Add Las Vegas illusionist Steve Wyrick to the list of those going public with sordid details about their trysts with Anna Nicole Smith.

Until now, Wyrick had only hinted that a frisky Smith moved quickly after he levitated her during his show at the Aladdin over New Year's weekend two years ago.

He tells Star, the tabloid magazine, that a frisky Smith not only got carried away backstage, with their reality show microphones still on, but they had rough sex two hours later in his suite.

They got together another five times after that, Wyrick told Star.

"She always wanted to play rough," Wyrick was quoted.

Since its opening last fall, Sin City’s hippest dining establishment, Social House has won the hearts and taste buds of many Las Vegans.  Most recently, Social House has received amazing recognition as “Best New Restaurant” by three of Las Vegas’ most esteemed publications – Las Vegas Weekly, the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Life.

Las Vegas Weekly, a popular alternative publication, announced Social House was voted Sin City’s “Best New Restaurant” in its March 15 Readers’ Choice awards.  The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada’s most widely read newspaper, held its 26th Annual Best of Las Vegas Awards on March 24, at which Social House took home the honors of “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Asian Restaurant.”   Earlier this year Social House was voted “Best New Restaurant on The Strip” at the Las Vegas Life 2007 Epicurean Awards on January 23. 

"We are thrilled that Social House has been such a success within the Las Vegas community," said Robert Frey, Managing Partner of Pure Management Group.  "These honors are so rewarding for us and only encourage us to keep Social House as the absolute best place for a great dining experience on The Strip."

Social House has established a winning track record among those Las Vegans that indulge in the city’s thriving dining scene, and has become a favorite dining destination, thanks to its sophisticated and exclusive dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Located inside Treasure Island atop Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub, Social House is the perfect spot for dinner or drinks with an exuberant ambiance and breathtaking view of The Strip.  Elegantly designed with refined, chic décor, Social House features a live DJ, full bar and signature cocktails that will quench anyone’s thirst. 

An excellent question, I thought. Of course a walking tour is impossible, so you’ll need a car for this one, but here’s a good day’s worth of entertainment, food, and gambling that will get you out into the slightly more real world outside the bounds of The Strip.

Start and End: The Strip and Flamingo

Approximate Time: 12 hours

Approximate Distance: Many miles

Best Time: Weekday

Start out at the intersection of Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard, where Bellagio and Bally’s is located. There’s no real good reason for this other than the fact that it’s a place to start and your first stop is on Flamingo so there you have it. You’ll want to get an early start of it, say around 9am.

Travel east on Flamingo 1.5 miles to the Atomic Testing Museum located at 755 E. Flamingo (on the right). This well-run and fascinating facility examines the history of the atomic bomb, focusing mainly on the Nevada Test Site where they detonated many above ground nukes in the 50s. You’ll want to give yourself about an hour to get through the entire exhibit, so unless you’re lingering a lot you’ll be out by 10am.

Continue east on Flamingo 4.5 miles to the intersection of Boulder Highway. Just off to your right at that intersection is one of the major locals’ casinos Sam’s Town. If you’re looking to do some lower limit gambling or enjoy video poker and can’t find enough on The Strip this is one of three good options in the vicinity and has the second biggest casino in all of Las Vegas at more than 150,000 square-feet.

My preference for casinos in the area, however, is Boulder Station so hang a left on Boulder Highway and drive north 1.8 miles. You’ll see the train-themed casino-hotel on the right.

When you’re done wasting Billy’s college fund, get back on Boulder Highway and head south 11.3 miles to Clark County Heritage Museum at 1830 S. Boulder Highway (on your left). This is another terrific facility celebrating the local past including displays on everything from early Indian settlements to Vegas’ gambling heyday.

