and entertain passers-by with dragon dances. (Frankly, we'd be a lot more excited by, say, free chicken fried rice, or at least some complimentary fortune cookies, but that's just us.)

Party Planned for Former Terrible's:

Following a year spent transitioning from Terrible's to its new, upgraded and renovated Silver Sevens identity, the off-Strip casino plans to celebrate with a week-long party, commencing July 1. Specials during the week include giveaway drawings for a 2013 FIAT 500 Pop car and a Silver Sevens Scooter for A-Play Club members, plus free cake and champagne served from 4 to 7 p.m. daily July 1-3 and free coffee and pastries from 8 to 11 a.m. July 5-7. A-Club members will also receive free entry into a $5,000 "Swipe & Win" promotion on Wednesday, July 3 and a cruise giveaway on July 7, while all members who earn 50 base points during the celebration week will earn a free Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino T-shirt. Check with the players club booth for more details. Other month-long promos include a $7.77 steak and lobster dinner inside The Sterling Spoon Café every day in July from 2 to 10 p.m., plus seven entrées priced under $7 and offered 24/7 in the Café throughout July, including steak salad, pulled-pork sandwich, and eggplant parmesan.

Big News from MGM Grand:

Robin Leach reports in his Luxe Life blog that big plans are in the works for MGM Grand, including tearing down the façade wall, from the gold lion statue to the north end by M&M’s World, so that tourists on the Strip can see directly inside. (We're having trouble picturing this without a drive-by, but surely there are windows? The official quote says, "It's just façade walls with nothing behind them, so we can easily remove them and put MGM right on the Strip.") In addition, chef Michael Mina opened his new Pub 1842 earlier this week and husband-and-wife team Michael and Jenna Morton are to open a small-bites wine cellar concept (we assume something similar to their La Cave at Wynn) in the space formerly occupied by Nobhill, which is currently being demolished. Reviv, a spa specializing in "miracle" hangover cures, is also set to debut mid-July, but Jeff Beacher's takeover of the former Crazy Horse Paris theater has been pushed back due to delays in the planning permits coming through, Leach reports.

Schneider Wins Second:

The star of this year's World Series of Poker to date is Tom Schneider, who yesterday won his second tournament of the meet. Both of Schneider's wins were in the two HORSE events, which combine five games. Schneider now has four gold bracelets. His double made it 14 years straight that a player has won multiple bracelets in the same year.

Heat/Spurs Game 6:

The Miami heat are -6.5 favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in tonight's Game 6 of the NBA Championship. The total is 191.5.

Canadian Uprising at WSOP:

Canadian poker players are taking the World Series of Poker by storm, winning seven bracelets so far this year. It's the most ever by Canada in a single WSOP, and the meet is only halfway through. American players lead the bracelet count with 19.

EDC Weddings:

Electric Daisy Carnival has teamed up with Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapels this year and will offer overnight ceremonies at the mega-party this weekend. Traditional ceremonies, performed by an Electric Daisy Carnival minister, will be $99 and renewal and commitment ceremonies are free on a first-come, first-served basis. But if you really want to get in the Vegas spirit you can have Elvis perform the wedding and two songs for $179. Get more info here.

Bob Dancer on Playing for an Entry:

This week's column from Bob Dancer has just been posted and in it, the video poker expert discusses slot and video poker tournaments in which you have to play to earn an entry.

Big Al's Moving:

Big Al's Comedy Club is moving from the Orleans to the Gold Coast. As of July 3, the show will play in the Gold Coast Showroom, which is a bigger venue than it had at the Orleans. Tickets remain a bargain at $19.95, including one drink. LVA's Member Rewards offer for Big Al's will be good at the Gold Coast.

New Thrill Ride Proposed:

In a timely development, coming weeks after the announcement of the Rio's new zip line, and just days after Question of the Day covered the history of now-defunct Strip thrill rides (see QoD Archives 6/8/2013), the R-J today reports that an outfit called U.S. Thrill Rides LLC has submitted plans to the FAA to build the 650-foot-tall, $100 million "Polercoaster" -- a fusion combining elements of an observation wheel with a roller coaster, from what we can gather. While all interested parties are remaining hush-hush on the proposed location, apparently the submitted plans included a map that seemed to indicate the Tropicana could be the venue, which would make sense given its proximity to the airport, in terms of the FAA having to assess any potential hazard posed to the planes. We'll keep you posted.

Boo-Hoo-Hoo! Speed-Oh Run Rescheduled:

What was our most-anticipated event of the year to date, Opportunity Village's inaugural "Ho! Ho! Speedo-Oh!" run, a fundraiser which was to have featured 1,000 scantily clad and most-likely inebriated (there was a two-hour open bar scheduled pre-run) lunatics running through the streets of downtown Las Vegas Tuesday evening, has apparently been postponed, for undisclosed reasons and to an unspecified future date. We aren't even attempting to hide our disappointment.

