The Most Anticipated Las Vegas Events of May, 2009

The Las Vegas events for this up-and-coming month of May encourage you to take some time off from work, hop on a plane and experience everything Sin City has to offer. This May brings some of the hottest and most exclusive poolside parties, incredible boxing matches, spectacular auto shows and hilarious performances from some of America’s most popular bands. Below are the five most anticipated Las Vegas events of May, 2009.

Third Season Launch of Ditch Fridays – Friday, May 1^st

In conjunction with N9NE Group and Miller Lite, the Playboy Playmates of 2008 are set to host the season launch of one of the most stimulating and highly-attended poolside parties, Ditch Fridays, at the Palms Pool & Bungalows. Attendees are encouraged to skip work, enjoy all the amenities of the adult playground and experience first-hand why the “Hottest Summer Party Destination” has redefined the Las Vegas pool party scene. Playboy Playmates of 2008 hosting the kickoff of the third season of Ditch Fridays are: Michelle McLaughlin (February 2008), AJ Alexander (May 2008), Juliette Frette (June 2008), Laura Croft (July 2008), Kayla Collins (August 2008), Kelly Carrington (October 2008) and identical twin sisters Jennifer and Natalie Campbell (December 2008).

Pacquiao vs Hatton – Saturday, May 2^nd @ 3:30p.m.

Five-division world champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao and IBO World Junior Welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton meet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 2^nd. In what promises to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year, these two elite fighters will go toe-to-toe in the ring for Hatton’s World Junior Welterweight title. Tickets start at $150 and are limited to 2 per person at this price. All other tickets, ranging from $300 to $1,000, limit 10 per person.

Cars, Stars & Guitars 14^th Annual Motorhead Festival – Friday, May 8^th & Saturday, May 9^th

Experience a great weekend spent in sunny Las Vegas the entire family can enjoy. The 14^th Annual Motorhead Festival brings live music, great food and fabulous automobilia to the Aliante Station Casino & Hotel. The local event, sponsored by local businesses, has been raising money for charities since 1996. Automobile enthusiasts come back year after year for the spectacular display of hot-rods, classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, racecars, exotics and boats. Event goers will also gain the opportunity to share their expertise and develop friendships with other fellow “Motorheads.”

Flight of the Conchords 2009 North American Tour – Saturday, May 23^rd @ 9:00p.m.

The Flight of the Conchords, “New Zealand’s 4^th most popular folk parody duo,” is set to perform at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Supporting the release of their second Sub Pop album, the Grammy Award winning and HBO original series television stars Jermaine Clement and Bret McKenzie kicked off their North American Tour on April 6^th in Tampa, Florida. Taking the U.S. by storm, their “acapella-rap-funk-comedy” folk act has left fans in hysterics. Prepare yourself for a wide variety of comedy skits, a few high-quality David Bowie impressions and original hit songs such as “She’s So Hot…Boom!” Tickets start at $69 a pop, but hurry, the show is selling out quickly.

The Love Festival – Sunday, May 24^th @ 10:00a.m.

The best of N9NE Group, Go Ventures and Art of Dance bring you the Memorial Day Weekend 2009 Love Festival Las Vegas. America’s longest running annual dance music event, the party continues this May at the Palms Casino Resort Rain Nightclub. The main event commences at 9pm but not before an exclusive Palms Pool pre-party running from 10am ‘til 7pm. After splashing into The Love Festival daytime pool party Gold VIP members can enjoy complimentary refreshments, hosted bar, decorated VIP area and free artist giveaways until sunrise. General admission starts at $50 and platinum VIP tickets are available providing full in and out access to the Hefner Sky Villa suite.

Top 20 Television Shows from the Past 20 Years

The list below is a look at the top 20 television shows of the past 20 years. In order to qualify for the list, each show much have debuted in 1989 or later. Video clips included.

