Sin City News Club

Premier UNLV

2010-08-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Looking for something to do on Thursday night? Check out UNLV's annual tradition, Premier UNLV.

Fireworks, glow sticks, food, a DJ, and plenty of great UNLV kids socializing--what could be better?

According to their page, the schedule is as follows:

5:00pm EVENT AND DINNER BEGINS
6:30pm TSHIRT DISTRIBUTION
7:05pm SPEAKERS AND FIGHT SONG
8:15pm PHOTO AND PYRO

Check out the UNLV website or their Facebook page for more information.

Where Are They Now: Josh McCarver

2010-08-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Welcome to the second edition of Where Are They Now where I spotlight some pretty amazing people who do big things at young ages. If you missed part one, check it out now!

In the aftermath of the 68-58 loss to Mojave High School in the Orleans arena in the Class 4A state tournament in 2007, Josh McCarver was the most visibly upset player in the locker room. While other players, obviously, were upset, they masked their emotions well.

McCarver, however, was different. After leaving everything he had on the floor, only to come up short in the most important game of his life (up to that point), I saw something different in his demeanor that I did not see in a majority of the other players: he seemed to care more than almost anybody else.

Asked if he ever replays that game in his head, he said, "I do every once in awhile just to tell people the stories of where I have played, but those days are in the past and I can not change anything about them," said McCarver. "I just use the memories as motivation to try and get back to a championship level of competition every year I play. [Whether it is] JC, D1--wherever I am, I want to be competing against the best, to be the best."

McCarver, at 6'9" tall, had a season high of 19 points and shot a field goal percentage of .633 last season as a sophomore, according to his team's website.

"I play Power Forward, but they are working on my skill set so I can also be comfortable playing on the perimeter," said McCarver. "It was a pretty smooth transition [from high school ball to college], and going to junior college before I went to a university also helped ease me into the lifestyle. My JC was always at the top of our conference, so as far as winning goes that was not too much different. I think the biggest obstacle for me was just the maturity level that I needed; not only for living aspects but for basketball as well. Coaches are much more business orientated."

A typical day in the life of Josh McCarver is one that he describes as "Busy, busy, busy!" Indeed, it seems as though his entire life is dedicated toward improving his already impressive athletic skills.

"It's morning practice, class, shoot around, class, class, weight room, study hall, practice, sleep, repeat," said McCarver. "It is a lot of work but it all pays off. You kind of have to learn to just love the lifestyle. It keeps me busy and it keeps me out of trouble and focused on my goals and aspirations. Summer schedule is the same scenario. We have weights, individual workouts, and open gyms. We workout probably 6 hours a day."

As for the future, McCarver plans on utilizing his intelligence as a fall-back option after his playing days are over.

"My plans are to play basketball as long as my body will allow me to," said McCarver. "I would prefer the Euro league over the NBA based on what I have heard from people who have played, and are currently playing. They told me what kind of business it is, and I do not think it is for me. After basketball, I intend on being a psychologist with my own practice and the whole sha-bang. School always comes first, but I figure as long as I am physically fit, I might as well try and get paid to play ball."

McCarver's plans to head to the Euro leagues might seem startling to some. With an NBA-ready physique, and a load of potential to boot, why pass over the chance to play with some of the biggest stars in the world?

"The NBA, to me, is not true basketball; they do not play because they love the game," said McCarver. "They play because they love the paycheck, and I hate that. It is too much prima donna nonsense and none of the nitty gritty hard work that you find at the amateur levels of play. LeBron is the Paris Hilton of the NBA: he is a great player, yes, but at the end of the day he is just another money hungry diva. I really do not care what he does or where he plays."

With a hard working, no-nonsense attitude, McCarver seems to have his head on straight and his priorities in order. He made an extra effort to stress that with all of the work he puts in to sports, he also makes sure his schooling comes first. It is, however, easy to see that his love of basketball and determination to get better is unmatched by his peers.

"My entire off season is sports," said McCarver. "It is either working out or resting my body for the next workout. Yes, we have days off and occasionally let ourselves have a little fun, but at the end of the day, the one who works the hardest gets the farthest."

*Photos courtesy of Josh McCarver

Where Are They Now: Cody Aughney

2010-08-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Welcome to the first edition of Where Are They Now? where I spotlight an athlete or special person who has done big things early on in life. Today, we catch up with 2008 GVHS graduate and current Bryant University athlete, Cody Aughney.

In the incredible '06-'07 championship title run by the men's varsity basketball team, led by arguably the most famous high school athlete since DeMarco Murray, Billy White and the loaded Gators lost 68-58 to Mojave High School in the Orleans arena in the Class 4A state tournament. Cody Aughney, a key part of the championship run--he scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds that game--still relives those glory days.

"I still remember like it was yesterday," said Aughney. "Watching Billy get blocked with less than a second left on the clock in the regional championship, my and-1 to put us ahead of Cheyenne to send us to state. The ride to the Orleans, the locker room, everything. So [yes] I guess I do still think about it because that was our year, but i am truly just grateful that i had the opportunity to play along side those guys. It was some of the greatest times of my life."

In addition to his talents in the hoops game, Aughney was also recruited for his skills in football.
Aughney was a two-time Second Team All-Southeast Conference as a defensive end and tight end in 2006-07 and 2007-08

"I currently play Left Tackle for my college team after I played my freshman year at Defensive End," said Aughney. "The transition to college was a lot tougher than expected. I did not play much my freshman year so it was weird, seeing as I had never sat [on] the bench [before]. Also, it was tough to get used to the amount of work I actually had to put in compared to high school; it is more like a business now than a sport."

Though he has enjoyed success in multiple sports at multiple levels, Aughney is also known for his talents in the classroom. Indeed, this scholar-athlete pays no mind to the stereotype that all jocks lack the smarts needed to succeed in the real-world.

"The ultimate goal for my future would be to make it to the NFL," said Aughney. "I have met a scout or two and [they say] it is possible with determination, but I also have a backup plan. I am currently majoring in business administration with a concentration in management, with a double minor in statistics and legal studies. I am hoping to use these areas of study to get into law school and pursue a career as a sports agent if becoming a professional athlete does not work out."

