Vegas Popular

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.

Barry Manilow has been filling the Las Vegas Hilton showroom since his "Music and Passion" show debuted in February of 2005. But apparently the Hilton wants to make sure that everybody knows where to find the pop superstar, hence the unveiling of the largest hand painted mural in Las Vegas. The 128' X 56'10" image of the man behind "Mandy" is now on display on the property's main tower.

It took five days to prepare and paint the mural, which towers over the city like a Copacabana colossus. And the company who created the mural promised that "just like Barry, it will have staying power-the elements can't affect it." Fans can sleep safe in the knowledge that Barry will not be felled by wind, rain, or pelting from disgruntled heavy metal fans. South Park viewers may already be counting the days until uber-Barry squares off against the Mecha-Streisand in a titanic battle for dominance on the Easy Listening charts.



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What would you give up to support cancer research? How about a head of hair? For some of us who have been sporting the Jean-Luc Picard look for years (and not necessarily by choice), that's not much of a sacrifice. But hopefully even the more follically-blessed will open their hearts and shave their heads at McMullen's Irish Pub on March 10.

The Pub has joined forces with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a volunteer-driven fundraising program that raises money by taking more than a little off the top. A whole day is planned to raise money and will feature both family-friendly afternoon festivities and late-night, adult-oriented antics. The fun starts at 4PM with clowns and magicians, but it's the barbers who will make your sideburns disappear.

And McMullen's proprietor and his family won't ask anyone to do something they're not willing to do themselves. Brian McMullen has promised that he and sons Ross (15) and Branagh (9), will shave their heads for childhood cancer research.

Nothing says family fun like forensic science, at least according to the one Las Vegas library.

If Vegas hasn't fully explored the marketing opportunities of its connection to CSI, it's probably because there's no easy way to link tourism to dismembered corpses, at least not since the old-school Vegas days when guys named Lefty ran the town.

But the West Las Vegas Library has invited kids ages 5-11 to join their Forensic Science Club. On February 5 at 4PM, pint-sized Grissoms and Willowses will learn how to use science to extract evidence, interpret clues and solve mysteries. Registration is suggested, the event is free, and participants need not bring their own cadavers.

When I first heard about this story, I had to check my wall calendar to make sure it was still 2007.

A war of signs has taken a turn for the stupid in a local labor dispute between Advanced Architectural Metals (AAM), a local company that provides metalwork for casinos, and a local carpenters union.

Last summer, Carpenter's Local 1977 hung a large picket sign that says "Shame on Lori Irish" -- the owner of AAM. They say she stopped paying benefits for the workers so they went on strike.

Pretty standard labor dispute stuff, right? People disagree and signs are made. I can't drive by a Wal-Mart in Vegas without seeing a picket line and "Shame on Wal-Mart" signs.

Apparently at some point in the dispute, somebody at AAM OK'd hanging two 20' signs at the business that read:

"CARPENTERS UNION MEMBERS ARE ALL HOMOSEXUALS AND THATS WHY THE IRON WORKERS ALL HAVE TO BEAT THEM UP!"

On how many levels is this sign wrong? Beyond the skillful, schoolyard-themed name calling, the signs encourage violence against people based on on sexual orientation, which federally is not a hate crime, but still. It's hard to believe that a company in this post-Matthew Shepard, current Isaiah Washington world, could be so successful and at the same time, so insensitive.

According to the ACLU, one way in which the sign is not wrong is in accordance with the First Amendment. While they the signs are shameful, they confirm that it's protected free speech.

Differences and diversity is what makes America, America and I'm sure there is frustration on both sides during a long labor dispute. However, I think if AAM would have just passed out T-shirts that read "Iron Workers Swing Harder Hammers," that would have been more effective. People would probably even pay for a shirt like that.

Regardless of how the duspute turns out, one thing is for sure, the "beat up gay carpenters" message is a tough sell.

More on the Story:
- KVBC: Video and Photos of the Sign

Always wanted to audition for Simon Cowell of 'American Idol' but afraid of what he might say about your singing?

Now in Vegas, you can get about as close to the experience as you're ever going to be save waiting in line for days to actually audition, strapping on a contestant number and risking face-to-face humiliation.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian launched the new 'American Idol' Interactive Wax Attraction featuring Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest to coincide with the premiere of the sixth season of 'American Idol' on FOX.

Using karaoke technology, guests can perform for the paraffin twins of Simon and Ryan. Humiliation can't be totally ruled out as Simon will give an "honest" critique and roll his glass eyes in his signature move.

We're dusting off 'When 2 Become 1' and practicing immediately.

