Vegas Popular

It was another typical weekend in Vegas, as people gambled, danced, dined and, oh yeah, Pamela Anderson got married.

Yes, the former 'Baywatch' beauty, and current star of Hans Klok's The Beauty of Magic at Planet Hollywood resort, married Rick Salomon Saturday night, in between performances of the magic show. Salomon, as you might recall, is best known for co-starring in the famous Paris Hilton sex tape, '1 Night in Paris.'

So, let's review: Pamela was once married to Tommy Lee, with whom she made a famous sex tape. Then she married Kid Rock, who recently got into a fight with Lee. Now she has married a guy who is famous for being in a sex tape with Paris Hilton and who was once married to Shannen Doherty, who once got in a fight with Tara Reid, who once got in a fight with a plastic surgeon's knife (and lost.) It's like playing "Six Degrees of Sex, Fights and Videotape."

Given Pamela's hubby history, and the history of celebrity marriages in general, there's a good chance she and Salomon will be divorced in a few months, leaving her on the lookout for hubby number four. I'm holding out hope that when/if that happens, she'll finally marry someone stable. Maybe someone like, say, Owen Wilson.

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Here are the hot topics in Vegas and the Vegas blogosphere:

Britney to Sing at Xtina's New Vegas Club?
Vegas Heat Index: 152

As part of the de-Egyptification process, Luxor execs have been busy bringing in big names to open up shop. Long gone is Ra and now we have Christina Aguilera's new club, LAX, opening Labor Day weekend. To call it just Xtina's club isn't entirely accurate. She is part owner. Pure Management Group is involved and that's one of the biggest names in nightlife.

Another big name, Britney Spears, is booked to host the grand opening party on Aug. 31 to kick off a crazy Labor Day weekend. It was another PMG party (New Year's Eve at Pure) that Miss Spears hosted where she fell that started what some are calling this downward spiral. I hope she shows up for the LAX gig and I hope she behaves, if only slightly.

It's interesting that Britney is hosting the grand opening for a venture of perceived or real rival Christina. The two were publicly feuding as late as last year when Christina ended the bickering.

Will this be the Vegas comeback she was hoping for or will it be another chicken-greased dress incident over-hyped and exploited by the tab rags? I've said this before, but there is nothing hotter than a girl in a couture silky grown and some fried chicken.

DJ AM will spin the party, but no word if his sometimes girlfriend Mandy Moore will be in hanging out in the LAX VIP lofts with Christina and Britney. If she shows up, I predict the eventual forming a girl super group trio with the three pop stars. I can dream. Oh yes, I can dream.

In any case, this should be a rocking party. If you need more details, call 702-262-4LAX.

K-Fed's Shot of Jack With a Custody Back

Vegas Heat Index: 112

Inspired by TMZ's proof that K-Fed is a gangsta, I had a dream that Kevin Federline did a really great Ali G impersonation and called Britney and said, "Hey Britches, you is not like fit or nothing to be takin' care of me wee g spawns, yeah?" And then Britney responded, "Oh Kevvy, do you want to be the pot or the kettle this time?"

While K-Fed is calling Britney a bad moms and serving her with enough court papers to clog a dive bar toilet, he is partying it up, Vegas style. I guess when the craploids start picking K-Fed over Britney, there is a reason to party.

In addition to hanging out with NBA's LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony for Rehab at the Hard Rock, G-Fed also hit celeb hottery barn, TAO. According to reports, Federswine found comfort in bottles of Jack Daniels, Grey Goose and Jagermeister. Never trust a big buzz and a smile.

Of course the other question his weekend in Vegas raises is does K-Fed have to buy his friends?

'The Producers' New Song & Danza Routine
Vegas Heat Index: 136

When David Hasselhoff left the 'The Producers' at Paris to focus on his talent show and burgeoning YouTube career, some folks predicted the demise of another Broadway production in Vegas. Enter Tony Danza. The lovable Everydad TV fixture joined the cast in August and the forecast is mostly sunny with slight humility.

TV's Tony Danza isn't filling the high heel shoes that the Hoff kicked off as the cross-dressing Roger DeBris. Brooklyn's native son is reprising his Broadway role of Max Bialystock, who up until recently was masterly performed by Brad Oscar.

Swingers, Not the Movie
Vegas Heat Index: 114

Who knew swinging was a multi-million business. I always thought the biggest revenue opportunity was for the glass manufacturers who sell fishbowls to swingers for key collections purposes at key parties. I admit, I watch too much TV.

Apparently, there is big money to be made in the travel industry with clubs and hotels catering to open relationships. Holding true to the Sin City moniker, Vegas stands to cash in on the business boom. Recently, Lifestyles Organization, the biggest swingers services company, hosted their annual convention in Vegas. It's like a big sexy swap meet with more than 900 couples attending seminars and parties.