20. The Tom Green Show

The Tom Green show was a highly unique and often hilarious concept. The way he interacted with the public was seldom seen elsewhere on television. Although rumors circulated that a Hitler sketch he did caused him to be taken off the air, I believe it was due to the massive success his show had experienced. He was too recognizable to pull off the great skits that he did after his two first seasons in the states. The clip below is my favorite Tom Green skit.

19. Cops

You might be wondering how this could make the list, but you know you love this show. Nothing probably makes you happier than watching a routine pull over turn into an arrest for crack possession. This is white trash TV at it's best.

18. Da Ali G Show

A very underrated show on HBO. This did not receive the recognition that it deserved until the (amazing) Borat movie was released. All three characters were great (Ali G, Borat, and Bruno). The awkwardness that his interviewees went through made for some frequently hilarious moments.

17. The Daily Show

One of the most important television shows to come out of Comedy Central. This show got a whole generation into of television viewers interested in politics. The show started with Craig Kilborn, but Jon Stewart made it into the show that is today.

16. Dexter

The best show Showtime ever produced. Dexter follows the life of a blood splatter analyst who happens to be vigilante serial killer. The show is EXTREMELY entertaining and unlike anything else you've ever seen on television.

15. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

This show was on the air when I was thirteen years old so part of the reason it makes the top 20 is my infatuation with Sarah Michelle Gellar back then. Even without my middle school crush, this show remained an interesting television series. All of the characters were highly likable and the plot was entertaining enough to keep you coming back episode after episode.

14. The Office

Critics said a US version of the hit British show "The Office" would never succeed. Nobody anticipated the United States version would be as good as it is. The acting is first rate, each one being cast PERFECTLY. Few shows match the comedic brilliance of The Office.

13. Boy Meets World

If you are over the age of 25 you will probably complain that this on the list. Even if you are under 25, you still might complain, but this was show was absolutely hilarious. It did lose some steam in its last two seasons, and the first season was a little weak, but everywhere in between was highly entertaining and often hilarious.

12. Full House

Another one you might groan at. It was extremely corny, but it was impossible to dislike Full House. The situations were relatable and the plots (although sometimes cheesy) were realistic, exploring real life family issues. If you're from the 20-26 age group you should agree with the inclusion of this show.

11. Robot Chicken

A show truly made for the ADD demographic. Robot Chicken is a 10 minute show that includes various short comedic clips ranging from 2 seconds to sometimes 2-3 minutes. 90% of the time they hit the mark and when they don't it is only because I am unfamiliar with the television show or movie that they are mocking.

10. Doug

I needed to include a Nickelodeon show in the mix. Doug stands out as the best nicktoon of the 90s. Yes it was stupid, just like most other Nickelodeon nicktoons back then, but it was so stupid it was awesome. The clip below confirms this.

9. South Park

Who knew that after it's premiere 10 years ago, South Park would turn into one of the biggest animated series on television. South Park is not only consistently hilarious, but it is extremely intelligent often integrating the writers' own views on current events within each episode. I personally think it has jumped the shark this year, but nothing on television beats a Butters / Cartman episode or an awkward Randy Marsh moment.

8. Arrested Development

This was the smartest comedy in the history of television, which is what led to its failure. It was honestly too brilliant for its own good. The show follows a dysfunctional family who falls into a lot of trouble when the father, and head of the family company, is arrested. Michael, the only stable character, takes over the company and tries everything he can to keep his family together. EVERY character on this show contributed to its success. Gob and Tobias would have to be my two favorites thought.

7. Scrubs

People either love or hate this show. Obviously because it made my top 20, it is a show that I absolutely love. What's great about this show are the characters themselves. The show did a great job with character development and with casting. Scrubs also contains hundreds of great one-liners.

6. Oz

A brutal look into life within a maximum security prison. Oz was one of the best television shows to come out of HBO. It honestly felt like the perfect soap opera for men.

5. The Sopranos

Tied with Oz, in my opinion, for the best HBO show ever made. In terms of mobster-based entertainment, this series rivals The Godfather. The ending was highly controversial (I personally did not like it), but it still does not take away from the brilliance of this show.

