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The Playground

Work is hard. Everybody needs recess.

02.28.10 · 1:45 AM

Why I love left turns, or, memories of NASCAR

Yes, it’s a bunch of cars driving in circles, but NASCAR isn’t just a series of left turns. Involved is a lot of strategy – when to take pit stops, what tiny tweaks to make to your car, when to make moves against your dozens of competitors. As a lapsed fan of competitive racing, it disappoints me when others discredit it. I spent my youth in Tucson, Arizona, where each weekend my father and I would drive out to the ... Read more...

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02.23.10 · 6:15 PM

Chinese New Year sights and sounds

An eggroll is placed into oil, sizzling and crackling as it quickly turns golden brown. A tambourine jingles in the hands of a young dancer, accenting the flash of her bright orange and yellow costume as she turns. A whip cracks in the air, the mighty sound only outdone in intensity by the look of determination on the man cracking the whip. Wind whips through the accoutrement on vendors’ tables, rattling plastic beads and paper signs advertising deals in broken ... Read more...

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02.12.10 · 3:45 PM

Club-worthy shopping

If you haven’t already figured it out by the glut of fashion-related parties appearing on your social calendar of late, then you should know that the semi-annual MAGIC and PROJECT conventions will be descending upon us next week, February 16-18. And if you’ve ever been to the convention floor, then you know that it’s really only on the last day that the vendors actually vend, that is that they unload their demo clothes for cheap, and even then, not everyone ... Read more...

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02.12.10 · 12:30 PM

Be my Valentweet

Saying “BE MINE” simply isn’t enough anymore. Romance has gone 2.0, upgraded from the beta days of chivalry and sonnets, and even those iconic Valentine’s Day treats known as candy hearts (or conversation hearts) have been affected. Case in point: “TWEET ME,” the latest phrase to be found splashed across a candy heart. I know I shouldn’t be surprised. NECCO introduced “FAX ME” into their Sweethearts brand during the early ’90s, and “TEXT ME” was used by other brands years ... Read more...

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02.10.10 · 5:37 PM

Win tickets to Sinbad live!

Win free tickets from Las Vegas Weekly to see Sinbad live at the Treasure Island Theatre on Friday, February 19th! American actor and comedian Sinbad rose to popularity in the ’80s and ’90s, beginning his career as a regular on Star Search. Like many performers on the famous talent show, Sinbad was noticed by America and, more importantly, Hollywood. He transitioned from comedy into the world of acting with his first gig on The Cosby Show spin-off A Different World. ... Read more...

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02.8.10 · 12:58 PM

Rugby - it’s good for you!

I can’t fully express how excited I was to hear that Las Vegas has become the home of the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival. I’ve played the game myself, and I can attest to how amazing it is to be a part of, whether you’re watching or participating. In 2002, I played the lock position for the San Luis Obispo Rugby Football Club, and despite never having played the game before I had an absolute blast. Not that ... Read more...

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02.6.10 · 11:33 AM

UFC 109: Where to watch and where to party

UFC 109 features a battle between veteran fighters Mark Coleman and Randy Couture. If you didn’t get your ticket to the fight at Mandalay Bay, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch every kick and punch at one of Las Vegas’ many sports bars around town that will be showing the fights. Be sure to get there early to catch all the action from earlier fights between Paulo Thiago and Mick Swick and Nate Marquhardt and Chael Sonnen. After ... Read more...

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02.5.10 · 7 PM

The men of Women’s Philanthropy (Wait, is that Oscar Goodman?!)

The Women’s Philanthropy division of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas held its 2010 United Luncheon Thursday, February 4 in the Latour Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas. The eagerly anticipated annual fashion show threw the spotlight on familiar faces from among the philanthropic community—as well as a few surprises. Just as the ladies began lunching, tucking into a delicate beet salad, the room thrilled to see the afternoon’s festivities kicked off by a svelte, Rehab-ready Mayor Oscar Goodman, sporting vibrantly ... Read more...

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02.5.10 · 5:23 PM

The Avenging Unicorn and Sandy Bologna at Punk Rock Bingo

There was a unicorn impaling a mime. And I wanted it. With four interchangeable magical horns possessing separate unique powers, plus a new-age bookstore lady and an arrogant businessman just waiting to be speared by the mythical creature, I reverted to a child-like state of whining, a gimmie-gimmie version of Deanna. The Avenging Unicorn was, hands down, the coolest play-set ever. But I’m getting ahead of myself and forgetting Dance Hits with Blossom, fake blood capsules, a bondage doll and ... Read more...

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02.3.10 · 11:40 AM

Luck be a partially-clad lady

While Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace makes ready for crooner Matt Goss’ March arrival, Cleo still displays the goods for gamblers in need of luck. Go ahead. Give ‘em a rub, boys. Read more...

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02.2.10 · 5:06 PM

Hey Obama, how about a poker class?

In the few hours since President Obama slipped another Las Vegas dig into a speech today at his New Hampshire town hall, local politicos and just plain locals have whipped themselves into a frenzy. “This isn’t how responsible families do their budgets,” the President said. “When times are tough, you tighten your belts. You don’t go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage. You don’t blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you’re trying to save ... Read more...

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02.2.10 · 1:03 PM

Schmear campaign: Vote for your favorite bagel

While we can’t get on board with every arbitrary holiday (Read in the Bathtub Day is Feb. 9. Really?), some are worthy of an endorsement. One that certainly deserves it is National Bagel Day on Feb. 9 — especially when accompanied by a tasty promotion from Panera Bread. From now until next Tuesday, head to your favorite Panera location and vote for your favorite bagel. Choose wisely, because Panera will be offering the winning bagel as a complimentary snack to ... Read more...

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Featured Cocktail

Cocktail of the Week May 15, 2013
by Sabrina Chapman

The Golden Pillar: An architectural cocktail built for XS

This Sunday, XS nightclub celebrates the grand reopening of its after-dark pool party, Night Swim. Along with the bash comes a new offering of signature cocktails served by the pitcher, ...
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