Open 24 hours

Rebel’s pizza, which opened over the summer, has already become a UNLV hot spot in just a few short months.  Not surprising considering their incredibly cheap deals.  Catering mostly to the UNLV market (obviously named Rebels for a reason), the place always has people in there eating and picking up pizzas, even late at night.

There’s a wall dedicated to UNLV Graduates where you can sign your name. It’s pretty cool looking at all the comments and doodles people have put up…

They have a decent number of tables with fresh grated Parmesan instead of the usual powder  – and salt/pepper mills.

Open 24 hours, they offer a simple menu at incredibly cheap prices. The base cheese pizza is $3.50 plus tax with toppings only 99 cents each. A one topping pizza comes out to $4.80 with tax, which is cheaper than Little Caesars and other similar discount pizza companies.  You can even get an unlimited topping pizza for $7.99.

Not only are they cheaper but better quality too. The pizza tastes better and is always made to order – not sitting in a heater.  Don’t get me wrong – it’s not the best pizza ever. Don’t come here expecting to get a Metro pizza, but for the price, this place is unbeatable  – especially at 3am.

Besides pizza they have a sandwich combo for $5 which includes a sandwich with unlimited veggies, drink and thick cut fries.  I’ve tried 3 of their sandwiches and I have to say I wasn’t very impressed.  Avoid the roast beef;  I thought it was almost inedible. The club wasn’t bad, considering the price.

I pretty much stick to their pizzas. They offer salads and various other sides, but have yet to try them.

Overall Rebel’s Pizza is an incredible deal and  perfect for parties or events.  Get 10 one topping pizzas for $48 and you’re hard pressed to cater an event for less.

I highly recommend trying it out – especially if you’re living on a budget and like, who isn’t these days????  But  remember you get what you pay for.

p.s. Most of their toppings are good except I don’t recommend the mushrooms. They are the canned kind and very soggy.

4440 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV‎
(Maryland and Harmon, across from UNLV)

(702) 982-8181

Buffet 5 out of 10

One good thing the M has going for it is if you sign up for a player’s card, they give you a free buffet coupon or $10 in slot play.

Leaving the bar with no appetizers, we decided we were hungry and went and signed up for the card and got our coupons. The buffet line didn’t look very long but we ended up waiting 45 minutes to get in.

First off, let me say I’ve been to a few buffets around Las Vegas and am not a huge buffet fan, other than the Rio buffet. I am usually disappointed with the mediocre food and high price tag to get in.

But back to the M Casino Buffet, once we got inside I didn’t really like the setup of the place. It’s basically one big room with all the tables scattered about with the food in the middle of the room – making 1 big line. I felt like I was eating inside a cafeteria.

It was a smaller buffet but the food selection was good; they offered a lot of variety and most the things I ate were pretty good. Most important, the food was fairly fresh. I hate when I go to buffets and the food’s been sitting out for an hour and is slimy and gross.

They offered a little bit of everything from American BBQ to Thai and sushi. There is complementary beer and wine, which is a big plus for all the drinkers out there. They even have their own M lager, which I personally thought was terrible. The wine was only white zinfandel and cabernet, but both were actually decent tasting wines and didn’t taste cheap.

Overall this was one of the better buffets I’ve been to out here in Vegas. The free beer and wine defiantly helped but I probably wouldn’t go back unless it was free again. Maybe for lunch since its only $15. But if you’re a buffet person, it’s no Rio – but  way better than a Station Casino or the Hilton and I would recommend the M Casino Buffet with the qualifications I just mentioned.

Related: Be wary of M Casino Happy Hour deals, M Casino 32 Degrees Beer Bar Happy Hour, New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis, Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

Rex Reviews

Terzetto 2 out of 10 (would be higher if wasn’t a scam)

Since the beer bar was a failure, (see link below to my post on M Beer Bar Happy Hour), my friends and I decided to see what the rest of the casino had to offer.

A TV screen inside the casino said the Terzetto restaurant had half price martinis, 2 for 1 Mojitos and half price appetizers so we decided to get some drinks and a few appetizers there to lift our spirits. The hostess told us to sit wherever we liked. A waiter promptly came and introduced himself and asked us if we would like to start with any drinks. I ordered a martini and he asked me what type of vodka I would like. He listed a few vodkas, Ketel One and Grey Goose being the two I remember. I asked what the price difference was and he said the Grey Goose was $8.50 right now – a good deal since a normal Goose martini is $12. I was immediately confused because wouldn’t half price be $6?

So decided to get 2 Mojitos and split one with my friend. We ordered a strawberry banana Mojito and my girlfriend ordered a chocolate martini. Our drinks came promptly and were delicious. I highly recommend the 2 for 1 Mojito deal since it was only 6.50 for the 2. The chocolate martini was very good as well and was $8.50.

We decided to order some half price appetizers and the waiter informed us that 1st off, we needed to be sitting in the restaurant, which was ridiculous because we were sitting at a table inside the restaurant.  I guess we needed to be further from the bar or something. Then he says that the Happy Hour is not actually half price appetizers, but when you order an entree (sitting in the “restaurant”), and order an appetizer you get a second one free… I thought this was very lame. I thought very highly of the M the other time I came, but am now very disillusioned.

Be wary of any “deals” or Happy Hours the M casino offers because there always seems to be a catch. I hardly see how 1/2 price appetizers is actually “order a bunch of stuff and get 1 free” – and half price martinis at $8.50 is scandalous. Yes, the chocolate martini was well made and delicious, but I would never ever consider paying the full price of 17 dollars – or was it $12 like the waiter said? – and they really just give you like a 25% discount instead of half off.

Bottom line: Be wary of the M Casinos “deals” and “happy hours” because everything seemed to have a catch or be some kind of scam.

M Casino 32 Degrees Beer Bar Happy Hour

The kickoff show of the Blazed and Confused tour in Las Vegas was a huge success and a lot of fun.  The lineup was amazing and the artists performed way better than I was expecting.