By now, if you’re doing it right, it should be around noon so let’s get you something to eat. Head north again on Boulder Highway approximately 3 miles to Lake Mead and hang a left. This will get you onto Interstate 215 heading west and you’ll take that about 6 miles to the Green Valley Parkway exit. Turn left at the end of the offramp and you’ll Green Valley Ranch resort and casino on your right. There are plenty of good dining options here including a fantastic buffet, a food court with a Fatburger, and much more. This is also one of the most beautifully designed hotel casinos in the area so it’s definitely worth a wander. Oh, and I have a tendency to do very well in the gambling area so it might be worth a small investment to see if my luck carries over to you.

You’ve had lunch but now it’s time for dessert, and there is no better place to find that in Las Vegas than at The Cupcakery. When exiting Green Valley Ranch, go to the street on the south side of the facility called Paseo Verde Parkway. Turn right and take a couple of blocks to Saint Rose Parkway and turn left. Follow Saint Rose about 1 mile to Eastern Avenue and turn right. You’ll travel on Eastern about half a mile and The Cupcakery, and its delicious treats are located on your right at 9680 S. Eastern Ave.

After you’ve stocked up, turn right on Eastern and travel north 6 miles to the Tropicana Avenue. Turn left and in just a few blocks you’ll be at the intersection of Tropicana and Spencer where you’ll find the Liberace Museum on your left at 1775 E. Tropicana. This is one of the wackiest shrines to all things bejeweled and should be on everyone’s must-see list when visiting Las Vegas.

Next we’re going to go explore a couple of spots on the west side of town so when you leave the Liberace Museum, turn left on Tropicana and take it a little more than 3 miles, past The Strip to Interstate 15. Hop on the I-15 south and go a few miles until you get back to Interstate 215, which you’ll want to take west.

You’ll follow the 215 about 11 miles (approximately) to the Charleston Avenue exit. On your right you’ll see Red Rock Resort, the city’s newest and my personal favorite hotel around. It’s beautifully designed with some stunning views of both The Strip in the distance off to the east and the mountains of Red Rock Canyon to the east. There’s a terrific casino and other entertainment offerings here so this is a good place to explore a bit.

By now you might be ready for dinner so there are two spots nearby to recommend. First would Hannah’s, located at 1050 S. Rampart. To get here, exit Red Rock Resort on Charleston and turn right, travel approximately 3 miles to Rampart and turn left. Hannah’s will be on your right on the corner. This terrific Asian-inspired restaurant won my vote as my favorite restaurant in all of Las Vegas for 2006 and it’s totally worth the drive to get there.

If steak is more your forte, head over to Austins Steakhouse at Texas Station. To get there from Red Rock Resort, take Charleston to Rancho Drive (about 9 miles) and turn left. Follow Rancho north about 3 miles and you’ll see Texas Station on your right. Austins is by far the best steakhouse in the city and is affordably priced to boot.

Finally, let’s get you back closer to The Strip with a stop at least one hotel and casino that weren’t included on the walking tours. Take Rancho Drive south about 4 miles to Sahara Avenue and turn right. Follow Sahara west 1.3 miles to Valley View Boulevard and turn left. Take that south 2 miles and you’ll be at the intersection of Valley View and Flamingo where you’ll find The Rio Suites on your left and the Palms, across the street to your right. Which one you choose is up to you and depends on what you like. For more gambling and free entertainment in the form of the Masquerade Village Show in the Sky or paid entertainment like Penn & Teller, choose The Rio. For gambling and the trendy nightclub scene, choose Palms and their ghostbar, Rain, Moon, and/or Playboy clubs.

Head east on Flamingo and you’ll be back at The Strip where you started, exhausted probably, but having seen a part of Las Vegas that most people never get to see.
Vegas4Visitors Weekly Column by Rick Garman

Answer: Well, Karen, you may want to hide this column from your husband, because the fact of the matter is that Vegas is a pretty casual place.

It wasn't so long ago that all the top restaurants required jackets and ties, and semi-formal wear was the standard at all of the shows, especially headliners.

These days, even the most expensive of restaurants has fairly relaxed dress codes. I mean, I wouldn't try to go into Picasso at Bellagio wearing cut-off shorts and flip-flops, but there's no need to go out and buy a formal dress for the privilege of dining there.