A typical day in Aughney's life, now, is nonstop action. He admits to working out "around 3 hours a day minimum in the offseason just to stay in playing shape year round" and must balance the pressures of school and athletics.

"During the preseason I will wake up at roughly 7 and have breakfast, then attend an offensive line meeting to watch about an hour of film," said Aughney. "Then we will have a walk through on the field at around 10:30 and after that we will have a lift at around 1130. We have lunch at 12 and have a few hours off until another meeting at 2:15 before practice at 4. Our practice will last until 6 and we will have one last meeting at night.

"As for in-season I would have a lift sometime between my classes, and then the 2:15 meeting and practice at 4. During the summer, I will wake up, stretch, and then workout in the morning. I come back, rest, and either play basketball or run sprints in the afternoon."

With all of the me-first, egocentric athletes featured on the news 24/7, it is refreshing to hear a positive, hard-working story like Cody's. Aughney admits that he understands Darrelle Revis' gripe about being underpaid; that LeBron James is misunderstood; and that the Albert Haynesworth situation proves "to kids that you do actually have to put in work even if you are the "baddest" man in the NFL."

"I believe the NBA and NFL have been getting worse and worse for a while now with these attitudes," said Aughney. "It is just building up more and more now until the leagues are no longer even about the sport, but strictly about business deals and endorsements."

*Photos courtesy of Cody Aughney

Verizon + iPhone 4g = ?? Pt 2

2010-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

By Christian Gudino

Well, well, well! We are back in rumor-ville again, this time with some possible evidence.

If you recall a while back I wrote about the possibility of the iPhone not coming to Verizon. It seems that the guys over at Techcrunch got ahold of some information that points to a CDMA iPhone. In my previous post, I had mentioned that if the rumors were true, we would see some kind of leak about a CDMA Apple device.

Well, here you have it: Apple is buying CDMA radios.

"Sources with knowledge of this entire situation have assured me that Apple has submitted orders for millions of units of Qualcomm CDMA chipsets for a Verizon iPhone run, due in December. This production run would likely be for a January launch, and I’d bet the phone is nearly 100% consistent with the current iPhone 4 (with a fixed internal insulator on the antenna)."

Hows is this important, you ask? Well, Verizon's network runs on CDMA. There you have it, kids-- it looks like your Verizon people are one step closer to getting your iPhone on your network!

Drop us a line and let us know what you think will happen with this new development. Will you hold out till the expected date of January's tentative launch date?

Via TechCrunch

To Favre or Not to Favre...

2010-08-06T17:31:00.002-07:00

By Alon Torres

...there really is no question. Two consecutive days this week I awoke to SportsCenter reporting "Breaking News" about the one and only Brett Favre. One day I was told he was retiring and hanging up his pads. The next day I was told he had never said such things and he expects to play as long as he is healthy.

I don't know what is happening with him, who said what, or did what, blah blah. I'm tired of this Favre stuff and really do not want to be any part of it. That is why unless I really, and i stress really, have to, I am choosing not to write anything regarding him (asides from this) until the season is like half way done.

YouTube Video of the Day 8/1-8/6

2010-08-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

So, the "YouTube Video of the Day" got off to a start about a week ago and hasn't picked up since. For this I apologize and in return for delayed videos, I will be presenting six videos!

In case you haven't heard of the awesomeness that is Inception maybe you should come out from under your rock. Chris Nolan does a masterful directing job along side the strong acting from Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Joesph Gordan-Levitt. The movie truly holds the attention of the viewers and will have them leaving the theaters thinking "What did I just see...that was great! But I need to see it again..." The long and the short of it is, you have to see it.

Anyway, "What does this have to do with the 'YouTube Video of the Day'" you ask. Well, while surfing the net I found the audio to the Inception trailer dubbed into the footage of other movies. So, my favorite six will be posted here...

Lost

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRebsEUJrh4&feature=player_embedded

Lord of the Rings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPftP9rjx2I&feature=player_embedded

The Simpsons Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odpNE6ApxY0&feature=player_embedded

Titanic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upZMMVLdDmU&feature=player_embedded

Toy Story 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHJwgA54Gqk&feature=player_embedded

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvcvrnPe0yU&feature=player_embedded

Website Of The Day 8/1

2010-08-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Here is one of our most important, must-view W.O.T.D's to date, an article about increasing your self confidence.

Whether you would like to admit it or not, you have self esteem issues. I promise! Everyone can stand to gain tips on how to appear more confident, look better, and carry yourself with the swagger of a champion.

I know there are hundreds of these so-called "guides" on the web and in self help books, but this has to be the most clear, no-nonsense guide I have read. None of those corny tips you hear over and over again; just simple, easy to read, sensible tips that aim to make several small changes which culminate in a larger, overall change in you.

Improve your life right now. Check it out.

YouTube Video of the Day 7/31/10

2010-07-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

Being both a writer and visitor to the site, I thought a good addition to the newly added daily "Website" and "Tweets" of the day would be a daily "YouTube" video of the day.

As I'm almost 100% positive, all of you have visited YouTube at least once in your internet career. With the YouTube video of the day I will try to highlight some of the most popular and some of the hidden gems YouTube has to offer.

This first of the many videos to make the list will be sports related and one of the funniest I've heard in a while. With the recent trading of LeBron James to the Miami Heat a local South Florida radio host went bananas. Had I been listening to this while driving on the road I may have had to pull over to realize just what was happening. I think you may find the same to be true...when you're ready to be amazed, click here.

GTL: All You Need To Know

2010-07-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

The first episode of the second season of Jersey Shore premiered last night, as if you didn't know. There were mixed reactions among critics, but are they the ones who's opinion truly matters?

All over Facebook, from 10 P.M. until 11, my Facebook feed was enveloped in "Jersey Shore OMGGG" and "GTL!!!1111" comments. If you have at least ten Facebook or Myspace friends under the age of 30, I'm sure your news feed looks similar to mine.

And that is what truly matters: who cares if out-of-touch critics (who inherently look for bad things first, rather than good things, about a show) do not like something? As long as the target audience--the aforementioned college Facebookers--approve, then the show will be just as fine as The Sitch's abs.

Here are the highlights from the first episode.

