Jul 10
30
Shark Reef Deals
Shark Reef Deals on Admission
SHARK REEF AQUARIUM INTRODUCES COST-SAVING ANNUAL PASS FOR VISITORS, LOCALS AND ANIMAL LOVERS ALIKE
Another Reason to Visit…and Soon, Countdown to Lucky 10 Millionth Guest Fast Approaching, Expected Early August
Locals and tourists who can’t get enough of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay now have the option to purchase an Annual Pass which provides unlimited entry, discounts and exclusive offers for one year from purchase date. The Annual Pass has launched at an ideal time, giving adults and children a fun, educational activity while beating the summer heat. This August Shark Reef Aquarium provides one more reason to visit as one lucky person will walk away with the unique distinction of being its 10 millionth guest.
Discounts included with an Annual Pass purchase are 10 percent off regular-priced merchandise in the Shark Reef Gift Shop; 10 percent off birthday party rentals; invitation to private events; and special email offers. Additionally, the Annual Pass provides access to Shark Reef Aquarium’s Dive with Sharks program, giving dive-certified guests the opportunity to dive in the aquarium’s 1.3-million-gallon Shipwreck Exhibit – an experience previously limited to hotel guests of Mandalay Bay and THEhotel.
“I’m proud of the number of loyal fans we have at Shark Reef Aquarium who enjoy visiting throughout the year including special events such as Haunted Reef and Santa in the Shipwreck,” said Adrienne Rowland, the aquarium’s director. “The Annual Pass program provides tremendous value to our frequent visitors and to those who would like to visit more often.”
One of the frequent visitors could be the guest named as Shark Reef Aquarium’s 10 millionth guest. The winner will receive a grand prize package including an Annual Pass; deluxe accommodations for two nights at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino; admission to Disney’s THE LION KING; dinner at Chef Michael Mina’s acclaimed restaurant, STRIPSTEAK; and much fanfare, or “fin-fare” as the case may be. This auspicious occasion is expected to occur within the coming weeks.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay features more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including a Komodo Dragon, Golden Crocodiles and its newest resident, a rare and fascinating Shark Ray, along with several species of magnificent sharks all under one roof.
Annual passes are available for $40 for adults and $25 for children ages five through 12; children four and under are free when accompanied by an adult pass holder. Open daily from 10 a.m., regular ticket prices are $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages five through 12; children four and under are free. Nevada residents with a valid ID receive a discount on admission – $13.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.
For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com, www.sharkreef.com or call
(702) 632-4555.
Octopus at the Shark Reef Aquarium makes his pick for the Saturday night fight
It’s official. The Giant Pacific Octopus at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay entered the sports predictions arena earlier this morning when he aggressively selected Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez as the winner over Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz in Saturday night’s contest between the two pugilists who are fighting for Marquez’s Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
The unnamed, 1-year-old male octopus weighs an estimated 40 pounds, has a six-foot reach, tentacles roughly three feet long, is the second octopus to predict the outcomes of sporting events this summer, the first being the mollusk Paul in Germany, who went undefeated in correctly picking all of Germany’s World Cup games as well as Spain’s championship win. The intelligent animal chose between two 8” x 8” acrylic boxes placed inside his tank. Each box was labeled with one of the fighter’s names.
“Let’s see if the octopus that picked Marquez to win Saturday night will be as accurate as Paul was during the World Cup,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. “Either way, we are going to have a great night of boxing from top to bottom as this is one of the strongest events we have ever had for the fans watching in the arena and on pay-per-view. All of these match-ups have the potential of being fight of the year for 2010.”
Marquez vs. Diaz II “Fight of the Year: The Rematch” is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions, and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and AT&T. The 12-round rematch of the 2009 “Fight of the Year” is scheduled for Saturday, July 31 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and will be for Marquez’s Ring Magazine, WBA and WBO Lightweight World titles. The fight will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.
The stacked pay-per-view undercard will feature Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs vs. Dmitry Pirog in a 12-round bout for the vacant WBO Middleweight title, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero vs. Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor in a 10-round junior welterweight bout and Jorge “El Niño De Oro” Linares vs. Rocky Juarez in a 10-round lightweight bout.