Click here for more details from the press release.

Overweight comedy king Jeff Beacher (right) has set himself a 1-year-goal to lose 100 lbs and run in next year's 3rd annual Las Vegas Marathon. He's also promised a "NO SEX" rule, with a $200,000 penalty he'll shell out if he fails the challenge. He told Luxe Life: "Since I moved to Vegas three years ago I have gained over 100 lbs." He now weighs in at a dangerous 370 lbs! Beacher added: "I love Vegas, the people, the lifestyle; but I now know it's time to change. If I don't I will die and lose everything, I will transform myself from Hollywood Slob to Hollywood Heartthrob."

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is backing him in the arduous undertaking. The resort's Rock Spa trainers have created a special food and physical workout routine for him. Bernie Yuman, chairman of the Las Vegas Marathon has even hired him a dietician for proper meals and a running coach with personal trainer. Beacher is the 1st person signed on with the Las Vegas Road Runners club already for its official training program to enter next year's 26.2-mile Marathon. (Click here for all the Luxe Life reports of this year's Marathon last weekend.) He'll add a motivational psychotherapist if he starts slipping at any point of the 12-month life-change.

Beacher begins four days of running and two days of cross training when he returns from the weekend in Miami on Monday. "My lifestyle just hasn't been conducive to good health. Dining out several nights a week on high-calorie, high-fat meals could have been a killer," he said. "It's going to be a radical change to the way I've lived, but it has to be before it's too late. Most celebrities keep fit with power-workouts. Instead mine was power-eating." He confirmed that he's going to swear-off sex for the year-long battle and is even offering $100,000 to any female who breaks his vow of celibacy with a matching $100,000 to a charity." It's a total test of will power but at the end I'll be able to celebrate two successes! That's the ultimate goal: svelte, slimmed down and very sexy!"

Expect announcements early in the New Year of the return of the celebrity-studded regular series of Beacher's Madhouse events, in addition to the growing success of his Beacher's Rockhouse at Imperial Palace. He's also celebrating a double success: he was just named by prestigious industry publication Variety as being one of the 50 individuals who most influenced comedy in 2006. Jeff is right up there with Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughan, Adam Sandler, Jack Black, Steve Carell and Sacha Baron Cohen, better known as Borat. Rolling Stone also just named him "Best Showman on the Strip." "These are great achievements for a 32-year-old who came to Vegas three years ago with just a dream," he summed up. "But now in order to see it through I've got to save my life from the excessive one I have been living."

Who knew that when Nevada decided a non-Nevadan should paint out-going Governor Kenny Guinn's official portrait to hang in the state capitol, it would start an artistic journey -- a journey that would ultimately serve as an indictment on outsourcing.

Carson City barber and artist, Adam Baker, just finished that journey. He was in the running to paint the politico portrait, but the Nevada Arts Council went out-of-state. Baker saw it as an effect of outsourcing, but instead of the job being taken by someone in Bangalore, the job was taken by someone in Washington.

That journey lead the barber to all 50 US state capitol cities where he took his dejected Guinn portrait on a urinal tour. Lucky for us, he filmed his journey (Part 1 below) so we can share that journey with him.

I wonder who is going to get the Gibbons gig?

Enjoy.

For Parts 2-5 , visit YouTube.

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Masters of Illusion, Siegfried & Roy made real magic when they fulfilled a 1-year promise to lead the 2nd Great Santa Run challenge for the Opportunity Village fundraiser today. It'll be several days before Vegas knows if its turnout of almost 5,000 Santa's beats the current Guinness World Record held by the Beatles hometown of Liverpool, England. The temperatures nudged just over 60-degrees under clear blue sunny skies!

Not only did Roy walk the full mile course, but for the last quarter-of-a-mile he threw away his walking cane and did it all under his own power. Siegfried told me: "What I am seeing is a miracle. This is real magic." Mayor Oscar Goodman added: "This is another miracle of the Christmas season."

Click here for our previous Luxe Life story on how the doctors told Roy he might never walk or talk again after he was dragged off the stage of their theater at the Mirage 3 years ago on the eve of his birthday. Click here for our Luxe Life coverage of the recent Walk of Fame star given to the two Masters of Magic.

It all began on the main stage of Fremont Street downtown with dancers from Andre Agassi's elementary school helping warm up the Santa's as they signed up. Then they divided up into two groups, one for the 1-mile walks and the others for the 5K run.

