Las Vegas Weekly

September 4, 2008 · 4:10 PM

Celebrations, Strip sightings and tonight’s tease

By Robin Leach

* Monks from various Buddhist temples throughout the valley planned to gather this morning at the BODIES exhibit in the Luxor resort casino. They are performing an ancient Buddhist benediction blessing on all 13 whole-body specimens in the all-new exhibition because they believe that each body, living or dead, has a spirit. The purpose of it is to inform the spirits that their physical bodies are not being punished, but rather being used for educational purposes and that the modern era allows their bodies to be preserved in a respectful manner.

* Veteran comedian Paul Rodriguez, who for more than 20 years has brought his wit and charm to a wide-ranging fan base through film, television and live stand-up, has gone all-in as the host of The Real Deal, the first live, interactive poker-themed stage show set to debut at The Venetian on Oct. 22 after previews start Oct. 14. Paul joins The Real Deal roster of renowned poker pros as stars of the unique technology-driven show that will run six days a week in The Venetian Showroom and gives the entire audience the opportunity to get in the game with such big names as Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negraneu, Phil Hellmuth and many others.

* Congratulations to Palms hotel tycoon George Maloof on his birthday -- and also to our mutual pal Michael Boychuck from the Amp and Primp Salons there. Michael celebrated his birthday at Postrio in the Venetian with a bevy of blondes, including his Crazy Girl wife Karen Raider, Sunset Tan’s Janelle Perry, makeup princess Rain Andreani, hotelier Toni Fitts, plus musical singing duo Zowie Bowie, Crazy Girls producer Norbert Aleman and yours truly. Siegfried & Roy dined at a nearby table and sent champagne over to add to the fun. Michael told us that Paris Hilton’s best friend, designer Faye Reznick, who decorated his Color’s salon at Caesars Palace, will now also transform his two Palms outlets! Vince Neil has donated one of his guitars to give it a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and Paris, his No. 1 hair color client, is decorating with a series of picture and photo frames that match those in her own home!

* Incidentally, congratulations are also in order for Norbert as he relinquishes his long run as “most eligible bachelor” on the Strip and gets married to knock-out Vegas dancer Jennifer Stowe on Sept. 19. I’ve asked Norbert to ensure his Crazy Girls show up after their Riviera show as the bridesmaids dressed in white!

* Star Surveillance: Illusionist David Copperfield treated a lady friend to a late-night romantic dinner at Social House in Treasure Island, snacking on Kobe sliders and chicken teriyaki in the swanky birdcage lounge of the sushi sensation ... Actor Matt Lillard lounged at the chic Venus Pool club oasis in Caesars Palace cooling off in the pool while sipping pina coladas while Lakers basketball star Lamar Odom took over a deluxe cabana and stuck to Heineken beer ... Celebrating their recent win on MTV’s hit show America’s Best Dance Crew, SuperCrew joined the party fun at the Cathouse ultra-lingerie lounge in the Luxor. Members of Sugarhill Gang were at another table in the unique Kerry Simon restaurant and nightlife hotspot. (PHOTOS)

Photo: Cathouse

The Sugarhill Gang at Cathouse.

Photo: Cathouse

Super Crew at Cathouse.

Tonight's tip:

It’s a rock triple-header at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay with Motorhead and their special guests, Misfits and Airbourne ... With all of TV’s dance shows, it's little wonder that “soft shoe shuffles” have boomed all over again, and if the Latin rhythms of the tango and salsa grab your groove, go watch the best dancers in town perform at the Salsero in the South Point resort, learn their secrets and then go for it yourself!

Tomorrow's tease

Paris Hilton and rocker beaufriend Benji Madden are cuddled up cozily hand-in-hand during their four days out and about in Vegas and we’ve got all the up-close and intimate photos to explain why a lot of people thought they were suddenly about to get married here! Mr. Olympia is returning to town -- and Luxe Life has the advance look at the mighty men of muscle, plus we’ll join the mayor and his showgirls at a restaurant gala and discover a unique new taste treat at the Palms.

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