Road Trip around the southwest , I discovered a new one–new, at least, to me–that make me blink. I’ve stayed in a million hotels and motels in the last few years, and even a few in Vegas. And in …

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey — As reported by the Press of Atlantic City: “A former floorman at the Tropicana Casino and Resort has filed suit against the casino for wrongful termination, saying he was …

Although 39-year-old psychologist Jerry Yang only began playing poker two years ago, this morning at 4 a.m. he was crowned winner of the 2007 World Series of Poker at the Rio all-suites hotel-casino. The former poverty-stricken immigrant from Laos promised to give 10% of his winnings to charity.

“The feeling is just unbelievable” said Jerry. “Words can’t explain it. I’m just looking forward to helping as many people as I can.” He has selected the Make A Wish Foundation, Feed the Children and the Ronald McDonald House to divide up almost $1-million and he’s pledged another donation to his alma mater, Loma Linda University.

His long journey to victory began with a $225 satellite tournament at an Indian casino in Temecula, California—and then at 12 noon yesterday (Tuesday) he joined eight other players at the final table where $22 million in prize money was at stake. Jerry began with 104.5 million in chips and was pitted against an international group from Russia, England, Canada, South Africa, —three of them born in Laos, Vietnam and Denmark. “It was the most global representation we’ve ever had” commented poker commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.

A social worker, Jerry caught an inside straight on the final card of the final hand to win. A 7 on the turn was followed by a 6 on the river. “I’ve seen the miracles of God with my own eyes,” said Jerry.

Tuan Lam , a professional online poker player from Toronto placed second, winning $4.84 million and for the first time ever a South African wound up a final table winner: Raymond Rahme collected $3.05 million in third place. Ironically Philip Hilm, the Danish native who lives in England went into the final table as the chip leader but wound up last in the game collecting just $525,934.

For the record this year’s World Series of Poker at the Rio attracted 54,288 total registrants for a record number of 55 events—the most in the 38-year history of WSOP—and the total prize pool for all topped $159-million. The Main Event took four days to get underway due to the 6,358 players who competed. The $10,000 No Limit Texas Hold’em championship had a prize pool of almost $60-million itself and 621 players finished in the money with the lowest winner still making $20,320!

Jerry’s winning strategy? “I did a lot of bluffing.You have to be very aggressive right from the start . It’s the only way to win this tournament and that was what I did.”

It's the biggest housing enforcement in Las Vegas history. More than a thousand people are being forced from their homes because of unsafe living conditions. We're talking about the government…

Let It Out, a nationwide tour sponsored by Kleenex, aims to visit a city and provide a comfortable forum for its residents to experience strong emotions, particularly laughter.

And if they need something to wipe up all those guffaws, a certain facial tissue will always be nearby.

Sitting on a blue couch is the conduit, and that couch will be at the Bellagio fountains tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

You can sit and talk about anything you want, or respond to one of the questions: “What tickles your funny bone?” or “When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?”

All responses will be recorded for possible airing on their website or television commercial in the form of words, video, and/or photographs.

Current responses to the question “How did you fall in love?” can be seen on Kleenex’s website.

Earlier this week, LUXE LIFE reported fully on the new sexy changes planned for the Luxor (click here if you missed it). Steve Wynn is now planning to have Victor Drai open a new nightclub at the Wynn to go head-to-head against PURE’s new LAX nightclub at the Luxor—both with opening weekend celebrations over Labor Day.

Now comes word that the Planet Hollywood and Silverton resorts also have their own changes in the works—and a hot LA operator is also moving into town.

Former Paris model, Eric Milon, once married to my long-time dear friend, actress Joan Severance who owned the hot Strand restaurant that spearheaded Miami’s South Beach explosion, is bringing his Opium Group to the Planet!

First up is the new intimate 2,500 square foot Living Room. It’s the first venue that Eric and his Opium group partners Roman Jones and brother, Francois Milon will open with Planet Hollywood tycoon Robert Earl.

He says: “Think of it as an escape from Vegas bling. It’s a pre-club for drinks before your night begins and a post-club for late nightcaps. It’s a sophisticated modern version of a casino bar lounge that both warms up and cools down our guests.”
Early this fall their 13,000 square foot Prive nightclub will open, with a third club set for next year. That means either their famous exotic Asian-themed Opium Garden or Mansion from Miami will also be recreated at Planet Hollywood. Robert Earl will also be opening the hot Japanese LA celebrity restaurant hangout Koi at the Planet this fall. The new Trader Vic’s restaurant will also open in September at Planet Hollywood—and the resorts grand celebrity opening is set for the Sept 28 weekend with an all-star turnout.