According to reports, "fun-loving couples" can spend in excess of $10,000 each year to travel to these conventions and parties. The money is out there. In fact, Lifestyles has annual sales of about $15 million.

That's a lot of fishbowls.

Hilton Sisters Unite for Super Money Powers
Vegas Heat Index: 122


What Vegas run down with Britney wouldn't be complete without a Paris mention? My friend Robin Leach reports that Paris and Nicky Hilton are shopping their hosting services around for New Year's Eve parties at one of the Strip's megaclubs. If you have $500,000, consider them booked.

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We as a society love to watch entertainers and athletes rise to the top of their profession. When they get there, however, we love nothing more than seeing them fall from grace. We seem to do that so we can cheer them on as they make a comeback. Once they are on top, it becomes the norm, and the norm is boring. Yes, what we love, maybe even more than watching their rise and fall, is to see someone do it all over again.

Thanks to its ever-changing tastes and international appeal, Las Vegas is the perfect city for an entertainer to make a comeback. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that many of them, from Sinatra to Elvis, have used Vegas to catapult back into our hearts and minds. And while not everyone succeeds in a Vegas comeback, we still cheer them on, while we wait patiently for other long-lost favorites to try again.

Great Comebacks
Sexy Vegas - Thankfully, the lame idea of turning Vegas into a kid-friendly destination only lasted a few years. Whoever thought that was going to work has an open invitation to join my poker game. But, the idea's failure resulted in "sexy Vegas" making a comeback in a major way.

Now the city has all the sexy you can handle. The pinnacle of the sexy comeback was earlier this year when Dita Von Teese set up her bathtub for a run at the Crazy Horse at MGM Grand. And she is just the tip of the pasties. Vegas has Crazy Girls, X-Girls, Babes in Sin burlesque girls to girls kissing girls. From sexy shows, to sexy sexy pools. All I can say is, welcome back, welcome back, welcome baaack!

Elvis - It had been eight years since the King of Rock 'n' Roll swiveled his hips in front of a live audience when, in 1969, he performed at the International Hotel. A few years later Elvis opened a 57-show engagement at the International, which is now the Las Vegas Hilton. The Vegas performances brought Elvis back into the spotlight which, believe it or not, had moved away from him. Sadly, his latter Vegas years conjure memories of a bloated superstar who was finding it impossible to outrun his own excess.

Frank Sinatra - Ol' Blue Eyes actually made his first big comeback in 1953, when he won a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his work in 'From Here to Eternity.' But when you think of Sinatra, it's impossible not to think of his Rat Pack days in Vegas, which not only elevated his own cool factor, it actually increased the coolness of Las Vegas. Along with Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop, Sinatra helped define the archetype of a Vegas player; one that guys still try to emulate to this day.

Carrot Top - This orange-haired prop comic was one 1-800-CALL-ATT commercial away from hanging with Gallagher in the "Where Are They Now Lounge." Instead, Top buffed up beyond belief and landed a sweet gig at the Luxor. You can say what you want about his brand of comedy, but it's undeniable that Carrot Top has a permanent place in comedy history. Given the response to his Vegas show, it looks like he also has a permanent place to perform.

Near Misses
Michael Jackson - Fans were elated and parents were considering embedding GPS microchips into their children when it was announced that Wacko Jacko had moved to Vegas late last year. Once M.J. arrived, there was constant chatter about him doing a huge Vegas production. However, neither the show, nor the rumored plans for a 50-ft Michael Jackson robot on the Strip came to fruition. But, all hope is not lost. It seems that none other than Prince is encouraging Michael to do a series of acoustic shows in Vegas. Now THAT I'd love to see.

Prince - When the purple one opened his show at the Rio late last year, it seemed like a perfect fit. I mean, we're talking about a guy who, like Vegas, is equal parts elegant and gaudy. But, after just a few months of sold-out shows, our pint-sized friend skipped town. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened had Prince stayed. Would he have started his own Rat Pack featuring guys in high-heels and puffy shirts? Would he have talked Mayor Oscar Goodman into painting city hall purple? Sadly, we'll never know.

Britney Spears - The rumors of Britney staring in her own, Celine-like show in Vegas have been around for a while. She originally nixed the idea, citing her desire to keep K-Fed out of Sin City. But once he became Fed-Ex, the talk of a Britney show began again. However, with all the troubles Britney has caused herself, a Vegas show seems to be the last thing on her mind. So, we still don't know what will happen. Will she? Won't she? Will anyone other than those wanting to watch a live train wreck set to music even care?