Pauly D and The Situation's chemistry was nice to see. Being able to see their true, genuine friendship reminds us guys of us and our best friend riding in the car listening to songs, planning our method of attack for picking up girls. Likewise, JWoww and Snooki's chemistry will likely remind the female audience of the same thing. The ability to relate to a show is key to the show's success.
When Snooki and JWoww stop by a southern diner for dinner (fried pickles for Snooki..so she can keep that wonderful figure..er...) and a hopeless man tries to hit on them, seeing him fist pump was the funniest moment of the episode by far. It's called Fist Pumping, not gyrating-your-chest-like-shakira.
Seeing Angelina reunite with the cast after her early departure last season made for some great drama. I think it is safe to say, other than the visibly horny Pauly and Sitch, no one wanted to have her there. Then again, for the staff of the show to bring back a controversial, hated cast member (think: Omarosa from The Apprentice) is just brilliant television.
The tension between Ronnie and Sammi following their breakup was great. Some parts were awkward, and some parts just made you think--huh? I thought they were broken up! They obviously still have chemistry, and I am sure this will not be the last we see of their "will they? won't they?" drama.
The part where Pauly and The Sitch get stuck in the mud was hilarious. Hearing Pauly brag about being a AAA member, as if it were some exclusive, fancy schmancy club, was great. It is even funnier when The Sitch begs the question: who does AAA call when AAA gets stuck in the mud?!
Oh, and then there's Vinny...but no one really cares.

Quote of the show: "I don't go tanning-tanning anymore," Snooki explained. "Because Obama put a 10 percent tax on tanning." Spray tans work just as well, Snooksters.

Riveting Tweets Of The Day 7/30

2010-07-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

If you missed the first column, explaining what this is all about, check here.

@azizansari Damn I wish Hermes made edible snacks, Cheezits just ain't dope enough for my mouth.

@pattonoswalt Is that the dinner chime? No -- Admiral Morrison's skipped his tablets and is beating a turk!

@KanyeWest I ordered the salmon medium instead of medium well I didn't want to ruin the magic

@KanyeWest I specifically ordered persian rugs with cherub imagery!!! What do I have to do to get a simple persian rug with cherub imagery uuuuugh

@KanyeWest this J.Press tie is the greatest tie of all tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!!!!!!!!! Kool Aid smile!!!! It's the small things that mean so much

@StarburyMarbury there is nothing wrong with me!

...and, anything else that Kanye West says.

On The Quest For The Perfect Body

2010-07-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

I am not paid by Beachbody or P90X (note: Gah, I wish!) to advertise for them, or anything like that.

I am, however, seeking a fresh, new lifestyle.

Ever since my father's death last September, I began a health obsessi--er, craze--but could never stick to one plan. My diet would fluctuate; that is, for every 10 apples I would consume, I would unfortunately eat half as many cheeseburgers.

I recently found the courage to start P90X and improve my body, and hopefully improve my chances of being noticed in the world of the entertainment (um, how popular would Ryan Seacrest be if he was 200 pounds overweight?)

Welcome to a new column, where I will post updates periodically as I go through my journey and evolve.

Don't worry, I will spare your eyes--picture updates will come later : )

A New Way to Play

2010-07-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

The small window that lies between Summer and Fall is to many the beginning of football season.

That means countless hours on Sundays glued to the tube, enormous amounts of snack foods consumed, and, of course, fantasy football.

Fantasy football, or any "fantasy sport" for that matter, has become a normal part of life for me, as it has for many Americans. I've been playing fantasy football with the same group of friends for about seven years now and up until this year it's been essentially the same routine: We join the league, pick a draft order, pick our team, set our team, then hope for the best. This year, however, our traditional draft, which is how most players do it, is changed.

Instead of having each person pick their player one at a time in ascending then descending order, each person gets to bid on a nominated player. Appropriately named an "Auction Draft" this kind of draft allows each person, one at a time, to nominate an NFL player to be drafted. Once nominated the player is bid on and as it goes with a real auction, the highest bidder gets the prize.

In the league I play in each person is allotted 200 points (or dollars) to spend on 15 players, 10 of which will be started. In the mock drafts that have been done it seems that top players such as Peyton Manning or Adrian Peterson go for about 50 or 60 points. After one or two mock drafts the points become easier to manage and you get a feel for how much you should be spending on who. By the time the last player is nominated or by the time everyone is out of points, it will be roughly 2 hours later than when you started. It's a little bit more time consuming but also a lot more interesting if you're into a micromanaging kind of thing.

By the end of the draft every person will have spent all of their points, seeing as they have no use once the draft is completed. Picking up free agents is done in the traditional manner--no points needed. There will definitely be some great late round steals as well as some good free agent pick ups using this method of draft, but that only adds to the fun.

So next time you're getting ready to join a fantasy league think about one with an auction draft, but be sure to practice first! All in all, it brings a new dimension to the game and allows you to beat out your friends for their favorite player by the skin of their teeth.

Riveting Tweets Of The Day

2010-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

If you're anything like me, you follow a ton of celebrities or news sources on Twitter. I follow most of the ESPN reporters, and many other sports reporters, simply because they break the story before it is even submitted to the actual news company or television station!

Sometimes, though, you read tweets from celebrities or athletes that just make you go, "HUH?!"

@OzzieGuillen if chicago stayed like this this hot i would live here all year.... but it get very very cold

@TyLawson3 how much soulja make a year and ill tell u how much I make and we go like that...

@kkevster I'm just a young player trying to get my kicks out there my dude.I aint did nuthin yet,I jus want them to be worn by other players

@Conan O'Brien Angelina Jolie is joining Twitter. If she thinks she can lure away my core audience of young male teens she.....I'm screwed.

Website Of The Day 7/27

2010-07-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Have you ever wondered what talent you would love to have, if you could trade in the ones you do have?

For me, I would love to sing, or do magic!

Watching this video, your Website Of The Day, makes me want to become a slight of hand magician. The card trick was performed on Ellen Degenerous' one hour talent show on TBS; it is kind of like this magician's specialty. Enjoy!

Website Of The Day 7/26

2010-07-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

With the success of the blockbuster hit Inception, how can we not have a W.O.T.D. link not dedicated toward dreaming?!

Without further ado, here is an article that talks about lucid dreaming.

