Vegas Popular

The dates have been set for the 2009 version of the World Series of Poker and now poker enthusiasts from around the world can make plans to descend on Vegas.

Running from May 26 through July 15, the tournament kicks off inside the famed Amazon Room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino with registration and satellites starting on May 26 and the first public tournament starting on May 28. The tournament is celebrating its 40th year as the longest-running, and largest, poker tournament.

There are 57 coveted WSOP bracelets up for grabs this year, up from 55 in 2008 which was a record year with 58,720 entrants from 124 countries and more than $180,774,427 in prize money.

"Whether you play poker around the kitchen table or consider yourself a professional, you will find a comfortable seat at the 2009 World Series of Poker," said Jeffrey Pollack, commissioner of the World Series of Poker (pictured).

In addition to the excitement of the 40th anniversary, this year's tournament is probably notable for having the most variety in games than any of the previous 39 WSOPs. In honor of the 40 years, there is a $40,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tournament Thursday, May 28 with a special one-time commemorative gold bracelet.

Even the current economic times are being addressed with a Stimulus Special tournament on opening weekend, (May 30-31) -- a $1,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em tournament. The prize is anticipated to draw the largest-ever live tournament field outside the WSOP Main Event with a prize pool approaching $5 million.

Other tournaments include the third installment of the five-day $50K buy-in H.O.R.S.E. tournament starting on June 26 with the winner taking home an enhanced gold bracelet and the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy, not to mention the cash. Poker pro Scotty Ngyuen added almost $2 million to his bankroll last year at the same tournament and is the defending H.O.R.S.E. champ. It's also the third year for the Ante Up For Africa $5,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em celebrity and charity tournament on July 2 -- the day before the Main Event begins.

The Ladies Only No-Limit Hold'em World Championship deals on June 7 and helps raise awareness for the Nevada Cancer Institute, the official community relations partner of the World Series of Poker. There are 10 $10K World Champion

There are 10 "World Championship" $10,000 buy-in events in the various poker disciplines (e.g. Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, etc.). Not to be confused with the famous $10,000 buy-in Main Event, the title "World Championship" refers to tournaments with a buy-in of $10,000.

Speaking of the Main Event, it kicks off on July 3 with the first of four round one flights to accomodate the masses and runs consecutively until July 15 when the field of thousands is busted down to the nine players of the "final table." As in the 2008, those players are then known as the November Nine since they will return to Vegas Nov. 7-10 to battle for title in front of a live audience and ESPN primetime coverage.

"This year's schedule offers more variety than ever before and we look forward to welcoming players from around the world to the Rio for our 40th annual extravaganza this summer," Commisioner Pollack.

All tournaments are open to players aged 21 and over. For a full World Series of Poker schedule, including buy-ins and satellite structures, visit the official WSOP site.

If you're in town Super Bowl weekend and looking for a laugh, Drew Carey is also in town with the Drew Carey Improv All Stars Jan. 28-Feb. 1 at MGM Grand.

Drew Carey Show regulars Kathy Kinney and Ryan Stiles are joined by TV heart throb Greg Proops along with Chip Esten, Sean Masterson, Jeff Davis and Julie Larson.

There are some great lodging deals to be had right now on Vegas resort casinos. Many deals are up to 50% off and include properties all over the valley including luxury resorts on the Strip, shangri-spas in Summerlin and Green Valley and retro joints Downtown.

Some black out dates may apply so check out the links below for your favorite resort for all details, terms and how to book these great deals.