I have seen Stephan Marley before at a festival but don’t really remember it, so it was basically like watching him for the first time again and he was very entertaining.  He had a kid (son maybe) on stage the whole time dancing and waving around a Jamaican flag on a stick.  The arena was fairly empty while he played (less than half full i would guess) so i felt kinda bad for him.  The audience wasn’t very into his show; people were constantly shuffling around and trying to find seats or leaving to go get drinks.  But his musical performance was great and he was probably the best opening band I’ve seen at a concert – albeit every band in this show would normally be a headliner.

Next Slightly Stoopid came on and they were my favorite show of the night.  A very hard band to classify in a musical genre, I would call them a mix of reggae, ska, punk, and jam band with a heavy Sublime influence.  A pretty big band, they have a lot of rarer instruments for a band including a trumpet, saxophone and bongos.  They put on an amazing show opening with a jam session for a few minutes then moving into some of their more traditional songs, often allowing for guitar and brass solos.  They engaged the crowd in their performance, getting everyone up to cheer and dance.  They even had a reggae singer come out for a while and sing some of their popular reggae hits.

This leads me to some of my chief complaints about the event.  While the sound wasn’t terrible, it was pretty bad.  There were lousy acousitcs at the venue, so often you could hear an echo which interfered with the music.  I could rarely understand what the singer was saying; it just sounded like noise over all the instruments, For a $60 ticket, I expect excellent if not perfect sound.

The other major problem was the heavy police presence.  Slightly Stoopid was getting the crowed pumped up throughout the show and, before one of their smoking songs, told the audience to light it up if they got it – same with Snoop Dogg. I saw at least 4 or 5 groups of people being pulled out of the seats or escorted down the hallway by the police for smoking;  even saw a fight breakout between the police and a man as he tried to run away.  I have no idea what happened to these people. I’m hoping they just got kicked out and not arrested or given a ticket, but i think its completely outrageous for the police to to be grabbing people out of the crowd at a concert – period.  Much less at one called Blazed and Confused.

The title makes it seem like your almost supposed to be smoking – and even the music and bands are encouraging it.  But you’re going to have the police arresting people for it, it’s very hypocritical of the venue and Vegas promoters. Disappointing.  Coming into the concert, there wasn’t even the normal pat down from security; they just ripped your ticket and you were inside.  This contributed even more to the illusion that it was okay to bring in marijuana. While I’m not complaining at the no search – I think all concerts should have it – you shouldn’t not search people, then arrested them for contraband without giving people some kind of warning it’s just plain stupid.

Back to the concert.  Slighty Stoopid played most of their hit songs, although I was disappointed that I didn’t get to hear my favorite song, but they jammed plenty of other tunes to make me happy.  Snoop Dog performed last, and by this time the venue was pretty packed; it seemed to me like most the audience was just there to see him.  Very understandable as Snoop straight rocked the house!

It been a long time since i have seen a crowd so into a performer; he knew exactly how to get the crowd going, and keep em going, not just doing a musical act, but being a performance artist as well.  He setup his songs nicely. He put on Jamie Foxx’s “Blame it,” (which I think is extremely played out, but the ladies still seem to love it), and just danced around and got the crowd engaged.  Everyone was standing in their seats dancing and singing along. When the song finished, he said, “Now I know what all you guys is drinking, how bout we pour me some of my favorite drink, you all know what that is!?” The whole crowd started shouting “Gin and Juice” “Gin and Juice” and he broke out into the song.

He did several songs like this, which was awesome for keeping the crowd on their feet and full into the moment.  I personally am not a fan of Snoop’s newer work: I feel like he sold out in some respect and went way too mainstream. He only played 3 or 4 newer songs and the rest were classics.  I have to give it to Snoop though.  He is an amazing performer and it’s incredibly rare to see someone get the whole crowd involved and feeling the concert like he did.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I do think the ticket prices were way too expensive, especially considering that some of the other destinations for the tour are around $40 for premium tickets instead of a $60 minimum.  For the price I paid, I felt Ishould have been on the floor, not the side balcony.  The sound was a bummer, but didn’t  interfere with the overall sensationalism of the show. The police presence was overkill, but for the law-abiding attendees, it wasn’t a problem.

I would cautiously recommend this show as it was a very fun concert.  But for the price tag, I would definitely consider how badly you want to see the bands in the lineup – big fans of Snoop and Slightly Stoopid would say the price was worth it.  But I’d say skip this one, unless you are willing to pay anything to see them.

Other Rex Reviews:

Dollar Drinks, M Casino 32 Degrees Happy Hour, Reggae in the Desert Vegas Style,

UNLV has announced its

You can check out details at liberalarts.unlv.edu or call 702- 895-3401.

Aug 27 – The Supernatural as Natural: An Evolutionary Approach to Religiosity Prof. Michael Winkelman, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University

Sep 09 – In Search of Dark Matter Prof. George Rhee, Department of Physics and Astronomy, UNLVGovernment, University of Texas

Sep 10 – The Body as Metaphor Profs. Louis Kavouras, Margot Mink Colbert, and Roberta Sabbath, Department

Sep 17 – Do Children Have Constitutional Rights?  Prof. David S. Tanenhaus, Department of History, UNLV

Sep 24 – Polish Heroes: Those Who Saved Jews  Consul General of the Republic of Poland, Los Angeles, CA

Sep 30 – Comedy à la Aristotle Prof. Paul Schollmeier, Department of Philosophy, UNLV

Oct 01 – Graffiti Photos: Self-Photography in Japanese Girl Culture Prof. Laura Miller, Department of Anthropology, Loyola University of Chicago

Oct 15 – Close Calls with Nonsense: Reading New Poetry Profs. Stephen Burt, Department of English, Harvard University, and Donald Revell, Department of English, UNLV

Oct 22 – A Poetry Reading Prof. Claudia Keelan, Department of English, UNLV

Nov 04 – Green Our Vaccines! Mercury Moms, Autism, and the Immunization Wars Prof. Danielle Roth-Johnson, Department of Women’s Studies, UNLV

Nov 12 – Galileo’s Telescopic Discoveries, 1609-2009: Repercussions and Lessons Prof. Maurice Finocchiaro, Department of Philosophy (Emeritus), UNLV

Nov 19 – “No Dreaming, No Story”: Baz Luhrman’s “Australia” Prof. Patrick McGee, Department of English, Louisana State University

Dec 03 – The Millennium Villages Project Prof. Yesim Tozan, School of Public Health, Boston University

If you want to know more about various opportunities for free lectures at UNLV, jump to :
3 Different UNLV Lecture Series Free to Public

The Blazed and Confused Summer Concert Tour featuring Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid, Stephen Marley, and Mickey Avalon is making a stop here out at state line performing in the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm. 

