By Victoria Alexander

Las Vegas: Satan Vacations Here

Planet Hollywood Opens!, Hans Klok, Stomp Out Loud, Carlos Castaneda’s Cult, Dita Von Teese at MGM’s Crazy Horse, RawVegas.tv, 2007 CineVegas Film Festival, The Goodfellas, The Study of Consciousness, and more...

Carlos Castaneda and his cult of witches. A friend of TDH sent me a link to an article on Salon.com called “The dark legacy of Carlos Castaneda” by Robert Marshall. Some of you knew Castaneda, but Charlie, you never told me he ruled a cult of “witches." After he died, the witches went missing. Former insiders believe that five women, “the insiders,” took their own lives. Marshall writes that “the 20th century's most successful literary trickster” is Carlos Castaneda. I have several copies of all his books – we all have.

Castaneda’s 12 books, supposedly based on meetings with a mysterious Indian shaman named don Juan, made the author, a graduate student in anthropology, a worldwide celebrity. Castaneda, who died in 1998, was, from 1971 to 1982, one of the best-selling nonfiction authors in the country. During his lifetime, his books sold at least 10 million copies. Most scholars consider Castaneda a fraud. Castaneda’s shaman don Juan was a complete invention. According to Marshall, Castaneda took himself way too seriously. He ran a female cult of devotees who slept with him, lived with him, and when he felt like it, were banished by him. Like Cleopatra’s handmaiden’s, five of his attendants died with him. The dark legacy of Carlos Castaneda | Salon Books

Dita in Las Vegas. Dita Von Teese performed at the Crazy Horse in Paris last October and became the first guest star in the legendary show's history. Did she keep her pasties on in Paris?

Keeping with the Crazy Horse Paris tradition, Dita performed her sensual "Le Bain" (the bathtub) evoking the spirit of the 1950s Crazy Horse star Candida, at MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse on Monday, April 16. Candida was a Paris sensation, who lathered and bathed herself on stage more than 1500 times! Dita is only bathing herself at the MGM for three nights.

We were treated to a press reception before the 8:00pm show. I’ve seen The Crazy Horse show three times already. The dancers are more evocative artists than any other dancers in Las Vegas. I especially like the Egyptian and Chain Gang numbers. There were even new numbers. But I HATE the Michael Jackson skit that kills the erotic mood. It’s like throwing ice water in your face. Please remove it! It’s old and tired!

It's time to retire the Michael Jackson skit! And don’t replace it with a juggler.

What I like about Crazy Horse is that it is all about the buttocks. It is an erotic tribute to buttocks. It is fixated on the female ass.

As far as Dita goes, she gave a nice chase presentation but could not move erotically like the long legged Crazy Horse dancers. And she was aloof and cold. She could have been vacuuming a rug. Yes, she has a tiny waist, but she is not as toned as an accomplished dancer.

Show Times: Wednesday - Monday, 8:00pm and 10:30pm; Dark on Tuesday. Ticket Information: $59 - Price excludes Live Entertainment Tax. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino : MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris

Rock star Marilyn Manson, Dita’s famous ex-husband, is now dating 19 year old actress Evan Rachel Wood. While Dita has taken her shot at world domination through her chase burlesque act and fashion trendsetter status (she’s not good looking but has created a distinctive look for herself), and has maintained the high road regarding her divorce from Manson, I do recall her boasting about her honeymoon plans. After a four-year relationship, Dita and Manson married in a castle in Ireland. Only a few days before her marriage, she told the New York Daily News she had a list of sex games to excite her new husband. The Daily News wrote:

“She says, "I'm into bondage. I think it's really fun, and I love playing the part of the damsel in distress. The feeling is amazing when someone (spanks me) right." Teese also admits "dabbling" in erotic asphyxiation - the sex game that led to INXS rocker Michael Hutchence’s death in 1997.

She explains, "I think it's exciting when you do it with someone you trust. I know there are different gadgets people can buy to do it to themselves safely, so that when they pass out they can breathe again. You just have to do it safely."

Manson, 39, started having an affair with Wood while he was still married to Dita. "I've found my double, my twin, with my new girlfriend, Evan Rachel Wood," Manson tells France's Le Parisien newspaper. "She's l9 and certainly that's very young, but that's not a problem for me. She likes the same things as me. She understands I like to get up when night falls and go to sleep at dawn."

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Launch. Planet Hollywood held a gala all-day VIP and Media Event on Tuesday. The press conference began at 3pm with charming co-chairman of PH Robert Earl hosting. Earl was delightful as he proudly showcased all the exclusive details on the new Las Vegas property.