Here are the current top 13 Vegas resort details:

- Palms - book two to three nights by February 28th, with stays through April 30th and get 20-40% off your entire stay and a $50 dining credit

- Binion's - book one night and get one free by February 26th

- Caesars Palace - book four nights by February 28th, with stays through September 30th, and get 25% off

- Green Valley Ranch - book and stay three nights by February 28th and get up to 50% off

- Fitzgerald's - book two nights by February 28th and get up to 50% off

- Gold Coast - book two nights by February 26th and up to 50% off

- The Riviera - book two nights by December 29th and get up to 50% off

- Hard Rock Hotel Casino - book two nights by April 30th and get up to 20% off

- Golden Nugget - book two nights by December 29th and get up to 30% off

- Texas Station - book two nights by February 28th and get up to 50% off

- Paris Las Vegas - book four nights by February 28th, with stays through September 30th, and get 25% off

- Red Rock - book and stay three nights by February 28th and get up to 50% off

- Rio - book four nights by February 28th, with stays through September 30th, and get 25% off

Already got a room? Check Las Vegas shows from VEGAS.com.

Recent travelers to Vegas may have been upset to find that Criss Angel's Cirque du Soleil show 'Believe' at the Luxor has been on hiatus for the last couple of weeks. In true Cirque fashion, 'Believe is one of the most visually stimulating shows on the Strip and casual Mindfreak fans who didn't check the show's itenerary, could have found themselves without an illusionist. (Of course the Loyal are aware of almost all of Criss Angel's movements.)

The disappearing act is nothing more than a well-deserved vacation and as Robin Leach reports in Luxe Life, Criss Angel has spent the time off with his main squeeze Holly Madison in New York City and romancing the stone in Cabo.

'Believe' is back on this Friday, Jan. 23 with almost a full schedule through July. The show is dark on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Criss has a 10-year contract so there will be a few vacations here and there.

You can buy tickets here and if you want to plan the whole trip, book a room at the Luxor, go VIP at LAX or get priority admission at CatHouse and even catch Carrot Top for dessert.

There's no doubt that voting is just like gambling and politics is a sports so it's of little surprise that popular online sports books are taking bets on the next President of the United States.

You can't predict an absolute future so when you vote -- just like in poker -- you're taking in all the information you can and deciding to shove all your chips in on a certain hand slash candidate. The passive equivalent is putting all of your chips on red or black and hoping the roulette spin pays off.

Most of the sports books I looked at like Bodog have Barrack Obama favored over John McCain. The moneyline is -200 for Obama and +140 McCain. So if you subscribe to "change you can believe in," you'll need to wager $200 to win $100. If you're voting McCain, you'll win $140 on a $100 bet.

According to Internet reports, betting on the 2008 White House race is up considerably up over the 2004 Prez election and according to the same reports, that election was the most wagered non-sports event in history. I'm not sure the last fact can be supported since Presidential betting used to be a big deal in the 1800s and into the 20th century, but it shows that you can actually vote with your wallet.

Most of the other political wagering like party V.P. picks is closed, but the odds are still up for the GOP could-be vice-prez candidates. Bodog has former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney at 5/2 as the clear favorite and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is next at 3/1. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Florida Governor Charlie Crist tied for bronze at 7/1.

Just like when I hit the tracks, I always put some money down on the long shot just in case it's their day. If I wanted to do that here, I could drop some change on Florida Senator Mel Martinez at 75/1 or on man-about-globe Colin Powell at 70/1. I'm surprised Hillary Clinton isn't at least up on the boards at 1000/1 or something long shot for a GOP V.P. spot.

Stranger things have happened.

Add This Story:
RSS Feed Digg! del.icio.us Stumble It!

Technorati Tags: fletch politics dnc gambling vegas

I always thought Vegas would be a great host city for the Summer Olympics.

Well, if everyone could get past the 120-degree August heat. There isn't as much pollution as Beijing and where some cities have trouble building out their Olympic facilities, Vegas already has some world-class facilities and whatever is lacking, could be built in a matter of weeks.

I guess it's a long shot that Vegas could ever host the Summer Olympics, but that doesn't mean that future games couldn't benefit from the addition of a few Vegas "sports." I'm not talking about horse racing or even poker, for those that consider playing cards a sport.