I am really looking forward to this concert – the lineup is rather amazing and should be one hell of a show.  I have never seen Snoop live but heard his concerts are a blast and Slightly Stoopid and Stephen Marley always put on a jam session. 

This is definitely a must see if you can afford to go.  The ticket prices are a little steeper than the average concert, but you are also getting to see 3 headliners in show  – so I think its definitely going to be worth it. 

Go to http://www.cttconcerts.com/ for the concert webpage where they have samples of all the artists’ music.

Tickets at the Door: ?
Tickets in advance: $54, $82.45, $109.95
+ $9 Ticketmaster fees

I had the privilege of seeing Larry Hart’s production of Praise in the reception hall of Hart Mansion when he first launched the show before a small private audience of friends and special invited guests.

The rhythm and sounds of this unique show reflect Larry’s spiritual diversity with an eclectic mix of tunes and dance drawn from a full spectrum of religious and spiritual roots.  This is not just gospel born from the American South, but a global gospel praising the Lords of all beliefs.

But no matter the origin of the inspiration, each number is indeed inspired and that inspiration is quintessential Larry Hart – all heart and masses of talent.

This is the kind of show that just makes you happy.  Your consciousness naturally expands and your heart chakra nearly bursts from your chest.  Don’t miss it if you want more joy in your life.

PRAISE
Grammy Award Winning recording artist
Larry Hart presents
Sunday July 12, 2009 @ 2:00 p.m.
South Point Casino Showroom

Tickets on sale now $25/$30/$35
702.796.7111
www.southpointcasino.com

Rex Reviews

Check this out!

Through the month of June the South Point Casino is offering every Friday a happy hour from 4pm to 10pm with any drink $1 – yes Dollar Drinks – at all casino bars.  That’s right -  everything’s one greenback from Patron to beer. 

This being almost too good of a deal to pass up, I hope I see you there. 

Only two Fridays left in June – Let’s Party!

I will post more details after I check it out this Friday. TGIF – almost.

Reggae In The Desert was jamming again this year.  For the past 8 years this event has had solid lineups and provided one of the best reggae music experiences you can find in Las Vegas.  I’ve attended the past 2 years – great bands and good times for a cheap price. 

With 9 hours of music this year’s Reggae in the Desert did not disappoint. The weather was much cooler than a typical Vegas June afternoon – what a gift – it made sitting in the sun enjoyable rather than torture.

The lineup was pretty solid all day, with a broad range of musical styles – a pleasant surprise as I tend to find when I watch a lot of live reggae, most the bands sound the same.

One Pin Short, the opening band, played in a sublime like style, performing a few good covers but with a lot of original music as well.

Yellowman was the most interesting performer; being albino he looks like like a skinny Irishman but sounds fully legit with a deep throaty Jamaican voice. He was high energy on stage and interacted strong with the crowd – a good performer.

My favorite performance of the night was Third World, an almost Reggae-Dub style with a lot of jamming and solos -  all musicians very highly talented.  I was disappointed in the Ky-Mani Marley Show. He had a few good songs but only played for a little over an hour; I felt he didn’t put on nearly as good a show as Third World.

The venue itself was completely packed by 8pm. When I was leaving I heard that the show was sold out -  easy to believe as there was nowhere to sit if you didn’t already have a spot. The whole front of the stage was packed with standing people.

I like the setup of the amphitheater. I was able to sit down, but had enough elevation to see over the heads of the people standing in front of the stage.

My chief complaint about the event was there was a lot of waiting. The bathrooms always had an miles long line. The food lines were even more ridiculous. I had to wait almost 40 minutes to get some Jamaican BBQ; the food was really good, but I missed half of Third World just standing around.

The setup time between the last 2 bands was way too long, and while DJ Rhamma did a good job of mixing tunes in between bands, Marley took over 45 minutes to come on – way too long.

Event was hosted by Steve Edwards from The Reggae Ting.

Final verdict:  Reggae in the Desert well worth the $25 price tag.  Go next year.

**recommend bringing water bottle and blanket for sitting on grass.

Clark County Amphitheater
500 South Grand Central Parkway
Check out their website for full info:
http://www.reggaeinthedesert.com/

related: Chris’ Reggae Wine Event

YouTube – Buscando Estrellas - Primer programa grabado en vivo en Las Vegas Nevada MEGA TV 32 en el Hotel y Casino Greek Isles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vComdw9uORo&feature=email

Nuestra Mision es llevar sano entretenimiento hasta todos los hogares in nuestro idioma y resaltar lo positivo de nuestra gente.
Our mission is to bring family entertainment to Las Vegas in Spanish and to highlight the positive in the Latino community.

Nuestro elenco artistico conformado por Franco de Leon, Sofia de Mexico, Damian Vazquez, Raul Morales, Jaqueline DiCaro, Cristina Pacheco con el apoyo de la Doctora Lynda Shore y el Sr. Alex Ezqueda y La Familia Palmer, Foto Estudio Palmer en coordinacion de camera y fotografia.

Muchas gracias por todas sus muestras de carino y apoyo.
Thank you to our cast and backers as mentioned above for their loving dedication and support.

Related: Buscando Estrellas – Looking for Latin Stars

A sample of the M’s sous chef’s braised pork ribs, nibbles of cupcakes from Retro Bakery and tastes of “Vegas” wines were highlighted by a visit from a cutting edge floral designer and a real Vegas-style showgirl.

The radio host Mario Bosquez was upbeat, entertaining and everything you would expect from a representative of a class act like Martha Stewart. Studio B is a brilliant little spot with great seating and a fully-equipped kitchen primed and ready for TV/video viewing.