Cell Phones for Soldiers:

Today's Industry Monday party at Mirage's Bare Pool Lounge is asking guests to bring along their old cell phones to donate, with proceeds from sales going to a fund to purchase phone cards for soldiers serving overseas as well as providing funds for emergency services for veterans at home. For details about Bare and all the other top "daylife" destinations in town, check out our Cool Pools feature.

Connecticut Wins Miss USA:

Miss Connecticut, 25-year-old accountant Erin Brady, was named Miss USA 2013 on Sunday during a nationally televised competition at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Miss Nevada was a Top 10 finalist, but was eliminated in the next round.

LA Times Pegs Vegas as a Bargain:

According to a TripAdvisor report profiled in last weekend's L.A. Times, Las Vegas is the least-expensive getaway destination in the U.S. this summer, while Honolulu came in at the opposite end of the spectrum. The ranking was based on the total cost of a one night stay at a four-star hotel, plus drinks and dinner for two, and a round-trip taxi ride. The total for Las Vegas was calculated as $272.94, while according to the same criteria, a similar trip to the Hawaiian hotspot will cost you $504.94.

Heat/Spurs Game 5:

The Miami Heat are -1 favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in tonight's Game 5 of the NBA Championship. The total is 188.5.

Bellagio Summer:

The summer exhibit is up at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. It features a huge floral assortment, including a 14-foot-tall sunflower, a treehouse, a brick bridge, a waterfall, and a mix of live and artificial birds. Live music performances take place daily from 5 to 6 p.m. The exhibit runs till September.

Carmine's Coming:

Another New York City mainstay is on its way to Vegas. The Italian restaurant Carmines is set for a July opening in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

Happy Father's Day:

Specials are running in restaurants all over town today. We haven't heard of any good casino-related offers, but will report in this space if they pop up.

Mickelson Favored in Open:

Holding a 1-stroke lead going into the final round, Phil Mickelson is the favorite to win the U.S. Open at +245. He's followed by Charl Schwartzel at +475 and Steve Stricker at +670. The field, which includes Tiger Woods who is 10 strokes back, is +1200.

UFC Evans/Henderson:

Rashad Evans is a -165 favorite over Dan Henderson in tonight's UFC Main Event. In the other featured match, Roy Nelson is -290 over Stipe Miocic.

Blackhawks/Bruins Game 2:

The Chicago Blackhawks are -150 favorites in tonight's Game 2 of the NHL Championship. The total is U/5 -140.

Margaritaville Opens in Louisiana:

The Margaritaville Resort Casino opened today in Bossier City, Louisiana. The resort features the usual Jimmy Buffet themed bars and eateries, a 30,000-square-foot casino, and what's touted as the "world's largest indoor volcano."

Evil Dead Hearts Dads:

Evil Dead: The Musical is offering a 2-for-1 deal for dads this Father's Day when you present this coupon at the Box Office at V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.

Station Bonus Points Today:

Today is a Station Casinos bonus-points day. Get 3.3X points on slots and 2X on video poker at all Station and Fiesta casinos.

PokerStars Pays Again:

PokerStars CEO mark Scheinberg has paid a $50 million fine to the Department of Justice to settle a complaint associated with the 2011 "Black Friday" crackdown on Internet poker sites. It's the latest move in the company's ongoing attempts to open a path into the legal U.S. gambling market. PokerStars forfeited $731 million last year to settle related charges and continues in its efforts to purchase the Atlantic Club in Atlantic City.

Skywalk Developer Dies:

Las Vegas businessman David Jin, who developed the Grand Canyon Skywalk attraction in northwestern Arizona, died Thursday after a battle with cancer, reports the R-J. Jin had been involved in a protracted legal battle with the Hualapai Tribe, who own the land on which the glass-bottomed walkway was built, over contractual rights (see Question of the Day archives for details).

Heaven Ends with a Nite-Swim:

Tonight's the final night for KRAVE's Heaven at Hard Rock's Breathe Pool, with a special "Nite-Swim" edition - swim-attire encouraged. No word on the alleged Grand Opening of KRAVE Massive downtown, which was slated for June 15. The last casting call appeared to be canceled, and the club's Facebook page has been strangely evasive about the debut... Drop us a line if you know something we don't.

More B&B for Venetian:

Vegas Seven magazine reports that Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich will be adding to their trio of venues at Venetian (B&B Ristorante, Otto, and Carnevino) this September with the opening of B & B Burger & Beer (because what Las Vegas really needs is another gourmet burger joint ... although we like B&B for their commitment to eco-friendliness and support of local producers). The casual bar and restaurant will occupy the space that was briefly home to Rattlecan, which features 20 TV screens and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio facing the Strip.

Free Pie for Flag Day:

El Cortez casino downtown is celebrating Flag Day by offering a free slice of Marie Callender's apple pie to all slot and table-game players from noon to 6 p.m. today. It's a timely promo, given our recent focus on the venerable property's former owner: Tune in today for Part II of our Jackie Gaughan bio. in Question of the Day (Part I, which ran Thursday, can be found in the archives).

Demo Due to Block Strip Today:

The center-Strip area around the Cosmopolitan is slated to be blocked by pickets from late this afternoon by members of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Local 165. The protest is part of an ongoing two-year-long contract-negotiation fight with the resort-casino. The demo is due to start at 5 p.m.