With a prime spot in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino unveiled its plans for the future, the new restaurants (Strip Steak House, Koi and PF Changs), nightclubs, lounges (Heart Center Bar and the Extra TV Show Lounge), and entertainment offerings.

We viewed the preview plans for the two towers to be built on the Harmon corner, finally doing something with that eyesore empty dump. The $750 million time-share project, Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate, will be a 50-story, twin-tower, mixed-use project scheduled to open in late 2009.

Earl also introduced the packed audience to many of his high profile partners and friends, including retired tennis player Pete Sampras, former boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, and semi-retired pitcher Roger Clemens, who will have year-round celebrity suites on the property. Ray, Pete and Roger will be hanging out just like Rocky Balboa at Adrian’s Italian restaurant.

You will be able to use the same bathroom and sleep in the same bed as Roger!

Yes, Earl brought to the stage his best friend Bruce Willis (but I didn’t see him around the property greeting fans and signing autographs).

It was illusionist Hans Klok (pictured) that dazzled. I’ve seen every magician too many times to be impressed – or so I thought! Hans showed off some of his EXCEPTIONAL lightning fast illusions. He disappeared right before the audience (Does he has a twin? I saw “The Prestige”!) Klok, a sensation in Europe, doesn’t need actress/model Carmen Electra, who will be featured for three months, to sell tickets. Trust me, Klok is going to be the must-see event in Las Vegas. Klok’s regular engagement starts May 12 in the 7,000 seat theatre.

Our VIP/Media passes gave us complete access to all the restaurants, lounges, and bars. No one was disappointed. And media people in Las Vegas are very spoiled. Planet Hollywood

Stomp Out Loud at Planet Hollywood. Then, after too much divine cuisine at the buffet (considered one of the best buffets on the Strip), drinks at the lounges, and no lines at the famed Pink’s frankfurter stand, we went on to join creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas as they unveiled their new production “Stomp Out Loud” at 8pm.

I saw “Stomp” a few years ago, but Planet Hollywood has redesigned, enlarged, and given “Stomp Out Loud” a new theatre (it seats over 1,500) dedicated to the Stomp experience. The high-powered production introduces fresh sequences and choreography, a dynamically expanded cast and a completely revitalized environment. This version also focuses on certain performers giving them stronger presences. The audience loved the comedic touches. “Stomp Out Loud” is a journey through sound with characters wordlessly communicating through dance and percussion. Of course, there was a huge after-party at the PH ballroom!

2007 CineVegas Film Festival. All Access Passes for the 2007 CineVegas Film Festival, held at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort, went on sale Friday, April 20, either online at www.cinevegas.com or by calling 1-888-8VEGAS8. Individual movie tickets will be available for purchase online and by phone for $10 each starting Monday, May 21. The passes available are:

ACES PASS: Valid June 7-11, this pass will get the holder into opening weekend world premieres, all films, all panels and tributes, all general festival evening parties and costs $300.

BLACKJACK PASS: Valid June 12-16, this pass will get the holder into the closing night film and party, the honoree reception, all films, all panels and tributes, all general festival evening parties. This pass costs $300.

ROYAL FLUSH PASS: Valid June 7-16, this pass will get the holder into the closing night film and party, the honoree reception, all films, all panels and tributes, all general festival evening parties from June 7-16. This pass costs $525.

LOCALS PASS: Valid June 7-16. This pass costs $125 and requires a Nevada State ID for pickup at the box office.

STUDENT PASS: Valid June 7-16. This pass costs $100 and requires a student ID for pickup at the box office.

Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness. The 11th annual meeting of the Association for the Scientific Study of Consciousness (ASSC) will take place between June 22nd and June 25th, 2007 at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas. ASSC11 will promote interdisciplinary dialogue in the scientific study of consciousness.

My dear friend Stanley Krippner, a supporter of TDH, told me about the Conference. Stanley will be at the Conference for the last two days. He will be joined by Sidian Morning Star, a young Native American friend who is writing a book about his grandfather Rolling Thunder.

Stanley met Carlos Castaneda. He emailed me the following: “I do not think Castaneda was a fraud, but I do not think don Juan Matus was an actual person, at least not one who lived in ordinary reality.” (Amazon.com: Healing States: A Journey Into the World of Spiritual Healing and Shamanism: Books: Alberto Villoldo,Ph.D., Stanley Krippner)

ASSC11 provides an excellent opportunity for the presentation of new empirical findings or novel theoretical perspectives in an atmosphere that will promote discussion and debate regarding current empirical and theoretical issues in the study of consciousness, from the perspectives of neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, computer science, and cognitive ethology.