4. Lost

The most frustratingly addictive show on television. Lost will answer one question while asking five others all in one episode. The true greatness of this show lies in how it is going to end, but for now it stands as one of the best television shows of the past twenty years.

3. Family Guy

Could not believe when this show was first canceled. I can't get through an entire episode without laughing at least ten times. The flashbacks that are often mocked are extremely random and often make no sense, but that nonsense is what makes the show so hilarious. Favorite moments have to be when the whole family gains up on Meg.

2. Seinfeld

It's sad to say that there will never be a show quite like this. It was a show about nothing, but it had more laugh out loud moments in one episode than most shows managed in an entire series. Nothing beats the Costanzas for comedic gold.

1. The Simpsons

Most people would have this and Seinfeld switched around, but my favorite show of the past twenty years would definitely have to be the Simpsons. There is a reason why this is the longest animated television show in history. The Simpsons paved the way for shows like Family Guy and South Park. Recent output has failed to live up to the greatness of the past, but even the new episodes are a lot better than 90% of everything else out there.

Top Mom's Day Gifts with a Twist

Mother's Day is upon us once again. So, what unique, totally awesome gift are you planning on giving her this year? Why not give mom something she'll really appreciate like a picture of YOU or your family or your kids? We're not just talking about putting a picture in a frame! The list we've put together provides do-it-yourself ideas and web site purchases that turn your favorite digital pics into amazing Mother's Day gifts.

Bound to Please - Turn your favorite digital pictures into a professionally bound SmileBook photo book filled with favorite memories. Simply download the free software at Smilebooks.com, choose from a number of different sizes, pages and covers, select a layout or create your own, put your digital pics where you want them, click to order and within days you'll have a beautifully bound photo album that will preserve the memories of favorite times forever. This is the one gift mom will open again and again.

The Great Put-On – Surround precious pictures in precious gems. Create beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry. Build a necklace or bracelet using favorite pictures surrounded in a diamond frame on a beautiful chain. Or, choose a sterling silver photo bracelet with wavy-square photo charms, or diamond encrusted photo squares linked with 14K gold. PlanetJill.com has a number of beautiful ways to turn any picture into a truly precious gift…plus, you can order photo letter openers, paperweights and more.

Food for Thought – Make mom her favorite breakfast and set the table with an entire set of placemats you made yourself using favorite family photos. It's easy…cut out two sheets of clear contact paper around 20x26 inches each…peel away the paper backing…arrange one or more photos on the sticky surface and then cover it with the other piece of contact paper. Consider using more pictures back to back for a two sided placemat or choose a number of different photographs and create a collage. Once you get started you'll be surprised at just how easy it is to create a placemat for every member of your family.

Memories to Masterpieces – Take a favorite photo and turn it into digital pop art, Andy Warhol style. Choose from a number of different designs stretched onto canvas frames to adorn any room in the house. And don't stop there, at photowow.com you can order mousepads, pillows, puzzles, ceramic coaster sets and more adorned with your most prized photos.

5.
Snap to it If mom doesn't have a compact, easy to use digital camera, why not buy her one for Mother's Day? Check out cameta.com for great prices on all the leading brands. Plus, get mom a color photo printer like one fromBrother This year she'll take great pictures and next Mother's Day you can create one of the great gifts above. Smile...Mother's Day gift giving is a snap!

The Most Anticipated Las Vegas Events of April, 2009

There's never a shortage of things to do in Las Vegas. April is no exception, with a number of highly coveted events covering a gamut of entertainment options. Below are a few events that topped our list for April.

Earth Weekend – April 17^th-19^th

N9NE Group presents Earth Weekend - Benefiting Conservation International. This 3-day event showcases N9NE Group's Path for a Sustainable Future. Starting Friday at noon at the Palms Pool and Bungalows, be the first to see Vegas' first solar powered DJ booth and its first veggie oil bus. Catch an eye-opening "earthy" movie at 7PM each night. And then dance the night away at three different venues including Ghostbar, Rain Nightclub and Moon Nightclub. Enjoy one Earth Weekend event, or all three days. For tickets and more information visit

http://n9negroup.com/#/pool/calendar/?loadThisEvent=2009,4,17.