I was honored to countdown the start of both races with sirens sounding to get the challenge underway. It's real touch-and-go between Vegas and the Merseyside city. Earlier this week the Mayor of Liverpool claimed 5000 Santa's and Guinness officials are now double-checking, qualifying and disqualifying certain entrant counts. When Vegas run officials handed out the 4,500 number there was excited cheering, with dozens of other waiting runners having to officially register after the 1-mile and 5K races. Guinness officials will then verify all and report with the verdict within the next week.

Vegas certainly now holds the record for the largest Santa gathering anywhere in America!

Said Mayor Goodman: "I think our turnout is great! It's a real challenge. The Mayor of Liverpool said they would kick our butt. I said "NO WAY" Las Vegas will have over 4,500 people here." Then he added with a joke: "I've made contingency plans anyway. If it's a hair length's difference I'll release 300 people from the jail. Seriously though, it looks like we will break the world record."

Then the Merry Mayor of Mirth added: "This 1 mile walk by Roy is one of the most awesome occasions in Vegas history. They are iconic. Nobody can ever detract from their greatness and the fact that they've come back this far when people had written poor Roy off is a miracle and this is the season of miracles isn't it."

Siegfried commented: "Roy really wanted to do this for an entire year. Last year he just couldn't attend the st one so he made a promise to do it this year for the 2nd one, and he kept the promise. I forgot all about it to be honest but a week ago he said it was time. I actually tried to discourage him because this is not an easy task. But he insisted he'd promised and it was his goal to do it -- and he did it. Now it's a real miracle for me the entire year, the three years has been a miracle. You know I am an illusionist. Magic has been my entire life -- but with this now I feel and see real magic everyday."

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The world-record for the most red-suited Santa Claus gathered in one spot looks set to be shattered and claimed by Vegas during the Great Santa Run. Tomorrow morning, I'll be celebrity emcee for Opportunity Village, our beloved local charity assisting the intellectually challenged residents of our Valley, when for the 2nd year we'll challenge The Beatles old hometown of Liverpool, which holds the Guinness World Book record of 3,991 Father Christmases. Last year, Vegas only fielded 3,000 red-coated revelers, but going into battle this week we did have 4,500 folks signed up. But we'll take all the last-minute entrants we can find to ensure our superiority!

Linda Smith, Opportunity's head honcho told me: "we're going to make this an annual fund-raiser so we will absolutely break the record, claim the title and live up to our slogan that 'what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' to keep the record here for evermore." So, come on down to the Fremont Street Experience and jingle with Kris Kringle on a 1K walk. I know it's an 8AM start-time, but just for once get out of bed early on the weekend. You'll have to do that anyway if you're taking part in our 2nd Marathon on Sunday morning, the 26.2 mile starts and ends in the parking lot of the Mandalay Bay convention center parking lot.

PUT ON YOUR RUNNING SHOES
For the past 10 days we've had 10-gallon hats galore with more than 50,000 cowboy visitors spending over $50 million on their 22nd National Finals Rodeo. The events have included bull-riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bareback and saddle bronco riding with $5-million in prizes. But, as they head to the airport early Sunday they'll look on in total amazement as 15,000 runners brave 30-degree temperatures for the chilly 6AM Las Vegas Marathon start. Another 10,000 runners will compete in the new Half-Marathon!


I'm betting there'll even be a few-late night parties weaving their way through the pre-dawn spectacle, since parts of the Strip will be closed for the event. Only in Vegas at sunup could you have cheerleading squads, singers, showgirls, school kids and stars all come out to cheer on the challengers who will include cancer and heart-attack survivors, 20 wheelchair racers and at least 3-0-runners dressed as Elvis with another 10 as Marilyn Monroe!

Part-way round the course at Mile 5 there'll even be a mobile wedding chapel setup for couples to renew their vows while running complete with slices of wedding cake and a jogging minister! Fireworks will explode in the pre-dawn darkness over the Strip as the starter's pistol is fired so that's your signal to turn out and cheer the marathon mavens onto faster speeds than last year. At each mile interval there will be various entertainment attractions that you'd never see on the Boston or New York City marathon routes! And there's even a betting line at the Mandalay Bay gaming center!