LUXE LIFE has the advance word on the ambitious Silverton plans. The lodge resort celebrates its 10th anniversary this Friday and will soon be unveiling its stunning designs for a new four-diamond upscale luxury 22 story tower of 353 super-suites—some going up to 3,000 square feet of custom designs complete with indulgent Jacuzzi tubs for two, steam showers and fireplaces to magnify the luxurious romantic experience. At the very top, a unique 20,000-square foot rooftop dining and nightlife attraction will be incorporated into the unique design. In addition, there will be a 100,000-square foot pool party zone with VIP cabanas, luxury daybeds, hot tubs, fire pits, five separate swim pools and in-water lounging decks. Call it the world’s first outdoor living room, and by night it becomes a 2,000-person concert and party area.

In addition, an exclusive first-ever 15,000 square foot private outdoor water garden added onto the Silverton Spa will become a unique co-ed wet-zone with plunge pools and soaking tubs for singles and couples. Expect confirmation of this completely new revolutionary look with official announcements by the end of the month!

Meantime we’re hearing that former General Hospital soap star Michael Sutton, who runs the successful Lodge steakhouse in Beverly Hills along with his ultra-private Xenii membership club, is headed in to Vegas. He’s opening a 6,500-square foot two-floor entertainment supper club, Goa and a comfort food restaurant Charcoal alongside it in Beverly Hills—and the Indian party place with Japanese food and motif is headed to Vegas.
“Call it dinnertainment,” says the nightlife entrepreneur, “with food being served until past 1:30am and DJ’s starting the music mood as of 11pm through the dawn hours.”

Still to come will be the new makeover and changes at the Sahara, and mogul Sol Kerzner’s huge plans for the Atlantis resort to be built alongside the Circus Circus Strip frontage. Vegas is on a roll and it simply ain’t stopping! LUXE LIFE will have all the developments along the exciting next three year journey.

Not only were they the first hip-hop group to ever win an Oscar, but when Three 6 Mafia take to the bowling lanes they are also big winners.

The two rappers who make up the group hit the Lucky Strike lanes inside the Rio and were quickly surrounded by a group of female admirers.

The guys chowed down on chicken tender trio platters, posed for photos and signed autographs for their fans. Later they went onto Body English at the Hard Rock where they palled up with a whole host of celebrities including Mindfreak magician Criss Angel, entranced himself by one naughty-clad cocktail server!

NBA superstar LeBron James, UFC fighting champ Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, guitarist Slash and actor Brody Jackson were also partying at the club after spending the day poolside at the Hard Rock’s Rehab party!

The local radio show “Lunchtime with Ira” broadcast live from the Las Vegas Hilton every week will be branching out a bit, going on the road at Las Vegas locations to interview celebrities and entertainers.

The current show is airing from the new Springs Preserve. Beginning July 23, the show will be at the Liberace Museum. Then the following week, it will be on-location at Cashman Field.

“Lunchtime with Ira” can be seen on Cox Channel 4 as well as some in-room hotel TVs. It can also be seen on www.mediazone.com.

Hosted by Ira David Sternberg, the show normally airs from the Shimmer Cabaret at the Hilton and aims to show viewers a side of Las Vegas not normally seen.

The upscale burger wars are on in Vegas. First there was the Burger Bar at Mandalay. Then, earlier this year, Le Burger Brasserie (roughly translated as “burger brewery” or “burger bar”) opened at Paris Las Vegas. And of course, we can’t overlook the chain restaurant Fatburger, which dispenses juicy burgers 24 hours a day […]

About 130 gorgeous Hooters girls will compete tonight in their 11th annual swimsuit beauty pageant—and one will wind up with $50,000 and the prestigious title of Miss Hooters International 2007. We got our first look at the sexy knockout blondes, brunettes and redheads when they “went on parade” in their evening wear outfits poolside at the Hooters casino.

Although they hail from Hooters restaurants around the world and the one Hooters casino here in Vegas, all are college students, working mothers, self-supporting models or actresses who enjoy making money while having fun. They are the all-American girls and they’re famous! Hooters Girls appear on playing cards, calendars, magazines and television, and at sporting events, charity functions and community gatherings.

Of the thousands of Hooters Girls worldwide, the best, brightest and most beautiful were selected for the Hooters Casino Hotel. Many have used the Hooters Girl position as a launch pad to modeling and acting careers, starting out as servers and eventually enjoying the success as a Hooters Calendar Girl, which brings with it hundreds of well-paying promotional opportunities, international travel and incredible publicity.

Last year’s hometown winner, Michelle Nunes from Vegas will officially pass over her crown tonight as the contest climaxes at 9pm on stage at the Planet Hollywood Theater for the Performing Arts. The pageant gets underway at 6 p.m. and the public is invited if there are available seats.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR COVERAGE FROM MONDAY OF OUR VEGAS CONTESTANT AND CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR THE FIRST LUXE LIFE PHOTOS AND INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW WINNER!