High rollers are helping the Strip weather the economic downturn but lower rollers might just be keeping Nevada’s entire economy afloat.

And these folks don’t wager millions at baccarat. Their game is “penny” slots — devices with countless “paylines” that allow wagers of as little as a penny per spin, although most players bet on more than one payline and more than one coin per line. Not a bad option for people on a limited budget, although penny machines generally pay back a lower percentage than higher-denomination machines.

Penny slots have caught on in locals casinos and have replaced many of the older 25-cent and dollar machines. They’re now taking over the Strip and raking in record revenue.

More here:
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2008/mar/07/nevada-casinos-find-profits-penny-slots-really-add/

Penn Jillette, of the comedy-magic duo Penn & Teller, is a busy man. He's got a board onstage, as if he were a carpenter working on his next project. And the busy man gets right to work, firing up his pneumatic nail gun and bam, bam, bam, filling the board with enormous nails. Then, just for variety, bam, bam, bam, he shoots his arm, his foot, his head. All the while he explains what's going on in the trick, so the audience knows how it's done. But all the explanations in the world can't decrease the astonishment of the audience as Jillette takes random suggestions as to what to nail next — bam, board, bam, body, bam, board, body, body, board, body. Yes, he explained the trick, but he still leaves the audience mystified.

The nail gun is a new trick, but it's not the only project Jillette has been working on. When 53-year-old Jillette heard rumors months ago of interest in his appearing on the latest season of ABC's hit series Dancing With the Stars (beginning March 17), he started getting in shape, hiring a "Draconian" personal trainer and running 8 miles a day. When he signed the contract in December, he started practicing with Australian dance partner Kym Johnson, putting in four to five hours of dancing each day, seven days a week, learning the cha-cha and the quick step. Jillette has dropped significant weight. "I believe I'm still the oldest, fattest, tallest on the show, but I'm 47 pounds closer to not being the fattest."

Jillette is realistic about his chances of advancing in the competition, aware that his height could be a problem. "I'm a bit over 6 feet 6 inches and she is 5 feet 7 inches, and that is a tremendous disadvantage," he said. The pair have had to make adjustments. "Our choices are to make it a little awkward for her in the reaching, or for me to bend over a little. It's a very tough thing."

Onstage partner Teller has seen the pair rehearsing for Dancing With the Stars, Jillette said, and has been impressed enough to bet on the pair winning. Jillette is skeptical that he'll advance that far but said he takes the show seriously. "I will dance, I will dance well and I will dance by the rules."

Of course, during Penn & Teller's show at the Rio, you see a lot of illusions that leave you thinking some rules of nature might have been ignored. But the duo often shows that they do indeed play by the laws of nature, offering you a recap of the trick that shows how the illusion is performed. For instance, when the Bill of Rights is seemingly burned in an opaque tube, then reappears, they do the trick again, but in a clear tube that gives you the inside view, while Jillette takes the opportunity to educate you on how important the real Bill of Rights is.

Penn & Teller often work new material into the act, such as Jillette's nail gun bit. But some of the most amazing acts stay in the show night after night, such as Teller's famous trick in which he seemingly makes a silhouetted rose on paper bleed. It will fascinate and astound you (and silent Teller never tells you how it's done). When Penn & Teller conclude the show by appearing to catch bullets in their teeth, the magic is knowing that you've been misdirected — and that you liked it.

Penn & Teller
Where: Rio
When: 9 p.m. Sat.-Thurs. (dark March 10-11; additional show March 14)
Cost: $85.80 and up
http://lvshowbiz.com

With some common threads that bind all its creations, Cirque du Soleil has taken the once-simple art of the circus to a level of innovation that simply boggles the mind. Blending a number of original and inventive theatrical elements recognized worldwide as distinctively its own, with astounding choreography, acrobatic and aquatic displays set in state-of-the-art, custom-designed theaters, Cirque brings the circus to life like never before. Starting out as a small street performance operation in Quebec, Cirque has achieved a status in the world of theater that is unprecedented.

Mystère (Treasure Island, premiered December 1993)

Synopsis: This fantastic, metaphorical journey through life unfolds in a brilliant and powerful kaleidoscope of circus arts, theater and live music. Mystère zeros in on the primal forces of nature, peeling them back layer by layer, presenting it all in a highly innovative and spectacular manner that awakens and entices the senses.