These sports are at the very core of a memorable Vegas experience and would definitely add some sex appeal (beyond beach volleyball) and bring excitement back to the games. I mean, seriously, if someone can win an Olympic gold medal in trampoline, these Vegas sports are definitely medal worthy:

Stripper Biathlon: I'm sure I read on Wikipedia somewhere that the original Olympic games in ancient Greece had something similar to the Stripper Biathlon, but maybe that was the Heraea Games.

In the modern Stripper Biathlon, instead of long-distance running and shooting guns, athletes have pole and lap with all events being performed in six-inch acrylic high heels.

In the pole portion of the event, competitors must perform a 4:13 routine to Prince's "Darling Nikki." Contestants will be judge on creativity, stamina and full use of the pole.

The lap portion is almost marathonic similar to the cross country running portion of the officially sanctioned biathlon. Contestants can choose music of their liking to perform a 2:30 lap dance for each judge. With 10 judges, that's more than 20 minutes of lap dancing. Unless of course the judges have some extra twenty-dollar bills, in which case, the contestants can stay longer dancing for each judge.

Where to Find Stripper Biathlon in Vegas: Scores, Sapphire, Spearmint Rhino, Olympic Garden

Synchronized Dance Floor: How many times have you walked into a Vegas club and seen two attractive girls on the dance floor doing the exact same dance in almost the exact same revealing outfit? That's the wonderful sport of Synchronized Dance Floor. Contestants are judged on attractiveness, costumes, dance moves, synchronization and ability to hold liquor.

There are three rounds of the competition with a shot of Patron before during and after each round. That third round is where many an Olympic dream ends in unconsciousness, nausea-related activity or calling ex-boyfriends.

Where to Find Synchronized Dance Floor in Vegas: The Bank, Tabu, TAO, Moon/Playboy Club, VooDoo

Acrobatic Gymnastics: I think this sport has the best shot of making it. With all of the Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas, some of the world's best gymnasts are performing live in Vegas almost every night. Women's Gymnasitcs are always one of the biggest television draws at any Summer Olympic games. This year, millions of Americans will tune in to see Alicia Sacramone, Chellsie Memmel, Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson bring gymnastics gold back to the United States. While I respect their athleticism and commitment to the support, I think some of the Cirque du Soleil performances are much more difficult and plus you get much cooler music like The Beatles in Love instead of some of the stuff they play on the floor exercises.

Where to Find Acrobatic Gymnastics in Vegas: O, Ka, Love, Le Reve | Get Tickets

Competitive Eating: Nathan's on Coney Island gets all the eating buzz every summer with the hot dog eating competition, but with all of the buffets in Vegas, there is no reason Sin City shouldn't be the center of the competitive eating world. And this is one sport, I wouldn't mind training for.

Where to Find Competitive Eating in Vegas: City's Best Buffets

UFC: So the sport should really be called mixed-martial arts (MMA), but UFC is the first name in MMA and has some interesting elements like the Octagon. Almost all of the historic UFC battles have been waged on Vegas soil, er, sand. After all, UFC is headquartered here, but it has become an international phenomenon.

The official Summer Olympics has judo, taekwondo and wrestling, but nothing that combines them all together in a fenced Octagon. Again, not to discount any of the hard work the Olympians put into their training, but I'd put my money on Chuck Liddell over any of the gold medalists from those three official Olympic events. In fact, I think The Iceman might be able to take all three of them at once.

Plus the bonus of having UFC in the summer Olympics: Octagon Girls.

These are just of the of the Vegas games that, if added, would actually make the Olympics fun to watch again. And really, they don't have to even be summer games. These Vegas activities are just as great in winter.

If it's too late for them to be in rotation for London 2012, maybe they'll make the cut for Rio 2016 or who knows, Vegas 2024?

It's a good day when you get press releases like the one below. It's a good day because that means Bonnie Tyler is coming to Vegas. Tickets go on sale Friday for her show at The Cannery on Sept. 26.