Comebacks We'd Like to See
Siegfried & Roy: It has been nearly four years since a seven-year-old tiger named Montecore bit Roy Horn, ending one of the most famous shows in Vegas history. Though Roy suffered a stroke and partial paralysis, he has vowed to return to the stage one day. Siegfried & Roy's return would not only be a great thing for their fans, but if it were at The Mirage, it would be a win for all Vegas residents and visitors. Why, you ask? Then we could finally stop looking at Danny Gans peering down from the billboard that originally featured S&R.

Liberace -- Modern day rappers like to talk about being "iced out," but none of them come close to topping the original King of Bling, Liberace in talent or flamboyancy. A classically-trained pianist, Liberace was the consummate entertainer and was flashier than Las Vegas at night. He even opened a museum of himself when he was still alive! How cool is that? All apologies to Burt Bacharach, but what the world needs now is Liberace.

Huey Lewis -- The '80s were filled with huge pop stars. Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson are just a few that immediately come to mind. But there is a seemingly forgotten '80s pop star that we'd love to see make a triumphant return to the spotlight; Huey Lewis. Not only did Huey have some great hits -- 'I Want a New Drug,' 'Heart and Soul,' 'If This is It,' 'Power of Love,' etc., etc. -- his band, The News, is one of the tightest rock groups you'll ever see. Come back to us Huey. Come back.

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If you were a criminal defense attorney serving as a pro tem judge in Las Vegas, or anywhere for that matter, do you think you would have the time, or even the desire, to have a MySpace page? And if you did have a MySpace page, do you think it would be wise to list "breaking my foot off in a prosecutor's ass" as one of your interests?

You probably answered no to at least one of the previous questions, but Jonathan MacArthur (seen left, in his trying-hard-to-be-artsy, half-face photo from MySpace) allegedly answered yes to both and now he is out of a job.

The 34-year-old criminal defense attorney in North Las Vegas was fired recently, after his MySpace page was found by Clark County District Attorney David Roger. After finding the page, Roger faxed a copy to court administrator Terri March, informing her that he would file a motion to recuse MacArthur from his role as substitute judge if the court didn't cut him first. Before you know it, MacArthur was unsurprisingly fired.

In addition to his "foot-in-the-ass" comment, MacArthur's MySpace page also, according to the Associated Press story, laid out his attitude towards prosecutors using a certain graphic phrase that he claimed was common "among blacks, people who associate with blacks or in a sports context."

Using the, "people who know me..." defense, MacArthur said his comments were obviously just overstated for the effect. Even better, MacArthur said he is still planning to run for a job with the new judicial department that opens in North Las Vegas in 2009. Maybe this whole Internet thing will be over with by then.

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It's Tuesday, and you know what that means. It's time for some girl-on-girl kissing action with former Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees.

OK, so today being Tuesday has nothing to do with our desire to share this Raw Vegas video with you. And, yes, maybe the headline oversells it a bit since we're used to seeing a little more of Katie Rees than this -- remember the Katie Rees nude scandal? But, c'mon, it's still two girls sharing a special birthday moment, and in Vegas, that's OK.

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Yes, you read the headline correctly; Cameron Diaz is going to marry Ashton Kutcher in Las Vegas. But, unlike Britney Spears, Scary Spice and all the quickie Vegas marriages, this one is strictly for the big screen.

Diaz and Kutcher are slated to star in the upcoming 20th Century Fox comedy 'What Happens in Vegas ...' According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie is about two strangers,(Diaz, Kutcher), who discover they have gotten married after a night of Vegas-style debauchery. Oh yeah, and one of them has won a jackpot with the other's quarter. This begins a "series of plots to undermine each other,' and, guess what? They fall in love along the way.

Yes, it sounds like another typical romantic comedy, which will probably feature at least one of the All-Time Worst Romantic Movie Cliches of All Time. It is, however, set in Las Vegas, and co-stars 'The Daily Show' alum Rob Corddry, so there's we're not writing it off just yet -- keyword being yet.

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It's no secret that celebrities love to party in Vegas. Paris and Nicky Hilton, Britney Spears, Hugh Hefner, Vince Neil and Charles Barkley are just a few names that come to mind when thinking of wild nights in Sin City.

These days however, more and more celebrities are choosing to stay longer than a weekend and taking up part-time jobs "to make ends meet." No, you probably won't find Britney waiting tables at Hooters or Paris tending bar at PURE, but you will find Jenny McCarthy dealing blackjack and Pamela Anderson on-stage as a magician's assistant. Ah, only in Vegas ...

