On Wednesday August 27, the premier traveling exhibition, The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture and Design, organized by the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., made its debut in Las Vegas at the Springs Preserve.

The exhibit, which exposes the beauty and advantages of going green at home, allows visitors to view high-quality architecture and design that are compatible with the desire to sustain the environment and natural resources as well as lead healthier lives.

Features of The Green House include:

Photographic images of 21 beautiful homes from around the world constructed according to green design principles emphasizing the impact of particular regions and climate systems on the design of dwellings.

Graphic panels illustrating 5 principals of sustainability and exploring broad related topics, such as urban planning and solar energy, and samples of various Green building materials, such as recycled glass tiles, coconut palm flooring and paper composite.

The Green House is open to the public in the Patio Gallery of the Desert Living Center through December 29, 2008. For more information, visit www.springspreserve.org,  or call 702-822-7700.

Maybelline Throws Eye Catching Event

At New York New York

On Labor Day weekend, representatives of Maybelline, one of the most famous and recognizable names in cosmetics, set up shop with their The Great Lash Mascara Bar outdoor on the Brooklyn Bridge of New York New York Hotel and Casino before hitting the road to the 2008 Emmy Awards.

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara Bar

The two night event, held on the evenings of Saturday August 30 and Sunday August 31 from 7pm to midnight, drew crowds of women of all ages who were each thrilled to be given a complimentary Eye Makeover & Mascara Touch-Up by Premier Makeup Artist Chuck Hezekiah or another member of his professional team. Chuck Hezekiah is a 20-year beauty veteran and is widely recognized as a leading authority on beauty, style and trends. His dramatic transformations are a mainstay of television shows including Lipstick Jungle, Oprah, Movie and a Makeover, The Martha Stewart Show and many more. He also has provided mascara touch-ups along with tips & tricks seen on the Emmy red carpet. With such an impressive resume, what woman wouldn’t be delighted to have him work his magic on her?

Of course, yours truly was ready and willing to get my eye makeover and see what kind of transformation was in store. So I, along with my friend and colleague Jacqueline Monahan, decided to trek on over to the Great Lash Mascara Bar on Sunday night and allow one of the experts to do their thing on our already fabulous mugs.

Leaving the house free of eye makeup, we had no idea what our eyes, a virtual empty palette for the artist, would look like after she or he would complete their “masterpiece”. As it turned out, I was impressed with the fact that every woman that sat in the make up chair at the Mascara Bar received her very own special “personal” eye makeover depending on her individual face, skin tone, and bone structure.

Chuck Hezekiah with makeover participant

While the totally engaging and super personable Hezekiah decided to go with a more natural look for me and used soft neutral colors on my lids while playing up my lashes to make them look incredibly long and gorgeous, other women, including my best bud Jackie, who sat next to me in make up artist Angie’s chair, were given a more dramatic, glamorous look. Nevertheless, I noticed that each and every lady was given a very distinctive, striking and beautiful new look that was just as effective, and showcased that one feature, her eyes, thanks to the work of the talented makeup artists and the use of his/her number one tool - the event’s real star, Maybelline Mascara.

Mina Kim of Maybelline (in red dress) with makeup artist Angie (pink shirt) and Great Lash girls

In addition, each woman who paid a visit to the Mascara Bar, as well as hotel guests, was treated to some great giveaways - a free t-shirt and full size samples of Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara.

For sure, The Mascara "BAR" lived up to its name, sending each woman who experienced a makeover, off on a high note, intoxicated with the feeling of being eye catching and loaded with beauty tips and goodies.

Café Rio Mexican Grill Opens Third Las Vegas Location

On Wednesday afternoon September 3, I attended the grand opening of Cafe Rio Mexican Grill’s third location in Las Vegas at 6575 North Decatur Blvd. (Decatur and I-215 at Shadow Mountain). Grand opening festivities included an official ribbon cutting and check presentation of $2,500 plus an additional $100 from the sale of “Angielada,” (the creation of KVBC Channel 3’s Noon News Anchor, Angela Martin) that was sold during the fundraiser which was held from Tuesday, Aug. 26 through Tuesday, Sept. 2 to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. The “Angielada” is packed with the restaurant’s fire-grilled chicken and cheese, and served with a side of fresh greens topped with fresh Pico de Gallo and cilantro lime rice.