If that wasn't enough, this article on false awakening should thoroughly freak you out.

New Rebel Yell Articles

2010-07-26T16:23:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

The UNLV newspaper, The Rebel Yell, has published three articles from this site!

For the article on Ryan Couture, click here.

For the article on Larry Mir, click here.

For the article on Brett Rather, click here.

The Rant:

2010-07-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Chris Paul wanting a trade, and LeBron endorsing him? The Millenium Scholarship in jeopardy in Nevada? Apple calling out RIM and others, thereby exposing their own insecurities? Yep, sure sounds like the intro to...The Weekly Rant.

...Falling asleep during movie premieres. Is it just me, or after a long day of work, then an hour waiting to get inside the theater, then 18 minutes of previews, then the actual movie, it is hard to stay awake? Salt, which opened at midnight today, was an outstanding movie...up until my eyelids became too heavy. Angelina Jolie has a lot of naysayers, and the critics (and message board tough-guys) have nothing but bad things to say about her. This movie should effectively shut them up. With beauty, class, and great acting, Jolie made this movie a great one to watch...er, until I accidentally fell asleep.

...I attended a meeting with various senators from Nevada this week. The topic was the future of the Millennium Scholarship. As student reps from various colleges around the state pleaded with those in charge to keep the scholarship for the foreseeable future, the fear and hatred in the room could have been sensed a mile away. The meeting was essentially grumpy men and women arguing with each other. As it stands right now, the scholarship is safe for the next year; after that, the status is in jeopardy. My guess is that this will be the last year for the scholarship, thereby proving the point made by many people in the meeting: a "brain drain" occurs and the best and brightest minds in Nevada have no incentive to stay in state for college.

...By now, everyone is aware of the issue regarding holding an iPhone 4 in your left hand. Also, everyone is aware of Steve Jobs' careless statement about fixing this issue (in short, "don't hold it in your left hand!") But recently, Jobs claimed that all smart phones have the problem of a bad signal when held in the wrong spot. In making this statement, he dropped some names (ah-hem, BlackBerry) and exposed his true ignorance regarding other smart phones! Thankfully, RIM (the makers of the BlackBerry) and others fought back, thereby exposing Jobs' carelessness with his statements, and adding another blow to the Apple name.

...Chris Paul, uber-talented point guard for the N.O. Hornets, wants a trade! OOH, big deal! Seeing the power and influence that other talented NBA players possess, Paul has demanded his way out of the proud city of New Orleans. Whats worse is that LeBron James, AKA the most hated sports figure in America at the moment, is endorsing him on twitter! Usually, any statements by Michael Jordan are self-serving and cocky, but his recent scorning of NBA players teaming up to form super-teams was great to hear. If you are a superstar player in the NBA, you should be able to shoulder the responsibilities that come with the title.

...Let's rehash depressing topics, shall we? The BP oil spill could have been remedied within days! Um, oops? Why are the most intellectual and advanced minds in the world always late with these things? I guess hindsight is 20-20.

...Face it, a majority of the readers of this website own smart phones (and, some are even reading this post from their device!) and surely enjoy unlimited data plans. Well, enjoy them while you can, because the phrase unlimited data plan will become a thing of the past.

...Have you seen the video of the chain smoking baby yet? Maybe you have heard of it via word of mouth, but you need to see it to believe it. I do not care whether you are poor, rich, third world country or well off--something that smells unhealthy and emits smoke is probably bad for your child.

...Cool, a symbol of death that looks like death and smells like death! Isn't mother nature great, that we can bloom flowers that make you depressed? How about, I don't know, destroying the flower and never having it bloom again? A 6 foot tall flower...I guess what they say is true: everything is bigger in Texas.

That's about it for now! Feel free to sound off in the comment box below. Too soft? Too Whiny? Let us know!

Website Of The Day 7/22

2010-07-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

What is the most hotly debated topic, like, ever?

Is it the death penalty? Abortion? Gay rights?

NO, dummy! It's music!

That's why I want to hear everyone's thoughts on this list, compiled by Pitchfork Media. It is essentially a book about the top songs from '77-'06, listed online. Check it out for yourself, and see if you agree or disagree with some of the choices!

For the record, the omission of any Lil Wayne song from '03-'06 is utterly laughable. Pathetic!

Website Of The Day 7/21

2010-07-21T09:18:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

If you're anything like me, you're sick and tired of the stuck up, rude, ridiculously stupid customer who insists he/she is correct.

Fortunately for us, this site allows employees all around the web to share their stories of crazy customer antics.

Ah, the joys of service work.

The Legacy Of Johnathan Broseph

2010-07-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Some words and phrases enter our vernacular without our understanding of their true origin. Sometimes, these phrases are used so frequently, celebrities try to trademark them (see: Paris Hilton's "that's hot" or Mr Trump's "Ya Fiiiaaa'd!") at the peak of their popularity.

Brosef, as explained by the all-knowing Urban Dictionary, is an endearing term, synonymous with the slang term bro. This term has been thrown around by nearly everyone I talk to these days.

I put out an ad, recently, in hopes of finding the creator of the term. By God's grace, I met up with Johnathan Broseph, a 32 year old Los Angeles factory worker with quite a story to tell.

"Yeah, it was me," said Broseph, visibly upset that our generation has mangled the spelling of his once proud term. "Back in community college, my buds and I would call each other 'bro' out of friendship. My buddy Meatball realized one day that my name had 'bro' in it. Ever since then, we have been calling each other 'broseph.'"

I was shocked to learn the origin of the phrase. Surely, I had assumed, it was a phrase originated by some hip surfer dude, or some beautiful cheerleader attempting to bond with her male friends.

Alas, it was a term coined by an aging, odorous man with a comb over.

"Go on, have a good laugh at my name," cried Broseph, who cites Brosie O'Donnel as his idol . "I'm sure you have heard of 'Bronanas have brotassium' or 'Broseph Stalin, leader of the broletariat'. Do you know what it is like to constantly hear your own name mocked over the internet by snotty little seven year olds? Everywhere I go, I hear 'brosef this' and 'brosef that' but have I ever once been paid for my phrase?"

I assumed the answer is no.

Lorem Ipsum, Broseph's " ex partner" describes their home life as "rough". All of their pictures together, she said, feature an enormous frown on his face.