What You'll See: Often whimsical, Mystère takes audiences on a magical journey of enlightenment that features remarkable athletic feats in the form of one-of-a-kind aerial, apparatus and floor acrobatics, choreographed dance, comedy and unique performance arts that include a hand-to-hand act, Chinese pole climbing and an aerial cube routine.

Highlights: Standout features in Mystère include the beautifully orchestrated live music, vibrantly colorful and creative makeup and costuming, Japanese taiko drumming, an adult-size "baby" with one heck of a sense of humor, a reappearing mischievous clown and one huge inflatable snail.

"O" (Bellagio, October 1998)

Synopsis: Surreal in nature, this aquatic voyage through life, love and death pays homage to the theater, a place, according to writer-director Franco Dragone, "where humanity tries to understand itself." There, anything is possible, no limitations exist and dreams really do come true. "O" not only represents the circle of life, it demonstrates the coexistence of nature and man and the relationship between the four elements — earth, fire, air and water — and the technology used to unite them.

What You'll See: Reflective in its baroque design of a 14th-century European opera house, the "O" theater is the first Cirque show to incorporate a proscenium, the area of the stage in front of the curtain. Truly a feast for the senses, this extravaganza bursts into spectacular motion with inventive aquatic, aerial and apparatus acrobatics performed by an international cast performing in, on and above the water and includes high-divers, trapeze artists, synchronized swimmers, contortionists and clowns.

Highlights: "O" features a 1.5-million-gallon, 25-foot-deep pool that is the centerpiece of the production and amazingly converts within a blink of the eye to a solid stage surface. Some of the 15 original props designed and built for the show are very elaborate, such as an iceberg, a motorized umbrella raft and a giant marionette. And definitely don't miss the fire stunt in which a clown is set ablaze!

Zumanity (New York-New York, September 2003)

Synopsis: Inhibitions are unleashed in this teasing, erotic romp through the human zoo that is mankind. Bringing to the stage a colorful cast of uninhibited, sexual and flirtatious characters, Zumanity unveils human sexuality and its diversities, taking audiences into a sensual and provocative world where size, shape, age, race and sexual orientation blend seamlessly; a world where throbbing passion rules above all else.

What You'll See: More theater than circus, Zumanity is presented in a manner that is reminiscent of a raucous European cabaret performance. The 45 cast members each bring unique qualities, talent, beauty and perspectives to this risqu? show, including dance, acrobatics, aerial maneuvers, contortion and hand-balancing.

Highlights: The Mistress of Seduction performed by drag diva Edie is fabulous and flamboyant, and the giggling, plus-size Botero sisters entertain with enthusiasm, hand-feeding strawberries to arriving guests as they settle into their seats for the show. The titillating "Waterbowl" act, featuring two female contortionists, presents an intimate bathing rendezvous; "Straps" is an auto-erotic aerial bondage number scored with heavy breathing and moans of ecstasy; and "Midnight Bath" reveals just how luscious a milk bath can be.

KÀ (MGM Grand, February 2005)

Synopsis: The only Cirque production in Las Vegas that offers a linear story line, KÀ relays the epic saga of young Imperial twins who are separated when their empire comes under attack and must embark on a dangerous quest in order to fulfill their individual and shared destinies.

What You'll See: With its exhilarating and innovative special effects, numerous pyrotechnic devices, martial arts-style of choreography, unbelievable state-of-the-art sound system and gorgeous custom-made costuming and intricate makeup, this explosive, rock 'n' roll production leaves viewers simply awestruck.

Highlights: Technically advanced, the KÀ "stage" is composed of seven independently operating platforms that tilt, rotate, ascend and descend, giving the artists an ever-changing landscape in which to work. A state-of-the-art sound system and amazing, never-before-seen interactive computer-generated special effects greatly enhance this theater experience. And, because every one of the seats contains two speakers in the headrest, sound effects can be aimed, controlled and customized to different seating areas.

The Beatles Love (The Mirage, June 2006)

Synopsis: What can we say? All you need is love, and if you love The Beatles' music, then you're really gonna love this show. A trek through The Beatles' illustrious musical career and its different phases, Love presents a dynamic catalog of the band's works intermixed with the powerful wonder that is Cirque du Soleil.

What You'll See: Featuring an equal composite of acrobats, dancers and character actors, the stage comes to life with astounding color, movement and audio in Love's theater-in-the-round, complete with panoramic video projections and surround sound.

Highlights: In addition to presenting audiences with a vast and varied repertoire of The Beatles' music, the ground-breaking sound design in Love, which includes three speakers in each seat's headrest and is the most complex in the world, allows audiences to experience the legendary Liverpool lads' songs like never before. And, for their endeavors, Love came away from the recent Grammys with two awards — Best Compilation Soundtrack Album and Best Surround Sound Album.