Accolade for Mob Museum:

Downtown's National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, known colloquially as "The Mob Museum," has been named a 2013 Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA). The award was granted in the Historic Restoration/Preservation category; originally constructed in 1933 as a U.S. Federal courthouse and post office the building is listed on both the Nevada and National Registers of Historic Places and is significant for its Depression-era neoclassical architecture. Don't forget we have an exclusive ongoing discount on admission to the Mob Museum for LVA members at

Accident Closes 95:

A fatal accident involving three vehicles at U.S. Highway 95 and Horizon Drive has closed southbound lanes on the freeway. Drivers are advised to exit U.S. 95 at Sunset or use Boulder Highway.

Heat/Spurs Game 4:

The Miami Heat are -1 favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Championship. The total is 186.5.

Bunkhouse Break:

DailyFiasco.com reports that The Bunkhouse, the venerable dive bar and music venue downtown, will be closing at the end of the months for renovations, courtesy of the Downtown Project. It's due to reopen in September, however.

Show Shake-Up:

In his latest entertainment round-up, R-J columnist Mike Weatherford reports that Broadway Celebration, Dancing Queen, and Shades of Temptation at New York-New York will all be closing at New York-New York July 21 as the venue they've been occupying closes for future absorption into The Park project, which will eventually connect the resort with neighboring Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, the revolving door that is the entertainment scene at LVH shows no sign of letting up anytime soon, with Music From The Heart with Esteban set to close June 28 and Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show already shuttered. The room will now apparently be dark Tuesdays for the foreseeable future.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

An early Happy Father's Day to all dads -- scroll down for some food 'n booze 'n stripper 'n cigar specials (we know what you like). Plus, here's the best of the other stuff: The Thomas and Mack Center welcomes the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (6/13-6/16) Jay Leno does stand up at the Mirage (6/14), followed by Seth Meyers (6/15) Jeff Dunham's at Caesars Palace (6/14) Cheap Trick and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo entertain at the Pearl inside the Palms (6/15) Cody Simpson performs at the Hard Rock (6/16) The Miss USA 2013 Pageant concludes at Planet Hollywood (6/16) And it's Reggae in the Park over at the Clark County Amphitheater (6/15-6/16) Father's Day Specials: Summerlin's new PoshBurger is offering a Father's Day combo for $30 per person. The special includes lollipop Spicy Buffalo Wings, a Kobe Burger, a choice of craft beer, and a homemade berry cobbler. Tacos & Tequila at the Luxor is celebrating with a steak and shrimp special priced at $29 per person. Fathers can also enjoy a tequila flight for an additional $15. Trevi inside the Forum Shops at Caesar Palace will honor dads with an Italian prix-fixe menu for $45.95, which features a meatball appetizer, a 14 oz. Ribeye steak, and a tiramisu dessert. The all new Pizza Lounge at Tivoli Village is giving all Father's a complimentary craft beer with the purchase of any pizza item. Michel Richard's Central at Caesars is dishing up a prix-fixe menu for $45 per person from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. The 4-course menu includes a choice of crab cakes or Asian tuna carpaccio, crab or onion soup as the second course, Loup de Mer or braised lamb shank as the main course, and chocolate cake or cheesecake to finish. Crazy Horse III Gentlemen's Club is having a 'Who's Your Daddy' party this Father's day and the chance to win $500 Diamond Dollars. The gentleman who orders the most bottles will win the Diamond Dollars which are valid toward any purchase at the Crazy Horse III. At Rhumbar inside the Mirage Father's can enjoy any signature cocktail and a house cigar for only $20. And PBR Rock Bar & Grill inside the Miracle Mile Shopswill give away complimentary 22 oz. PBR drafts and mechanical bull rides to all fathers who purchase the half-rack of ribs or the brisket.

Bet on the Farm:

It's the weekly "Molto Vegas" Bet on the Farm farmers market, from Mario Battali and Joseph Bastianich of B&B Ristorante, Carnevino, and Otto Las Vegas. Support local producers and stock up on fresh, organic, seasonal fare from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Springs Preserve.

Car Giveaway at the Nugget:

From July 1 to September 21, the Golden Nugget downtown will be offering the chance to win a brand new Chevy Corvette, Silverado, or Equinox, plus $175,000 in cash and free slot-play prizes, in the "$300,000 Great American Cash & Car Giveaway." During the promotion period, guests can earn drawing tickets by playing slots, table games, keno, poker, or wagering in the race & sports book; entries can also be earned with every hotel stay and every Gordie Brown ticket purchased. See the players club for more information.

Blackhawks/Bruins Game 1:

The Chicago Blackhawks are -150 favorites in tonight's Game 1 of the NHL Championship. The total is U/5 -150.

Deals Back Up:

Apologies for the earlier interruption in service; we are happy to report that the LVA Deals room and show discount offers are now back up and fully functioning, so check 'em out if you're looking for a great discount on a hotel rate or entertainment. Some are exclusive to LVA Gold members, but if you're not already one of those, it's FREE and joining's as simple as signing up with your email address, so just click the link to get started.