"How would you like to come home every night to a moping man-child with halitosis?" asked Ipsum, angrily. "It was not just normal crying! He would end each sob with a long, drawn-out 'bro-oooooo' similar to that of a vuvuzela. His Russian ancestry is what initially attracted me to him; however, once I found out his cousin's name was Brosephnikov, I had had enough."

Broseph invited me to his house for dinner, where he promised he would make his trademark Brotatos with sour cream. As I began to understand the anger and sorrow in his life, he recounted one of the saddest stories I had ever had the displeasure to hear.

"My father would, you know, hit me as a child," said Broseph, tearfully. "He once smacked the bro-sifier out of my mouth when I was two. I developed a language barrier from this; my parents had to use Brosetta Stone to teach me how to speak and to read."

Every couple playfully thinks of names for their future children. Ipsum and Broseph, however, would fight all of the time over this matter.

"He actually wanted to name our girl Brosephina!" said Ipsum. "Can you believe that? This was back in the day when the term was fresh and new, and he still held onto the dream that he would get paid when people used it. As time went on, and I continuously shot down his requests, he wanted to name our son Broseidon, like the God. Um, really?"

Q&A With Santa Rosa Taco Shell

2010-07-20T10:08:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

This month, I was fortunate enough to talk with the Robledo family, who owns and operates Santa Rosa Taco Shell. Their restaurant is hard to miss; indeed, it is the one with a large smiley face for the logo, happily inviting you in (as if the aroma wasn't enough!) Their most popular location is at 23 E. Basic Rd., about 200 feet from the municipal court (the intersection of Basic and Water St.)

What are the origins of this restaurant?

Sr Robledo, owner: We started out in 1962 in Santa Rosa, California. The name of the shop there was Mi Ultimo Refugio. When I came to Nevada, I renamed it Santa Rosa Taco Shop, to reflect the background, and where we started. We helped my brother, Roberto, with his shops, and when he was all settled in, we opened up our own shops around town.

What is your favorite dish here?

Sr Robledo: My favorite dish is the enchiladas!
Noemina Robledo, daughter and staff member: I love all of the items on the menu. People crave nachos here! I personally like a number 3--chicken enchiladas. People love how large our burritos are, but they just go crazy for those nachos.

What makes this restaurant different from Taco Bell or Del Taco?

Noemina Robledo: Everything we serve here, we make fresh daily. Nothing comes pre-packaged. The horchata is made several times each day. The difference between the food we have here, and the food at El Pollo Loco, is the ingredients that we use. Like my dad always says, it is quality over quantity. You can go to Robertos--and, no disrespect, since they are our family!--and they can give you taco after taco within seconds, but it is not going to be of the best quality.

What kind of clientele does Santa Rosa serve?

Noemina Robledo: Right now, construction workers are the biggest clientele, due to the construction taking place around our shop. However, we always get police, City of Henderson employees from the court house, auto shop workers, and even people from the auto mall on Auto Show Drive come down here for our food!

Besides serving customers, performing cashier duties, and making food, what other work does your family do for the restaurant?

Noemina Robledo: Since we have no official website, we sometimes drive and throw fliers around town. My father is always doing financial stuff every day. I work 7am-3pm almost every day. My mom works morning shifts but some times she works for the entire day. My dad is here in the morning then goes to the other shop to observe how they are doing. We are open from 7:30-9 on Saturdays, 8-9 on Sundays and 8-8 on weekdays.

What are the plans for the future of the store?

Sr. Robledo: When my son Jose leaves the navy, he will take over. Whatever he does with this restaurant is okay with me!
Noemina Robledo: The store has been open for fourteen years. We built it from the ground up, and my dad designed everything. My brother [Jose] wants to open one in Virginia [where he is currently stationed]. He says there is no real Mexican food out there. All of the Navy guys want to eat, but there is nowhere to go! They voice their frustration with the food out there, so it would be cool to have some more shops in other states.

Santa Rosa Taco Shell is located at 23 E. Basic Road, Henderson, NV, at the intersection of Basic and Water St (200 feet from the municipal court). Their phone number is 702-558-7540. Their other location is at 866 Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson, NV. Their phone number is 702-558-7655.

Sony Xperia

2010-07-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

By Christian Gudino

Well, thanks to Google's Android OS (Droid for those of you who are tech-challenged) Sony Ericsson has made a come back. They have even taken their marketing campaign to Europe; France to be precise. Watch this clip for lots of "How cute!", "Awesome!" and "HAHAHAHa's".

Hope you enjoyed it and to check out the Xperia click here.

Website Of The Day

2010-07-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Jack and Jill went up a hill...

Today's Website Of The Day is quite certainly the funniest to date.

This site shows an image of how nursery rhymes/classic stories would end in today's world.

Definitely good for a laugh. Enjoy your Saturdays, everyone!

Website Of The Day

2010-07-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

If you are anything like me, your love of burgers is killing your progress at the gym. The deliciously attractive "Build your own burger" option may be tasty, but your insides might think otherwise.

Our website today is from Men's Health. The site gives ratings for different restaurants, healthy options on each restaurant's menu, and customer comments. My favorite part was the 9-part slide show detailing ways to make your burger a bit healthier.

Check it out!

Who has the fastest Cells speeds?

2010-07-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

By Christian Gudino

Senior Editor Bonnie Cha over at CNET.com decided to pit all 4 of the major carriers against one another, solely comparing data speeds. The tests, which took place in the most populous city in the United States, the one and only New York City, revealed some interesting results. In almost all of the tested areas in NYC T-mobile came out on top with the fastest 3G speeds. What is great about this video is that they did their test in a real world setting--not some lab with perfect conditions for one cell operator or another. I mean really! Who makes their calls from a lab?! Even if they downplay the test results, this is probably the most accurate report for the average cellphone user since we are outside and around other people... unless you are a hermit, that is. Don't believe me? Check out the video after the break.

Interesting results, indeed...

Support Our New Partner: All-Pro Science

2010-07-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

By Sin City News Club Staff

Whether you're a body builder, up-and-coming athlete, looking for a nice summer body, or just recently started caring about nutrition, our newest partner, All-Pro Science can supply you with some great stuff to get you on the right track.