Check out what Pamela, Jenny and a few other TV celebrities are up to as part-time employees in Sin City:

PAMELA ANDERSON

After money and lights, there are few things more synonymous with Las Vegas than magic and beautiful women. Enter Pamela Anderson, who is currently working in Vegas as a magician's assistant.

No, that's not a joke. Anderson plays assistant to magician Hans Klok in 'The Beauty of Magic,' a new show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The job, originally held by Carmen Electra, who vanished after a few weeks of rehearsing, is one Anderson is very excited about. "I love magic! I love doing things out of the ordinary and of course I'm always up for an adventure, as this will definitely be one," she said.

No word yet on whether Pamela has asked Hans to make her memories of Tommy Lee and Kid Rock disappear.

TONY DANZA

On Aug. 13, Vegas will collectively sing, "Hold me Closer Tony Danza," as the 'Who's the Boss?' star begins an 18-week engagement in the Mel Brooks' hit 'The Producers.' Danza will fill a celebrity void that was left in the musical once David Hasselhoff skipped town earlier this year. However, instead of taking over the role of cross-dressing director Roger DeBris, which the Hoff played to perfection, Danza will take over for Brad Oscar as Max Bialystock, one of the shows two lead roles.

This won't be a problem for Danza, who has already played the role on Broadway for three months. We only hope that Danza won't have any Hoff-like hamburger issues during his stay in Vegas.

JENNY MCCARTHY
The former Playboy Playmate of the Year cum-actress, cum-best-selling-author Jenny McCarthy is about to add a new job to her lengthy resume; blackjack dealer. Yes, you read that right. On Saturday, Aug. 4, from 9PM to midnight, McCarthy will slip into a vintage black Bunny costume, complete with a cute cottontail, and deal blackjack at the Playboy Club atop the Palms Casino Resort.

Talk about a brilliant idea. While you're deciding whether to hit on 16, you can hit on one of the most memorable Playmates of all time. Of course, this just means that you have a 100 percent chance of going bust at least 50 percent of the time. No matter what happens, you'll come away with the kind of story that can only be written in Las Vegas.


JOHN O' HURLEY
Another former TV star who has taken on a part-time job in a Vegas production is John O' Hurley. Best known for his recurring role as J. Peterman on 'Seinfeld,' O' Hurley goes from catalog sales to the round table in the role of King Arthur in Monty Python's 'Spamalot' at the Wynn.

The musical, created by Monty Python alum Eric Idle, has been a hit in Vegas since opening in March and O' Hurley has played a huge part in its success. However, since he commutes back and forth from Los Angeles to Vegas almost every day, O' Hurley hasn't been in town long enough for us to amass stories of his wild nights on the Strip. But, there's still time.

WAYNE BRADY
Already known for his hilarious improv skills, which were showcased on 'Whose Line is it Anyway,' and 'The Wayne Brady Show,' and currently on 'Don't Forget the Lyrics!,' comedian Wayne Brady is now a permanent headliner at The Venetian in a show called 'Making %@IT Up.'

Just as the name suggests, the show will rely heavily on improv, but there will also be a classic Vegas variety show feel, with singing, dancing and a three-piece band. In the words of one reviewer, it's "Old-school Vegas entertainment with new-Vegas cool."

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As city after city bans or limits smoking in public, they used to say Vegas would be the last haven in America for cigar smokers.

Well, Sin City enacted a smoking ban in the continuing 'Californication' of Vegas and another vice bites the dust.

The ban doesn't totally outlaw stogies here, but it's a slippery legislative slope. OK, I can see why smoking at 7-Eleven and the grocery stores is bad. I'll give you that.

However, as evidenced from photos over the last 10 decades from random cowboys to the Rat Pack to conventioneers, the cigar garners as much lore as anything else in Vegas. Smoking a great cigar is a leisurely pasttime and hey, that's what Vegas is all about.

There are still puff palaces where the cigar is celebrated and here are five places to smoke a cigar in Vegas.

1. Playboy Club -- With every visit here, I get more convinced that this must be like what heaven is like. On a recent trip I chilled in a booth and watched a few celebrities play big money blackjack while sipping on straight gin and smoking a cigar. Not to mention the bevy of bunnies all over the place. The decor (above) has this classic, sexy vibe that's perfect for bringing old-school Vegas alive in a modern environment with a cigar, a cocktail and a bunny tail.

2. Casa Fuente -- This cigar bar is an interesting concept located at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. If you recognize the name, it is affiliated with the Fuente family and in fact they roll a special cigar just for this location.

The ban forced smoking from the patio inside the shopping mecca to the inside confines of the cigar bar, but it's still a welcome oasis. Think about this, while your partner shops, you can chill, light up and even order a mojito. Brilliant.