Elton John: The Red Piano – April 18^th, 19^th, 21^st, 22^nd - 7:30 PM

Elton John is well known for really "putting on a show." What better place to showcase his talents than on the Las Vegas strip? Catch the show of a lifetime at Caesars Palace as Elton John and his red piano take center stage. Of course there's no telling what songs he'll perform but no doubt you'll hear at least one classic like "Rocket Man," "Candle in the Wind" or "Benny and the Jets." Tickets start at $94.05 and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com as well as a number of other ticket selling outlets.

Indoor Nationals – April 16^th -19^th - 9 AM – 5 PM

Be a part of the action as you watch the best amateur and semi-professional indoor soccer players battle for the tournament champion crown. Las Vegas Indoor Soccer is hosting the USA Indoor nationals that will feature more than 50 teams nationwide competing in four adult divisions. Tournament viewing is open to the public and complimentary. For more information, contact Las Vegas Sports Park at (702)233-3600, or visit lvsportspark.com.

Rehab Pool Party – Starts April 19^th - 11:00AM – 7:00 PM

This world famous Sunday pool party is back, starting its new season with special guest Snoop Dogg. Spend the day frolicking among thousands of pool party enthusiasts. Dive into the fun. Rent a cabana, hang on a day bed, sip Rock Star Lemonades and dance to the beat of world famous DJ spins. It's all happening every Sunday starting April 19th at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. For Information and reservations for the Rehab Pool Party call (702)693-5555.

Five Star World Poker Classic WPT – April 18^th–25^th

The Bellagio in Las Vegas will be the hot spot this year for The World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship. Fox Sports has been televising the entire season which will culminate with this final poker battle. This $25,000 buy-in no-limit hold'em event will include all the winners of the previous WPT main events as well as many other poker pros and new hopefuls. There are some optimum viewing opportunities on the Bellagio casino floor. For full information call the Bellagio at (888)987-6667.

2009 Epicurean Affair - Thursday April 23^rd - 7PM

Enjoy rare and unique wines, along with food delicacies you've never tried before at the 19^th annual Epicurean Affair. Considered the city's culinary event of the year, The Flamingo Las Vegas will be hosting this unforgettable evening for the fourth consecutive year. Set poolside in Flamingo's 15-acre tropical oasis, your evening will be filled with outstanding libations and tantalizing gastro delights created by world-renowned chefs from Las Vegas' finest restaurants. To purchase tickets call the Flamingo Box Office at (702)733-3333 or visit www.flamingolasvegas.com or www.vegas.com.

Paul Oakenfold Presents PERFECTO Las Vegas – April 25^th – 10 PM–4 AM

PERFECTO was named after Paul Oakenfold's record label and conceptualized specifically for Rain Nightclub. An internationally-acclaimed DJ, Paul Oakenfold has been touted as one of the world's leading DJ/re-mixers and will be showing his stuff at the legendary Rain Nightclub. To see why CNN, Rolling Stone, BPM, Remix and so many other people in the music industry think Paul Oakenfold is the best, order tickets at RAIN VIP Package: PERFECTO Vegas ft Paul Oakenfold @ Rain | Las Vegas, NV .

Goodlife Sundays – Every Sunday 10 PM–4 AM

If you're looking for the goodlife, head over to Moon. Immerse yourself in an amazing nightlife culture that has a vibe all its own. Get ready to dance to the world's freshest sounds In Las Vegas' only retractable roof penthouse club. Goodlife Sunday's at Moon are a great way to end a weekend, or begin an entirely new week of Vegas fun. For information and reservations visit http://n9negroup.com/#/moon/main/.

Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival - April 25^th

The 17^th Annual Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival will take place at Government Amphitheater featuring the performances of handpicked musicians throughout the day and into the night. Jazz artists slated to perform include bass guitarist Wayman Risdale, pop, jazz and funk vocalist Maysa, and the sax sounds of Marion Meadows and Jessy J. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz. For more information and to order tickets visit http://www.yourjazz.com.