Future NFL Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez developed it when he was looking for a supplement that would essentially give him extra nutrients that the products on the market could not supply. Gonzalez is very strict about what enters his body, and all of these products are ridiculously high quality. From Veggie Protein products to recovery products, they really do have it all.

We benefit only when you click our links to them. By purchasing items from them, you directly support this website in our hopes of expanding. Any extra revenue will be used for products that can enhance the look of the website. This company had the guts to support our website; now its time that we all get in even better shape and support them, too! Their banners can currently be found at the top right and bottom of this website; as we experiment with new designs and expand our site, you will be able to find their banners all around the site.

Website Of The Day

2010-07-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

"Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?"

No, we can not.

But we can, however, provide you loyal readers with a ridiculously helpful guide that talks about things that airlines do not want you to know. Tips, tricks, that sort of thing.

Without further ado, here is your Website Of The Day.

Also, I managed to find an awesome blog from Anderson Cooper with travel tips. I guarantee no one knows a majority of these. Enjoy!

Website Of The Day

2010-07-13T15:26:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Bored at work or home? Tired of refreshing Facebook every five seconds, anxiously hoping for a noteworthy status to comment on?

Don't worry, we've got your back.

Welcome to out our newest column, where we recommend cool websites for you. Enjoy the first one, entitled 5 Ways to Hack Your Brain Into Awesomeness.

The Party Don't Start Til Nabucarlo Reyes Walks In

2010-07-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Be honest. How many Friday and Saturday nights have you spent texting every last one of your contacts looking for a party to attend? How many of those parties were actually worthwhile? How many of those parties ended with you posting on Facebook about how much drama there was, and you swear you're never drinking around (insert lame-o's name here)?

In comes UNLV marketing major Nabucarlo Reyes to the rescue. The man behind NR Promotions, may very well be the best party planner in Vegas.

"I would like to consider myself a good host," said Reyes, who typically has 3-400 guests at his parties. "I want to make sure everyone is happy. Once you are in, I do not just let you go off and then forget about you. I stay around and make sure everyone has what they need, whether it is a drink or anything else, and that they are having a good time. If you are all alone, I will grab you and introduce you to new people, and I just make sure everyone is enjoying themselves."

Reyes, who has been certified to teach spin class and be a lifeguard at the SRWC/gym at UNLV, said he got into the whole party scene based on his experiences attending parties at UNLV.

"It all started when I lived in dorms, I realized 80% of the people on campus partied," said Reyes. "Pretty much only the fraternities threw parties, and they limited who could attend. I saw the opportunity: if all these fraternities are throwing parties, I could do the same thing, and make sure everyone is allowed, and in a safe environment. Little by little I started doing it, I went to a few good places, and finally ended up where I am at now."

Where can a bumpin' Nabucarlo Reyes party be found? According to Reyes, he frequently gives cabanas for his guests at Tao Beach. His nightclub parties are typically held at Lavo and Tao. Reyes recently started hosting events at the Hookah Palace as well.

"One time when I was working at Tao, I was taking guests to a table, and when I pointed to the direction of the table, I knocked Nelly's drink out of his hand," said Reyes. "Later on his 400 pound, 6'5" bouncer grabbed me and said 'watch where you are going' and all I could say was 'Oh my God, that was Nelly.'

"At Tao beach we got a cabana next to the actor who played McLovin (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and he looks just like he does in the movies. His character is just like him in real life. He is a very funny, cool guy. There were way too many people around him, including his bouncers. I understand, though, that celebrities need to be careful around the public."

A big issue many party-goers are concerned about, is the safety of the party. Will there be creeps? Weapons? Too many drunk people? None of these issues ever have the chance to arise, said Reyes.

"I always hire security at my parties; it is the most important thing," said Reyes. "Honestly, lots of people claim they are affiliated with a promotion company and they host events, but they just do it for popularity and status. I do this for a business and to keep a good image at events. I want to keep a safe, fun environment and a place where everyone is happy and will want to come back again."

The future of the company looks bright, as Reyes continues to venture into new territory to expand his image.

"NR promotions is in the process of being an LLC," said Reyes. "Marketing is very broad so I have a lot of ideas. I am working on a website and I am brainstorming where I want to take the company. I do not want to focus on just throwing parties. I have moved to the nightclub industry, but I am considering helping out the model industry, and doing something similar to SpyOnVegas, where I can help out companies. Ill be here for a good ten, 15 years for sure. I recently had an interview with Red Bull to be a Brand Manager, and I am scheduled for second interview soon."

With a jam packed schedule ranging from school to work to parties, Reyes still finds time to help out others looking for a break in the industry.

"I host parties four nights a week officially, and two nights a week I help out with a friend's parties," said Reyes. "I work with a variety of DJs at my events, so it depends on the venue. If a DJ wants more experience I like to help them out."

Though hosting events is stressful, Reyes said he enjoys helping out businesses around town, including doing charity work.

"Sometimes you have to worry if people will even show up!" said Reyes. "A lot of people show up late, so that first hour I always freak out, and then I have to make sure it all runs smoothly and that the DJ has everything he needs to play his music. I have helped out fraternities and restaurants who are targeting mainly the college crowd."

Reyes recently became a partner with M.A.D.a.M. promotions, doing promotions for Lavo Nightclub at the Palazzo and Tao/Tao Beach at the Venetian. You can contact him on his Facebook, where he promotes his parties, or on his twitter page.

The King Has Spoken...Welcome to Wade County, LeBron

2010-07-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

So, it's official. LeBron James is coming down to South Beach. The former number 23 is now numero 6. After much debate about where James would end up, it's come to an end.

Announced July 8, 2010 at roughly 9:30PM (eastern time) James turned down offers from his original team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Chicago Bulls. Instead, the self proclaimed "King" will be joining the Miami Heat along side Dwyane Wade and the also newly signed Chris Bosh.

Now, the Miami Heat look a lot more like a mini Team USA...and Team USA did awful well at Beijing. True, signing three huge superstars is going to cost a lot, and Beasley and Haslem may be leaving (or forced to leave), but that will be decided soon enough. Also, still without a true center, the Heat are still in need of a big man. Maybe Shaq will make a return? Who wouldn't take a salary cut to play with these three? LeBron sure did. If he had gone to New York or stayed in Cleveland he would have been making a considerable amount more than he is in Miami. But, really, anything over a million a year is beyond enough for anyone...or should be.