Voila Food Truck Serving Free Meals:

Voila! Food Truck is a mobile eatery from frozen-food giants Birds Eye, that's currently traversing the nation dishing up free samples and handing out coupons promoting the brand's new "Skillet Meals" range. They're in our fair city of Las Vegas 6/12-23, so follow @VoilaFoodTruck for updates on where to find 'em about town.

Pool-Friendly Beer:

On a happier note to the last post in this column, the good news is that Anheuser-Busch has introduced a new 11.5 oz, reclosable, pool-friendly beer bottle that's being distributed to clubs and pools city-wide. The cans, currently dispensing Bud Light Platinum, is not just sturdier than your average aluminum can, but also chills beer faster. It's being sold in 10-packs in liquor outlets, too, and will hit the shelves nationally later this year.

LVA Deals Down:

If you're trying to book one of our Hotel or Show Deals, that portion of the site is currently down for maintenance; we're aware of the issue and are working to restore the pages ASAP, so please bear with us and watch this space for an update once all is back in working order once more.

Miss USA Prelims:

The Miss USA Preliminary Competition, hosted by Planet Hollywood, begins tonight at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT: Catch the live stream online at www.missusa.com.

Free Male Strip Show:

This Friday, from 9 p.m., the hunks of American Storm, the long-running male Strip/strip show that last had a home at DB's Pong & Pool, following a long residency at V Theater, will be performing for free at the Lounge at the Palms. Tix will be available at the Box Office on the day of the show.

Boot Camp for Bird Killer:

Justin Teixeira, the University of California, Berkeley law school graduate charged with last year's wanton beheading of a 14-year-old helmeted guinea fowl at the Flamingo, pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony killing another person’s animal, As part of a plea bargain with prosecutors, Teixeira will attend six-months of boot camp and then serve up to three years of probation. A sentencing date was set for October. (For more on this story, see Question of the Day 5/5/13.)

Chocolate War:

It looks like a confectionery battle is about to unleash on the Strip, with the release of artist's renditions of the new Hershey's Chocolate World -- part of MRI's new plaza, The Park -- published by Vegas Inc.. Featuring a giant Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and a giant Hershey's bar, not to mention silver-colored entrances shaped like Hershey's Kisses, the new attraction looks like it will be giving M&M's World across the street a run for its money when it debuts this winter at New York-New York. Funny, but looks like we were coincidentally on to something with our "Casino Chocolat" concept -- one of the tongue-in-cheek casino-theme suggestions we offered up in our previous Reader Poll, which closed Tuesday (results will be posted this Saturday and you came through with some great suggestions of your own so be sure to check it out).

Fire and Water Warnings:

A "red flag" heat-and-wind advisory is in effect virtually state-wide today and Thursday, meaning most of Nevada, plus parts of California and Arizona, are vulnerable to fires. The criteria for the warning is a combination of high winds of 35 mph or above, plus low relative humidity, and extra caution is urged with campfires, cigarettes, etc. In other news, the National Park Service is still urging people to stay out of the water along an 8-mile stretch of Lake Mead’s Overton Arm, after a "mysterious white foam" and an unusual number of dead carp were spotted at the lake’s northern tip. While the Southern Nevada Water Authority is still testing samples taken from the area, the fact that the deaths were limited to one species of fish indicates a carp-specific virus, as opposed to something inherently toxic in the water.

Heat/Spurs Game 3:

The San Antonio Spurs are -2 favorites over the Miami Heat tonight in Game 3 of the NBA Championship. The total is 188.

Smith on Goodman:

In his column in today's LV Review-Journal, John L. Smith discusses Oscar Goodman's new book, Being Oscar. It's and interesting take, given that Smith wrote our book on Goodman, Of Rats and Men.

Gambling Win Down:

Nevada's statewide gambling win was flat in April, compared to the same month last year, just slightly down at -.2%. Declines were registered on the Strip (-2.3%) and downtown (-6.9%), while Washoe County (Reno) was up 10.0% and Laughlin increased 11.5%.

Bob Dancer on Being Vigilant:

This week's column from Bob Dancer has just been posted and in it, the video poker expert emphasizes the importance of paying attention to pay schedules at all times, just in case...

Pet Theater Back for the Summer:

Gregory Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater has returned to its on-off home in V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops. The show features a cast of trained rescue animals, including house cats, dogs, parrots, geese, and even performing mice. Tickets are currently on sale through December.

Anniversary Plates:

Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed a bill allowing the DMV to manufacture special license plate to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Nevada’s admission into the union on Oct. 31, 1864. The plates, which are expected to go on sale in late June or early July, will cost an additional $32.50, $25 of which goes to fund special events for the celebration.

MRI Building Outdoor Venue:

The LV Review-Journal reports that MGM Resorts International will build an outdoor events venue east of Luxor that will be used to host concerts, festivals, and other events. The as-yet unnamed venue is slated to be completed by September.

