John Katsilometes
Story Archive
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'Nitro Circus Live' is meticulously planned -- to a point
Sunday, June 5, 2011 "Nitro Circus Live" was tightly scripted for a 3-D movie project, but that didn't account for all the moments of danger at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
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Like a bag of microwave popcorn, Criss Angel's reach is expanding
Wednesday, June 1, 2011 Criss Angel is reaching American living rooms in a new way, hawking microwave popcorn that turns into a bowl under high heat.
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With opening of Nikki Beach and Club Nikki, Trop shows it is ready for some serious fun
Friday, May 27, 2011 Nikki Beach and Club Nikki celebrated its grand opening Thursday, showing that the Tropicana can balance Old Vegas with a contemporary South Beach vibe.
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With 'Glee' and Billboard Awards showcases, MGM Resorts reminds us of its arena advantage
Monday, May 23, 2011 Two high-profile shows played two MGM Resorts arenas over the weekend, and "Glee! Live in Concert!" and the Billboard Music Awards reinforced the company's identity as Las Vegas' arena show leader.
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USA Today's best of Las Vegas list shows a fountain of options
Friday, May 20, 2011 USA Today has assembled a list celebrating Las Vegas that gives equal attention to the Fountains of Bellagio, Las Vegas Premium Outlets and Spearmint Rhino. Out today is the second installment of the publication’s “best of” Las Vegas series.
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A dichotomy unfolds at Sahara and Tropicana; a birthday to celebrate for a Vegas matriarch
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 As the Sahara fell dark for the first night since 1952, the ample investment at Tropicana became evident during a spin through Bacio and the soon-to-open Club Nikki and Nikki Beach.
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A Runnin' Rebel helps lead the Sahara to the final horn
Monday, May 16, 2011 Tony Smith was a shooting guard on Jerry Tarkanian's first Final Four team, the 1976-'77 Runnin' Rebels.
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Sahara isn't so much closing as ebbing away
Sunday, May 15, 2011 There has been no revelry and little nostalgia to celebrate the Sahara's final weekend of operations, but a group of friends whooped up the final order at the bar outside House of Lords.
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Hundreds descend on Sahara, take the money (or not) and run
Saturday, May 14, 2011 More than $31,000 was given away during a cash giveaway Friday night at the Sahara, one of the events marking the final weekend of the 59-year-old resort.
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Cash winnings, if not a full menu, to be had at soon-to-close Sahara
Friday, May 13, 2011 Having checked into the Sahara for the resort's final weekend, we learn that House of Lords might not make it to Saturday night, but dozens of lucky ticket-holders will win $500 apiece in a splendid cash giveaway.
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With new CD release, Michael Grimm still sees 'AGT' title as a surreal deal
Thursday, May 12, 2011 Michael Grimm's latest CD, with Epic Records, is simply titled "Michael Grimm" and features duets with Ann Wilson and Travis Tritt.
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Jeff Timmons bridges 98 Degrees, hoops and Chippendales; David Cassidy has ideas about Vegas return
Thursday, May 12, 2011 Jeff Timmons talked Chippendales, but not before talking LeBron James, during his appearance on Kats With the Dish. What else? David Cassidy has plans for a return to Las Vegas.
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Notes: Charlie Sheen's jab at the Palms; Flavor Flav's chicken deal not a done deal; Wayner meets the Pope
Thursday, May 5, 2011 In an interview before walking the red carpet, Charlie Sheen dovetailed into a quick swipe at the Palms, where he stayed in January during the AVN Awards.
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In Steve Martin's hands, the banjo blends bluegrass and comedy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 The Steep Canyon Rangers are a fantastic bluegrass band, boosted by Martin's involvement. The result was a night of laughs and great music at the Mirage. Comics inspired by Martin have taken note of this theater tour, hearing through the comedic network that Martin was using material in the show. The question was, how much?
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Pooch parade takes over Orleans Arena in 'Best in Show' doggie adoption event
Sunday, May 1, 2011 A Bloodhound named Alabama took the top prize in the annual "Best in Show" at Orleans Arena, which adopted out 54 canines to benefit Animal Foundation and Lied Animal Shelter.
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Charlie Sheen shows up, poses, brandishes a lollipop, hits the club -- everybody wins!
Sunday, May 1, 2011 Charlie Sheen made it from San Francisco to Chateau Nightclub in seemingly good repair, much to the satisfaction of club reps who were thrilled to have him host a night at the club in his first Vegas appearance in 4 months.