The popularity of video poker has increased tremendously in the last few years. This is because video poker gives a player a chance to use skill instead of just inserting coins and pulling the handle. Some of the games offered have over 100% return in the long run when using correct playing strategy. Although most of the games with “Positive Expectations” i.e. 100% payback are offered in Nevada, there are full pay video poker machines that offer higher returns than slot machines in many gaming destinations. When you combine full pay video poker with your players club benefits you can come up with a winning strategy.

It’s one of the most-asked questions among slot players: Which machines are due to hit? Or, how do I tell when a machine is due? Or, which machines are the best to play, right now?

These are not only among the most-often questions asked in letters to this and other player magazines; they are questions asked at casinos across the country, to slot attendants and floor managers: “Where are the hot machines?”

Despite all that has been written about the workings of the modern slot machine, there is still a prevailing notion among players that these questions can be answered—that attendants can give you a hot tip on a machine that’s about to hit; that some outward signs visible on a slot game can show that a machine is close to a jackpot.

Helping this notion is the wealth of “slot system” trash available on the Internet and elsewhere, offering “visual clues” to when a game is “about to hit.”

More Here:
http://www.casinoplayer.com/archive/0704cp/machine.htm

If you want to peer into the future of casinos, look no further than the slot floor. While the most popular table games have remained virtually the same for decades, each year brings eye-popping innovations, clever new concepts and technological breakthroughs to the world of slots. The modern slot floor is a showcase for the latest in video and audio technologies, as well as the hottest trends being embraced by players.

Behind the scenes, the top manufacturers are spending millions to develop new products that capture the attention of players. No detail is overlooked in trying to provide players with the ultimate experience—from high-definition video, to plusher seats, to slot adaptations of game shows and Hollywood blockbusters.

Competition among the manufacturers is fiercer than ever. Room for new titles on casino floors is scarce, and if a game doesn’t strike a chord with players it could just as quickly be retired to the slot graveyard. To this end, the top companies in the industry employ teams of game designers to create titles that are tested exhaustively, picked apart by focus groups, and analyzed a thousand different ways before they ever arrive on casino floors. This process results not only in hit games, but in important breakthroughs that raise the bar for the overall industry.

More Here:
http://www.strictlyslots.com/archive/0704ss/art.htm

Aristocrat Technologies Inc. announces today the approval and release of Cashman Tonight™ in all GLI jurisdictions.

Cashman Tonight is an extension of the popular Mr. Cashman brand and combines new bonus games featuring Mr. Cashman along with a Double Standalone progressive jackpot. “Mr. Cashman has always been a hit with players and we’re making game-play even more exciting by adding two standalone progressive jackpots with Cashman Tonight.” said Sean Evans, Aristocrat Technologies’ Vice President of Sales.   

As a Double Standalone Progressive, Cashman Tonight features a two-level progressive jackpot. With the optional 10-credit ante bet, players are eligible to play the five second-screen features that lead to free credits, free games, multiplier substitutes and ultimately, the progressive jackpot.

Cashman Tonight is being released on two of Aristocrat’s top-performing base games, African Dusk and Wild Cougar and is now available with new pricing options.

Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL), a leading global provider of gaming solutions that consistently outperform the competition. The Company is licensed by over two hundred regulators and its products and services are available in over ninety countries around the world. Aristocrat offers a diverse range of products and services including electronic gaming machines, interactive video terminal systems, electronic tables, and casino management systems.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com

The famous Flamingo Las Vegas recently began the second phase of its extensive room renovation. The redesign will include the transformation of more than 500 hotel rooms and suites into luxurious, stylish and technologically advanced Flamingo "GO Rooms."  The "GO Room" name was inspired by a derivative of the property name - FlaminGO. Phase II will introduce three new stylized suite types: GO Metropolitan, GO Neapolitan and GO Cosmopolitan, in addition to completing more standard GO rooms and suites.