3. Foundation Room -- If you're the exclusive type and you have a membership to the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, you can take the private elevator 43 stories to the top, head to the outdoor balcony and light up while enjoying too-cool-for-words views of the Strip (above).

Since it's a private club, I could have easily substituted the public views at VooDoo at Rio or ghostbar at Palms or even the carbon copy of the Foundation's balcony next door at Mix at THEhotel, but Foundation Room opens its doors to non-members on Monday nights for the Godspeed party. If you go and you got 'em, smoke 'em.

4. Scores -- This isn't your typical gentlemen's club. Sure, there are familiar sights, but the focus here is on indulgence. As an example, the club focuses on wine and champagne instead of the $2 kamikaze shots at other joints and cigars are part of that indulging luxury. In fact, Scores has a 'robusto' section for cigars on their Web site.

5. Havana Cigar Company -- There's a lot of testosterone on this list, so the last spot goes to a chill location at Lake Las Vegas where we can commune with man-made nature. Chicks with sticks are some of the more enticing sights known to man and this location at Montelago Village (they also have a location on Paradise) is a perfect place for unisex smoking.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Hard Rock -- The rocking places to smoke a cigar here are out by the pool and in the sports bar.

Fremont Street -- If your schedule allows a trip Downtown, wait until dark and then light up, walk around and soak in the neon (below) for an old-school Vegas vibe and live entertainment.

Golf Courses -- There are 50 in the area and the temperature isn't in the 100s yet, so enjoy.

BEST PLACES TO BUY A STICK
Most casinos have a humidor or a kiosk with cigars for sale. Davidoff (five locations) stands out, but one of the best casino stores is Cuba Libre at Hard Rock. If I'm hitting Nobu, Body English or a concert at The Joint and caught without my stash, I can duck into there for one of the classiest selections in town.

If you're going off-off-Strip, places like Tobacco Leaf (Southeast), Ideal (McCarran area) or Tinderbox (Northwest) have better pricec and pretty deep inventory on accessories. And all have some sort of online ordering.

For now it looks like cigar smoking and smoking in general are still tolerated. If the De-Vice Squad outlaws half-yard margaritas Downtown or slot machines in grocery stores, then there may be room for concern. Until that happens, I'm just going to keep on with my Fuente 858s and my Romeo y Julieta's Maduro Reserves and smoke 'em while I got 'em.

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It was Hugh Hefner's 80th birthday surprise performance in Paris by international queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, that landed her five nights of a special striptease engagement in Las Vegas at MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris.

Dita has just agreed to an April 15-20 run here when she will repeat the two seductive dance numbers that Hef applauded in the original European nightspot. The porcelain-faced, tiny-waisted sophisticated and glamorous woman -- newly separated from rocker Marilyn Manson -- was the first ever guest star in the legendary show's 55-year history. LUXE LIFE talked exclusively with Dita during a recent Victoria's Secret autograph session of her two-sided book on the art of undressing.


Dita, clad in a '40s look of high-heels, garter belt, stockings and corsets, has established a unique retro-style of classic vintage glamour. She told us how much she loved Vegas and thought that the true art of burlesque still had a valid place in Vegas nightlife. Now her dream to play the Strip is coming true. Dita will be seen in her oversized champagne glass, which serves as a bubble bath that Hef and his Girls Next Door went crazy for. Dita has made this bubble bath routine her own trademark and had performed it days earlier on the French Riviera during a double back and forth roundtrip jet flight from LA that we reported on LUXE LIFE.

In addition to a second surprise routine Dita will also join the troupe of beauties for the revived famous Jacques Morales finale disco song " We Are the Girls of Crazy Horse." Crazy Horse execs indicate Dita's guest run is the first of many similar significant events that mark the show's recent name change from "La Femme" over to MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris as a result of the Federal Government's successful prosecution case against the owners of the Crazy Horse Too strip club for tax evasion.

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It's shocking that a place with 400 all-you-can-eat buffets would top a list of America's fattest cities. Las Vegas rises to the apex of Men's Fitness magazine's ignoble annual list, edging out San Antonio and Miami.

The magazine ranked Albuquerque, New Mexico as the fittest city nationwide, followed by Seattle and Colorado Springs.

Men's Fitness didn't actually ride to the top of the Stratosphere Tower and count all the obese people waddling down the Strip. They reached their conclusions by measuring data that includes how much city residents exercise, how healthy they eat, how much they use gym memberships, how many times they hit the fast food drive-thru, and how much time they spend sitting in traffic. We probably won it on that last one alone.

The magazine says that seven out of 10 Las Vegas residents are so sedentary that doctors suggest they're putting their health at risk. There was more in the article, but I couldn't read it after my chili dog leaked all over the pages.