8 Year Anniversary of Soundbar - Featuring Doc Martin – April 30^th - 10 PM

Eight years ago Soundbar was created by a small crew of DJs determined to develop the first event solely dedicated to the sounds of deep house music. On April 30^th, Master DJ Doc Martin will help celebrate this entertainment breakthrough at Ghostbar, on top of the Palms Casino Resort. Doc Martin is the DJ known as a master of mixing the crowd with the music. His legendary sets mix everything from deep house, acid, funk, tribal and classics that get the crowd dancing and partying all through the night. For more information and tickets for this 8 year anniversary event featuring Doc Martin visit http://n9negroup.com/#/ghostbar/main/.

7 Companies that have "Gone Green"

Many companies have decided on “going green” in an attempt to preserve the planet and the people who live in it. When company goes green, they switch their focus onto saving energy and creating products that are environmentally-friendly that are often made from recyclable, renewable and readily available resources. Below are seven companies that have recently “gone green.”

1. Ordertree.com – The preferred choice for thousands of American’s, this environmentally-friendly company is one of the largest distributors for service parts, accessories and new products for a number of popular brands of outdoor power equipment, sustainable energy products, lawn and garden equipment, emergency storm and preparedness products, and power sports products. Just a few of the company’s energy saving (or “green”) products include electric lawn mowers, LED light bulbs, portable emergency radios, flashlights, power generators and chargers.

2. Green Home Environmental Store – Constantly searching for better ways to improve planet Earth, Green home, Inc. has become one of the longest lasting environmental stores and resource centers on the Internet. Since it was established in 1999, Green Home has brought together a core team of environmentalists from across the country to educate people and supply them with a variety of eco-friendly products in the categories of appliances, furniture, lighting, clothing, bath, bedding, office tools, personal accessories and more. Members of the Green Home team also test all of their products professionally before distributing them to their customers.

3. Seventh Generation – For the past 20 years, Seventh Generation has been dedicated to becoming the world’s most trusted brand of safe, authentic and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home. The company’s business practice is focused on helping people express their idealism, passion and commitment to causes larger than themselves, and stands behind the Great Law of the Iroquois stating, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Seventh Generation’s “green-living” products include free and clear dyes and fragrances, baby products, laundry detergent, household cleaners and other household supplies.

4. Green Pet Products, Inc. – Green Pet Products specializes in environmentally safe pet products, all of which are made from renewable and readily available resources. The company went green when they began offering a full line of premium litter and bedding products for small animals that are both highly absorbent and extremely effective in controlling odors. Green Pet Products understands that pets are members of the family, which is why they deserve safe, dependable and environmentally-friendly pet care products.

5. Simple Green – Simple Green is a socially responsible company with one mission, and that is to become the worldwide market leader in providing quality and environmentally safe cleaning products. All of the products supplied by Simple Green are non-toxic and biodegradable, and are specially formulated to fight the toughest cleaning jobs while remaining safe for your family and the environment. Cleaning products by Simple Green include all-purpose cleaners, motorsports cleaner, stone polish, stainless steel cleaner, house and siding cleaner, driveway cleaner and heavy-duty cleaner.

6. Michigan Green Safe Products – Committed to the environment, the team at Michigan Green Safe Products pride themselves on their wide selection of eco-friendly products, all of which are available at conventional product prices. All of the company’s earth friendly products are made from recycled material and renewable resources, offering a wide variety of biodegradable cold/hot cups, plates, compostable utensils, carry-out food containers and environmentally-safe cleaning and laundry agents.

7. Pristine Planet – Pristine Planet is a shopping resource that helps visitors shop, browse, compare and review sustainable products and companies. Pristine Planet brings socially responsible merchants together on one website, and the revenue generated from consumer purchases go directly to green businesses, which, in turn, is reinvested into organic agriculture, fair trade and sustainable business practices, benefitting the planet in a number of ways.