The resort introduced Las Vegas visitors to the Flamingo "GO Room" product in
the fall of 2006, with the refurbishment of 636 standard rooms and suites.  With flashy style, sophisticated entertainment systems, and splashes of classic Vegas decor, the Flamingo "GO Rooms" provide a one-of-a-kind guest room experience, at the popular center-Strip location.

The completion of 30 new GO Metropolitan suites highlights the second phase of the renovation. With Strip views from floors 27 and 28, the suites are the quintessential example of lavish Las Vegas lodging. Each two-bedroom, 1500 square-foot suite is adorned with rich hardwood floors, two opulent marble bathrooms, three entertainment centers and four 42" flat-panel high-definition television sets. Accented with vibrant green, interspersed with browns and splashes of orange, the decor takes a fresh approach to the retro Flamingo style.

Also introduced during phase II of the renovation are 14 GO Cosmopolitan suites. These spacious, 800 square-foot one-bedroom suites featuring living and bar areas are decorated with vibrantly striped wallpaper and accents of signature Flamingo pink.

GO Neapolitan suites measure 650 square feet, consist of one bedroom and a living area, and are also decorated in a combination of Flamingo pink and coordinating striped wallpaper. A total of 38 GO Neapolitan suites will be available upon the completion of Phase II.

Created by Cagley & Tanner, the same Las Vegas based interior design firm that developed the Flamingo "GO Room" concept, the Classic Suites display a modern and sleek theme. 

"These rooms were inspired by the golden age of the Flamingo, when the building was an architectural triumph of Modernism," said Lee Cagley of Cagley & Tanner.  "From the sweeping cantilevered curve of the sofa and the deep pile plush rugs, to the dark headboard with tufted ebony patent leather, everything is meant to be
cool, relaxed, and fun."  

Tech-savvy guests will enjoy the state-of-the-art technology found in each newly renovated room. Each space is equipped with a Denon® sound system with an MP3 player docking station, CD/DVD player, remote control blinds, LED reading lights, wireless internet, and high-definition televisions.

The second phase of room renovations is slated for completion in November
2007.  GO Metropolitan and GO Neapolitan suites are on sale now. Virtual tours of the new Flamingo Go Rooms and Classic Suites are available online at http://www.harrahs.com/goroom/index3.html.

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Flamingo Las Vegas features over
3,500 guest rooms and top headline entertainment, including multiple Grammy award-winning artist, Toni Braxton. The resort offers 77,000 square-feet of action -packed casino space and a beautifully-landscaped wildlife habitat surrounded by sparkling waterfalls and lush tropical gardens.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com

The Palms Casino Resort has announced that it will soon add a new dining experience to its mix of extraordinary restaurants. On May 1, 2007, the one -stop resort destination will open the doors to the multimillion-dollar Bistro Buffet – an all-you-can-eat dream come true featuring international fare at an unbeatable value.

Inside the Bistro a modish interior reflects the hipster attitude that defines the Palms. Deep wood tones, marble floors and backlit-patterned walls give the Bistro visual interest and a chic flare. To emphasize freshness and quality, the action of the kitchen is left exposed for guests to watch as Bistro chefs prepare sumptuous selections from around the world. 

To satisfy every appetite, the Bistro’s far-reaching menu is comprised of both traditional favorites and contemporary culinary movements, from Pacific Rim and nouvelle cuisine, to Pan Asian and Mediterranean selections that have become popular at the Palms. “Every night will be a specialty night,” said executive chef Henry Garcia, whose goal is to create a unique dining experience each day of the week.

In true bistro fashion, featured specialties will change daily and be made-to-order. For an interactive, custom experience, Bistro chefs will prepare select dishes like Sandwich Wraps, Teriyaki Rice Bowls, Pastas, Individual Fresh Designer Pizzas, Eggplant Parmesan, Southwestern Caesar Salad, Loaded French Fries, Grilled Hamburgers and Foot Long Hot Dogs all upon request.