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A moment with Steve Martin, where we learn that even in a bluegrass show, there is room for 'King Tut'
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 Steve Martin is a banjo and bluegrass devotee and frequently incorporated the instrument in his stand-up act. At the Mirage, it will be mostly music, with a visit from "King Tut."
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Gladys Knight on an important title change and why her show is so 'raw'
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Gladys Knight says Merle "Bubba" Pipp is still in her stage show as comic relief because, as her mother used to say, "You've missed your calling."
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Lewis Black plays the Mirage, and, wow, if he doesn't have company
Sunday, April 24, 2011 In an appearance Saturday night at the Mirage, Lewis Black verbally dissected an audience member with his own dreams of show business. What motivates such an individual?
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In first Colosseum show, Janet Jackson goes solo -- and so does her wardrobe
Saturday, April 23, 2011 Cher changed stage costumes at least 13 times during her shows at the Colosseum. In her opening show at Caesars on Friday, Janet Jackson's total: one.
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Clint Holmes a hit with star-studded audience and the New York Times in Feinstein's appearance
Saturday, April 23, 2011 Clint Holmes won repeated standing ovations and a strong review from the New York Times during his four-show headlining gig at Feinstein's at Lowes Regency in New York.
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'Broadway Bares' is a different sort of midnight mass
Friday, April 22, 2011 "Broadway Bares" is an offshoot of "Broadway Cares," founded 20 years ago by Jerry Mitchell in New York. The AIDS/HIV charity event is all about late-night fun.
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Laugh factory: Notes from 'Sin City Comedy,' Romano at Mirage, Carvey and Garrett
Thursday, April 21, 2011 "Sin City Comedy" producer John Padon is assembling an only-in-Vegas cast for his proposed series, including comic Carl Labove, two seductive burlesque dancers and even Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses.
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Post-Santana Joint to be filled one night at a time
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 As of May 1, the Joint is losing Carlos Santana and his Supernatural: A Trip Through The Hits. How will the venue be filled? One night at a time.
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'Pawn Star' Big Hoss, free of Big Bear incident, says he has no beef with anyone
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 Corey Harrison got into a verbal dust-up with a bar patron in Big Bear, Calif., in March. The case has finally been dropped. “Big Hoss” was not in a plying mood on the night of March 20 at Murray’s Saloon & Eatery. The outcome was that there was an argument. There was some swearing. A bouncer wound up calling law enforcement (a single cop) to the scene.
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For a change, Carrot Top plays it straight
Sunday, April 17, 2011 Carrot Top has worn his orange hair in curls since he started his stand-up career 20 years ago, but for a Las Vegas Magazine shoot, he allowed it to be ironed flat. The results were astonishing.
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From 'flipper' Jeff Lewis: Don't get so emotionally attached to your home
Friday, April 15, 2011 Jeff Lewis sold his own home in October. He lost a few hundred thousand dollars, but then was on to the next big purchase.
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Notes: Dana Carvey takes on Charlie Sheen; Macca books MGM Grand; Flavor Flav's Riv pitch takes wing
Friday, April 15, 2011 During an interview on the latest episode of "Kats With the Dish," Dana Carvey morphs Jack Nicholson with Johnny Carson and comes up ... a winner.
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Notes: Heat rises from Mirage; Zowie Bowie keeps it real at GVR; AIDS charities prep for events
Thursday, April 14, 2011 Felix Rappaport likes to improve hotels, not babysit them, so expect massive changes in the restaurant lineup and a tweak to the entertainment approach at Mirage
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Dave Rice, once a teacher in sweats, has grown into a coach in a suit
Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Amid his long run as a UNLV assistant coach, Dave Rice was known as a great student -- and teacher -- of the game. Today, he's in charge of the entire Runnin' Rebel program.
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Hef at 85: 'Age is just a number'
Sunday, April 10, 2011 Hugh Hefner's mother lived to be 101 years old. He attributes his longevity to "good genes," a youthful attitude toward life and his young loved ones.
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With all this wackiness, the show must be called 'Vintage Vegas'
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Zowie Bowie -- Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor -- showed up in Vegas to open Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort in 2006. Drama has since ensued.
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Lessons in crowd control and audience growth from ACM Awards, Michael Jordan tournament
Monday, April 4, 2011 Shadow Creek Golf Course was overrun by autograph hounds -- at least for one day -- while at the ACM Awards, the crowd can never be big enough.