Tickets for Marquez vs. Diaz II are priced at $350, $250, $150, $100 and $50 and are on sale now. Tickets are available for purchase at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
The Marquez vs. Diaz II pay-per-view telecast, which begins at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95 and will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Marquez vs. Diaz II fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.
NCM Fathom will broadcast Marquez vs. Diaz II in high definition LIVE to more than 270 movie theaters nationwide at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. Tickets to see the fight on the big screen are available at theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com
So? Try to argue with the octopus. His decision is final. My money is on Marquez.
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Jul 10
29
Fashion Show Bikinis Only
Eve Nightclub to host Vavoom Bikini Fashion Show
EVE NIGHTCLUB TO HOST VAVOOM BIKINI FASHION SHOW
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11th
Celebrating the Re-Grand Opening and Showcasing the Hottest Bikinis in Las Vegas
Vavoom, the sexy girly girl and gogo gear boutique on Paradise Road, will celebrate its new location with a sexy swimwear fashion show at Eva Longoria Parker’s Eve Nightclub Wednesday, August 11. Vavoom will captivate the crowd during Vegas’ hottest industry night, showcasing the hottest custom bikini fashions. Gift certificates will also be distributed to lucky ladies in attendance.
One of Vegas’ top lingerie and gogo apparel retailers, Vavoom specializes in custom designer bikini fashions. For more information, please call 702.413.0480. Vavoom is located at 4480 Paradise Road, directly across from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Eve, located in Crystals at CityCenter, is situated directly above Longoria Parker’s celebrated steakhouse, Beso, at the entrance at The Park across from ARIA. Upon entering the opulent nightspot, Eve envelopes guests in ultimate luxury with lavish VIP booths, floor-to-ceiling windows and 50-foot-tall arched ceilings to accentuate the glamorous interior. One-of-a kind colossal video screens surrounding the dance floor are a striking, state-of-the art feature unique to Eve alone. Renowned DJs and a premium sound and lighting system make Eve the ultimate nightclub to dance the night away.
Eve is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Located at 3720 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Eve is situated atop of Longoria Parker’s signature restaurant Beso, inside Crystals at CityCenter. For table reservations and more information about Eve, please visit the website at www.evethenightclub.com or call 702.227.3838.
Jul 10
27
The Pool You Don’t Know About
Entrance to the pool at the Golden Nugget with blackjack tables
There is a secret little place hidden away on Fremont Street that you might not know about just yet. That place is the Golden Nugget pool. You aren’t going to believe this place.
I didn’t know this existed either until someone showed it to me. A friend of mine was in Las Vegas and took me there. He said this was his place to cool out after drinking too much and when his blackjack games take an ugly turn. This is where he would go to sit, rest and change his attitude.
Sit in your lounge chair right in the pool and watch the sharks swim
When you walk into the pool area, there are some blackjack tables off to the right and if you keep going straight ahead, you’ll walk right into the pool. There are lounge chairs in the water to keep the heat off on a hot day, while watching the sharks swim in their aquarium.
The beginning of the slide that goes through the shark tank
If you’re feeling brave, you can walk up the stairs to the private cabana level above the aquarium. That is where you can enter the slide and slide all the way down through the shark tank. Of course the slide is clear when you get to the sharks so that you can sit there and watch them from inches away. All that separates you from those killers is a couple inches of clear slide wall.
View of the whirlpool and fire pit from the cabana balcony
They have some really nice cabanas up there above the shark tank that you can rent, hang out with friends and have some privacy. On that level is an adult’s sun bathing area, with a few bushy plants to keep onlookers away. The balcony there overlooks the gaming area and pool.
The Hideout Pool up on top of the shark aquarium
If you go up one more level, you will see the quieter pool. It is the new “Hideout Pool” which is built above the shark’s aquarium. There is a bar, a few lounge chairs and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy your day or evening of relaxation. It isn’t all that large, but it is quite comfy for a pool. Water continually pours over the glass wall on the side of the pool.
No shortage of lounge chairs to relax. This is just one section of them.