One of the audience expressed surprise that there was something to “see” on a radio show.  In fact, a radio broadcast in the genre of Martha Stewart’s Living Today is little different from a TV show.  The crew video tapes the guests (audience and interviewees) as well as snaps photos for the blog; it’s a multi-media event.

Your job in the audience is to applaud and be sufficiently boisterous to communicate enthusiasm across radio waves, ask questions, sample good food, be educated and entertained.  Not bad work if you can find it.

Living Today

Weekdays 1 pm – 5 pm ET

Hosted by Mario Bosquez.

http://www.sirius.com/marthastewartlivingradio

Jubilee

Bally’s

The Showgirl, all 6 feet of her, swept her way to the microphone amidst wows and applause.  With a great personality and obvious love of her job, she carried her plumed headdress with confidence and aplomb.  The Jubilee cast of 85 with 9 costume changes each every night and a stage half the size of a football field gives you some idea of the production sophistication of this most Vegas of all Vegas shows.  Jubilee is a must see if you want to experience the real Las Vegas.  p.s. If you have aspirations of joining the show, grow to 6′ (male) or 5′8″ (female) and be prepared for 2 shows a night, rehearsals and carrying anywhere from 10lbs to 40lbs on your head – while wearing 3″ heels – if female.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/jubilee.htm

Destinations by Design

Allison Hart

According to Allison, designer from DBD, the trend to green is also driving the floral arrangement market.  Allison brought a wheatgrass table arrangement with driftwood “vases,” orchids and moss balls – all requiring very little water and made from recyclable materials.  Earthernware-appearing vases were actually made from newspaper, with metallic cores for holding the flowers.

Check out their website for diverse and innovative travel and meeting planning services of Destinations by Design.

http://www.dbdvegas.com/

Retro Bakery

Kari Haskell

A tight bundle of energy, Kari is so imbued with enthusiasm that she could hardly be contained in the space of Studio B.  Inspired by Dairy Queen from her childhood days in Oregon, she has developed her signature butter cream swirl in so many flavors and variations that it would take days to try them all.  Her husband is the cake master and together they are re-inventing the American standard in home-style gone commercial baking.

http://www.retrobakerylv.com/

http://twitter.com/retrobakery

M Resort

Hostile Grape

Mark Thomas, Director of Beverages

Mark poured two wines from the selection of 160 found at the M’s Hostile Grape.  The two reds were from California, one a husky Syrah and the other akin to Chianti – both reasonably priced in the $10/bottle range.  A third white was from Pahrump NV, but not enough for the audience to sample.  The label Pahrump Valley Winery is a bit misleading.  If you visit, you discover that they mostly blend with grapes from California.  They have produced and released a locally grown Zinfandel – quite a feat for the Mojave Desert . p.s the restaurant there was good, worth the drive. http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/

You can read more about the M Resort at:

New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

Les’ Wines and Vines is a weekly radio show with a live audience that moves from restaurant to restaurant around the city.

To find out more:

Les’ Wines and Vines Radio Show

Their next major event will be an evening with Ruan Zongze, the Minister Counselor of the political department of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.  Mr. Ruan’s topic is "China-U.S. Relations in an Emerging New World Economy."   The UNLV Institute for Security Studies is co-sponsor for the dinner at the Pinot Brasserie, Venetian Hotel. 

Both Members and non-members are invited to attend Friday May 29 from 6pm-9pm.  The cost is $50 pp, paid with cash or check at the door, and includes a 3 course dinner.  The no-host cash bar and social reception are from 6pm-7pm, with dinner starting at 7pm. Mr. Ruan will speak and allow time for questions.

Email: bsturmnv@gmail.com for this great opportunity to meet the Minister Counselor of China, Ruan Zongze.

Regular meetings of the WAC are held on the second Wednesday each month, 6:30p-8:00p, at venues alternating between the eastside and the westside.  There is a nominal charge (usually $20 pp) which may include a wine tasting or appetizers, depending on the locale. 

The monthly meetings revolve around specific discussion topics such as "Peace in Peril: The Indian sub-continent – Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and the U.S."  The discussions are lead by a moderator with active group participation in the form of questions, comments and friendly debate.

The merger of the WAC and NCFR makes sense. Both have the same mission – to provide a forum for globally-thinking Las Vegans to meet, to be informed by national and international figures, and to discuss international events, especially the direction or misdirection of American foreign policy.

Las Vegas has a bad reputation for low intellectualism, probably not undeserved.  This group demonstrates that there are people here who think – and think about a world beyond work, daily life and the Strip. If you are looking to meet other people interested in the complex and intriguing U.S. role in global politics, this is the group for you.

Email bsturmnv@gmail.com for more information and be placed on the email list.

For more on Ruan Zongze, visit http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/people3/Ruan/ruan-con0.html

For more on the World Affairs Council visit http://www.worldaffairscouncils.org/main/index.cfm?Category=Main&Section=Main

Related posts:  The Law in Russia and Las Vegas, US-China Military Relations, LVWAC International Educator of the Year, Future of the Space Program Dinner, Terry McCauliffe, Hillary and the LV World Affairs Council, The Lost Boys of Sudan

But on the second visit, in the late afternoon, we sat at the bar and began sampling some of the 71 ice cold brews on tap.  I am ready to tolerate a little slot machine noise in the background for the opportunity to drink domestic microbrewery draft beer for $3.50 (including tax) and imported draft beer for $4.50 (also including tax.)  These are arguably the best prices in town.  I don’t know anywhere else you can get a Chimay for $4.50. 

The service was extremely friendly – as is everywhere we went at the M.  We were offered several generous samples along with the 4 brews we ordered for a grand total of $15.  At those prices, we felt more than comfortable leaving a very generous tip.

It seems the Marnell Family may have achieved the dream – "build it and they will come" – even in a recession."

MY RECOMMENDATION:
32º Draft beer bar at the M is the place to go for beer lovers – excellent air conditioning, elegant surroundings, friendly service, incredible easy on the budget prices and a wide selection of fine brews, domestic and imported.