What Cirque du Soleil Show Suits You?

For all you Cirque first-timers, this Cirque du Soleil quiz was designed to help you figure out which show best suits your personality. Take it and see …

Your dream holiday consists of:
A) Backpacking in Europe
B) Yachting through the Mediterranean
C) African safari
D) Carnival in Rio
E) Touring the U.S. with a rock band

For dessert, you enjoy:
A) Warm apple pie
B) Crème brûlée
C) Green tea ice cream
D) Strawberries and chocolate
E) Banana split

In a significant other, qualities you look for include:
A) Outgoing, athletic and inspiring
B) Romantic, intelligent and sophisticated
C) Courageous, adventurous and intriguing
D) Passionate lover, fashionable and open-minded
E) Free-spirited, musical and fun

Your favorite type of movie is:
A) Animated
B) Drama
C) Action
D) Romantic comedy
E) Documentary

The automobile that best fits your lifestyle:
A) Convertible
B) Luxury sedan
C) SUV
D) Sports car
E) Classic car

In your free time, you prefer to:
A) Spend it outside — taking a hike, or riding a bike
B) Visit an art museum
C) Play video games
D) Spend it with a lover
E) Dance

The interior of your home is best described as:
A) Vibrant in color
B) Elegant and timeless
C) Modern and feng shui
D) Textured and artistic
E) Retro and familiar

Mostly A's: Mystère You are a fun-loving person who enjoys new experiences with friends and family. Full of life, your creative side is often expressed in the things you see and do, which is why Mystère is a perfect fit for you. Mystère thrills and mesmerizes audiences as every performance reveals something new and extraordinary.

Mostly B's: "O" Your sophisticated taste enjoys luxury and indulgence, making "O" the "must see" in between your decadent dinners and designer shopping sprees. "O" features an international cast of world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers.

Mostly C's: KÀ You are a thrill-seeker who craves a challenge and enjoys the anticipation of an adventure. Excited by new experiences, you will not want to miss KÀ. Encompassing some of the most innovative, gravity-defying feats ever performed, KÀ invokes feelings of danger at every turn.

Mostly D's: Zumanity People are attracted to your playful attitude and open-minded nature. Your sensual side will be delighted to share Zumanity with your significant other. The provocative production teasingly explores the full spectrum of human sexuality and intimacy in all forms and from all perspectives.

Circus Circus' hallmark is the wonderful array of circus acts that perform center stage at the Carnival Midway.  Performers from around the globe grace the Midway stage under Circus Circus' big top, comprising the world's largest permanent circus.  From the dazzling aerialists to the fearless trapeze artists to the amusing clowns, the performances on the Midway stage take place daily, twice every hour from 11 a.m. to midnight with complimentary admission.  Several amazing new acts will entertain audiences at Circus Circus this year.

"The circus performers built Circus Circus into one of most beloved hotels in the world," said Mike Hartzell, director of Entertainment for Circus Circus Las Vegas.  "The circus acts are as good today as they have ever been and our customers have never paid a penny to see them perform." 

The circus acts making their debut at Circus Circus' Carnival Midway are:

African Acrobats International

The African Acrobats International, originally from Kenya, perform juggling, contortion and a human pyramid building.  They are described as a cross between the Harlem Globetrotters and Cirque du Soleil.  The African Acrobats will make their debut at Circus Circus March 1.

Natalia Kochetkova

With charming grace and superior balancing skills, this Russia holds a master's degree in Sport-Gymnastics.  Her balancing act has appeared all over Europe.  Kochetkova will make her debut at Circus Circus March 1.

Vladamir Saveljev

Born in Latvia, Saveljev was inspired to join the circus at a very young age.  Since that time, he has defined an unusual and distinctive take on the art of juggling. Saveljev will make his debut at Circus Circus March 1.

Vladamir Malachinkin

It has always been apparent that Malachinkin has star quality.  A native of Russia, Malachinkin is one of the most accomplished hand-balancing artists of his generation.  Malachinkin will make his debut at Circus Circus March 1.

Malte Knapp

Knapp is a wild man on a variety of unicycles.  Born in Sweden, his astonishing rock 'n' roll energy is a crowd pleaser.  Knapp will make his debut at Circus Circus July 1.