The X Girls are back and with just four days to curtain up and tops off, Luxe Life has the first exclusive photos of their provocative new burlesque show opening at the Flamingo on Monday.

It's all about beds, bathtubs and bungees for the six beautiful and talented topless dancers in the 90-minute production. The seductive show may smack of the style of traditional burlesque, but this is as modern as it comes with imaginative choreography, outrageous routines and funky energetic acrobatics. It's an eye-popping, intimate experience for the audience who really get up-close to Pharoah Fawcett, Sharon DeLove and one gorgeous girl in nothing but go-go boots and luminescent body paint!


The erotic X Girls -- twins Shakeera and Meeka, Brenda, Britney, Michelle, Yulia, Yelena, Olga and Melania join the Flamingo marquee names of singer Toni Braxton and comedy heavyweight George Wallace. "The X Girls are a talented group of gorgeous dancers and their new Burlesque project brings an energetic and sexy production to the resort," said Flamingo president, Don Marrandino. "We are excited to add this edgy show to our already dynamic line-up"

The new show is co-produced by the husband and wife team of Angela Sampras and Matt Stabile. "X has always been known for pushing the envelope and X Burlesque will take that to the next level," said Angela. "The dancers are amazing, the routines are unique and the tops are off."


During their previous run at the Desert Passage's V Theater, the talented temptresses had to use tape over certain areas, since licensing laws forbad topless nudity. The Monday thru Friday shows are at 10PM with bonus midnight performances on weekends!

COUNTDOWN TO HOFFAMANIA
It's just about 24 hours now as David Hasselhoff counts down to curtain up on 'The Producers' musical opening tomorrow night at the Paris Las Vegas. (Click here for our Hoff in Vegas photo tour.) Don't think of him as the strapping handsome hunk in the red swimsuit on the 'Baywatch' beach, because tomorrow he'll be in a wig, gown and high heels as an outrageously gay director -- the world's worst by the way -- in the Mel Brook's production which first saw life as a 1968 movie with Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel with British butler bloke Christopher Hewitt in David's high-heels! It then opened in New York in 2001 and went onto rack- up 12 Tony Awards -- the most ever in Broadway history -- with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The show is built around a 'Springtime for Hitler' musical comedy about the Furor and his 3rd Reich as the sure-fire flop two producers use as the baddest of bad ideas to defraud $2-million from their investors. Think of it as a fast moving 90-minute vaudeville and slapstick show, complete with flying and dancing girls and the sexiest secretary -- Ulla played by Leigh Zimmerman -- to ever use a shorthand for dictation! David, currently single after two marriages will have his teenage daughters, Hayley and Taylor-Ann, in the audience for the opening night. He plans to host the new upcoming season of NBC's 'America's Got Talent' while juggling 'The Producers' show schedule. We'll give you our full, opening night Luxe Life photo report on Monday.

SAMMY'S STAR
Hard to believe its almost 20 years since veteran Vegas showman, Sammy Davis Jr. died, but next Thursday, Feb. 15, he'll finally get honored on the: Las Vegas Walk of Stars, and his widow Altovise will be on hand at the Riviera Hotel to accept his star, which will be embedded into the sidewalk outside the resort a few days later. Born in Harlem, New York back in December 1925, Sammy was dancing by the age of three. After a U.S. Army stint he appeared in his first Broadway show in 1956 with Mr. Wonderful. He joined Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack of Vegas entertainers in 1959. Divorced from May Britt in 1968 he was married to Golden Boy dancer Altovise by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1970.

STAR COLORIST
Just as Luxe Life previously and exclusively reported, Michael Boychuck, colorist to the stars -- including Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky, Willa Ford, Kirsten Dunst and his newest client, Britney Spears -- has just started making magic at the spectacular new luxurious Qua Spa in the recently opened Augustus Tower at Caesars Palace. (Click here for our first QUA spa tour coverage.) He'll run the old salon there until his own-designed state-of-the-art ,15-chair salon completes construction and opens this summer. Caesar's President Gary Selesner (seen below with Michael), celebrated the new partnership at a RAO's dinner and said: "Our guests have come to expect the absolute best whether it be dining, gaming, entertainment, or with our hotel rooms and spa services. Michael is the perfect addition to our family of headline names and keeps us a cut above the competition." My friend Michael added: "Caesars has set new standards of excellence in the past few years. Now we're raising the bar in the salon-spa industry and I am thrilled to be part of it." He retains his partnership with George Maloof in the hot and hip AMP Salon at the Palms Casino Resort.



AT THE SPA WITH MARIO

'Dancing with the Stars' near-winner Mario Lopez took time out from his Miss America Pageant visit to checkout that brand new QUA super spa.