Expansion Plans for Trop:

The "New" Tropicana Las Vegas plans to almost double its current meeting and convention facilities by adding 40,000 square feet to the existing 60,000-square-foot area.

Heat/Spurs Game 2:

The Miami Heat are -6 favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in tonight's Game 2 of the NBA finals. The total is 189.5.

Half-Price Gas at South Point:

Redeem $25 in points and get a $50 gas card at South Point. The deal is good till the end of June and there are no machine restrictions for earning points.

Firefighter Applications Open Monday:

Applications for firefighter trainees for the City of Las Vegas open at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow, June 10, following a cheating scandal at the last academy that resulted in 14 trainees being barred from graduating. The date for the next academy has yet to be announced, but it's expected to be in a few months; applicants must first pass a written test to be taken in late July, followed by an agility test. Those interested in applying are urged to act fast, since only the first 500 completed, qualified forms submitted through the

Twofer for Dads:

As part of a month-long Father's Day promotion, dads get 2-for-1 rodizio at Pampas Churrascaria Brazilian Grille in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Buy one rodizio meal and the second is free, good for lunch or dinner, throughout June.

Cannery Rebates Down:

The $100 rebate on loss deals at the Cannery and Eastside Cannery have been discontinued. They've been replaced by a wheel spin for new members.

QoD Update:

Many thanks to those readers who wrote in with memories of a couple of former Strip "rides" from years gone by that we omitted. We've added an "Update" to the answer, which lots of people seemed to enjoy, so thanks for all the kind words.

UFC Nogueira/Werdum:

Fabricio Werdum is a -290 favorite over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Rafael Calvalcante is -230 over Thialgo Silva.

Vegas StrEATs:

It's the monthly food-truck-and-streetwear fest downtown tonight at Jackie Gaughan Plaza (by the El Cortez), and tonight there's an iPad Mini being raffled, in conjunction with Tabeso, the event-listing app. To get a raffle ticket, simply stop by the Vegas StrEATs/Tabeso booth from 6-10 p.m. and show that you're following Vegas StrEATs on Tabeso and receive one raffle ticket. Once you're at the booth they'll let you know other ways to bag tix, too. Plus, there's an after-party at Commonwealth, running until 3 a.m.

Belmont Odds:

Kentucky Derby winner Orb is the morning-line favorite at 3-1 for today's Belmont Stakes. He's followed by Revolutionary at 9-2 and Preakness winner Oxbow at 5-1. The long shots are Frac Daddy, Giant Finish, and Midnight Taboo, all at 30-1.

Bonus-Points Saturday:

Today is another Station Casinos bonus-point day. Get 3.3X points on slots and 2X on video poker at all Station and Fiesta casinos.

Summerlin Poolapalooza:

The Life Time Athletic Summerlin (10721 W. Charleston Blvd.) outdoor aquatic center is hosting a pirate-themed Poolapalooza summer pool party for the entire family from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, with lots of kids' activities like treasure hunts, face painting, water games, and a "dive-in" movie showing of Peter Pan. Members are encouraged to bring friends and family (free one-day guest passes are available by calling 702-214-6118).

Volunteers Still Needed:

Two open spots remain for volunteers on the Downtown Revitalization initiative that's taking place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Those who sign up will be put to work painting hydrants, installing benches, picking up trash, and other useful things to generally improve the environment for all. Thanks to everyone takes the time to take part!

DUI Checkpoint Tonight:

Metro has warned that there's going to be a sobriety checkpoint at an unspecified "high-traffic" area on the west side of town tonight, operating from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., so be responsible and stay safe. If you're impaired, or even think you might be, call a cab, or a friend, or Designated Drivers: 702-456-RIDE (7433).

Miss America Meet & Greet This Evening:

To preview the return of the 2013 MISS USA Pageant to Las Vegas, the D downtown is hosting a meet and greet this evening, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event, which is taking place on and around the 3rd Street Stage, is sponsored by RAIN Cosmetics and all 51 contestants will be present to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.

Life is Beautiful Selling Out:

As we posted on Tuesday, tix went on sale today for downtown's much-anticipated Life is Beautiful music/food/arts festival; the "Early Bird" options have already sold out, but you can still bag a weekend pass, starting at $159.50, for this Oct. 26-27 extravaganza. New artists continue to be added to the lineup; follow @LifeIsBeautiful for updates.

NCAA GOYs at GN:

Translation: The Golden Nugget will open its 2013 college-football Games of the Year betting today. This is a big event for professional sports bettors, as it provides them their first shot at the college schedule. The scene is worth taking in just to watch the betting frenzy and to follow the numbers moves on the board as the pros pound the lines into place. About 250 games will be up when the windows open at 1 p.m.

