Catastrophic Fire Possible on Mount Charleston

The scars from last summer's Cathedral fire can still be seen at Mount Charleston. UNLV scientists believe each year brings higher chances for a catastrophic fire in that community.

UNLV graduate students measure the diameter of trees at a research plot. Overseeing them is ecologist Scott Abella.

Stumps show where two large trees grew 100 years ago. The woods are now filled with trees which may be too much of a good thing.
"Major increase in the density of the forest, so a lot more trees today than a hundred years ago, so a lot more fuel. When we do have a fire today, it can pretty much take everything out," said Dr. Scott Abella, UNLV ecologist.
Abella's team hikes to the starting point of last year's Cathedral fire. Only the underbrush should have burned, instead, tall, dead trees remain.
"Because we've been so good at actually stopping these fires, we've had this tremendous fuel buildup," he said.
UNLV's scientific data shows wildfire fuel once burned off every two years. Without that, Abella says it's time to cut down some of these smaller trees.
"It actually costs about several hundred dollars per acre. These trees are fairly small. They need to be cut. There's very little market for them. It's not like we can get lumber from these trees. Again, in the long run. That's much cheaper than continuing to fight these fires," he said.
Abella's students keep studying Mount Charleston's forests, hoping to pinpoint the right areas to create fire breaks trying to prevent future catastrophic blazes.
"I still see myself collecting as much data as I can, researching, trying to get the forest to mimic the past forests, what it used to be like, and trying to restore it," said Ken Chittick, UNLV graduate student.
"I want to protect the forest and really all wilderness for future generations," said Sylvia Tran, UNLV graduate student.
The Mount Charleston Lodge tells 8 News NOW this past weekend was their first big tourist weekend of the summer. Last July's Cathedral fire started with a campfire. That gives an additional urgency to fire safety on the mountain.

Police Investigate Woman's Murder in South Las Vegas

Las Vegas police are investigating a murder in the area of Windmill Rd. and Giles St., near Las Vegas Blvd. and Blue Diamond Rd.

Police say a woman and her boyfriend were walking on Giles St., when her ex-boyfriend confronted the two and stabbed the woman. The woman was transported to UMC with multiple stabbed wounds and later died. Police found and arrested the ex-boyfriend.

See the World in las Vegas

Las Vegas today is offering many of the wonders of the world on a much smaller scale to its visitors. There is really nowhere else on earth you can go and see all the sights and witness the thrill of the experience that is Las Vegas. With so much to do and see it's a wonder that anyone ever gets sleep in this great town. Look below for some of the many places to go and sights to see in Vegas that will quite literally have the world at your feet.

Paris Hotel and Casino Las Vegas presents the Eiffel Tower Experience. Quite literally this is a replica of the famed Eiffel Tower of Paris built at 1/2 scale. You can ride to the top of the tower and enjoy a view of the city from 460 feet above ground while pinpointing other landmarks that you may wish to try next.

Rio Suite Hotel offers the Masquerade Village Show in the Sky. This show is designed to bring the thrill of Rio's Carnival to Las Vegas visitors. This is a great show to witness or in which to participate. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and revelry that are unmistakably Carnival. This show is free to watch and costs $12.95 to participate.

Luxur Hotel and Casino takes you In Search of the Obelisk. This adventure takes you on archaeological digs searching for Pharaohs. This is a great adventure and takes you not halfway around the world. There are height restrictions for this ride so small children might not be best suited for this particular experience.

You can experience the thrills, chills, and spills of the Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Mini grand prix. This park is a fun day for the entire family and even features an Adult Grand Prix with Sprint Kart tracks that have high banks and a more authentic experience. This is a great way to have fun and invite a little friendly competition among family members.

If you'd like to experience Venice without traveling halfway around the world then you should really experience the Venetian Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The highlight of your Vegas Venice experience should be one of the Gondola rides that you can take. You can book a private 2-person gondola for a romantic excursion while being serenaded by your gondolier.

While at the Venetian you can also check out the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, which will have some of the best offerings from around the world in order to enhance your experience. You should also take the time to enjoy the beautiful Venetian inspired architecture of the hotel and casino while you're visiting in order to prolong the experience.

