By Judy Thorburn
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Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - Las Vegas Round The Clock
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer - The Flick Chicks
Director of Communications - Nevada Film Alliance
www.theflickchicks.com
Vegas Happenings
By Judy Thorburn
Miss America Contestants Arrive at Planet Hollywood
Marking the 90th anniversary of the Miss America Pageant in style, 53 of the most talented, intelligent and beautiful women in the nation arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday, January 6 for the 2011 Miss America Pageant, which will be held for the sixth consecutive year at the Theatre for the Performing Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The contestants arrived at The Plaza, located outside of the front entrance of Planet Hollywood which kicked off a week of preliminary competitions (interview, lifestyle and fitness, talent and evening wear), culminating in the live telecast on ABC, Saturday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. (EST)/tape delay (PST). The event was hosted by KTNV-TV’s Bryan Scofield, with a special appearance by R&B superstars, Boyz II Men.
2011 Miss America Contestants
Photo credit: Tom Donahue
Miss Nevada, Cris Crotz
Photo credit: Tom Donahue
Miss Nebraska (Teresa Scanlan), Miss Ohio (Becky Minger) and Miss Nevada (Cris Crotz)
Photo credit: Tom Donahue
Canon U.S.A.,Inc. 12th Annual Star Studded Red Carpet Event Honors Customers with Benefit Fundraiser for NCMEC
Canon U.S.A. and The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) held The 12th Annual Canon Customer Appreciation Reception at the Bellagio on Friday night, January 7. The event, sponsored by Canon U.S.A. Inc., and produced by John Arnos, Canon U.S.A., and Jaki Baskow, of Baskow & Associates, benefited the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides services nationwide for families and professionals in the prevention of abducted, endangered or sexually exploited children.
Mark Steines of Entertainment Tonight, was Master of Ceremonies with special guest John Walsh of “America’s Most Wanted” and co-founder of NCMEC.
Mark Steines, Jaki Baskow and John Walsh
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Along with invited VIP guests and members of the media, including yours truly, over 20 celebrities were in attendance attendance showing their support for the worthy cause including actor John O’Hurley, Emmy Award Winner Bryan Cranston, Kristy Swanson (the original Buffy, the Vampire Slayer)) and her husband, former Olympic ice skating champion Lloyd Eisner, Lou Ferrigno (Incredible Hulk), actress Sofia Milos (CSI Miami), former astronaut Walter Cunningham, actor Joe Regalbuto (Murphy Brown), actor Robert Hays (Airplane movies), Emmy award winning actor Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), actress Paula Trickey (The OC), actress Minnie Foxx, Mirage Resort and Casino Headliner Terry Fator and his wife Taylor Makakoa, legendary impressionist Rich Little, Jersey Boys star Rick Faugno, best selling author/journalist Richard Buskin, singer Mary Wilson of the Supremes, impressionist and Las Vegas headliner Greg London, vocalists The Ink Spots, The Masked Magician (Val Valentino) and more.
Terry Fator and Taylor Makakoa
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Minnie Foxx
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The Ink Spots
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The Pawn Stars, Rick and Corey Harrison
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Ann Marie Stanley and Randy Couture
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The Platters
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Rick Faugno and wife Joyce Chittick
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
John O'Hurley with the cast of Nunsense
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Taylor Barton and wife
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Astronaut, Walter Cunningham
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Robert Hays
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Paula Trickey
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Joe Regalbuto
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
The Masked Magician - Val Valentino
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Mary Wilson
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Kim Couture (left)
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Greg London and dancer from 'Fantasy'
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Lou Ferrigno
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Kristi Swanson and Lloyd Eisner
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Sofia Milos
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Tony Sacca and Josette LeBlonde
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Brian Cranston
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Guests of the evening enjoyed a buffet of delectable cuisine, open bar, musical entertainment provided by Face to Face, a duo that pays tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel, plus a silent auction and a live auction with all proceeds from the winning bids benefitting the NCFEC. During he live auction, guests were able to bid on valuable prizes such as a behind the scenes meeting with John Walsh on the set of America’s Most Wanted; a full week’s (July 3-10) stay at a 2 bedroom, ocean view villa at the Marriott Surf Club in Aruba; August 7-15 accommodations in an ocean view villa at the Marriott Vacation Club in St. Thomas; a Cartier La Dona woman’s watch valued at $4990; an Italian barbeque for 25 people in the winning bidder’s home prepared by Chef Ferraro, and much more.