Related New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

First thoughts are why such a trendy palace so far from the Strip?  But on second thought, the M lies at the gateway to Las Vegas when traveling on the 15 from California, just off the interstate at the intersection of St Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd South.  It’s also a short drive from Henderson and Anthem – an area recently one of the city’s fastest growing, and sure to be again when the recession ebbs and home sales and building re-commence.

The Marnell family, successful in the actual construction of casinos for others, has learned well from its experience.  The architecture is monumental, the style forward, luxurious but youthful and hip.  It should please anyone, although was definitely intended to attract a more urbane, under 50 crowd.

Citing lack of funds, Anthony Marnell III explained to the Las Vegas Sun that although he knew building a more environmentally smart structure was what he should have done, he declined the Lied formula based on costs.  Who am I to argue with a wildly successful businessman, but one can’t help but wonder if that decision was short-sighted.  It seems to be one that many builders take here in the Valley,  ignoring the harsh reality of looming energy and water crises.

Highlights of the M include a movie set pool area with a surrounding marble campus reminiscent of grand Egyptian temples – plenty of space here for any reception or grand ball. 

They did a reasonable job on the sweeping canopy of the hotel entrance, but the M lacks a grand entrance which says "Here I am and here is exactly how you get to me." Anyone with a sprinkling of feng shui expertise would have spotted that right away. It’s not that hard to take the wrong turn and end up in the outdoor parking area. 

They also need to do something about the valet pick-up. Totally exposed to the elements (wind and sun), someone forgot that many clients use the valet services to avoid the elements.

The lobby has splendid wow power with walls of elegant fresh lilies complemented by soothing cascading water elements.  It’s a pleasure to access restaurants and guest elevators without the obligatory pass through the casino area that haunts most Strip venues.

Baby Cakes
The Baby Cakes pastry and gelato shop serves exquisite sweets for great prices.  A large scoop of gelato in a delicious cone is $2.25 and worth every penny. You can get two scoops for $3!  The pistachio gelato was divine.  The gelato selection is limited, but certainly adequate for anyone, and I would place their flavor and quality on par with the Bellagio.  Don’t miss the croissants!

Hostile Grape
The Hostile Grape wine cellar on the lowest level is worth the drive alone.  With an amazing array of both good sipping wine and higher end vintages, you can either select your own from the myriad of dispensers or be served at the small bar.  Furnished with intimate clusters of low Italian leather sofa sets or high bar stools grouped around tall modernistic cubes, the low lighting and soft music make it the perfect spot to gather, partake and socialize in intimacy.  You take a glass and and using pre-paid tasting cards, select your own wine, 1,3 or 5 oz, from a selection of 160 – and enjoy.  Access to the Grape is by stairs leading down from the lobby or a glass elevator.

32º Draft Beer Bar
I revised my opinion of the 32º Draft beer bar in another post, and was grossly unfair when I panned it for it’s proximity to the slot machines and sports betting.  When you are savoring those incredibly priced ($3.50 domestic, $4.50 imported) and ice cold beers, you forget all else.

Veloce Cibo
We ate at the Tower Restaurant, Veloce Cibo, which did not disappoint in terms of spectacular view of the valley.  The menu was diverse which surely pleases in the way the variety of a buffet will satisfy the palettes of groups with varying tastes.  Much of it is designed to share, adding to the buffet-like advantage – while still being served at table.

Unfortunately, several of the dishes fell short – most notably the sushi which is their flagship. If you can’t make a California roll, you are in trouble.  I cannot recommend it at all. The tuna sashimi, au contraire, was fresh and delicious.  The fried calamari were not light enough, the batter being a little "floury" and lacking delicacy.  The chicken wraps were tasty and well spiced, with excellent lettuce (not iceberg), but not served with the crispy raw veggies that give them crunch and freshness.  The Asian marinated steak was superb and, by far, the best dish of the evening. 

Although the staff tried very hard, there was something generally chaotic about the service and I kept thinking that much more training was needed.  The prices are not for budget-minded.  I am hard pressed to give Veloce Cibo a high recommendation for fine dining.

The M Guest Rooms
The Guest rooms do not disappoint and the selection of suites, especially the 2 story 2400 sqft loft suites with wrap around views of the Valley, are sufficiently extravagant to impress most visitors. Keeping with trends, all rooms offer IPod docking and room safes large enough to accommodate laptops.

Dress
Geared to a younger set, the dress code is casual chic.  Designer jeans and tight T shirts, accented by some Vegas Bling and you are in mode.

MY RECOMMENDATION:

• Visit for architectural experience – don’t miss the pool.
• Don’t miss Hostile Grape if you are wine lover.
• Savor a gelato.

Find out more at their excellent website: www.themresort.com/

or read about the M and the Marnell family in the Las Vegas Sun: www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/01/m-resort-chief-vegas-gaming-industry-survival-mode/

Related: the M beer bar best in Vegas, Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

The Blue Martini, across from the Rave Movie Experience, at the top of the escalator and to the left, at the west end of Town Square, is pulsating with feverish energy.  Three giant bars anchor this sprawling hot spot, one with outdoor patio, one with live music stage and the last secreted in the far back with cozy alcoves for tête á têes.  With an outdoor terrace that stretches on two sides, there is always quick access to fresh air and open space.  The bathrooms are also buried in the back, which can seem like quite a trek if you don’t plan ahead.

The servers are sweet and sexy in their powder blue bodices, a vague reference to French cancan and Playboy bunny.  The bartenders, handsome young lads, pour genereous martini’s and are well trained to keep customers happy.  In fact, the service everywhere is excellent - friendly and casual without the pretensions of the Strip.

The live music in the middle bar is rock sold dance quality, although there is no dance floor per se.  But who can sit still to Santana, although the average age of the dancers is way older than the sitters.  Do we just get freer as we age, or don’t people know to dance any more?

Happy Hour serves $6 martini’s (regular $12) with beers about half that.  The food menu is diverse and the portions designed to set in the middle of the table and share.