Along with the added players comes extra pressure on the Heat. If there is no ring, there will be some pretty upset Floridians, and a pretty upset LeBron. Another thing to keep in mind is that if both LeBron and Wade stay in Miami, aka "Wade County," for the duration of their careers, no matter what Wade will always have more rings than James.

Well, the wait is over, LeBron James is the new face of the Heat (along with Bosh). Will it be possible to have three big names playing together? It worked on Team USA, maybe it'll work for the Heat. It seems to be that there's a new power house team in the East.

Verizon + iPhone 4g = ??

2010-07-07T20:55:00.001-07:00

By Christian Gudino

Many of you have probably read about the iPhone 4G coming to Verizon "soon". This was made public by a comment from Bloomberg news citing two anonymous officials who claimed that Apple Inc. and Verizon were in talks over the possible collaboration and distribution of the iPhone. If this is true, then save your hard earned dollars for that January launch date!

But lets get real. If this news is true, I am sure the guys at BGR would have had some kind of inkling of a new iPhone with CDMA radio being tested by the FCC. Every time there is something major coming, there are always leaks of a test model at the FCC, and to get a rumor going they usually find some documentation that was supplied to the FCC for pre-approval. We have seen this for all of the iPhones and other cell phones that people desire. People dig and dig till they get a scrap of information.

There are indeed some other things to consider. This is not unprecedented; indeed, Bloomberg has a history of making claims like this before. In 2009, the VP of AT&T stated that Apple would peruse other markets compatible with AT&T's own GSM network, such as T-Mobile USA, and just recently the Exc. Spokes Person for Verizon dispelled this new rumor.

Still there are more considerations as well. Both Verizon and AT&T are going to LTE 4G networks. Apple doesn't want to play nice with CDMA and has no plans to upgrade the iPhone to a CDMA device. Just because it is called 4G, it doesn't make it a 4G device; it is just the 4th Generation iPhone. If Apple were to make an iPhone for the LTE 4G network, I could see this being on both Verizon and AT&T, but of course we would get a wiff of that from some anonymous source with something to back them up... say maybe proto-type iPhone running LTE?? But since these networks aren't even up yet i doubt they are even making one. Most of these LTE networks aren't even supposed to be fully operational until the end of 2011. Jeez! That is almost a year and a half away! In the mean time, T-Mobile's AWS LTE network is up and running and so is Sprints 4G WiMax network.

If you are thinking of holding off until the new phone comes out, it probably will not happen until a year or more from now. So sit back and enjoy the ride (or just get yourself an Android device!)

The Weekly Rant: NBA Signings, Bad Movies, Terrible Rapping, Oh My!

2010-07-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

With the sudden boom of visitors to the website, the expectations of this column must have grown exponentially. Thus, more things to complain about, and more people to piss off. Yup, sure sounds like the perfect intro to...The Weekly Rant.

...I lived in Florida for 13 years, and was subjected to watch the worst, sloppiest play from the most incompetent players imaginable. Eric Murdock? Keith Askins? Oh my goodness. Once we left Florida to come to Nevada, the Gators won the championship in basketball and football; the Marlins won the World Series; the Heat won the NBA championship; the Dolphins suddenly became relevant again; and the clueless Panthers were wheelin' and dealin' in this year's hockey draft. Now, firmly entrenched as a Nevadan, my home team signs D-Wade and Chris Bosh. Wonderful--more amazing games that I do not get to see in person. Well, at least I am not a Cleveland Brown or Chicago Cubs fan. ZING!

...The food court at the Venetian. The workers intentionally overcharge you for your order, because, frankly, tourists have money burning holes through their collective pockets, and who is going to check their receipt for errors? The real kicker is that it is all junk food. How is one supposed to stick to their fitness goals with the enticing aromas from Johnny Rockets, Panda Express, NY Pretzal and others swirling around the area?

...Rapper Drake's new album, Thank Me Later. I will be the first to admit, he and Lil Wayne have become my favorite rappers due to their catchy beats, creative word play, and hip image. (Really, you're not cool because you call Lil Wayne--the most popular human on the planet--a punk, and brag about the underground rap songs you know) However, Young Money's rising star fizzled out with this album. Granted, Over is a catchy, fist-pump worthy hit. The album as a whole, however, is a flop. Is it sad that his parody song on Jimmy Kimmel was better than most of the songs on his album?

...This damn summer heat! Driving to the gym today, my temperature gauge read 111 degrees--at 11:30 A.M.! If you are a reader outside of the Nevada area, be thankful. It sure does help, not being able to sweat when its in the triple digets--NOT!

...Ever worry about Big Brother watching over you? If you go to the University of Central Florida, you most certainly do. They are using cameras and fancy, high-tech equipment to catch cheaters on exams. What happened to the good old days where the teacher would walk up and down the rows of the lecture auditorium ever so conspicuously and catch unsuspecting students in the act?

...The Last Airbender may have been the worst movie ever made. At least, that is what the critics think. You would think a movie made in 2010, with all of the amazing technology available to us, and directed by a ridiculously famous director, would at least do well at the box office. Maybe the public just is not ready for a live action movie version of a Nickelodeon anime cartoon? Maybe facing competition from an actually great lineup of movies this month is the reason. The budget for this movie was $150 million. Rotten Tomatoes, the website that is generally accepted by the public for an accurate review on the success of a movie, currently has the movie at an 8% approval rating. The average rating? 2.8/10. Ouch. So much for the expected trilogy of movies from this franchise.

...Mechanics who rush the job and end up making costly mistakes. Thanks to Audi, this new invention may be the end to shady practices as we know it! When I went to Discount Tires to get my flat tired repaired, they ended up throwing it in a pile and giving me a tire that was not the right brand, had completely different rims, and tried passing this off as a hard day's work. Audi plans on giving their employees helmet cams, so that car owners can watch workers to ensure that nothing sketchy is going down. Great idea, if you ask me, or the 50 million other people who have been screwed over by mechanics.