Photo credit: Jacqueline Monahan

Photo credit: Jacqueline Monahan

Cafe Rio offers high quality healthy food that contains no artificial ingredients and no freezers or microwaves are used in its restaurant.  The eatery has been recognized numerous times for its made-from-scratch meals, including “Best Salad,” “Best Burrito” and “Best Mexican Food” by Utah City Search, as well as “Best of State” Mexican cuisine. Hours of operation for Cafe Rio are Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, visit them online at www.caferio.com.

Bodies…The Exhibition at Luxor Receives

Ancient Blessing from Buddhist Monks

On Thursday, September 4, Buddhist monks from various Buddhist Temples all over the Las Vegas valley came together to perform an ancient blessing on the 13 whole-body specimens inside the brand-new BODIES…The Exhibition at Luxor.

The monks wished to bless the specimens because they believe that each body, living or dead, has a spirit. The purpose of the blessing is to inform the spirits that their physical bodies are not being punished, but rather being used for educational purposes and that the modern era allows their bodies to be preserved in a respectful manner. The monks spent the rest of the morning meditating and curiously enjoying the exhibit before it opened to the public.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and

around Las Vegas include:

On September 4, The Palazzo Las Vegas opened the newest sports themed restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, the Sportsbook Bar & Grill at The Palazzo, in what formerly housed music mogul/entrepreneur Jay Z’s lavish 40/40 Club. Utilizing existing décor including a Strip-view outdoor patio and 70+ flat screen televisions with access to satellite and cable channels to view sporting events from around the world, the 24,000-square-foot restaurant features an upbeat and energetic atmosphere for diners to take in their favorite sporting events. Offering gourmet American cuisine, the menu is comprised of all the sporting fan favorites: sliders, burgers, pizza and nachos. The Sportsbook Bar & Grill at The Palazzo is open Monday 11 a.m. – midnight, Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. For more information, please visit www.palazzolasvegas.com or call 702. 414.1000.

Every Sunday during the month of September Christian Audigier The Nightclub at Treasure Island blends renowned DJs with the most exquisite fashion giveaways of Christian Audigier clothing. The September lineup includes September 7 – DJ Sizzahandz; September 14 – DJ Eric Cubeechee; September 21 – DJ Scene and September 28 – DJ Riz.

Comedian Paul Rodriguez has been named the celebrity host of The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage-show set to debut in The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas on October 22 (with paid previews beginning Oct. 14.)

Sunday, August 31 through Tuesday, November 11, 2008, Jerry’s Nugget Casino is offering active members of the military a 25% discount and a 15% discount to non-active members of the military at Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop and Uncle Angelo’s Pizza Joint. The discount is eligible on dine-in orders of $10 or more and includes food and all beverage choices with the exception of food specials inside Jerry’s Famous Coffee Shop. Customers need to present their military ID, along with their More Club card, to the More Club counter for enrollment in this promotion. Once enrolled, participants can swipe their More Club card at the main kiosk to receive a discount ticket. One discount ticket may be used per customer per day. Following Veteran’s Day, the discounts will be 20% and 10% percent for active and non-active military, respectively.

The M Resort, Spa and Casino has started a campaign to recruit up to 2,000 new team members for the $1 billion project scheduled to open March, 2009 on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.theMresort.com.

Every Wednesday in September and October starting September 3 The Buffet at the Las Vegas Hilton is offering lower prices on their daily buffets. The all you can eat Breakfast buffet is $3.99, Lunch is $4.99, and dinner is $6.99. Simply present your local ID and Player’s Club with Hot Spot Sticker to take advantage of this special limited time offer.