Although most of the crowd is well under 40, you won’t feel ridiculous if you could be their parents. It’s a great spot and one I hate to write about because I’d still like to get a seat at the bar or a table when I go.  But if you are wondering where locals go – “to see and be seen” – it’s Blue Martini.

Related “First Friday” Downtown Arts District, Andre’s First Friday Wine Tasting, First Friday Party Downtown Las Vegas

Jan 26 – 8pm – Concert conducted by Itzhak Perlman

May 03- 8pm - Hal Holbrook in “Mark Twain Tonight”

For tickets and more info: Call the Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Related UNLV New York Stage & Beyond, UNLV Classical Guitar Series, UNLV Charles Vanda Master Series

Dec 04 – “MIldred Pierce” (1945) Joan Crawford rises from waitress to restaurateur. Dec 11 – “Life with Father” (1947) William Powell, Irene Dunne and Elizabeth Taylor.
Dec 18 – “White Christmas” (1954) All time classic with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Related Free Diversity Films @ Library, Free Films for Family and Adults, Screening of Local Filmmakers, Free Fellini Films @ Library, Free Modern French Film @ Library, Free Rita Hayworth Films @ Library “Bijou�, Free Michael Curtiz Film Classics

Luckily we weren’t so lazy we pulled the covers and pillows over our heads, but let curiosity drive us from our bed to the balcony. Although mainly blocked by the new Wynn Encore, we still had a good enough view of the implosion to make it another memorable night just “off the strip.”

It wasn’t long ago that we had full view of the marvelous demise of the old Stardust Casino. Even though we were not afforded the full view this time around, this implosion party perhaps delighted all the more because of the complete unexpectedness of it.

Isn’t that why we love this town? You never know what’s going to happen – and most of the time the surprises are pleasant. Thank you Las Vegas again!

Related Stardust Goes Down in a Blaze of Glory

The program itself is hosted by Senior US District Court Judge Lloyd George, who has hosted many delegations of Eastern European judges here in Las Vegas.

Venue is the Petrus Room at Wynn Las Vegas. Registration and networking starts at 11:30 am with lunch and speaking event from noon to 1pm. Cost is $40 members/$50 non-members/$20 students and includes lunch. Public welcome and encouraged to attend. For more info, go to the LVWAC website lvwac.org.

Note: I attended the luncheon last year with the Ukranian judges. It was my first LVWAC function and I was hooked! What a fascinating group of people and level of discussion. If you have a world view that extends beyond the city limits of this town and hunger to interact with others with similar perspective, check out this dynamic group with wide interests and global experience. But don’t be intimidated – an interest in national politics, international affairs and the wide world are all that are required to participate and enjoy.

Related LVWAC Downtown Presidential Series, Las Vegas World Affairs Council, China Town Hall: US-China Military Relations, LVWAC International Educator of the Year Awards, Future of Space Program Dinner

Oct 26 – 8 pm – Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano
Nov 27 – 8pm – Yefim Bronfman, Pianist
Jan 23 – 8 pm – Itzhak Perlman, Violinist
Feb 14 – 8 pm – St. Petersburg State Ballet Theatre (Giselle)
Mar 01 – 8 pm – Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Pipes, Drums, and Dancers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Mar 12 – 8pm – The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico
May 02 – 8 pm – Zukerman ChamberPlayers

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Related UNLV New York Stage & Beyond, UNLV Classical Guitar Series, UNLV 50th Anniversary Celebration

Feb 12 2008 – 8pm- Quaternaglia
Apr 15 2008 – 8 pm – Roland Dyens

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Oct 11 07- Xuefei Yang� � Nov 09 07-� Jason Vieaux
� Related UNLV New York Stage & Beyond, UNLV 50th Anniversary Celebration, UNLV Charles Vanda Master Series, Jason Vieaux performs classical guitar

The following events are for National Coming Out Day 2007:

Visit NCODvegas.com for most current info.

May you have a wonderful, joyful, fun-filled weekend at Alexis Park Resort 375 E Harmon Av Las Vegas NV. Las Vegas. 

related articles:
California Court upholds same sex marriage ban

Venue is the newly-renovated Mandalay Bay Beach - a huge private party over 11-acres grooving to the hip-hop flavored, funky rock sound of Sugar Ray. The evening kicks-off with Jeremy Cornwell followed by San Francisco’s Chris Clouse with Sugar Ray taking the stage at 9:30pm. An after-party at Moorea Beach Club keeps the night going until …..

All tickets are $65 (plus tax). But if you get on the mailing list, special VIP EARLY ENTRY TICKETS are available for the 48 hours prior to tickets going on sale to the public (Friday Sep 20 at noon) – for the same $65 (plus tax) price. These tickets grant VIP EARLY ENTRY access to the Festival in the Moorea Beach Club to taste delicious wines beginning at 7pm. To get on the list go to website rocknrollwine.com, call 702-240-3066 or email chris@rocknrollwine.com.

Related Chris Rock n Roll @ Platinum, Chris Reggae Wine @ Flamingo Pool, Rock n Roll Wines @ Shark Tank Pool, MIX & Chris Rock ‘n Roll Wine

Winchester Cultural Center

Submissions of film, digital or video are now being accepted on DVD. The entries will be screened and selected by a judging committee, reserving the right to select films suitable for viewing by either mature or general audiences. Non-English language entries must be sub-titled.

Deadline for end of month screening is the 1st of the month. There is no submittal fee. Entries may be submitted personally during operating hours or by mail, attn Joseph House. Please include all necessary contact information. Call 702-455-7340 for more details or visit accessclarkcounty.com/parks. Address for mailing as well as screening is Winchester Cultural Center 3130 S. McLeod Las Vegas NV 89121.

Related CineVegas blog and online screenings calendar, Cine en el Centro, Free Modern French Film @ Library, Free (or almost) Films for Family and Adults, Film

Charles Vanda Master Series, with 7 guest performing artists or groups beginning Oct 26 and scheduled thru May 2. First performer is Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano.

New York Stage & Beyond, with 7 guest performing artists or groups beginning Sep 14 thru Feb 23. First performer is Brian Stokes Mitchell.