The following morning, Saturday January 9, a Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit NCMEC was held at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at the Canyons in Summerlin.
Silent Auction Items
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Face To Face
Photo credit: Judy Thorburn
Since 1998, Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC have collaborated to educate the public about the growing issue of child abduction. The Canon4Kids program, a partnership between Canon U.S.A. and NCMEC, donates product to help law enforcement quickly disseminate photos and information about missing children, produces PSAs with missing children photos, and informs parents about the importance of updating photos of their children. To date, 691 children featured in Canon4Kids PSAs have been recovered.
Terry Fator and the Mirage Make Check Presentation to USO Center Executives at McCarren International Airport
Unparalleled ventriloquist Terry Fator and President & COO of The Mirage Felix Rappaport made a special check presentation of $40,606.65 to USO Las Vegas Center Director Doug Bradford of the United Service Organization (USO). The unveiling of the check amount took place Wednesday, January 5 in front of Center volunteers, military service members and media at the USO Las Vegas Center inside McCarran International Airport.
The check proceeds are from the USO’s “Tribute to the Troops” event that was held at The Mirage Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010. The Mirage welcomed wounded service members to the property as more than 150 employees clapped, cheered and waved flags for the soldiers. Inside the hotel, a private meet and greet and photo opportunity took place with Fator followed by a special performance of Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert in the Terry Fator Theatre.
Fator, along with wife Taylor Makakoa and Rappaport were greeted at the entrance to the Center by Bradford who gave a tour of the venue, explaining all of the various resources and amenities the space offered to active duty military personnel. The Center provides a warm welcome at the front entrance reception desk by Center volunteers, computer and phone access, books, games, DVDs, food and beverage items from a snack bar and an entertainment room with a 60-inch TV and a dozen thick-cushioned chairs.
After the tour, Rappaport led the opening of the check presentation by discussing how The Mirage and MGM Resorts International supports the military along with acknowledging and applauding Fator’s continuous efforts in providing assistance to military organizations. Rappaport was presented with a “Thank You” certificate for The Mirage’s support with regards to the USO Las Vegas Center.
Fator was also presented with a special award, marked by a large gold boot, in appreciation of his “Outstanding Support” of the United States Military and USO Las Vegas. Fator was completely humbled during the presentation saying, “Wow, I’m completely honored to receive this award. Thank you so much to the USO and thank you to the military service men and women who serve our country.”
The event ended with Bradford thanking Fator and Rappaport for the check donation, even admitting that he was “speechless” at the amount the Center was receiving. Bradford went on to say he could not wait for so many wonderful additions to take place in order to benefit each military service member that walk through the doors of USO Las Vegas.For more information on the USO, The Mirage and Terry Fator, visit www.uso.org www.mirage.com and www.terryfator.com, respectively.
Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
On Wednesday, January 5, Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino unveiled the first GOLD to goTM ATM in Las Vegas. Furthering the success of the famous hotel, the Golden Nugget is now the second location in America to feature the Gold ATM. The first machine in North America debuted in Florida. The operational inauguration of the GOLD to goTM ATM vending machine will dispense 24-karat gold bars of various weights ranging between one and 250 grams. The vending machine will also sell traditional gold coins and signature gold bars featuring the Golden Nugget logo.
Bonhams' first ever motorcycle sale in Las Vegas on Thursday, January 6th, in the heart of the Strip, was a resounding success for the world's leading automotive auctioneer. With a packed auction room of international buyers from around the US and overseas, approximately 200 motorcycles of diverse makes and models from every era of history sold briskly - even making world records - for a total sum exceeding $2.5 million. Six bikes made in excess of $100,000 on the hammer.
The "holy grail of motorcycles," the extremely rare and historic Hildebrand & Wolfmüller from circa 1894 Germany - the world's first production motorcycle and the machine to which the word "motorcycle" was first applied, sold to an American collector for a world record price of $161,000. It is interesting to note that the Bonhams international motorcycle department have now unearthed two of these extremely rare finds, both from the US, and strategically placed them in their international group auctions on both sides of the Atlantic to generate global interest. The ex-Otis Chandler first-year production 1901 Indian "Camel Back" Single, sold for $131,500 after spirited bidding to a collector in the southern hemisphere versus American aficionados.