The press release refers to one of the finest songs ever created as "some of Tyler's other hits include 'Total Eclipse of the Heart.'" Sure 'Footloose' was a phenomenal movie and 'It's a Heartache' sold a flajillion copies, but 'Total Eclipse' was the energy, the very force -- stronger than gravity -- driving hormonal hordes of kids around roller rinks during a "couples' skate."

Well, unless you were the socially awkward one like me. While these kids on dates on skates were holding hands and falling in and out of like, I was showing Ms. Pac-Man a thing or two during these couples' skates that were nothing more than endurance trials of balance and controlling hand sweat. When "Total Eclipse" came on, the only thing that softened the sting of my lonely, lonely tears was setting the high score on Ms. Pac-Man.

Oh Ms. Pac-Man ... this is dedicated to you (and Stephanie Page from the 10th Grade):

I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight
Forever's gonna start tonight

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart

Seventy-two fabulous hours in Las Vegas for less than $72 per day? Sure. Why not? Check out Sin City on a budget and make some priceless memories.

With gas prices rising and constant hints of recession, you'll want a vacation now more than ever. But you can't spend a fortune. If you know the secrets of Vegas, you don't have to spend more than $72 a day. And we can tell you how. Our exciting itinerary will take you all around town.



There is one small catch: you must arrive at 8AM on a Tuesday morning.

DAY 1
You arrive early on your first day in Vegas. Pick up a hearty breakfast at Victory Cafe in the Cannery Casino Hotel for a hearty breakfast of two eggs, home fries and your choice of bacon or sausage for only $1.95. Digest your breakfast before ordering up a Vegas classic: the "Original" Shrimp Cocktail from the Shrimp Bar & Deli at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino for only $1.99. Use the best of your afternoon to get in some sightseeing. Take a ride on the Desert Princess on nearby Lake Mead just around the bend from the Hoover Dam for only $22. Head back to Ellis Island Casino & Brewery for a delicious steak dinner for only $6.99. Spend $1 on a few slot machines. By this point, you'll be exhausted. Head to your room at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino where you'll stay the night for only $37.70.*

First Day Total: $70.63.

DAY 2
Roll out of bed on your second day to catch breakfast at Suncoast Casino's Cafe Siena where you can order up two pancakes with two eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage for only $1.95. Ante up $3 for a game of Blackjack at the Western Hotel just a little downtown. Pick up a delicious hot dog for lunch from the vendor's cart at the sports book in the Gold Coast Casino & Hotel for $.75. Play another $3 game of Blackjack back at the Western. Take a walk over the California Hotel and Casino for dinner and get a Chicken Super Bowl with your choice of teriyaki sauce or gravy for only $2.85 from Aloha Specials. Enjoy a night of comedy at the Comedy Stop in the Tropicana (your own hotel) for only $21.95. Retire to your room in the Tropicana for which you are once again only paying $37.70

Second Day Total: $71.20.

DAY 3
Get ready for your last full day in Vegas. Splurge for an early breakfast at Texas Cafe in Texas Station and fill up on a pancake sandwich for only $2.49. Find yourself at Circus Circus and lunch at the Circus Buffet for only $11.99. Bowl a game at The Orleans for only $2.90 per game. Eat a T-Bone steak for dinner at Terrible's Bougainvillea Cafe for only $9.99. Enjoy two well drinks at the Plaza for only $5.00. Take a walk through Fremont Street to check out what everyone's talking about and enjoy Viva Vision for free. Return to your room at the Tropicana one last time where you'll spend one last night for $37.70.

Final Day Total: $70.07.

It's Friday morning. Your memories are priceless. Now get out of Las Vegas before you spend another dime!

*Room rates based on those offered for regular rooms for the nights of August 12,13 and 14, 2008.

It's about time is really all I have to say.

Donny and Marie Osmond are starting an extended Vegas residency at The Flamingo starting Sept. 9. The two have been all over the TV lately in one form or another and frankly, people would rather see the duo sing rather than push weigh-loss products and host shows. It's their first residency on The Strip in 29 years.