UNLV Classical Guitar Series, with 4 guest artists or groups beginning Oct 11 thru Apr 15. First performer is Xuefei Yang.

UNLV 50th Anniversary Celebration with a Concert conducted by Itzhak Perlman on Jan 26. Hal Holbrook stars in “Mark Twain Tonight” on May 3.

For tickets and more info: Call the Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

• FOR MOST RECENT ARTICLE, see UNLV Forum Lecture Series Open & Free to Public

Certain articles are not accessible due to deletion of entire site by BlueHost.  If you are interested in more detail about the deletion, check out the link at end of article.

For all of you out there in Vegas Valley who feel you live in an intellectual, as well as geographical desert, relief is on the horizon. And this oasis is not a mirage.

After a long hot summer with little to stimulate the mind except the the Las Vegas World Affairs Club, some excellent films at CineVegas, various poetry readings, the Socrates Discussion Group and well actually, quite a few other places if you read my articles – UNLV has announced its fall 2007 schedule for the University Forum Free Lecture Series open to the public.

You can check out details at liberalarts.unlv.edu or call 702- 895-3401. Please note that the lecture series is only for fall and spring semester.  Fall semester is not posted until late summer, so the site may say  “I’m sorry, there are no upcoming events.”  We hope that this series will survive the deep budget cuts in the Nevada university system.

The University Forum is a lecture series sponsored and funded by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts for the edification of the Las Vegas community. All events are free and open to the public, no reservation is necessary – just show up and enjoy. Lectures start at 7:30 pm sharp. Venue is the Barrick Museum Auditorium, UNLV campus, Las Vegas NV.

Did you experience these?:

Sep 12 – The Climate History of the Earth: A View to the Future Prof. Matthew Lachniet, Department of Geoscience, UNLV

Sep 17 – The U. S. Constitution and the Lessons of Experience: Does What Made Sense in 1787 Serve Us Well in 2007? Prof. Sanford Levinson, W. St. John Garwood and W. St. John Garwood, Jr. Centennial Chair in Law and Professor Government, University of Texas

Sep 20 – What’s Wrong With the Way Nevada Selects Its Judges? A Legal and Policy Analysis Prof. Tuan Samahon, William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV

Sep 21 – The Social Critique of Social Knowledge (or, But Mom, Crop-Tops are Cute!) Prof. Sally Haslanger, Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, and Acting Director of Women’s Studies, MIT

Sep 24 – Dancing under Desert Stars: Ballroom in Las Vegas Amanda Haboush, Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy, UNLV; Gail Michel-Parsons, Director of Rebel Dancesport Team, UNLV

Oct 04 – The Mystery of Labyrinths Gael Hancock, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, UNLV Tue

Oct 09 – Endangered Wildlife of the American Southwest (slide illustrated) Mitch Tobin, Scholar, Newspaper Reporter and Author

Oct 11 – The Road to the Viral Superhighway: Emerging Diseases in the Time of Globalization Prof. George J. Armelagos, Goodrich C. White Professor of Anthropology

Oct 24 – Screening the Mafia (Why is “Italian American” Synonymous with Organized Crime?) Prof. Ben Lawton, Department of Foreign Languages, and Chair, Interdisciplinary Italian Studies Program and Chair, Interdisciplinary Film Studies Program, Purdue University

Nov 01 – The Sex Life of Orchids Carol Siegel, President, Greater Las Vegas Orchid Society

Nov 08 – Time-Loops, Superstrings, and Other Weird Stuff: Are Physicists for Real (or Is This Just a Lot of Mathematics)? Prof. Jody Azzouni, Department of Philosophy, Tufts University

Nov 14 – Spilling Over: The Migration between Attitudes Regarding Immigration and Policy Preferences Prof. Max Neiman, Program Director and Senior Fellow, Governance and Public Finance Program, Public Policy Institute of California

Nov 16 – The Culture of War and Peace in Europe, 1789 – 1815 Prof. David A. Bell, Mellon Professor in the Humanities and Dean of Faculty, Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, Johns Hopkins University

Nov 29 – The Grand Canyon: 125 Years of Photography of an American Icon (slide-illustrated) Stephen Trimble, Ansel Adams Award-Winning Photographer and Writer

If you want to know more about opportunities for free lectures at UNLV, jump to :

3 Different UNLV Lecture Series Free to Public

Related note: many of these articles were not able to be reconstructed after my site was deleted by BlueHost: Drilling for Oil in ANWAR, UNLV Free Lectures for Public, Las Vegas World Affairs Council, Orchid Lovers Meet, Socrates Cafe Discussion Group, Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate, Poet’s Corner, From Apartheid to Darfur: Africa’s Struggle

BlueHost deletion of Sandra Off the Strip:

SandraOfftheStrip deleted from BlueHost database, Did Pornography or Politics bring down my site?

Oct 18 6:30 – “El Norte” (1983) USA. Oscar nominated film on the plight of Mayan Indians in Guatemala and as illegals in LA.

Related Free Films for Family and Adults, Screening of Local Filmmakers, CineVegas – La Proxima Ola, Cuentos (tales) de Nuestra America

Oct 13 – 8pm – Paul Taylor Dance Company
Oct 20 – 8pm – The Broadway Divas
Nov 08 – 8pm – Tango Buenos Aires
Jan 20 – 8pm – Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour
Feb 02 – 8pm – Christine Ebersole
Feb 23 – 8 pm – An Evening of Words and Music with Anthony Rapp

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Related UNLV Classical Guitar Series, UNLV 50th Anniversary Celebration, UNLV Charles Vanda Master Series, UNLV New York Stage & Beyond – Paul Taylor Dance

For more info call 702-564-1600 or visit www.starsonthelake.com.