The 2011 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, convened in Las Vegas January 6-9 with over 2,500 exhibitors boasted hefty portfolios of the latest consumer technology products, and featured the hottest innovations in gaming hardware and software – from online PC and HD gaming, plasma HDTV to surround sound and power conditioning hardware. Nintendo returned as an exhibitor to CES for the first time in 16 years. Other gaming exhibitors included AMD, HP, Intel, Lenovo, LevelUp, Logitech, Microsoft, Nokia, Sony and more. Publishers and developers were also in attendance, including: Alcazar Entertainment, Cosmi, DC Comics/Warner and DreamWorks Animation. Furthermore, key retailers like Amazon.com, Best Buy and GameStop also attended the 2011 CES. Look for coverage of 2011 CES in an upcoming edition of Las Vegas Round The Clock.
Read more about CES in the next issue of Las Vegas Round the Clock.
BODIES…The Exhibition at the Luxor is offering a variety of special events and educational programs as follows:
Every Tuesday, show your teacher ID at the audio booth for one free ticket to BODIES… The Exhibition and/or Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, a $66 value. Tickets are non-transferable and must be used on Tuesday.
Learn what it means to be an organ donor at BODIES…The Exhibition on Thursday, January 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Anyone who purchases a ticket to the Exhibition can meet Liliana Arredondo, Public Education Coordinator from Nevada Donors Network, and learn more about organ and tissue donation.
Las Vegas’ finest interactive and educational experience, presents BODIES… The Wellness Series. Find out how the specimens are plastinated on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Bodies Docent, Elaine August, will discuss the overall process and answer questions regarding your own body getting plastinated.
BODIES…The Exhibition, in partnership with Medical Reserve Corps, is offering free blood pressure screening for anyone who purchases a ticket to the Exhibition on January 16. Guests can choose whether they would like a manual or automatic check by a Medical Reserve Nurse.Following the screening, the nurse will go over results and provide the guest with a monitoring card for regular check-ups and tracking results.
Comedians scheduled to headline in January at The Playboy Comedy Tour hosted by Cort McCown and Paul Hughes, inside the Lounge at the Palms Casino are as follows:
January 13-15 – Rob Riggle,
January 20-22 – Robert Kelly,
January 27-29 – TBA.
Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 10 pm.; Saturday 8 p.m and 10 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $39.99 (inclusive of taxes) which includes entry into the legendary Playboy Club following the show.
VIP tickets are also available for $59.99, which includes a line pass into Playboy Comedy, VIP seating at the show and entry into Playboy Club following the show.
Legendary Motown singer, songwriter, and producer Smokey Robinson will perform in concert in the Casablanca Event Center at Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel on Friday, January 14 at 8:00PM. Tickets are available in three levels: Gold $84.95, Prime $74.95, and Reserved $64.95.
Magician MURRAY will make a guest appearance on Season 3's Premiere episode of History Channel's 'Pawn Stars' on January 17, 2011! Find out what happens when MURRAY walks in the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop to talk with the one and only Pawn Stars!
Angel Porrino, Las Vegas local and co-star on the new hit TV series, “Holly’s World” on E!, has signed on to take over the role of “Bo Peep,” a modern woman who discovers her sexuality, during Holly Madison’s hard-earned vacation dates throughout 2011. Porrino will once again perform alongside a sizzling ensemble of sexy PEEPSHOW GIRLS. Porrino is confirmed to take over the role of “Bo Peep” from January 17 – January 23, 2011, January 31 – February 6, 2011 and March 21 - 27, 2011 and March 28 – April 3, 2011, with more dates to be confirmed at a later date.
As part of the “Tribute to Tribute Artists” showcase, The Club at Cannery Casino & Hotel will present The Detroit Allstars: Direct from Motown on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29 at 8 p.m. Featuring Michael Sanders and Michael Brock, lead singer with The Dramatics, the spirit of Motown lives on with The Detroit Allstars who will have the audience boogieing to hits by Motown legends Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and more. Admission is $10 at the door.
The Australian Bee Gees Show - A Tribute to the Bee Gees, will make its exciting debut at Excalibur Hotel and Casino Tuesday, Feb. 1 when the talented tribute band brings the music of the famous Gibb brothers to the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets are priced at $54.95 and $44.95, plus tax and service fees. Performances are Tuesday-Sunday at 7 p.m. nightly.
Celebrity sightings:
Sunday, January 2, Actress Loretta Divine and her husband, Glenn Marshall, dined at Eva Longoria’s Beso steakhouse in Crystals at CityCenter.