Vegas is the perfect setting and the only global-appeal act I think that could trump them is ABBA, but with the musicals, movies and millions of records being sold, 'Mamma Mia' at Mandalay Bay is as close as they are getting to the desert anytime soon.

Donny and Marie is something the whole family, and even the whole world can get into.

Flamingo is offering a couple of themed packages to stay and see D&M: Donny's "A Little Bit Rock 'n' Roll Package" and Marie's "A Little Bit Country Package." Both packages feature two nights deluxe accommodations and two show tickets. Donny's features a 50th anniversary book and a Donny dog tag necklace and Marie's features a 50th anniversary doll and a butterfly charm. Packages are limited so order today.

The neo-classic and over-used phrase "America voted" applies as Las Vegas City's Best winners have been announced.

Voters voted for the votably best restaurants, bars and clubs and Vegas categories like City's Best Casinos, City's Best Buffets and City's Best Adult Attractions.

The Palms took over the top spot in the City's Best Casinos category from perennial favorite, Bellagio. However, the Buffet at the Bellagio retained the top spot as the City's Best Buffet.

West Coast meat purveyors, In-N-Out Burger took home the beef as the City's Best Burger.

Click here for the full list of results.

This is one of the best times of the year in any city in any country on any planet -- the beginning of Vegas Pool Season. It's that special time of the year when Sin City sheds a few more inhibitions and the flesh is celebrated, and in the case of some of the topless pools, in all its sculpted, golden glory.

Over the last couple of seasons, the buzz was about nightclub groups managing pools (Pure-Venus, TAO-TAO Beach, Light-Bare) and "European style sunbathing" (READ: topless). I guess the Euro to dollar exchange rate finally took it's toll and people are now either saying the word "topless" or "luxurious" instead of the syllable-laden "European style sunbathing."

This year the buzz is all about bigger is better. The parties are bigger and even the first 'ultra pool" has been dug.

Here is the annual preview of this season's hottest, chlorinated spots in Vegas:

Bare (Video Preview) at the Mirage went from soft launch to grand opening with a party that included a set from DJ Donald Glaude. "Lose the Tan Lines" is the message from Light Group, the nightlife empire who is responsible for all this topless-turvy. While ladies in other cities have to go bake under the lamps for an April glow, Vegas ladies can go au naturelle when soaking in the au naturelle rays of the sun.

Another nightlife empire, Pure Management Group, brings you another "luxurious" season of Venus Pool Club (Video Preview) at Caesars. I don't know if it's the whole Roman, opulence theme at the resort, but Venus has always felt a little more refined. It has the same elements -- DJ, pampering, poolside cocktails -- as other parties, but it's not so "party 'til you puke' here. It's worth noting that hotel guests get in free, except Saturdays.

The world-famous Rehab (Video Preview) party at the Hard Rock is also on Sundays. It's very much a "gone wild" atmosphere and that's why I and everyone (except maybe N.O.W., A.A. and Greenpeace) loves it.

Since most thongs don't have calculator holsters, it's worth noting the pricing scheme can be confusing and it looks like that's back. There are different prices for gender and geography, but a certain number of hotel guests can get in free.

It's also worth noting, camera crews will be roaming the silicone sand this year filming for "Rehab: The Movie" so make sure you don't pick your nose, butt or do anything else you don't want showing up before god and creation.


If you can't afford your boss, spouse, mother, deity, etc. to see you on late-night reality TV, then TAO Beach (Video Preview) may be a Sunday option for you. It's a pretty place for pretty people and you can experience all of the aesthetics at their Sunday's Sunset Sessions.

The Sunset Session always confused me because they run from 10AM to 5PM -- after sunrise and before sunset. But by the time I get there and start cocktailing, my apprehensions about the correct position of the sun in the day sky disappears like the olive in my very dirty martini.


Mandalay Bay has always, in my mind, been really good at this whole summer fun thing. They were topless before topless was cool with Moorea. Now it's all known as Mandalay Beach (Video Preview) and while most other casinos have poolside and swim-up gambling, Mandalay Bay built an entire three-story beach casino.