He loved the giant whirlpool soaking baths and the one of a kind artic-room, where snow actually falls gently on you as you rest on heated stone! Mario told Luxe Life: "I love Vegas. I come for the shows, the sports, the restaurants and the shopping, and now I'm coming for the spa. This was the perfect mini-vacation, squeezed in between Miss America and returning to Canada for a Christmas movie for Disney."

PLATINUM CHEF

A non-gaming, non-smoking new hotel would probably face an uphill challenge in Vegas, particularly when it's not in amongst the glitz and glamour of the action-packed star-studded casinos. But in this tale of two cities, it's a sanctuary of quiet, comfort and sophistication that's making a big noise, and all thanks to a remarkable new chef who is about to have star status conferred on him. Executive Chef Brent Hammer's edgy American cuisine with a remarkable difference has made him an overnight hero at the new 255-suite Platinum condo-hotel and spa; just a block and a bit east of the Bellagio and Caesars Palace strip intersection.

Brent (seen above), is just 30, and is daring with innovative creations featuring new twists on old favorites and with a whimsical humor to boot. His Elvis Pancakes at breakfast are made with peanut butter, bacon and bananas and at dinner One Mallard Duck that becomes a six-courses soup through entree in its own right or for dessert his Exploding Caramel Apples with apple-cider in the center! It really is a dining adventure unparalleled, and if you want to try everything on the menu but can't, he's even come up with micro-plate cuisine where you get everything on a miniaturized scale! His NY Sirloin Steak is even paired with four different premium single-malt scotches! Please don't think this is gimmick; it is serious culinary adventures and Brent is already emerging as the newest young culinary chef in a city filled with world-class kitchen czars! The self-taught chef told me: "I use luxe ingredients but I don't take myself seriously. I respect the food I work with. I simply fell in love with the kitchen. This is a fun adventure where my goal is to engage all the sense. I decided to abandon the traditional approach to food and incorporate all kinds of crazy twists but in the end it has to taste fantastic, and it does! I simply wanted to awe my guests and make dining with me the most joyful experience of their day." His sleek contemporary restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, overlooks the hotel pool and its stunning views of the Strip. Go check it out because I guarantee you that you've never seen a menu like this one, and once you've tasted the treats you'll return time and time again.

STRIP SCRIBBLES
I will take the credit for being the first to break the exclusive news that the explosive rock group Tool will be the first performers over two nights, starting March 15, at the new Pearl concert theater in the Palms. ... Barry Manilow returns to headline at the Hilton next Tuesday, but while he was away he appeared at New York's Madison Square Garden, where world-renowned saxophonist Dave Koz joined him for an impromptu duet. That led to Barry recording the old Henry Mancini-Andy Williams hit "Moon River" on Dave's new album, and I'm told that if Dave has a free night he's going to try and hop over to Sin City for a repeat performance. ... Also at the Hilton is my pal, Saturday Night Live veteran Joe Piscopo in an unlimited Shimmer Cabaret by-night run as of Sunday week (February 18) and by day he'll be working on his own production of the Joey Benefit movie to star actor Chazz Palminteri.

TONIGHT'S TIP
It's the official relaunch of Bounce at the Caramel ultra-lounge in the Bellagio with parties planned every Thursday night from now on. Keep your eyes open for the Hip Hop Honey's with some of today's sexiest hip-hop industry models. The Moody Blues begin a three-night-run of shows at the Hilton and the Jamz Cheer & Dance show cuts some fancy footwork at the Orleans Arena.

TOMORROW'S TEASE
A 10-year-dream comes true as a slew of stars jet in for the groundbreaking ceremony and the glittering Keep Memory Alive gala fund-raiser. Look out for 'Desperate Housewives' star Terri Hatcher, movie stars Kevin Spacey and Hilary Duff. Along with comedian Brad Garrett.

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While Miss America 2007, Oklahoma's 20-year-old Lauren Nelson was still being congratulated early this morning, at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino -- less than a quarter mile away, dethroned Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees won another title and crown.

And Rees, who's scandalous, girl-girl, nude sex photos on the Internet created shock waves felt around the world, had two words for everybody: "Hollywood baby!"

Call it one wild night for the pageant business in Vegas! This was a battle of the beauty queens as Lauren won the Miss America crown, a $50,000 scholarship and $100,000's worth of jewelry and fashion accessories, while Katie beat out several last-minute contestants and was voted Miss JET Las Vegas 2007, winning a crown, a scepter, a special sash, and even a dozen roses!