Artem Khomanko

This gifted Russian juggler adds the unique element of speed juggling to stilt walking.  He comes from multiple generations of circus performers and joins the acts at the Midway stage by way of Circus Circus Reno.  Khomanko will make his debut at Circus Circus July 1.

Duo Joys

Duo Joys features a pair from Bulgaria who combine dance with strength lifts into a breathtaking adagio.  Their return to Circus Circus after a 5-year absence from the circus business will add a spectacular element to their performance.  Duo Joys returns to Circus Cirus July 1.

The circus acts reappearing at Circus Circus' Carnival Midway this year are:
Ringmasters – performing throughout 2008
The Circus Circus Clowns – performing throughout 2008
The Flying Poemas – performing throughout 2008
The Flying Tunizianis – performing throughout 200
Gamal –David – performing throughout 2008
Olga Shmelova – performing through February 29
The Duo Design – performing through February 29
Serhiy Hulchenko – performing through February 28
Konstantin Aerial – performing through June 30
Los Anton – performing through September 1
http://www.accessvegas.com

On return flights into Vegas during the day, I've often heard some first-time visitors peeking out of the airplane window question, "That's it?" — as if the Eiffel Tower in the desert wasn't a clue. They can't really be blamed. On similar flights at night, the plane is buzzing with excitement and there is no doubt that collection of fantasy buildings neatly along The Strip is Las Vegas.

The difference is neon. Elvis sang it best when he said "Bright light city gonna set my soul on fire." Neon fuels our dreams and adds some sort of visual evidence to our hopes and expectations. Neon hit the desert in the late '20s, but the first major sign wasn't erected until the '50s and since then, neon has been more important to Vegas than oxygen. Well, scientifically it's not, but there is oxygen in New York City and Paris even sparkles their Eiffel Tower, but the excitement of flying into those cities at night pales in comparison.

The dark side (literally) of it all is that neon will be close to extinction in Vegas by 2012. With the new neon-less casinos going up and the old casinos being imploded between now and then, visitors will only be able to find these tubes in places like the Neon Museum, Downtown and other nostalgic venues. That's not to say Vegas will be back in the dark ages. Casinos will still be lighting the night sky, but using smarter big-screen technology instead of glass tubes filled with gas that can show only one image. There's something organically sexy in the sight and sound of flickering, flashing neon — like an electric campfire. But hey, who are we to stand in the way of progress?

So let's celebrate neon in Vegas with the Top 10 neon experiences. If you want to get weepy and share your love of Vegas neon, you can leave a comment below.

More here:
http://www.vegaspopular.com/2007/08/28/top-vegas-neon-experiences/

Time Magazine took in the brand new Bette Midler extravaganza The Showgirl Must Go On which began performances last week at Caesars Palace.

Most notable in the review is a photo of Ms. Midler having her boobs cupped by attendant showgirls, choreographed by "Mickey" singer Toni Basil

The show itself, while playing off of Ms. Midlers predilection for harmless knee slapper kvetching, was written by Eric Korngold and comedian/Hollywood Squares/Biggest Loser participant Bruce Vilanch.

From Time's take on the show, it looks like an updated, high tech version of an old Sophie Tucker show, which is pretty much who Ms. Midler has modeled her entire career after.

Read the complete article here:
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1718624,00.html

The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino - formerly known as Hotel Nevada and Sal Segav (Las Vegas spelled backwards) - celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2006. It is the oldest, and some would say the best, hotel and casino in Las Vegas. Built on property purchased at land auction for $1,750, the Golden Gate predates the presence of paved roads in Las Vegas. The first telephone ever installed in Las Vegas was at the Golden Gate - dial 1.

Forty one years after its opening, the newly renamed Golden Gate serves the first shrimp cocktail - striking fear in the hearts of crustaceans everywhere. In 1991, the Golden Gate served its 25 millionth shrimp cocktail.

So it should come as no surprise that Midler’s new production, “The Showgirl Must Go On” playing at Caesars Palace through at least 2009, is not only one of the best Bette shows ever but one of the best bets in Las Vegas.

It certainly is one of the biggest. There’s a 13-piece band with a full horn section, 20 dancers, massive sets, a giant LED screen with eye-popping visuals, half a dozen costume changes, and enough feathers, sequins, and rhinestones to fill a warehouse.

But the biggest part of the show is Midler herself. She makes a lot of jokes about how big the stage is, hoping she won’t have a stroke as she crosses from one side to the other and enters into a new zip code in the process, but she needn’t worry. She fills the space with her outsize talent in ways that eclipse any amount of production value they could throw up there.