This year could go down as the year of the "ultra pool." Wet Republic at MGM Grand is the first Vegas pool labeled as such. Whether it's a marketing tag or the standard for all future ultra pools (like Tabu was for ultra lounges) remains to be seen.

What we do know is that it's over 50,000 square feet of "daylife" -- like nightlife but during the day. There are eight pools, six V.I.P. bungalows, a lot of space for concerts and even a 2,500 square feet open-air ultra lounge.

Other Pool Parties to Check Out
- Ditch Fridays (pictured) at Palms is always solid
- The kickoff at Red Rock this year features Kanye West
- Go Pool at the Flamingo
- The Tank at the Golden Nugget

This year I decided that I wouldn't predict the winner of Miss America pageant in the days leading up to the pageant because last year, well, I failed.

Last year, I thought for sure Miss Texas was going to win, but in hindsight that decision was based on my Texan pride. When Miss Oklahoma Laura Nelson won one of the prelim lifestyle and fitness (swimsuit) awards, her photo was compelling enough and I was pretty sure she was going to win, but I went with the Lone Star beauty, Shilah Phillips.

When I saw Miss Michigan's stunning swimsuit photo from her lifestyle and fitness preliminary win on the second night of competition, I had the same feeling.

Hindsight is always 20/20, right? In fact, Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund (pictured) took the tiara and won the Miss America 2008 title at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and broadcast on TLC. Swimsuit photos aside, the pageant is about more than a pretty face and she seems like good people as well. The 19-year-old fromFarmington Hills, Michigan hopes to pursue a career on Broadway. If her talent performance of "Over the Rainbow" is any indication, she belongs on Broadway.

The runner-ups (in order from fourth to first) were Miss North Carolina Jessica Marie Jacobs, Miss Virginia Hannah Martine Keifer, Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto and Miss Indiana Nicole Elizabeth Rash.

Rounding out the "Top 16" were Miss Tennessee Grace Gore, Miss California Melissa Chaty, Miss South Carolina Crystal Alicia Garrett, Miss Georgia Leah Massee, Miss Arkansas Katie Bailey, Miss Wisconsin Christina Anna Thompson, Miss Florida Kylie Jean Williams, Miss Mississippi Kimberly Nicole Morgan, twirler Miss Iowa Diana Reed and Miss Utah Jill Stevens. Miss Utah made it the semi-finalists round based on online votes. She's also an ARMY Sergeant.

The judges seemed more random this year (one described as Justin Timberlake's childhood friend and one was an editor from OK Magazine) and I think they picked the right winner, but I think Miss Wisconsin Christina Anna Thompson was overlooked. If the slates were wiped clean at the beginning of the semi-final round, I'm unsure how Miss Washington made it as a runner-up. Her singing wouldn't have even qualified her for the "American Idol" reject show and Miss Wisconsin rocked in her red outfits. But that's why Miss America hasn't called me to judge yet.

I'm sorry Miss Washington, I'm just being picky. It's me, not you. In any case, congratulations to all the ladies.

I'm writing the media commentary now, in the meantime, check out my friend Robin Leach's story and photos from the pageant. Always worth the read.

More Miss America on Vegas Pop:
- Kirsten Haglund Photos
- Preliminary Winners Photos

Add This Story::
RSS Feed Digg! Netscape del.icio.us Stumble It!

Technorati Tags: las vegas vegas miss america planet hollywood casino fletch dry heat kirsten haglund golf miss michigan

Congratulations to the new Miss America, Kirsten Haglund. Here are the photos of the Michigan native on her road to the tiara and a $50,000 scholarship.

Click on a small image to see the full picture.




Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty

Caption: Miss America Kirsten Haglund waves to the 7,000+ attendees at the Miss America Live pageant at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Technorati Tags: las vegas vegas miss america miss america photos fletch dry heat kirsten haglund miss michigan