For the second consecutive month, Hash House A Go Go has teamed up with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to raise money for the organization and its Walk to Cure Diabetes on Saturday, Oct. 11. For the entire month of September, the restaurant is donating $2 from the sale of every “For the Love of Jordan” (a special pancake named for her walk team and created by 15-year-old, type-1 diabetic Jordan Exber) to the organization.

Sunset & Vines in the MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas was just recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine with an Award of Excellence…one of only two restaurants in Henderson to be so honored

On Friday, September 12 pop and R&B sensation Jesse McCartney will perform live inside LAX Nightclub at Luxor. This performance is a sneak peak leading up to his concert on Saturday, September 13 at Mandalay Bay Beach, to benefit the Lili Claire Foundation.

Motown Fridays, a tribute to Motown music at Jerry’s Nugget, presents the following lineup every Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in September: Sept. 5 – Tyriq and Jamestown; Sept. 12 – Sylk, Satin and Lace; Sept. 19 – Foxxy 4 U; Sept. 26 – Sho Tyme.  There is a $5 cover charge and 2 drink minimum.

The UNLV Department of Music Jazz Studies program recently announced its upcoming performances for the Fall 2008 term. They are as follows:

September 25 – Artemus Ham Concert Hall – 7:30 p.m.

UNLV Jazz Faculty with guest drummer artist-in-residence Joe LaBarbera, jazz saxophone artist-in-residence Bob Sheppard, and UNLV Jazz Ensemble I. Conducted by UNLV Jazz Studies Director Dave Loeb and music professor Bruce Paulson.

October 26 – Judy Bayley Theatre – 7 p.m.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble II and special guests

November 24 – Black Box Theatre – 7:30 p.m.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble I and Contemporary Jazz Ensemble

December 1 – Black Box Theatre – 7:30 p.m.

UNLV Jazz Ensemble II and Guitar Jazz Ensemble, conducted by music professor Joe Lano

Tickets for all UNLV jazz concerts are $10 general admission; $5 Jazz Society members, military, and seniors; and free to UNLV students, faculty, and staff with ID. Tickets may be purchased at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling 895-ARTS (2787).

In addition, UNLV Jazz will perform as part of the Flamingo Library Jazz Series at 1401 E. Flamingo Rd. on September 10 at 7 p.m. with the Liberace Jazz Quartet, October 8 with the UNLV Jazz Combo, November 12 with the UNLV Jazz Combo, and December 10 with the UNLV Jazz combo. These performances are free, open to the public and no ticket is required.

Every first Friday from 7-9:30 p.m. during the months of September, October and November, ClubSport Green Valley Club at 2100 Olympic Avenue in Henderson, extends its Club Socials to the Club Café. Everyone, age 21 and over, is invited to the events that includes drink specials, prizes, laughter, good friends, and Club Karaoke. For further information call 702-454-6000.

Dos Caminos Modern Mexican Cuisine and Lounge at the Palazzo is celebrating Mexican Independence Day on September 16th with a night filled with entertainment, along with the hot spot’s signature cocktails and spicy dishes, including special appetizers and entrees. DJ Carlos Sanchez spins Latin Funk starting at 8 pm with backings by percussionist Cayce Woody and trumpeter Rico DeLargo. Taking the stage at 10 pm are the Mayan Kings, followed by the DJ stylings of The Martinez Brothers at 11 pm. Dos Caminos resident DJ Cyber Kid rounds out the night.

On Wednesday, September 17 at 7 pm, The UNLV School of Architecture Klai Juba Lecture Series welcomes Robert Dorgan, director of the school’s new Downtown Design Center at the Fifth Street School, located at 401 South 4th St. The lecture, Industrial Archaeology: The Song of Hiawatha, is preceded by a reception at the Downtown Design Center at 6 p.m. Both the reception and lecture are free and open to the public. For more information, call 895-3031.

On September 19, The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV opens its Second Season in the Black Box Theatre with William Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Michael Lugering. Lugering’s production of King Lear is set in contemporary times.  Performances are September 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on September 21 and 28. Tickets are $15 and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. The box office may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787).