Midler takes the stage atop a giant pile of luggage, in the midst of a virtual tornado tearing through Las Vegas that blows road construction workers and Elvis impersonators around with silly glee. She tears through the production’s new title song, a jazzy, big-band style number and then continues the mood with, appropriately enough, a raucous version of “In the Mood.” Both numbers showcase her back-up singers, “The Staggering Harlettes” who she says came from a prison work-release program, and her back-up dancers, “The Caesars Salad Girls.” The best thing about the latter, as Midler says, is that “not one of them is a French Canadian circus performer.”

The humor and the hits keep on coming. In between Bette classics like “The Rose,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “Do You Wanna Dance?” are more of her bawdy jokes, most of which are laugh-out-loud funny but not appropriate to be reprinted here. Let’s just say there are no sacred cows, with everything from Las Vegas to Paris Hilton to herself being skewered in equal measure.

Her classic characters are also along for the ride. The fame-hungry mermaid Delores DeLago is back, lured to Las Vegas to perform her fishy routine in a tacky roadside motel. But after a visit from her fairy godfather Elvis, she triumphs at Caesars Palace in a chorus line of fish tails. And of course “Soph” – her take on vaudeville legend “Sophie Tucker” – is present and accounted for, in this incarnation as the oldest living showgirl. Soph’s “I’ll never forget it you know…” jokes are a thing of beauty and just as dirty as ever. But as Midler says, she has a daughter in college so it isn’t her, “it’s the tuition talking.”

But for all the pageantry and playfulness, it is the simple moments of the show that really shine, when it is just Bette Midler, a microphone, and that emotion packed voice. The peace lament “From a Distance” has never felt more applicable than it does in 2008 and as she skips barefoot through a simple forest-like setting you can practically feel her joy. “Hello in There” is an aching testimonial to what it’s like to get older, and her heartbreak almost soaks through the stark black and white photos of New York City that surround her. And the standing ovation at the end of the emotionally power-packed “When a Man Loves a Woman” was more than deserved, it was earned. “The Showgirl Must Go On” is a perfect fit for this city. It’s a throwback to the classic Vegas entertainment of yore, when performers like The Rat Pack and Elvis not only knew how to put on a “show” but knew that in this particular business you can’t take things too seriously.

Las Vegas has gotten a bit too serious lately. Thank God for somebody like Bette Midler to put it back in its place.

Vegas4Visitors Grade: A

Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On
Caesars Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
877-723-8836
website
Tickets:
$95-$250
Show Times:
Tue, Wed, Sat-Sun 7:30pm

For the shopper, the center houses trendy retail stores such as a multi-level Urban Outfitters with amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip, the only Ben Sherman location in Las Vegas, beauty giant Sephora, the only Bettie Page store in the world, sexy and sleek Frederick’s of Hollywood and nationwide favorites H&M and True Religion Brand Jeans.  Miracle Mile Shops’ retailers stay open until 11 p.m. on the weekdays and midnight on the weekends, allowing for the shopaholic to indulge a bit longer than normal in their hometown.

Stripper 101, located in Miracle Mile Shops’ V Theater, offers the ultimate Las Vegas experience. Open to anyone age 18 and older, the class covers more than 25 sexy floor moves. Guests are taught actual exotic dance moves used in Las Vegas gentleman's clubs, as well as choreography with boas, chairs and poles. During all the fun, each student has a chance to burn an average of 400 to 500 calories per hour while mastering the sin city stripper pole. At the completion of the class, each student receives a certificate establishing them as a "genuine Las Vegas stripper."

Named one of Las Vegas’ top ten new restaurants by Citysearch, Hawaiian Tropic Zone serves as spring break headquarters with a sexy modern décor, mouth-watering menu items created by celebrity chef David Burke and plenty of beautiful and friendly bikini-clad Hawaiian Tropic girls. Those looking for a little innocent fun will enjoy the venue’s nightly entertainment on a catwalk stage, cabaret dancers and full bar. 

For the 21 and older crowd, Hawaiian Tropic Zone hosts Fahrenheit every Wednesday night.  Fahrenheit includes drink specials, DJ spun music, go-go dancers, a street-side patio at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard and an hourly performance by the Hawaiian Tropic Zone dance troupe.  Unlike most nightlife options in Las Vegas, there is no charge to attend Fahrenheit.  Bottle service is available for vacationers wanting to live like a VIP.