Topless Vegas 6.0:

We have just released v.6.0 of our Topless Vegas eBook guide which has been fully revised and updated to include reviews and details of the newly reopened The Horse gentlemen's club (formerly Crazy Horse Too) and the brand new Sapphire Pool & Dayclub, plus all the other developments that have taken place since v.5.2, like Coco Austin's starring role in Peepshow, the Pinup burlesque cabaret at Stratosphere starring former Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair, and much more. If you're at all interested in any aspect of the adult-entertainment scene in Las Vegas, this comprehensive electronic guide is a must-have, at just $6.95, with invaluable insider tips on etiquette, saving money, and how not to get ripped off, in addition to comprehensive and candid (often hilarious) reviews and a newly updated map. If you've formerly purchased any of the packages we offered that included the "Update" upgrade -- giving the reader online access to the latest version of Topless Vegas for an entire year -- then v.6.0 will serve as the final "Update" and you'll be receiving an email from us today with a link to download the new version. Moving forward, we are taking the best of Topless Vegas, the eBook, and transitioning it into Topless Vegas Online, a website that will also feature lots of new elements and will be fully interactive. The build-out is already in process and it's looking great, so sign up for email updates so we can keep you in the loop about the launch. If you have any questions about any of this, don't receive your "Update" email (check your "spam" folder first), or experience any issues with your eBook download, please call our Customer Service center at 800-244-2224 or email cs@huntingtonpress.com and one our agents will be happy to assist you.

New Show, Punctuation for LVH:

About to join the ranks Jubilee! at Bally's, with its annoying exclamation point, and the former Making %@it Up stand-up act from comedian Wayne Brady, is what we believe to be the first Las Vegas show to officially feature an asterisk in its title (although approximately the 117th* to be suffixed with "The Musical.") From the creator of Menopause: The Musical, which moved from the former Hilton to Luxor, comes The D*Word, which is scheduled to open July 10 at LVH's Shimmer Cabaret after Rich Little closes July 1. Standing for "Ditched, Dumped, Divorced, and Dating," it's apparently an attempt to expand on the Menopause concept and appeal to a broader (read: "younger") demographic, writes Mike Weatherford in the R-J. *Okay, we made that number up, but there are, and have been, a lot of them.

QoD Update:

Thanks to the reader who wrote in with a personal reminiscence in connection with today's Question of the Day [thanks!], which is on the subject of 24-hour buffets and whether Las Vegas has, or has ever had one. We've added some extra info, and photos, since the answer went live this morning, so check back if you're already read it.

Casinos Markers: Pros & Cons:

There are advantages and disadvantages to using casino credit; get the lowdown from a professional gambler in this week's exclusive article from video poker guru Bob Dancer.

Cooling stations Open:

With temperatures expected to reach or exceed 110 degrees today through Sunday, cooling stations will be open to the public through the weekend in an effort to help the homeless and other individuals stay out of the heat and keep them hydrated. Visit the Fox5 News website for a list of locations and opening times.

Las Vegas This Weekend:

Andrew Dice Clay's back at the Hard Rock (6/5-6/9) Rodney Carrington does stand up at MGM Grand (6/6-6/12) Comedian, Heather McDonald is at South Point (6/7-6/9) The Olreans welcomes Howie Mandell (6/7-6/8) Ray Romano makes 'em laugh at the Mirage (6/7-6/8) Tim Allen keeps the laughs going over at the Venetian (6/7-6/8) Bill Maher entertains at the Palms (6/8-6/9) The Suncoast welcomes Ronn Lucas (6/8-6/90) It's that First Friday time-of-the-month again downtown (6/7) And it's the 10th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival at the Cannery (6/8) Poolside Highlights: Ludacris takes over Ditch Fridays at the Palms Pool (6/7) Pepper performs at the "Nectar" Music Series at the Hard Rock Beachlife (6/8) And the Beach Concert Series at Mandalay Bay Beach welcomes Grace Potter and The Nocturnals (6/8) Check our Events Calendar and Cool Pools feature for complete listings.

New Jeff Mitchum Gallery for MGM:

Renowned landscape photographer Jeff Mitchum, who currently has a gallery at Bellagio, will debut a new exhibit space at MGM Grand on July 4, showcasing more than 300 award-winning images -- including "Third Day," the artist's famed $1.2-million showpiece, and "Power of Love," which features Las Vegas' Frank Gehry-designed Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health -- together with a collection of never-before-seen sculptures. The Gallery is located in the District area at MGM Grand and will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight. Mitchum’s art will also be displayed in MGM Grand's SKYLOFTS and The Mansion, the property's exclusive accommodation for high rollers. For more information and to view an awesome slideshow, visit jeffmitchum.com.

Specialty Nights at Stations:

Station Casinos' introduction of "Specialty Nights" last month at the Feast Buffets at Red Rock and Green Valley Ranch (Seafood on Friday for $24.99, with Boarding Pass; Prime Rib on Saturday for $14.99) evidently proved to be a success, because the group has now rolled out the "Specialty" concept at all of its Las Vegas buffets (excluding the Fiestas), with a new Prime Rib & Shrimp Night on Saturdays for $10.99 (with players card; regular dinner the rest of the week is $7.99).