Sep 29 - Kenny G with Fireworks Tickets $50/$5/$100

Sat Sep 22 – Drew Baker (Soft Rock)
Fri Sep 28 – Wolfcreek (Country)
Sat Sep 29 – Yacht Club (Smooth Jazz)
Fri Oct 5 – Wolfcreek (Country)
Sat Oct 6 – Matrix (Top 40)
Fri Oct 12 – Jarr (Top 40)
Sat Oct 13 – Peter Love & TKO (Top 40)
Fri Oct 19 – Island Tyme (R&B/Reggae)
Sat Oct 20 – Scotty Alexander (Country)

Related Outdoor Jazz Events

Oct 04 – Bobby Kingston & Rocky Tonk
Oct 11 – Four Way Free (pop rock)
Oct 18 – US Air Force Band of the West and Boston Brass
Oct 25 – Barry Farley Jazz Trio (jazz)

Related Joe Bonamassa @ Henderson Amphitheater, Super Run Car Show 2007, 17th Annual “Ho’Olaule’A” Pacific Islanders Festival, Free USAF Band and Boston Brass Concerts

Schedule of Classes:

Sep 27 – Thursday Trek $35
Sep 29 – The Illustrated Journal $50
Oct 06 – Zion History Picnic and Workshop $25
Oct 11 – Thursday Trek $35
Oct 13 – Reading Topographic Maps and Using GPS receivers for Hiking $50
Oct 13-14 – Geology of the Grand Staircase $100
Oct 15-16 – Archaeology Service Project $100
Oct 25-27 – Fall Foliage Photography $250
Oct 31 – Archaeology Road Trip I: Zion to Pipe Spring $75
Nov 3-4 – Zion Geology $100
Nov 08 – Thursday Trek $35
Nov 14 – Archaeology Road Trip II: Lost City Museum $75
Dec 08 – Winter Photography $80
Dec 12-13 – Winter Photography $160

Related Zion Canyon Art & Flute Festival

Related Open Mic Poetry Readings, Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate

Sep 22 – The Wine Amplified Festival featuring Sugar Ray with special guests Jeremy Cornwell and Chris Clouse (Chris’ Rock ‘n Roll Wine)
Sep 29 – The Go-Go’s
Oct 20 – Live and Collective Soul (alternative rock)

Related Chris’ Rock n Roll Wine “Event of the Year”, Bunkhouse Saloon for Serious Music

JJ’s features the best jazz trio in Las Vegas with The Cocho Arbe Trio – Cocho Arbe on upright piano, Chris Gordon on upright bass and Boris Shapiro on drums.

line-up:
cocktail hours 5p-8p- Joe Darro, piano & voice with Happy Hour 1/2 price drinks on everything.

Mon – 9pm DJ Jazz Mixes & Service Industry Night – 25% off with ID
Tue 5pm -
Wed – Ladies Night – 1/2 price all night
Thu 5pm-
Fri 10pm – February Fridays with the Cocho Arbe Trio and Ronnie Rose
Sat 10pm – the Cocho Arbe Trio and guests
Sun 8pm- Sunday Swing with Joe Darro Trio

Full Bar. No food. No cover charge , but 2 drink minimum. For more info visit justjazzlv.com. 702-650-0432. Just Jazz 1000 E. Sahara Ste 105 Las Vegas NV

Related Live Music, Jazz & Blues, Live Music Every Day of the Week, Lake Las Vegas “Jazz on the Lake”, Free Jazz Fridays, Jazz Under the Stars, Free Jazz Fest, Genevieve shines @ Just Jazz

Related Free Henderson Thurs Night Live! – Hot Lava Hawaiian, Hawaiian Luau Poolside

Related Cine en el Centro, Ballet Folklorico – estilo America Central, Cuentos (tales) de Nuestra America

Related LV Contemporary Dance Theater, Trails and Vistas: Hiking and Music in the Sierras, Stars on the Lake Concert w/ Nevada Ballet Theatre, World Steps (Dance) Series – Maori

Schedule for the Festival:
Sat Sep 15 11a-midnite
Sun Sep 16 11a-11p

The location is in the shopping center next to Target and Sears on Flamingo Rd, off the 215. Go west on Flamingo, then turn left on Grand Canyon Dr. Free parking.

Related Annual Greek Food Festival

They are offering nightly events plus fast becoming a gathering place for various meet-ups around town including chess, knitting, astrology and Independent Filmmakers network. Contact them if you are interested in doing your next meet-up at this cozy, convivial locally-owned coffee shop. Email: hercules@rejavanatecoffee.com.

There is so much going on at the reJAVAnate that I couldn’t begin to keep up here. Here’s just a taste:

Sun - 7p-9p - Poetry Night hosted by Hyatt Mason, Blank Verse
Mon- 7p-9p - Meetup Night
Tue – 7p-9p - M&M Poetry Night hosted by Mark Snyder
Wed – 7p-9p - Meetup Night (formerly comedy night hosted by Darrell Keido)
Thur- 6:30p-8:30p - UNLV Jazz Night
Fri – 8p-11p – Open Mike Night (Just stand up and do whatever you want!)
Sat – 7p-11p- Concert Night (formerly karaoke night – Sometimes special guest entertainers)

Email hercules and get on their mailing list is your best bet to keep current. reJAVAnate Coffee Lounge “Serving Humanity One Cup at a Time.” Check out their website rejavanatecoffee.com or call 702-253-7721. 3300 E Flamingo Rd Las Vegas NV (NW corner Pecos in Renaissance III Shopping Plaza)

Related reJAVAnate -a Coffee House with Community, Mother & Kids Movie Day , Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate , Comedy Night @ reJAVAnate, “Ladies Legal Lounge” @ coffee house

Related The Poet’s Corner, Free Writer’s Workshop w/Adam Henry Carriere, Poetry Nights @ reJAVAnate

Mon @10pm is Rock Star Karaoke with a live rock band. Free at the Courtyard.

Wed at 9pm Crossroads: “The Blues, Only the Blues, and Nothing But the Blues.” Free admission.

Thur @ 9pm Michael Soli‘s Unplugged @ Crossroads with live acoustic music. Free admission.

Sun @ 9m Courtyard. Purple Reign, a Prince Tribute Show. WAS Free to locals, others $10 but check first cause the free locals part has disappeared from the website.

Related Rex’s Rants and Raves – Stoney Curtis Band, Free “Unplugged” @ House of Blues, Sand Dollar for the Blues, Chicago Style Blues