Breakfast will take a turn with Pineapple Upside-down Pancakes and for desert, decadent petite French pastries will be offered alongside more classic cakes and pies. Carving stations will regularly feature favorites like Roast Turkey Breast, Prime Rib and Roast Beef, and on the lighter side a full salad bar will provide endless possibilities for personal creations.       

The Bistro Buffet will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week with a special champagne brunch on Sundays. Breakfast will be available Monday through Saturday, 8-10 a.m. Lunch will be available Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.  Dinner will be available seven days a week, 4-10 p.m. Champagne Brunch will be available Sundays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Regular discounts apply for Club Palms members paying with points and for All-Star cardholders or higher paying with cash.
http://www.casinotravelnews.com

The Light Group will add more sizzle to the Las Vegas Strip this September with the opening of its newest venture, Diablo’s Cantina at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino.  The 10,000-square-foot multi-level entertainment complex will be “Party Central” for those looking to let loose in a lively fiesta-like atmosphere.

Centrally located on Las Vegas Boulevard, Diablo’s Cantina will be a casual yet alluring dining and drinking destination.  Its open-air design will provide an inviting and high-energy environment to help set the festive tone.  Diablo’s will combine all the fanfare and charm of a Mexican coastal cantina with the excitement and vibe of a lively “people-watching” hot spot. Mixing “Old World” style with modern technology, Diablo’s décor will feature vibrant colors with rustic tile and furniture as well as 10 large plasma screens throughout for sports and entertainment viewing. One-of-a-kind, hand-painted murals will add character to Diablo’s space. A staff of sultry señoritas will add a touch of spice and excitement to Diablo’s Cantina while roaming tequila vixens will get the party started.

The first floor will incorporate the main dining area with a hip bar and lounge. Guests will be able to enter from a Strip-front entrance that will feature a walk-up frozen/specialty drink bar, or through the casino. The second floor will include an open-air center bar area and stage for live music, rotating entertainment acts and weekend DJs. The patio will be a perfect setting for carefree fun in the sun or under the desert moon.                                                                          

Executive Chef Brian Massie’s menu will include a cross between south-of-the-border favorites such as the Diablo’s Beef Chili Nachos and Spicy Grilled Shrimp Quesadilla plus a unique spin on some traditional American classics including The Diablo Death Wings, spicy chicken wings served with a smoked jalapeno blue cheese sauce, and Diablo’s 15-ounce Burger.  In addition, Diablo’s will offer an array of salads and appetizers, taco and burrito combinations and sandwich and meat platters. The large portion sizes will encourage sharing and ensure that no one leaves hungry.    

Diablo’s Cantina also will feature an extensive menu of luscious libations including specialty margaritas, mojitos, sangrias and a variety of rare and exotic tequilas. The signature margaritas will come in two sizes: individual or large for table sharing.  The Mangorita, a mix of Cabo Wabo Blanco, Mango Nectar and fresh lime, will offer a sweet yet refreshing take on the original margarita. The Cantina will boast a collection of frozen and specialty drinks; guests can choose from a frozen Tropical Hurricane, with Appleton Estate Rum, Guava, Papaya and Mango, or the specialty South of the Border Martini, watermelon-infused tequila, Watermelon Brizard and fresh lime juice.         

“Fueled by the combination of great food, high-octane entertainment, an open-air design in the center of the world's most exciting location and, of course, tequila, Diablo’s will be like Spring Break year-round!” said Oliver Wharton, The Light Group’s director of Restaurant Operations.

Diablo’s Cantina marks the beginning of a Monte Carlo transformation.  The resort, which recently received its first AAA Four Diamond Award, combines a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere with non-stop action and excitement. Its sparkling pools, charming accommodations and friendly staff combined with a casual brew pub, the breathtaking illusions of Master Magician Lance Burton and the AAA Four Diamond Andre’s French restaurant make Monte Carlo a destination to remember.