ASSC promotes interdisciplinary dialogue in the scientific study of consciousness. The program on Saturday is a Special Symposium: The Magic of Consciousness with Teller of Penn & Teller (him again! He’s everywhere!), Harrah’s headliner Mac King, James Randi aka The Amaz!ng Randi and Founder of the James Randi Foundation, Johnny Thompson of The Great Tomsoni and Co., and Apollo Robbins, a Professional Thief and Pickpocket. http://assc2007.neuralcorrelate.com

RawVegas.tv. At Crazy Horse, I met RawVegas.tv’s premier host (and long time friend of my son, Vladimir), Denise Pernula. Denise’s interviews should not be missed! Check out RawVegas.tv anytime to see Denise’s witty, fresh style. There’s nothing to read – RawVegas.tv is all access video.

Denise hosts the Daily News, the weekly Celebrity Recap and also does Raw Interviews (all featured under the Raw News section).

Denise’s RawVegas bio says it all (but does not mention her sweet, welcoming personality): “With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UNLV, Pernula has previously worked as a news correspondent for a local ABC affiliate station. She has also appeared on CSI Vegas and in movies "Play it to the Bone," "Bachelor Party Vegas," and the recent hit "Rocky Balboa.”

“A familiar face in the celebrity-drenched world of Las Vegas, Pernula has interviewed some of the world's top entertainment talents and knows just how to keep things spicy for her viewers. Make sure to keep an eye out for this Vegas "woman about town." Raw Vegas - Las Vegas video news, events, shows, reviews, celebrities, and more. Behind the scenes, on demand, video.

The Goodfellas. I saw The Goodfellas a few months ago at the Cannery (it was standing room only. Luckily Goodfellas’ Georgie Singer saved me a table up front) and thought they were fantastic! I’m thrilled to let everyone know they will bring their High Energy “Oldies But Goodies Las Vegas Style” show to the Bugsy’s Supper Club at 6145 W. Sahara. Join me! I’ll be dancing and requesting my favorite oldie – “What You Won’t Do, You’ll Do For Love” and anything be Marvin Gaye. Bugsy’s expansion of their new 4000 square foot showroom and dance floor is expected to be open in about three weeks. The GoodFellas will perform 9:00 – 11:30 pm on Friday April 27th before the opening of the new showroom. In my opinion, The Goodfellas should find a permanent venue here in Las Vegas – why not at Bugsy’s? www.GoodFellasBand.us

Gossip Quick Bits - Because you are busier than I am and I am here to serve! The Bible of Gossip – The National Enquirer – gave a male model named Kerrick Ross a “rigorous” polygraph test administered by a top-notch examiner. Ross passed.

So the headline reads: "I was Larry Birkhead's secret gay lover!" "He apparently had sex with Anna Nicole and fathered her baby, but there is no question: He also had sex with me!" The NE story says that the two met at a cocktail party in Louisville around mid-2000 when Birkhead was a struggling real estate agent and writer, angling for a show business career in Hollywood. Ross said: "We were together for about two months and had sex eight to 10 times, always at my apartment. He often spent the whole night with me." Birkhead insisted on keeping their romance a secret. While Kerrick says Birkhead was inexperienced at gay sex, he found out later that he'd stolen Larry from another man!

Heather Mills Falls. First, Heather gives us the “tease” by saying she was afraid she would fall. I should have known it was a classic ploy of “foreshadowing.” Mills gained a lot of positive PR for taking on the American public’s opinion of her. Deemed ungrateful and greedy by the world, Mills’ heroic dancing of the Samba only needed a sympathy fall to guarantee the crown on “Dancing With the Stars.” Who can beat her well-timed fall?

At least the American tabloids are not crucifying her like the UK press. There are constant stories of prostitutes confessing to partnering with Mills with Arab princes. The News of the World headline reads: “FORMER hooker Heather Mills McCartney once enjoyed a sex-for-cash foursome with an Arab prince and TV actress at the centre of the BAE slush fund scandal.”

“Party fixer (Ros Ashley) has revealed shocking details of the orgy when the tramp who became a Lady — as rock star Sir Paul's wife — joined Prince Turki bin Nasser, stunning Karajan Mallinder and another hooker in bed for £1,000 each. The party fixer also reveals, among many bombshells, that Heather “revelled in group sex as she plied her trade at luxury hotels with wealthy businessmen” and “earned a reputation as crude and tarty, even shocking a fellow hooker in a lust-packed lesbian romp.” News of the World: News


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