AC Casinos Ban Google Glass:

New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement has given the OK to Atlantic City's casinos to ban Google's new hi-tech eyewear, known as "Glass." The James Bond-style computerized spectacles are equipped with a tiny webcam and wireless computer that enable the wearer to take pictures, shoot video, and surf the 'net, giving cheaters the potential ability to spy on other player's cards during a poker game and collude with third parties, for example. Caesars Entertainment has banned Glass from all its gaming floors nationwide, citing regulations outlawing the use of computers or recording devices while gambling, although New Jersey is the first jurisdiction in the country to take formal action allowing casinos to ban the Google eyewear.

Football Contest Season Begins:

LVH has posted the rules and projected prizes for the 2013 LVH SuperContest (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton SuperContest), plus details for out-of-towners or those on the road about using the LVH proxy service to get your picks in.

Join Jon Taffer On the Rocks:

The host of Spike's "Bar Rescue," who happens to reside in Las Vegas, will be hosting a three day bar/nightclub/pool-party extravaganza this July 12-14, featuring some big names (Tiesto, Max Vangeli, Rebecca & Fiona, Lil Jon, etc., etc.), pretty much every nightclub and party pool in town and, of course, Jon Taffer. One-day tix start at $75; visit the On the Rocks website for more info.

Accident Snarls Spaghetti Bowl:

Posting this a little after the event, so hopefully it's clearing up by now, but we just learned that an earlier rollover accident near the Spaghetti Bowl, involving a four-door Toyota and a flat-bed semi, resulted in a one-lane restriction southbound on the I-15, just ahead of rush hour. The accident took place just before 4 p.m. and Nevada Highway Patrol was urging drivers to seek alternate routes.

Bad Week for Sports Bettors:

Senate Bill 416, aimed at stopping restricted gaming licensees, like video poker bars and mini slots-only casinos, from housing stand-alone kiosks that act like mini automated race and sports books, was signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval Tuesday. 84 kiosks Valley-wide will now absolutely be set for by July 1, as anticipated (see "Today's News" 6/2/13 and 5/23/2013). Meanwhile, in unconnected but related news, a bill that sought to legalize sports betting in California in venues that already carry legal gambling, including Indian casinos, card rooms, and race tracks, has stalled in that state's senate, failing to move forward by last Friday's deadline. Even had Senate Bill 190 successfully passed this stage, for legalized sports betting in the Golden State to have become a reality would still have been dependent on federal action to amend the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which made sports wagering illegal in all states, with the exception of Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana.

Vegas Restaurant for Guy Fieri:

UNLV catering alumnus, chef, and Food Network host Guy Fieri, a frequent visitor to the city for shows like "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives", is to cement his relationship with Sin City with a new Las Vegas restaurant. Located in The Quad, with views of the Strip, the restaurant has yet to be named and its core theme was not specified in the R-J interview with Fieri that we read, but he did promise the venue, scheduled to open before year's end, will feature "an eclectic mix of food in a real fun environment" and will include a "really good Bloody Mary Brunch program," so that all sounds promising. We'll keep you posted.

How Do You Experience Las Vegas?:

(Other than soaked in sweat -- see previous post...) That's the question being posed by USA Today in the Traveler Poll just posted on their newly launched interactive Experience Las Vegas micro site. There are several different profiles to choose from, including the money-savvy "Wallet Watcher," as encapsulated by our publisher Anthony Curtis, or the "Newbie," with contributions from LVA blogger David Stiffs & Georges McKee. So, pick your type and start planning your "Vegas Experience"!

Here Comes the Heat:

The National Weather Service issued an excessive-heat watch for the Mojave Desert this afternoon, and watch is expected to peak in the Vegas Valley this weekend, with temperatures in the 106 to 109-degree range expected through the weekend. Out at Lake Mead, it might be even worse, with a high of 113 degrees anticipated, so Mt. Charleston could be your only escape. For those in need, Catholic Charities provides a summer day shelter at 1151 Las Vegas Blvd. North for up to 100 men at a time, with showers, toiletries, and water provided. The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. We'll post details of co-ed or women-only facilities as soon as we have details.

Speedway Closed:

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is officially closed from today until June 27, while the seating and staging is constructed for this year's Electric Daisy Carnival, which takes place Friday June 21st, through Sunday June 23rd, and will then require a few days for break-down and clean-up purposes.

Life is Beautiful:

That's not just a happy statement for a Tuesday morning; no, the lineup for downtown's inaugural "Life is Beautiful" music and cultural fest has now been released, and to say it's pretty impressive is a massive understatement. A tiny taste of the many headlining bands and artists includes the Killers, Beck, Imagine Dragons, Kings of Leon and, Cirque du Soleil; and talking of tastes, celebrity chefs involved include: Rick Moonen, Scott Conant, Jonathan Waxman, Tom Collichio, Nobu Matsushita, Susan Feniger, Paul Bartolotta, Kerry Simon, Mary Sue Miliken, Michael Mina, Hubert Keller... Okay, you get the picture, right? Like, don't even consider making a reservation in an expensive "celebrity-chef"-owned restaurant anywhere in the nation on Oct. 26 or 27, because anyone who's anyone in the culinary world will be dishing up and getting down at Life is Beautiful. While we just gave you a tantalizing tease of what's in store, we really recommend that you click that link to see the cool video the organizers have put together, featuring cameo appearances from many of the "names" involved, which gives a flavor of what they're anticipating this two-day extravaganza to deliver. Tickets for the festival, which go on sale Friday, June 7, start at $99.50 with the Early Bird Weekend Pass, going up to $999 for the "Serendipity VIP Package."