The Mirage offers a volcano for guests to experience. While this isn't quite taking your around the world, most of us do not get to experience the sight of a volcano morphing from peaceful waterfalls into streams of molten lava. This is definitely a must see show in Vegas and is free to the public. You can see this show from dusk until midnight every 15 minutes.

If you want an experience that will take you even further away you should try the Star Trek Experience at The Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Casino. This will not take you to another country per se, but it will definitely take you into another world. Enjoy this encounter with alien creatures and an introduction to the future. Then take a stroll through the museum, which is home to some wonderful memorabilia from the television show and the movies.

Just remember that you are on vacation to get away from it all. Isn't it truly neat that you can literally do that and so much more in this unique and intriguing city? You can travel to different countries, experience different cultures, and literally go out of this world without ever leaving the city limits of Las Vegas. Who could ask for more in a vacation experience?

Master magicians Greater skills

David Copperfield doesn't pull a rabbit out of a hat. But he does find a duck in a bucket.

The man whose name has practically become synonymous with magic performs in MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre without the assistance of sexy dancers, flashy sets or glitzy costumes. A Guinness Book of World Records holder with 21 Emmys and a star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame," Copperfield instead approaches his show with the idea that less is more.

From his surprise appearance on the stage at the top of the show to his simple departure at the end, he has a friendly, personable attitude that makes the audience feel at ease. When it comes to his bag of tricks, this intimate, down to earth approach translates into a big payoff.

That's not to say that making an actual green Lincoln convertible appear on stage above the heads of unsuspecting volunteers is an intimate gesture. But it's the understated confidence and humorous ease of his delivery which allows the seemingly impossible to unfold flawlessly right before the eyes of a room full of onlookers ... even the skeptical ones.

Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin) has a long history in the world of magic. In 1982, he started a rehabilitation program, called Project Magic, which helps disabled patients regain lost or damaged dexterity skills in more than 1,000 hospitals internationally.

His vast collection of props, books, and other historical items related to conjuring is housed in the International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts in Las Vegas.

Throughout Copperfield's show, the audience learns of the master magician's influence on everything from pop culture to political cartoons, even postage stamps.

Despite this, Copperfield doesn't appear to take himself too seriously and even pokes fun at himself. Although he insists he's so good he can actually impregnate a woman on stage without touching her and that he can easily make a woman's husband disappear, it's all very tongue-in-cheek. At one point he makes a large pickle appear from his pants, but laments when a female volunteer holds his gift of an autographed head shot face down, adding "It's probably better that way."

Another humorous touch to the show involves a dissection of the duck in the bucket trick (not the official name) in slow motion. Instead of actually revealing how the trick is done, this slowed down parody seems to poke fun at those who ruin the illusion of magic by sharing its secrets.

To prove his volunteers are chosen randomly, Copperfield at times flings small Frisbees or large silver beach balls into the audience, taking whoever catches them up onto the stage. This still raises questions as to whether or not there are plants involved, but only because it seems impossible that quick sleight of hand is all it takes to execute these tricks.
But this is the man, after all, who once walked through the Great Wall of China and made the Statue of Liberty disappear. He has a flawless ability to arouse awe and wonderment from his audiences, enough to make almost anyone's magical misgivings disappear.
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Sign Welcome to Las Vegas

Guests can park their cars right next to Las Vegas' 50-year-old iconic sign and take plenty of memorable photos

Have you ever taken a picture by the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign but found it pretty sketchy to do so in the midst of traffic?

Since its creation in 1959, access to the sign was very limited -- the median's curbs (along with the lack of close parking) made it challenging to stand right next to one of city's oldest symbols. The result? People either jaywalked , or risked parking in one of the Las Vegas travel lanes.

But scurrying across the street and dodging speeding cars is now a thing of the past. You and your group can now pose by the sign and snap away with ease. The iconic "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign features a 12-car parking lot, which is designed to improve pedestrian safety and even provide access for the disabled. There is also enough space to park two buses.

Located on the Las Vegas Strip just south of Russell Road, the sign famously reads, "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" on the front and "Drive Carefully" and "Come Back Soon" on the back. The sign was designed by Betty Willis while she worked for Western Neon Company and cost 4,000$ to build and install. Willis also designed the iconic signs for the Moulin Rouge hotel.