In true Las Vegas fashion, Miracle Mile Shops offers spring breakers the opportunity to jump from one nightlife venue to another without ever leaving the property.  Covering more than 15,000-square-feet, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas is unlike any of the other Trader Vic’s in the world.   The Miracle Mile Shops location includes three separate dining and entertainment venues featuring a ground-level restaurant and Strip-side patio that opens onto Las Vegas Boulevard and a second-level Tiki Club-ultra lounge.

With 35 plasma and big screen televisions, traditional bar menu, Beirut challenge night and drink specials, Blondies Sports Bar & Grill is a sure hit with the college spring break crowd.  The bar features all-you-can-drink Miller Lite drafts and well drinks from 4 to 6 p.m. daily, Thursday night Beirut challenges and $5 domestic pitchers with a college ID.  For private parties, Blondies' VIP Room includes five plasma televisions, a DVD/VCR player, video game system, surround sound and personal wait staff.

Perfect for the spring breaker looking to stay up all night, Triq Nightclub and Ultra Lounge is open from 11 p.m. to the crack of dawn every Friday and Saturday.  Located in the $35 million, 33,000-square-foot Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex, the late night hotspot features four-levels of magical nightlife.  The after-hours club houses two floors of lounges, with the theater stage serving as a dance floor.

Steve Wyrick: Real Magic is perfect for families looking to spice up their Vegas getaway. Wyrick pulls out all the stops in his one-of-a-kind mega-illusion magic experience. Fast-paced, edgy and uncut, his show features a production value that rivals a Broadway performance. Wyrick performs some of the most imaginative and mind-blowing illusions anywhere including making a Lear Jet 35 and AS 350 helicopter appear and a West Coast Chopper disappear into mid-air.   His signature, larger-than-life illusions headline, but it is Wyrick's personal touches that make the show truly unique, allowing audience members to experience both the largest and smallest magic in one unforgettable performance.

Miracle Mile Shops adds an unparalleled element of entertainment to visitors’ spring shopping excursions thanks to a unique free-entertainment program.  In true Vegas style, the center houses a multi-sensory laser show, customer service “ambassadors,” on state-of-the-art Segways and a live rainstorm. 

Las Vegas has long been a place where everyday people can live large and make all of their wildest dreams come true, but in the land of decadence, gambling and excessive expense, only the high-roller is truly king. Also known as "whales" or "premium players," these VIPs come to Sin City to gamble with outrageous sums of money, and the casinos are more than willing to bend over backward and offer tantalizing perks and accommodations to ensure that the big bucks are dropped on their tables and that the high-roller will return to them on the next trip. And before you start thinking that you qualify for this kind of special treatment, remember that we're talking about people who spend $500,000 to $5 million a night playing no-limit table games and taking $500 pulls on high-limit slot machines.

Strip hotels are in constant competition to have the most luxurious accommodations for the highest of high-rollers. The Las Vegas Hilton offers its wealthy patrons the key to its Sky Villas, 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot, two-story supersuites on the 30th floor penthouse level where Elvis stayed during his 800 performances there.

For the more classically inclined, the Mansion at MGM Grand, inspired by 16th-century Florence, Italy, is a 290,000-square-foot palace housing 29 villas. Opulently furnished and decorated with an impressive 800-piece art collection, the Tuscan-styled arches and decoratively carved wooden doors lead through gardens modeled after the Medici family gardens in Tuscany to villas up to 12,000 square feet. Once inside, touch-screen remotes control the lighting, music, drapes and even the fireplace.

The younger generation's millionaires (and young-at-heart billionaires) stay at the Palms for its ultra-hip and swanky playboy lifestyle. Enjoy shooting hoops? Check in to the Hardwood Suites, complete with an indoor basketball court, locker room and optional cheerleaders. The Real World Suite, made popular by the overindulgence and nonstop partying by the cast of the 12th season of the MTV show, is a modern 3,000-square-foot playpen complete with plasma TVs, pool tables and a full bar. Of course, for the real playboy high-roller, there's no substitute for the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa. This supersuite has an 20-person outdoor Playboy Jacuzzi pool with a glass wall that juts out over the edge of the building and offers a truly one-of-a-kind view of the Strip. On top of that (as if that's not over-the-top enough), the Hef-inspired space features a fully equipped gym with sauna and spa treatment room, a glass elevator, pop-up plasma screens, private poker table and a round rotating bed.