Back downstairs on ground level, there are so many lounge chairs around the pool that there never seems to be a shortage of them when I’ve been there. Over by the huge whirlpool bath is a fire pit to warm you on chilly nights. The fire pits are just a couple of steps away from the pool bar.
Sharks swimming in their aquarium at the Golden Nugget's pool. That glare in the middle is the slide you can take through it.
The Golden Nugget’s pool is by far my favorite pool in Las Vegas. Every time I take someone back there to show them my friend’s favorite spot, they say the same thing, “I’m staying here!” Sure there are more happening pools, and maybe even prettier pools, but this one is so beautiful, relaxing and comfortable, it fits me just right. I need to stay there some night soon.
Posted in Vegas Happenings by .
Jul 10
26
Air Supply
Air Supply to perform on Labor Day Weekend
Air Supply Perform Their Hits at The Orleans Showroom Labor Day Weekend – September 3-5
Las Vegas—Australian soft-rock group Air Supply quickly became a staple of early ‘80s radio after their first smash hit, “Lost in Love.” Performing together for more than 30 years, Air Supply returns to The Orleans Showroom for three shows Labor Day weekend, September 3, 4 and 5, each evening at 8 p.m.
Englishman Graham Russell and Australian Russell Hitchcock met in 1975 while performing in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Later that year, the duo formed Air Supply and released their first smash hit and self-titled debut album, reaching gold in Australia. After opening for Rod Stewart’s tour in the United States in the late ‘70s, Air Supply had an international breakthrough and signed a distribution deal with Artista Records in 1980.
Their album, Lost in Love, featured three U.S. top five singles, including the title track, which was the fastest-selling single in the world; “Every Woman in the World”; and “All Out of Love,” which hit No. 11 in the United Kingdom’s Top 40 charts. Throughout the next three years, Air Supply produced hit after hit, including “Just Another Woman,” “The One That You Love,” “Here I Am,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Even The Nights Are Better” and “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard charts in 1983.
Producing 30 albums and more than 15 hit singles, Air Supply has become a worldwide sensation, touring in Australia, Asia, India, the United States and the Caribbean. In 2008, as the only Australian band on the list, Air Supply was named No. 83 on Billboard’s top 100 musical acts of all time.
Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com. Save on convenience fees by purchasing the tickets in person at Coast Casinos.
Jul 10
26
Not Just Eddie Murphy’s Big Brother
Charlie Murphy will appear at the House of Blues in August
Charlie Murphy will be appearing at the House of Blues in Las Vegas on Friday, August 12, 2010.
Charlie Murphy is a real funny guy, but is probably most known for being Eddie Murphy’s older brother. The first I heard of him was when he appeared on one of my favorite TV shows “Chappelle’s Show.” Charlie was on a few times and would tell long stories about his experiences in Hollywood and the cast would act them out. It was funnier than all get out. I was an instant fan.
Murphy isn’t just riding on his little brother’s coattails. He’s been acting since the 1980s in movies and on TV. Lately, he’s been doing some screenwriting. From what I’ve seen so far, he’s is one funny guy.
Charlie Murphy
House of Blues inside Mandaly Bay Casino
August 12, 2010
Show time: 9 pm
Ticket Prices start at $30
www.houseofblues.com/lasvegas
Jul 10
25
Holy Deep Fried Twinkies!
I was fooling around downtown Las Vegas last night on Fremont Street. This was my first trip of the summer. I would have gone sooner, but it has been so terribly hot. Last night it was 102 at about 8pm, but a friend who just moved here wanted to go. So, off we went!
1/2 Pound Prime Rib Dinner at 777 Cafe is $8.95
We were hungry so our first stop was the 777 Café inside Main Street Station. My favorite place to park is the huge, free parking lot in front of that casino and my favorite place to eat Downtown is the 777 Café, which we call “The Triple 7.”
Waddling down to Fremont Street after that huge meal was a breeze from there. I noticed the bums who are usually hanging out on the side of the street with the train car were no longer there. I wonder if the police finally made them move along. Maybe they are in shelters because of the intense heat lately, who knows?
"David Bowie" and "Elvis" posed for a photo for me. Note how "Bowie" is keeping my business card in a safe place.