It's original creation was inspired by her father, Las Vegas pioneer S.R. Whitehead, Clark County's first tax assessor, who died 18 years before the sign went up.

"Dad was so strong on getting people to come here," Willis told the Las Vegas Sun in 2005. "I think my dad would be proud of what the sign has accomplished."

On May 1, 2009, the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

To access the parking lot at the "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign you must be going south on Las Vegas Boulevard heading away from Mandalay Bay and toward the Las Vegas Outlet Center.

Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo Review

Amid the neon lights and slot machines, the Flamingo offers a refreshing oasis with its Wildlife Habitat.

Guests will feel as if they have been transported to a tropical island as they take refuge in the habitat, located next to the Flamingo's pool area.

Full of photo opportunities, the habitat is filled with lush foliage imported from around the world including varieties of pines, palms and magnolia. Visitors can take a stroll on winding walkways alongside streams and waterfalls, or on bridges over lagoons and ponds. Benches scattered throughout the area allow guests the chance to sit back and enjoy the view.

The Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo is home to more than 300 birds, including Impeyn and silver pheasants, Gambel's quail, a Crown crane, two ibis, swans, ducks and parrots. However, the most notable are likely the Chilean flamingos.

But birds aren't the only wildlife that can be seen in the habitat; there is an abundance of turtles and koi as well.

Bin Laden Dead

the actual death photo is that I am sure that Navy Seal 6 team would have been using very high powered weapons and at very close range would certainly done this kind of damage. We know from reports that UBL was hit in the head and the image below would, if real, confirm just that. it has also been reported, in a white house press briefing that the actual image, though not yet officially released, is very graphic and could be considered inflammitory. The photo below would or could also qualify in that respect.    Source

royal wedding : Prince William and Kate Middleton

"Miss Middleton chose British brand Alexander McQueen for the beauty of its craftsmanship and its respect for traditional workmanship and the technical construction of clothing," the palace said. " Miss Middleton wished for her dress to combine tradition and modernity with the artistic vision that characterizes Alexander McQueen's work. Miss Middleton worked closely with Sarah Burton in formulating the design of her dress.

The dress is made of French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace throughout the bodice, skirt and underskirt. The dress, made of ivory and white satin gazar, was designed to emulate an opening flower. The train measures almost nine feet long.
The lace applique for the bodice and skirt was hand-made by the Royal School of Needlework. Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create the dress' design, which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The back of the dress was finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons fastened by Rouleau loops.

"It has been the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment of it," Burton said in a statement. "It was such an incredible honour to be asked, and I am so proud of what we and the Alexander McQueen team have created. I am delighted that the dress represents the best of British craftsmanship.
Middleton's veil is made silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers. It is held in place by a Cartier "halo" tiara, lent to Middleton by Queen Elizabeth II. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) by her mother on her 18th birthday.
The bride's earrings, diamond-set stylized oak leaves with a pear-shaped diamond set drop and a pave set diamond acorn suspended from the center, are by Robinson Pelham and were inspired by the Middleton family's new coat of arms. The earrings, which were made to match the tiara, were a personal gift to Middleton from her parents for her wedding day.
Her handmade shoes, also by McQueen, were composed of ivory duchesse satin and lace.

  

MONTHS HOTELS IN LAS VEGAS VENETIAN HOTEL

Experience the romance  in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Beauty and grace surround you at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, where every detail has been carefully designed to provide you with a memorable stay from the world’s largest standard suites to the city’s most elegant casino. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this all suite Las Vegas hotel resort.

Choose from 19 remarkable restaurants featuring an unprecedented six James Beard Award winning chefs, including Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, and Thomas Keller. Browse the 80 international boutiques of the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes, offering collectibles and couture from such renowned names as Jimmy Choo, Lladro, Dooney & Bourke, and Burberry. Rejuvenate at Canyon Ranch SpaClub the very picture of rest and relaxation where a full service salon, fitness center, rock climbing wall, and indulgent packages await.