MRI Teams with Southwest:

Southwest Airlines and MGM Resorts International have launched a joint marketing alliance between Rapid Rewards and M life enabling members of both programs to accrue Rapid Rewards Points toward free flights for qualifying stays, with VIP perks (including room upgrades, pre-sale concert tickets, etc.), at MRI's Las Vegas properties. The alliance is kicking off with a special promo, with all members receiving double Rapid Rewards Points for all valid reservations booked between May 31 and June 30 for future visits to participating Vegas hotels.

Job Fair for New Shake Shop:

For Goodness Shake, a new milkshake, smoothie, shaved-ice concept that's opening later this month on the west side at 4220 S. Grand Canyon Drive, will host a hiring fair this Thursday to recruit its "Shake Squad." They're looking for candidates with "big personalities" and a sense of community (the company donates a share of each milkshake and smoothie purchased to the Three Square Food Bank). The fair will take place at the store's location from noon to 3 p.m. June 6.

Another New I.D. for Ravella:

Ravella, the casino-less property at Lake Las Vegas which originally opened in 2003 as the Ritz-Carlton, is now the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

Fight Nights at Texas Station:

Commencing July 12, leading boxing promoter Top Rank will begin presenting ESPN2 Friday Night Fights at the Dallas Events Center inside Texas Station. The first televised main-event will feature super bantamweights Chris "The Hitman" Avalos (21-2, 16 KOs), of San Diego, CA, and Drian "Gintong Kamao" Francisco (23-1-1, 18KOs), of Agoncillio, Philippines, in a 10-round battle. Tickets, which are $25/$50, are available now from any Station/Fiestas Reward Center, online at sclv.com/concerts, or from all Ticketmaster outlets. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with the first bout at 5 p.m. and the televised portion of the card beginning at 7 p.m. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

KRAVE Massive Hiring??:

Allegedly, the "world's largest gay nightclub," which announced a June 15 opening date, is holding an open casting call for all positions from 2-6 p.m. today at its sister Drink 'n Drag property downtown. However, the Facebook page they direct prospective hires to for more information is down, and the club has Tweeted since last Wednesday. If anyone knows something we don't, please drop us a line...

Bourbon Street in Reno:

The Reno area's former Silver Club will be reopened as a slots-only casino called Bourbon Street. The casino, located in Sparks (across the street from John Ascuaga's Nugget), hopes to open some time in July.

Mayweather/Alvarez Fight Set:

Floyd Mayweather has signed to fight Saul Alvarez at the MGM Grand on September 14. Both fighters are undefeated, and Alvarez opened as the smallest underdog to Mayweather in more than five years, with Mayweather at -250. The line has moved up since the opening and Mayweather is currently -285.

Bubba Day Party:

Barley's Casino & Brewing Company is holding a "National Bubba Day" party today. Get 50% off Bubba's IPA and 25% off all other Barley's Brews, along with $5 food specials, starting at 1 p.m.

Sports-Betting Kiosks Declined:

Remote sports-betting kiosks in bars have been outlawed by a bill that passed the Nevada Assembly by a vote of 41-0. The kiosks, which were run by William Hill and Cantor Gaming, will likey be removed by July 1.

The Horse Debuts:

The former Crazy Horse Too topless club held its grand opening last night, opening its doors as "The Horse." It's the second name change for the club in a week, as it originally announced that it would open as "Crazy Mike's," then had second thoughts. A legal dispute over the name Crazy Horse Too has necessitated the name changing. By design, the club is virtually unchanged from its former incarnation and is small by comparison to the new mega-clubs, such as Sapphire's and Spearmint Rhino. There are plans for expansion.

WSOP Event Sets Attendance Record:

The World Series of Poker's new "Millionaire Maker" tournament drew more than 6,000 players, smashing the record of 3,929 for a $1,500 buy-in event. The no-limit hold 'em event that gaurantees a first prize of $1 million will conclude on Monday.

WSOP Online Jumps the Gun:

The World Series of Poker website, expected to be the next legal online poker site, accidentally went live on Wednesday for a brief period. Varying reports say that from two to seven players were able to get into the site and play live. The glitch that allowed entry was quickly repaired.

Bonus Points at Stations:

Today is a Station Casinos bonus-point day. Get 3.3X points on slots and 2X on video poker at all Station and Fiesta casinos.

New Blackjack Mini:

The Stratosphere is holding blackjack mini-tournaments on Saturdays in June. Registration for today's tournament runs till noon. The entry fee is $40 and the prize pool is $2,500.

Blues & Brews at Springs Preserve:

Head over to Springs Preserve today where the Blues & Brews Festival will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. The focus is beer sampling, accompanied by live music and food booths. Tickets are $40, which you can easily recoup if you sample enough.