Last year two Kenyans -- Stephen Kiogora and Titus Munji beat out 3 Ethiopian runners for the top two slots, with the winner averaging 5-minute miles, coming in at 2hr 11min 56 secs. He got the $100,000 prize (contrast that with his country's annual average pay of $700) but missed out on the $1.25 million new-record bonus by 7 minutes. The winning $100,000 female runner was Adriana Fernandez of Mexico, with Polish runner Dorota Gruce a heartbreaking hair length behind (both recording 2hrs 31 minutes 54 secs). No question that this extraordinary event has become both an annual part of the regular marathon circuit and a new yearly entertainment attraction for Vegas

NEW YEAR MEGA-STARS
Although the eyes of the USA will be on Vegas again late January for the 2nd Sin City hosted Miss America beauty pageant at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood the eyes of the world will really watching for

Volunteers are seriously needed early Saturday morning for the Great Santa Run. Las Vegas has to beat the city of Liverpool England in order to exceed their current world record that is in the Guinness Book of Records. And as we post this on Vegas Pop, I regret to inform you we are 1,000 Santas less than Liverpool fielded 12-months ago. We cannot possibly be humiliated with a loss!! Here are the facts, and just the facts ma'am:

Opportunity Village presents THE SECOND ANNUAL LAS VEGAS GREAT SANTA RUN

WHAT: Opportunity Village attempts to break the world record for the Largest Santa Gathering with The Las Vegas Great Santa Run and Kris Kringle Jingle at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2006, at the Fremont Street Experience.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006 10 a.m.

WHO: Opportunity Village spokesperson, Linda Smith (Chief Development Officer), Head Santa and Honorary Chairman, Mayor Oscar Goodman, Honorary Celebrity Race Chairman, Robin Leach -- yes yours truly, up and at 'em early for the weekend challenge!

WHERE: Fremont Street Experience, Downtown.

DETAILS: 7:30 a.m. -- Check-in begins; 9:15 a.m. -- Announcements from Mayor Oscar Goodman and Robin Leach; 9:30 a.m. -- Morning stretch lead by Curves; 10:00 a.m. -- 5K Las Vegas Great Santa Run begins; 10:10 a.m. -- 1 mile Kris Kringle Jingle begins.

So, please turn out by the hundreds. Bring everybody on your block. Bring all your AOL buddies. Bring the family and the next-door neighbors. If you're straggling home late from the nightclubs, come wakeup with us. If you're on your way to work, get in late because you'll have the perfect excuse if you run the Santa race first. We definitely need your help so we win one for the record books!!!

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run serves as the official warm-up event for the 2nd Annual Las Vegas Marathon being held Sunday morning 6AM, ( Dec 10) with over 15,000 registered runners from around the world. The Santa Run is also a fundraising effort to benefit Opportunity Village the most beloved charity serving intellectually challenged children and adults here -- and is an official charity of the New Las Vegas Marathon.

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The mysteries of the heavily-fortressed secret military installation near here known as Area 51 have intrigued for many years, and UFO fanatics swear it's where the US Government hides captured flying saucers and aliens. Certainly there's suspicious mysterious activity, but nobody has a wilder tale to tell than Flamingo Hilton valet John Hein (left). Luxe Life makes no comment whatsoever and just tells the story as it's reported:

Hein has been trying to find out what happened to him for a missing two hours while driving in the Mojave National Preserve. He sought out hypnotists Terry Stokes and Michael John's who star in Hypnosis Gone Wild at the Harmon Theater in the renovated Aladdin's Miracle Mile. My pal, producer-writer George Ciccarone filmed the experience for an upcoming 'Inside Edition' TV segment. Under hypnosis, Hein told a chilling story of how he became stranded in a strange thick green fog and was immobilized by a "kind of a giant preying mantis-looking creature" in a surgical center. Said hypnotist Michael Johns: "I've never worked with anyone before that claimed they were abducted by aliens. He was on the verge of tears and very emotional. I can tell you that he sincerely believed it did happen. It's a very interesting case. The other hypnotist Terry Stokes added: "I believe that he believes it is true. He was definitely not faking anything." Hein summed up: "The two hypnotists really helped me. It was an emotional experience but hopefully now finally finding out what happened can end my weird dreams."



FASHION ANIMALS
How could I resist photos of two of Vegas' top purveyors of grapevine gossip when they

Took this pic at a stoplight on Eastern the other day. This is how the Nevada Pigeon Control rolls:

Which, after a little research, shocking seems pretty standard. There's also something called Terror Eyes. It all begs the questions, if you have a flying rodent infestation, is it more humane to shock them a little bit, or scare the crap out of them?

I now have officially written more about pigeon control than I ever thought I would in my whole life. A picture really is worth a thousand words, or in the case of the word count of this post, 103 words.

Instead of writing an op/ed piece about monuments and progress, I decided to offer tribute with these haikus inspired by photos I snapped during the Stardust's last weekend of business.

The first one wrote itself, well at least 41% of itself:

in these latter days
new stardust book on sale
lost irony found

shadows trace the past
physics of our histories
temporary scribes