Latin Grammy award winner, singer and actress, Laura Flores, was sighted with her husband at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition inside Luxor Hotel & Casino. Flores is best known as a member of "Hermanos y Amigos” as well as roles in soap operas such as El Combate. In town for New Year’s Eve, Flores and her husband thoroughly explored each gallery of The Exhibition and quietly read passenger stories and information about the artifacts. While looking at the Memorial Wall, the Latin pop-singer became red with embarrassment when her husband accidentally knocked over a display case. The couple eagerly tried to help staff members with the case and were very apologetic. Before leaving, she signed the autograph book, “Great Exhibition! Thanks a lot!”
Laura Flores
Monday, January 3, Boyz II Men member and NBC’s The Sing Off judge Shawn Stockman took his family to see Disney’s THE LION KING at Mandalay Bay. After the show, Stockman took his family backstage where they had the opportunity to meet cast members Buyi Zama, “Rafiki,” and Jelani Remy, “Simba.”
Buyi Zama, “Rafiki,” Shawn Stockman and Jelani Remy, “Simba.”
Photo Credit: Isaac Brekken/Getty
Tuesday night, January 4,
Denver Broncos quarterbacks, Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn dined at N9NE Steakhouse inside Palms Casino Resort. They were accompanied by a large party, mostly comprised of their teammates.
On Thursday, January 6,
Legendary music artist Lenny Kravitz was spotted performing at a private Motorola event during the 2011 International CES® at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Earlier in the evening Kravitz was spotted dining at TAO.
Also dining at the Asian Bistro was 50 Cent along with members of the G-Unit.
Nearby Floyd Mayweather Jr., dined with friends. After dinner the boxer joined up with 50 Cent and they made their way to TAO Nightclub along with rapper Lloyd Banks. In the club the group of more than sixty friends and business associates celebrated the launch of Sleek by 50 Cent Wireless Headphones.
50 Cent
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
50 Cent with DJ Roger Sanchez
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Also up in the nightclub checking out TAO Worship Thursday and the Official AVN kick off party with Jessica Drake and the Girls of Wicked was famed DJ Tiesto.
Carlos Santana, along with several Santana Band members, visited Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas (B&GCLV) Lied Memorial Clubhouse to meet Imani, the winner of a t-shirt design contest, and tour the facility. Held in November, the t-shirt design contest was open to all members of B&GCLV ages 11-17. The artwork created by Imani, age 12 from Lied Memorial Clubhouse, was selected by Santana as the winner and turned into a limited edition t-shirt. The shirt is currently available at The Joint’s merchandise booths during the January run of Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through The Hits at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Jan. 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 16.
Carlos Santana and Imani
Photo credit © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ erikkabik.com
Don Julio presented the Miss Playboy Club of the Year and calendar release party inside Playboy Club at Palms Casino Resort. Comedian and actor Pauly Shore named Hillary Fisher Miss Playboy Club of the Year 2010. Fisher, who won Miss Playboy Club of the Month last year in August, partied with other contestants including: Shannon Kelly (January), Crystal Gallimore (February), Laura Moore (April), Nicole Larsen (May), Mila Corsunova (Miss Playboy Club 50), Sydney Dauphin (June) and Sara Hennessey (November).
Hillary Fisher
Photo credit: Shane O'Neal/9 Group
Miss Playboy Club Model Search contestants with comedian Pauley Shore
Photo credit: Shane O'Neal/9 Group
Earlier that evening, Tampa Bay Buccaneers athlete Cadillac Williams dined at N9NE Steakhouse accompanied by a large group of 14, which included Miami Dolphins athlete Ronnie Brown.
At a separate table, Miami Dolphins athlete Jake Long had dinner with three others.
Friday night, January 7,
Rapper 50 Cent celebrated the launch his Sleek by 50 Cent Wireless Headphones at Marquee Nightclub Las Vegas as Marquee resident DJ Roger Sanchez introduced Release Yourself Cabaret at the newly opened hotspot inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. 50 Cent was surprised on stage with a cake in the shape of headphones from Gimme Some Sugar. He then made his way to the lower level Boom Box room with a large group that included rappers Lloyd Banks, Jeremih and Tony Yayo, along with boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Darrius Heyward-Bey of the Oakland Raiders
50 Cent launches 'Sleek"
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
DJ Roger Sanchez
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/Wire Image
Also spotted at Marquee were Marion Barber and Andre Gurode of the Dallas Cowboys as well as San Diego Chargers Patrick Crayton and Darren Sproles.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban took over a VIP table with friends and seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry was spotted at the bar.