The first bit of fun we encountered was the star impersonators. David Bowie and Elvis were posing for photos for a tip. “Elvis” was claiming to be an illegitimate son of the real Elvis, given his mom dated him for a few years during the time he was born. Uh-huh. And I have a great deal on a house in Vegas for ya.
There were a lot of impersonators on Fremont Street last night, more than I have ever seen before. Fake Elvi, Gene Simmons, Spiderman, and various others were mugging with tourists and collecting their tips. Most of their costumes were really well done. Given they were in that heavy garb in that horrible heat and our current 30% humidity, I think maybe that deserves a tip right there! They really add a lot to the carnival atmosphere on Fremont Street and were a lot of fun to watch.
Tourists from San Deigo mugging it up for me while eating their deep-fried Twinkies
No trip to downtown is complete without surviving the grease-laden smog inside the Mermaid’s casino to taste a deep fried Oreo. My friend really wanted one, as she is a deep-fried Oreo virigin, but the line was too long. Also, the “Oreo Nazi” wasn’t working that night and really, he is half of the fun. Dare to hem and haw in that Oreo line, I challenge you. Instead we had some fun with some San Diegans who were chowing down their deep-fried Twinkies. Yep, they have those there, too! They were great sports and were having a lot of fun on their vacation to the little glitter city of old Las Vegas. We went on to more adventures, with my friend’s deep fried Oreo virginity still in tact. There is always another day.
Aw, true love, over a greasy Twinkie at Mermaid's Casino
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Flair Bartending Challenge at Rock & Rita's
ROCK & RITA’S TO HOST NATIONS INTERNATIONAL FLAIR BARTENDING CHALLENGE
Largest Group of Internationally Ranked Bartenders Compete August 16-17
Rock & Rita’s, the “Great American Party” restaurant and bar at Circus Circus, will host NATIONS, the highly anticipated international flair bartending competition, Monday, August 16 and Tuesday, August 17. Selected for its specially designed flair bars, which were created to meet flair bartending competition requirements, Rock & Rita’s will welcome more than 50 internationally ranked flair bartenders from nine countries across the globe as they compete for $25,000 in cash and prizes.
“Rock & Rita’s offers three bars, each designed to meet the specific needs of flair bartenders,” said Rock & Rita’s owner Mark Green. “We are thrilled to be hosting such a prestigious competition and look forward to an exciting event.”
After a one-year hiatus, NATIONS is expected to be bigger and better than ever, bringing world-class talent from across the globe to Vegas’ newest party bar. Competitors will flip, fling, pour and roll crazy cocktail concoctions for the chance to win the first place title, $10,000 cash and the NIFC Grand Champion Trophy.
The competition, hosted by Three Olives Vodka, begins Sunday, August 15 with registration and a meet-and-greet banquet for participants at the Kahunaville pool at Treasure Island Casino. Qualifying rounds begin Monday, August 16 at Rock & Rita’s where eight finalists will be selected to compete in the final rounds on August 17. The grand finale event will begin at 9 p.m. and is open to the public.
NATIONS International Flair Challenge was created in Las Vegas in 2003. After moving to Cro-Bar in South Beach Miami in 2005, NATIONS returned to Vegas in 2006 at Club Rio where it remained until 2008. For more information, visit www.nationsflairchallenge.com.
Rock & Rita's
Rock & Rita’s, the brand-new dining and entertainment venue at Circus Circus showcases an all-American menu, live rock ‘n’ roll music and the world’s top flair bartenders. From the same owners that made Kahunaville at Treasure Island a flair bartending phenomenon, Rock & Rita’s is set to take the flair bartending world to new heights. Open daily, Rock & Rita’s offers reasonably priced menu selections for breakfast from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and dinner from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., as well as late-night dining. For more information about Rock & Rita’s, visit www.RockandRitas.com or call 702.691.5991.
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Jul 10
23
BREAK OUT THE SQUIRT GUNS
Rock House
BREAK OUT THE SQUIRT GUNS AND SHOW OFF THOSE BIKINI BUNS AT ROCKHOUSE
Summer is about to get wet and wild at Rockhouse. Vegas’ only ultra-dive bar will cool down its Strip-side patio with “Squirt Guns and Bikini Buns” Friday, July 30.