Golfers with a ton of green stay at the Fairway Villas on the private 18-hole golf course at Wynn Las Vegas, complete with 3,000 square feet of luxury space, blown-glass sinks and the ever-present butler service. Or go all out and have a champagne brunch onboard a private helicopter as it takes you and your golfing buddies out to the ultra-exclusive Cascata Golf Course in Boulder City.

The rule in Sin City is you have to pay to play. Stories about the spending habits of the highest rollers have become Vegas legends, and casinos actually take a considerable amount of risk hosting a whale that can clean out the cage in a good night of baccarat or a few lucky spins on the roulette wheel. The high-roller VIP treatment is provided to keep them coming back and dropping their substantial amounts of cash on the tables. (One anonymous billionaire once reportedly lost $29 million in one weekend of misfortune playing seven hands of blackjack at a time with up to $300,000 per hand.)

But don't despair if you don't have a billion-dollar net worth to throw around. Casinos in Las Vegas still make more than half of their revenue from the slot machines played by regular folks, and they'll take care of you as well — especially if you sign up for the reward cards that keep track of your gaming habits — and award redeemable points for playing. You probably won't be going home and coming back in a Learjet or have a private dinner prepared by Joël Robuchon, but there's a good chance you could have a free buffet — after all, we can all feel like high-rollers.
Las Vegas Magazine

"It goes toward men and women," explained Dolls dance captain Hayley Zelniker, who appeared in the movie Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and has been with the team from the beginning. "It's a fun show with lots of audience interaction. And I feel we inspire women to be sexy and confident. But it's the kind of show where everyone gets a taste of something different."

The original Pussycat Dolls dance troupe, founded by visionary performer Robin Antin, evolved into a highly popular recording act. Sexy, scintillating and unique, the concept was a natural for Vegas. And so it was that the city of neon got its very own version of the Dolls in 2005.

The show consists of a variety of numbers — originals as well as covers from various eras — belted out by lead singer Jaime Preston and features some of the hottest dancing on the Strip. The costumes are sexy (there are two costume changes during the scintillating performance), the choreography molten and the atmosphere electric. Stepping inside the Pussycat Dolls Lounge is to truly step into another world. "It's the perfect space for the show," Zelniker said. "Intimate, sexy, a relaxing environment. And afterward, the audience can go clubbing at Pure."

Zelniker said that the Dolls team is as tight away from the show as when they're performing. "The spirit is great. It's the first time I've been in a show where it's been quite like this. We're all best friends. We actually go out to dinner every night before the show. Even the security guys are like big brothers."

You can see that chemistry when the girls hit the stage. Or the bathtub. Or the champagne glass. Or the ceiling swings. The fishnets-and-bustier-clad lovelies seem to show up everywhere.

Whether you're normally a feline lover or not, no trip to Vegas would be complete without a visit to the Pussycat Dolls Lounge.

"Our show gives a bit of everything — rock 'n' roll, burlesque, original numbers and oldies," Zelniker said. "It's sexy, and it's fun."

What more could you ask for?

Pussycat Dolls
Where: Caesars Palace
When: 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Tues.-Sat. Performances every half hour beginning at 10:30 p.m.
http://lvshowbiz.com/

There will be a lot of characters on the stage at the Greek Isles on Thursday and Friday, but just one man — improvisation artist Tony Pace.

Pace, a native of New England who moved to Las Vegas about 18 months ago, puts on a show that is hard to describe, even for him. And he’s been doing it for 20 years.

“It really is a little bit of everything,” Pace says by phone from aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship somewhere off the coast of Brazil. “It’s part concert with Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban, those types of vocals; some Billy Crystal; a little bit of Blue Man Group; some impersonations like Danny Gans and Gordie Brown do; Carrot Top prop stuff.”

He does impressions of personalities ranging from Kermit the Frog to Johnny Mathis, from Aaron Neville to Cher. He also has a few characters of his own that he created for the fast-paced show.

Pace would prefer working on the Strip — and what performer doesn’t? — but he’ll be happy to land a gig in a locals casino.

“What I do would attract a local clientele that would keep coming back time and again because of the improvisation,” Pace says. “Every show is different. People come back to see my show 10, 15, 20 times. That’s my history. I would be great for the locals market.”

He says his show is suitable for the entire family. So an afternoon situation would work, he says.

Pace says the first 15 minutes of the show are a set routine, but it goes off on tangents from there and anything can happen. “There’s music and comedy and a lot of interaction with the audience and audience participation. Lots of different characters, parodies.”

Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; Greek Isles; $29.75; 737-5540, www.greekislesvegas.com

By COREY LEVITAN/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Every city has its share of scandals. But Las Vegas has three or four shares. From local politicians to celebrity tourists, people seem to think they can get away with more here.

In the days of mob rule, they were 100 percent right. No other American city relied so heavily, for so long, on money from illegal sources for its prosperity.

"There were people that were able to corrupt judges, law enforcement and politicians — especially in the '50s," said Jeff Burbank, author of the 2005 book "Las Vegas Babylon."

Organized crime's eviction from the hotel business by the late '80s eliminated most dirty business. But not all.

It's hard to find and confusingly known by a couple of names, the Harmon Theater or Krave nightclub. It may be the worst venue in Las Vegas.

Except that, in some ways, it's one of the best.

The room opened in 2000 as the Blue Note jazz club, in the Desert Passage mall (now Miracle Mile) next to the Aladdin (now Planet Hollywood). The first week, the 15-piece Duke Ellington Orchestra outnumbered the 12 people in the audience.

Now comes The Amazing Johnathan, the venue's best hopes yet of becoming viable. The comedy magician has a twofold reputation on the Strip: He sells tickets, and he doesn't get along with casino folk.

More from The Las Vegas Review Journal here:
http://www.lvrj.com/living/16160357.html

For you guys and gals who don't like wearing much, Bare pool adult lounge at The Mirage opens for the season Thursday, March 13. You can enjoy European-style sun bathing in its two luxury pools while a DJ spins the latest in party music. You don't have to worry about anyone looking in as you'll be secluded by towering palms.

Bare really does offer the ultimate in poolside pampering, with its private daybeds and cabanas on the main level, a raised VIP section overlooking the entire experience featuring a glass infinity-edged pool. European-style bottle service and exclusive pitcher service is offered with made-to-order cocktails and specialty frozen drinks. There's also a menu of specialty food items and cocktail service is available throughout the pool area.

Raymond Teller, the silent half of Penn & Teller, is planning to bet $5,000 that Jillette and his professional dance partner, Kym Johnson, win ABC's upcoming "Dancing With the Stars."

Oddsmakers are giving Jillette and Johnson a snowball's chance, but Teller is convinced that they're going to waltz away with a jackpot.

Teller knows Jillette "loves a challenge," said Glenn Alai, the publicist for the Rio headliners.

Jillette isn't just throwing himself into the challenge, he's catapulting himself into the project, Alai said.

"He's already dropped 50 pounds since Thanksgiving, and he thinks he's going to lose another 25-30," Alai said.

One Las Vegas oddsmaker, John Avello at Wynn Las Vegas, has Jillette and Johnson at 30-1, the longest odds on the board.

Nevada does not allow bets on entertainment programs, so Teller is taking his bet to an offshore online betting service.

Jillette is short on dancing background, other than some dance classes he took at Ringling Bros. clown college, Alai said.

Jillette has been working with Johnson at a Summerlin dance studio for about two weeks.
ReviewJournal.com - News - NORM: Teller betting on Jillette's dancing

Sylvia Browne of "Montel" fame is back at the Excalibur this weekend, and March 15 offers both Browne and John Edward, best known for his Sci-Fi Channel series "Crossing Over with John Edward" at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Edward is booked for return visits April 13 and May 25.

Browne has proven to be a "very, very steady" draw at the Excalibur, says producer Adam Steck. She's here every month this year for 10 days at a time. "Even in January, when all shows are down (in attendance), we did better than most shows."

But how good is it for the psychics' tenuous credibility to share marquee space with Louie Anderson or Toni Braxton?

Could they no longer be denying it's all showbiz, much in the way that the World Wrestling Federation eventually changed its name to World Wrestling Entertainment?

Already, the two spiritualists have to take Las Vegas with a giant grain of salt, or some form of carbon-based hulk, named Penn Jillette. The tall, talky half of Penn & Teller is friends with James Randi, whose foundation is devoted to the debunking of psychics and mentalists.

The Penn & Teller show at the Rio currently features a "Psychic comedian" segment in which Jillette uses a joke book and audience recruit to partially explain the "cold reading" method the psychics are said to employ. Penn & Teller also devoted a segment of their Showtime series "Bullshit!" to "cheesy psychic superstar" Edward and others who speak to the dead.

Steck calls Browne's Las Vegas venture "more of a seminar" than a show, and says that in the all-important area of customer satisfaction, "She's doing a lot of good things for people. They're getting a lot of closure."
http://www.lvrj.com/living/16328796.html