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Academy of Country Music dishes its awards, but whoa -- there are trophies left over!
Monday, April 4, 2011 Steven Tyler joined Carrie Underwood for a rowdy version of "Walk This Way." It was fun. But was it really country?
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As Texas makes its move, ACM Awards plays Vegas
Friday, April 1, 2011 The Academy of Country Music is bringing its show back to Vegas and plans for it to be here in 2012, but what about 2013?
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Remembering attack, Anna Nateece says, 'I didn't know whether I was alive or dead'
Thursday, March 31, 2011 Anna Nateece walked out of the CVS on Charleston and Durango and was attacked by a man who left her bruised and bloodied. “I’m shaking just talking about it,” Nateece said today in a phone conversation.
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Sake Fever? Felix Rappaport has it! Also, O'Neil tribute set; Fayne brings bio show to Starbright
Thursday, March 31, 2011 Felix Rappaport was a young man living in Philadelphia when he discovered the unique cuisine of Japan at a sushi restaurant not far from the city.
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As basketball's greatest player, Michael Jordan still confounded by golf; Experience opening's a mob scene
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Looking as fit as he did during his playing career, Michael Jordan said he's glad he has moved his pro-am to Vegas -- and that he took up basketball before golf.
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Rain shows might mark new reign for Spears; Fator says new puppet really is fabulous
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Britney Spears' professional nadir may have been the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Friday night, she did her best to dispel those memories.
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In the shadows of Shadow Creek: ‘There’s no cleavage here’
Sunday, March 27, 2011 Shadow Creek might not be as sexy as a showgirl with a low-plunging gown, but she’s got curves. She’s gorgeous, not garish, more Pebble Beach than “Peepshow.” She’s Vegas, but not exactly Vegas.
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Dr. Feelbad? Vince Neil goes away mad at the Las Vegas Hilton
Friday, March 25, 2011 The arm gave him away. All those tattoos. A forearm stained almost totally in ink. It was the arm of Vince Neil. The extended right index finger, also, was of Vince Neil. And that unmistakably high-pitched voice, of course, was that of Vince Neil.
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Popular radio personality Scotty O'Neil collapses, dies onstage during Bono show at South Point
Thursday, March 24, 2011 Lorraine Hunt-Bono says nothing seemed amiss as she met with her husband, Dennis Bono, and Scotty O'Neil before today's broadcast from South Point Showroom.
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She was a worldwide superstar, but Elizabeth Taylor was first and foremost an actress
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 Elizabeth Taylor made news away from the screen for her personal life, including two rocky marriages to Richard Burton, but film scholars also will remember her grace and versatility onscreen.
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On the dial: Human Nature's days with Michael Jackson; Hal Sparks recalls 'Queer As Folk'
Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Midway through the March 11 episode of "Kats With the Dish," Human Nature sings something remarkable.
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At The Mob Museum: A dead mobster, a barber chair -- and a mini-controversy
Monday, March 21, 2011 Readers have adamantly claimed that the infamous barber chair in which mobster Albert Anastasia was shot and killed and the chair to be displayed at The Mob Museum are not the same. But they are, city of Las Vegas officials say. They do look different, with the new chair’s footrest appearing to show a flat metal surface. The old photo shows the footrest as padded.
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Transmission from MGM Grand: This is your dad's Bon Jovi
Monday, March 21, 2011 Jon Bon Jovi reminded the audience where they were and when they were there. The audience roared its approval.
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In the face of driving concerns, Vince Neil says not to worry
Sunday, March 20, 2011 Vince Neil was released from house arrest March 8; how he's been getting around since has been a point of concern.
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With a shot of 'Absinthe,' Caesars Palace goes with a throwback
Thursday, March 17, 2011 It's a circus, in many ways, but it's not for the kids.
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Celine Dion, the tie that binds, makes a resounding return to Caesars Palace
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Celine Dion opened with Journey and closed with her ode to "Titanic." In between was a splash of great staging and Dion's own flawless voice.
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At 85, Jerry Lewis remains a true Las Vegan
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 It is mid-October, and it is smooth sailing for Jerry Lewis as he lounges in his home-away-from-home, the yacht Sam’s Place, docked in the San Diego marina. The craft is named for his wife of 32 years, SanDee. “Sam” is a catchy nickname. She was with Lewis for the entire MDA Labor Day Telethon, when Lewis nearly collapsed at the end of the show.