Marketing executives at the JET Nightclub in the Mirage dreamed up the "Hail to the Queen" party stunt to capitalize on all the real Miss America excitement around town. Jeff Beacher's Madhouse emcee Pete Giovine played the role of host, the same duty that Mario Lopez had just wrapped on the live Miss America broadcast for millions watching across the country. "It restores Katie's status as a true pageant professional," said Pete with a laugh.

It was a royal evening in a sense, because to ensure "the perfect look," she called on stylist to the stars, Michael Boychuck at his AMP salon in the Palms, and his top hair and makeup lady, Christy made the magic! Ironically Christy, as we reported yesterday in Luxe Life, had just turned down Prince's invitation for her to travel with him to Miami for this weekend's Super Bowl halftime concert. So Christy may have said NO to a Prince but she said YES to a princess!

The nightclub was packed for the event, and guests included Katie's parents and grandparents. Before the re-crowning coronation she had family and friends for dinner at Chef Brian Massie's STACK restaurant with "pigs in a blanket" for everybody as the main taste treat. But everybody saved room for the massive, three-tier "Hail to the Queen" cake made by Bellagio's pastry chef to the stars Jean-Philippe Maury.

"Several contestants showed up in a surprise appearance trying to snag the title away from Katie, but they were no match for the beautiful and talented former beauty queen," said a JET executive. To celebrate in style Katie danced to the music of celebrity DJ Ruckus and enjoying vodka on the rocks and taking kamikaze shots with all her fans until the pre-dawn hours this morning. But absolutely no repeat performance of the out of control behavior that wound up in the steamy sex- photo session on the internet that had mogul Miss USA Pageant owner Donald Trump yanking her title and crown; refusing to give her a second chance.

We asked Katie what she now wants. "Hollywood baby" she said firmly. "I'm going there and we'll make something beautiful happen out of what was a totally unfair mess for me. But that's in the past. I'm not looking back. I'm going forward and we'll try to have the success I wanted originally."

Katie Rees Kissing Video

More Miss Nevada USA News:
- Luxe Life: The Scandal Begins
- Vegas Pop: Hunting for Photos
- Luxe Life: Miss Nevada USA Loses Her Crown
- Luxe Life: Katie Rees to Speak Out & Strike Back
- Dry Heat: New Miss Nevada USA Speaks to Fox
- Luxe Life:Katie Rees Asks For Second Chance
- Luxe Life: Robin Leach Questions Katie Rees Over Sushi

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Keeping up with celebrities in Vegas is a full time job, especially if that celeb is Britney Spears. Ever since her quickie marriage to Jason Alexander back in 2004, it seems Britney has been 'oopsing' again and again all over Sin City.

To help archive the news of her exploits, we created "The Adventures of SIn City Britney." The comic-style photo gallery features reports from Robin Leach's Luxe Life and original art by Josh Latta at Lattaland.com.

Relive all of the golden oldies like the rise and fall of her friendship with Paris Hilton to the New Year's Eve "disco napping" story that Luxe Life first broke.

"We really wanted to bring a fresh twist to the news-archival process," said Vegas Pop's, Pit Boss, Fletch. "This is light years ahead of anything the 'Wall Street Journal' is doing. Historically, it will go down with the first time Perez Hilton took the brush tool to a celebrity pic in Photoshop."

Porn princess Sunset Thomas is one of Vegas' newest residents, and now hosts an Internet syndicated radio show from the Palomino Club here. In addition, she starred in the HBO TV series 'Cathouse.' Luxe Life asked her to tour the Adult Video Expo, act as our eyes and ears, and jot down her notes into a private diary. She took Luxe Life photographer Scott Doctor along for the convention day and here's the full report from Sunset's very own private diary:

In the 15 years I've worked in the adult industry, I can hardly remember missing an AVN convention. This year, however, marked the first time I represented the press and not the talent.

Seeing that I'm the youngest inductee in the AVN Hall of Fame, it was only fitting that the first person I bumped into was AVN President Paul Fishbein. The eternally, fresh-faced Fishbein was beaming as the convention hall was already bustling at 11AM.

Heading towards the Hustler booth I came upon my old friend Robin Byrd. The Robin Byrd Show has been airing on Manhattan Cable for 30 years! Anyone who's anyone in the adult industry has sat topless with her on TV. Robin flipped the script and interviewed me for a segment that will air sometime in the future.


The flashbacks just kept coming as I found myself at Nina Hartley's booth. Nina's got a new book out, 'Nina Hartley's Guide to Total Sex,' with an awesome cover by my favorite artist, Olivia. Nina was my mentor -- the single woman in the industry whom I truly admired when I was coming up. And, well, sex with Nina is total satisfaction...

It was already feeling like a family reunion and then I hit the Vivid booth and, viola,