Discover the ideal Las Vegas resort vacation destination and business retreat where exquisite all suite accommodations, attentive service, and endless attractions converge in a magnificent setting.
The Venetian Hotel Las Vegas is a Five Diamond Luxury Resort. From the mesmerizing entertainment to authentic gondola rides along the quarter mile Grand Canal, The Venetian hotel offers the pinnacle of luxury in a city renowned for its extraordinary excitement.

Indeed, there’s nothing standard about any of the accommodations at this all suite resort hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada which boast an average of 700 square feet of pure indulgence approximately twice the size of the typical Las Vegas room.
The Venetian hotel offers a beautifully landscaped, five acre rooftop deck complete with swimming pools, hot tubs, and private cabanas. Two standard pools, one lounge pool, one hot tub, 25 cabanas, four outdoor pavilion beds, pool retail shop, RIVA by Wolfgang Puck, cocktail service and center bar, outdoor showers.

Each of the Venetian's three pools are located outdoors. Relax in up to four feet deep pools, or try the lounge pool, where the water level rises just above the custom lounge chairs, creating a soothing soak. All open pools have lifeguards on duty, and pool attendants offer assistance with lounge chairs and towels. Select Venetian pools are open and heated in the fall and winter months.

 A landmark among Las Vegas resorts on the Strip, the Venetian Hotel and Casino of Las Vegas, luxurious all suite rooms, superior customer service, first class entertainment!  The Venetian hotel is located near the intersection of Spring Mountain Road and Las Vegas Blvd., nearby casino hotels in the vicinity: Encore, Sands, Wynn, Treasure Island, Mirage, Harrah's, Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and Bally's. 5 Minute Walking distance to the Sands Expo, and close by the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Venetian is a prime location for both business and leisure activities.

Venetian Las Vegas Entertainment: Blue Man Group Live performances hosted in the brand new, 1,760 seat theatre and the Phantom of the Opera, the Las Vegas Spectacular, an extraordinary, new production of the world wide phenomenon.

How to Really Break Even in Vegas

If you're thinking about a Vegas Vacation you are probably thinking about casinos. Most people who have ever gambled harbor no fantasies of striking it rich when going and playing in casinos. Most of us know the ultimate goal is to go in, play a while, have some fun, get some comps, and go home with about what you walked in with.
 Many who gamble on a regular basis no to only bring in a certain amount of money and to not mix gambling money with money that is earmarked for other things. There are a few things that those who are new to the world of gambling can do in order to avoid spending more than you intended. Anyone who has spent much time in a casino will tell you that it is easy to get your money mixed up and end up spending every dime you walked in with thinking you had more money hidden elsewhere.
 That being said there is a profound difference in a casual gambler and someone that is willing and expecting to come in and make a hefty investment in the casino. These investments sometimes pay off big time for those who can afford to lose the money. They also can end up costing them big time and taking a while to recover. I recommend starting light.
 Hopefully these tips will help you go home with a little money in your pocket.


1) Set a spending limit for each day and night of your stay. This sounds simple enough but it you'd be surprised at how difficult this bargain you've made with yourself can be to keep.


2) Bring only that amount of money into the casino with you and bring it in cash.

3) Lock all other ATM, Debit, and credit cards in your room safe along with any traveler's checks and other cash that you have. This prevents the temptation to get one more twenty or fifty until they are all gone. This sounds like a little bit of overkill and people often think they have plenty of self control but there is something about a casino, I swear you sometimes loose every bit of common sense you had when you walk in the door. This prevents you from getting in over your head and taking desperate measures.

4) Set a time limit for your casino fun and when that time limit is up for the evening/day get up from the table and leave the casino whether you are on the hottest winning streak of your life or not. Winning streak ultimately end at some point it is better to leave on a high note and have a little extra money to play with the next night (or better yet to take home with you). Leaving at a set time prevents you from getting over tired and making poor decisions based on the altered state of being sleep deprived.

5) Win and lose graciously. It will earn you a lot more respect from staff and the other players and you may find them wishing you luck because of your graciousness. In Vegas you can never have too much luck but woe to those whose luck has run out.

 Believe it or not, these five things can save your more money and win you more friends than almost anything other than a super hot winning streak.