The Strip’s rowdiest water fight and front porch tailgate will kick off at 2 p.m. as revelers prepare to get soaked in their sexiest swimwear. Partygoers will also enjoy two-for-one drafts and well cocktails and $5 shots poured by Rockhouse’s stunning lineup of bikini-clad bartenders from 2 to 6 p.m., along with a front porch tailgate menu, featuring finger-lickin’ favorites including hamburgers, chicken fingers, mini corndogs and chimichangas.
Day or night, it’s always the right time to party at Rockhouse. Whether people watching on the rowdy Strip-side patio by day, or dancing on the bar with an 80-ounce guitar by night, the ultra dive bar is one of Vegas’ best-kept secrets. Rockhouse will give partygoers the ultimate nightlife experience – minus the “VIP” attitude. With a knockout lineup of gorgeous bartenders, bottle service that won’t break the bank, a walk-away daiquiri bar and casual dress code, Rockhouse is definite must-visit hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
Blending a local dive bar with the glamour of Sin City’s party scene at a convenient center Strip location, Rockhouse is the top party destination on the Strip. Las Vegas’ only ultra dive bar features top-notch lighting and sound with the best DJs in Las Vegas blending upbeat rock, hip-hop and dance. With beautiful bartenders pouring drinks from the bar tops, playing in the giant bird cage and dangling from tire swings suspended from the ceiling, Rockhouse is the spot where the party never stops. Rockhouse is located on Las Vegas Blvd. in front of Imperial Palace, directly across from Caesars Palace in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip. The daiquiri and main bar open daily at 10 a.m. and the adjacent nightclub is open from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly. For more information visit www.therockhousebar.com, and for bottle and table reservations call 702.731.9683 or email info@therockhousebar.com.
Golden Crocodile at Shark Reef Aquarium
SHARK REEF AQUARIUM’S NEWEST RESIDENT PROVIDES SPECIAL CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION DURING 10-YEAR BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES
Rare Shark Ray Officially Welcomed with Special Summer-Long Pricing, Parties and Activities
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay proudly introduces the newest member of its family, a Bowmouth Guitarfish, better known as a Shark Ray. The official reveal of this rare addition comes during a summer-long celebration of Shark Reef’s 10-year birthday.
The female Shark Ray, one of less than 12 such animals in aquariums throughout the U.S., was acquired from the California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium after she outgrew their facility. Listed as a vulnerable species, little is known about this fascinating creature. The 5-foot, 90-pound Shark Ray, now residing at Shark Reef Aquarium, is acclimating well to her new home within the facility’s 1.3-million-gallon shipwreck exhibit.
“Shark Reef Aquarium’s mission is to display unique predators from ocean environments across the world in order to educate the public about the wonders of the sea and the dangers some of its wonderful inhabitants face,” said Jack Jewell, the aquarium’s general curator. “The Shark Ray – with so few of its kind and its mesmerizing ‘prehistoric’ appearance – is a perfect fit for our aquarium.”
The 3-year-old Shark Ray’s arrival comes at a very significant milestone as Shark Reef Aquarium celebrates its 10-year birthday all summer long. The aquarium is hosting birthday parties on July 17 and August 21 where guests can enjoy an array of special prices and activities, including $10 adult admission and $5 children admission (children ages four and under are free); 10 percent off Shark Reef Store merchandise; $10 meal deal at Burgers & Dogs; and complimentary birthday cookies, face painting, balloon animals, birthday “fin” crowns and special appearances by “Sharky” the Shark.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay features more than 2,000 divinely dangerous animals including a Komodo Dragon, Golden Crocodiles and several species of magnificent sharks all under one roof. Open daily from 10 a.m., ticket prices are $16.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages five through 12; children four and under are free. Nevada residents with a valid ID receive a discount on admission – $13.95 for adults and $8.95 for children.
For more information, visit www.mandalaybay.com, www.sharkreef.com or call (702) 632-4555.
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