Friday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. top lightweight contender Kid Diamond of Las Vegas will take on rugged Javier Jauregui of Mexico at Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino’s Star of the Desert Arena. The Top Rank boxing card will also feature USA Olympian Vanes 'Nightmare' Martirosyan of Glendale, Cal. Tickets are $10 and $35 and are available by calling 1.800.FUNSTOP or by visiting www.primmvalleyresorts.com.  As part of the complimentary ticket offer from Primm Valley Casino Resorts, 500 free tickets are available for the event at www.primmconcerts.com.  Doors open at 4 p.m. and will air live at 5 p.m. live on the Telefutura network airs at 5 p.m.

The Springs Preserve will host a Bicycles-As-Transportation event on Thursday, September 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. hosted by actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. Beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until dusk, everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to ride one of several IZIP hybrid electric bicycles from Currie Technologies. In addition, Mr. Begley and special guests will speak on the importance of bicycles as transportation. After Mr. Begley speaks, he will be available at the Currie Technologies bicycle tent for photos and autographs. His new book, Living Like Ed, will also be available for purchase and signing. This special Springs Preserve event is being held in conjunction with Las Vegas’ hosting of Interbike, North America’s largest bicycle trade show being held September 24-26 at the Sands Expo.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will hold its annual Walk to Cure Diabetes on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. At the Southern Nevada Walk, there will be entertainment, food, activities and more. Participants of all ages - from kids to grandparents - are encouraged to register in advance at www.jdrf.org.  On-site registration will be available at UNLV’s North Field at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the walk. Check-in for walk participants also begin at 8:00 a.m. and the 5 K walk begins at 9:00 a.m.

As a prelude to the Walk to Cure Diabetes, The 2nd annual Rock the Walk, a benefit concert for JDRF will be held on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the Springs Preserve Amphitheatre. Open seating starts at $25.00 per person. Each ticket includes admission to the Springs Preserve Amphitheatre, barbeque dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck (with a special kids menu!) and family entertainment including Christy Molasky & The Music Junkies. Patrons who make higher donations will be provided with special reserved seating and VIP Boxes are for sale from $2,500 to $3,500. For all ticket information please call JDRF, Nevada Chapter at 702-732-4795 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Celebrity sightings:

On Friday, Aug. 29 "Hawaiian Tropic Zone inside Miracle Mile Shops welcomed VH1's "I Love Money" cast members 12 Pack, Heat and Megan as they hosted an evening of drinking and dancing at Torrid nightclub.

Saturday, August 30, Tony Award winner and star of the hit show “Pushing Daisies,” Kristin Chenoweth, was seen taking in JERSEY BOYS at The Palazzo.

Also on Saturday, Johnny Wright and reality star Kourtney Kardashian were spotted at separate tables dining at Strip House at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Thursday afternoon, September 4, Montel Williams was spotted playing poker inside the new Poker Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Thursday night, Billy Bob Thornton was spotted playing poker in the new Poker Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. He was joined by friends and bandmates from The Boxmasters in the back room of the lounge that some are calling the Billy Bob Thornton room - an oversized image of the actor/musician hangs on the wall above the table. Onlookers said Thornton was approached by a few female fans while he was in the lounge and he kindly posed for a picture with them. Thornton was back inside the Poker Lounge Friday morning signing the large picture

of himself. Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters performed Friday evening inside The Joint.

Boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, Jr. enjoying the Top Rank boxing event on Friday featuring Kid Diamond vs. Javier Jauregui at Terrible's Buffalo Bill's Resort & Casino in Primm, Nev.

This weekend at Strip House inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino: Playboy Playmate Hiromi Oshima spotted enjoying dinner Friday, Sept. 5 and actor Simon Rex spotted enjoying dinner Saturday, Sept. 6.

Sunday night former bass player for the Cult and current band member of Campy Freddy, Billy Morrison, made an appearance at Wasted Space inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Morrison got behind the DJ booth and treated the crowd with his own DJ set.

I will be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las Vegas.