That's it for now, folks. What did you think of this week's rant? Too soft? Too whiny? Comment with your own rant, and have it mentioned in next week's column!

T-Mobile's "Danger"

2010-07-05T02:47:00.001-07:00

By: Zobi Naqshband

Every year, the popular finance blog 24/7 Wall St. creates a list of the top ten companies that it thinks will disappear in the forthcoming year. This year, they believe the United States' fourth largest cellular phone company, T-Mobile, will disappear by the year 2011. Though if this were to happen, T-Mobile would not completely disappear from existence since, unlike many other American cellular phone companies, it exists in many different countries.

But why would T-Mobile be thought to disappear within the next year or so? In the article "24/7 Wall St. Ten Brands That Will Disappear in 2011", they state that T-Mobile had 34 million customers at the end of last year and had profited $177 million less in 2009 than in 2008. Not only that, but now its largest competitors are starting to offer better services that T-Mobile cannot keep up with. With that said, it still doesn't really answer why they might leave the US faster than BP is leaking oil.

T-Mobile had started in the game well ahead of all its competitors without it even knowing it. The Hiptop/T-Mobile Sidekick was one of the first cellular phones that T-Mobile offered when they started business in the United States in 2002. A phone that looked like no other, that didn't hold many text messages in its inbox, and had a wicked cheap data plan. At first, not many people knew about it but it started to gain a loyal fan base. Then the Sidekick 2 was released in July of 2004, it added many new and exciting features as well as catching the attention of many

celebrities. The second this phone was seen photographed alongside Paris Hilton, they were flying off the shelves faster than California wildfires. It was now that T-Mobile started taking all the attention away from its competitors, especially when it came to the textually active teenagers.

The T-Mobile Sidekick 3 was released in 2006. It gained so much popularity through celebrities that there were three limited edition models created soon after the release date. The Diane von Furstenberg, Lifted Research Group, and Dwyane Wade special edition Sidekick 3's only had cosmetic color changes but were still seen in the hands of many.

The Sidekick singlehandedly turned T-Mobile into what is currently the United States' fourth largest cellular phone company. But then on June 29th, 2007, a phone was released that would literally flip the entire industry upside-down. If you haven't guessed it already, I am talking about Apple's iPhone or as Engadget came to see it as the "Game Changer". This phone basically changed how people ran their daily lives, some even ditched lugging around their laptops everyday just because of this phone. In 2008, Microsoft bought Danger, Inc., the creators of the Sidekick, in hopes to create something better than the iPhone. Though no one saw anything other than a new version of the Sidekick as the iPhone climbed its way up to being the best-selling domestic handset in late 2008.

In October of 2008, T-Mobile had the privilege of selling the T-Mobile G1. The G1 was the first phone to ever have Google's new Android mobile operating system. This phone created a lot of speculation that there was a phone that would certainly kill the iPhone. The G1's sales were great and was thought to be a sure fire hit to bring back T-Mobile form the shadows of the iPhone. Soon after, every one of T-Mobile's biggest competitors had their own Android phone that were better than the G1.

On April 12th, 2010, Microsoft announced the the Kin family of phones, the love child of Microsoft and Danger. Though oddly, Microsoft chose Verizon Wireless has their carrier. But after millions of dollars in advertising and a 50% price drop, Microsoft decided to discontinue the Kin line only six weeks after it was released. Shortly after that, T-Mobile announced that it will no longer be selling the Sidekick as of July 2nd, 2010. Though the Kin would have done a lot better if it were released about 3 years ago.

So it seems that there are only two culprits in this murder case, Apple and Microsoft. Apple released a phone that made the modern-day cellphone nothing like it was back in 2005. Microsoft bought the company that created the phone that started it all, then decided to change carriers once they actually released a device. Now T-Mobile is stuck with outdated service, phones that consumers don't specifically want, and a declining annual profit. Now all we can do is sit and wait till 2011 to see if T-Mobile still exists in the United States.

Round and Round and Round We Go

2010-07-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

Although just reaching its halfway point, 2010 has rocked the sporting world. The rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics was renewed, Wimbledon provided an epic first round match between Isner and Mahut, and of course the multiple World Cup surprises....and controversies. But now one of the most anticipated events of this 2010 sporting year may be the NBA free agency.

It seems to me you can't turn on your TV without hearing something about Lebron James, D-Wade, or Chris Bosh, even if you're not watching ESPN. Never has a class of free agents held so much talent as the current one does. Needless to say, never has such a class of free agents generated so much publicity, hype, and confusion.

Had i written this article two or three days ago, it may contain completely different speculations than it will now. The amount of talk and lack of action that has transpired this past week has left even the most knowledgeable NBA analysts grasping for clues.

Back one week ago, it looked as if the Miami Heat (my Eastern Conference team, seeing as I live in SoFlo) were going to be on the receiving end of one of the most lethal three man fronts in basketball. It looked as if their star player, Dwyane Wade, was going to resign due to the potential signings of Lebron James and Chris Bosh. This would have made Dade County (or Wade County, as it was affectionately renamed by Heat fans) and their fans elated, and the Heat arguably the most dangerous team in the East. That was last week though.

Now, after each of those three men met with countless teams, mostly at least two a day, the tables seemed to have turned. Wade, who was demanding more talent in order to stay in South Beach, has had what seemed to be a pretty promising meeting with his hometown Chicago Bulls. Going off the raw rosters, the Bulls have one of the most talented starting five in the East. With the money to spend, the Bulls could afford not only Wade, but Lebron, which would make it nearly impossible for either of them not to sign. The president as your fan? Come on!

Not to be forgotten is Chris Bosh, a dominant big man. With respect to the scenario of him and Lebron/Wade playing together with the Heat, he said it didn't seem possible. Why is this? Bosh wants a max contract, and with Lebron and Wade on your team, you fall to third best. I do think, however, if you take one for the team, literally, and play with two of the greatest to ever play the game, you win a ring. The game should be played to be the best you can be and win that ring, not play that game see how many bills you can make.

So I've only touched on the three main free agents this year, but there are countless more. The list is long, so prepare for a lot of names: Joe Johnson, Ray Allen, Dirk Nowitzki (who just proclaimed his loyalty to his Mavs), the entire Clipper and Heat team (pretty much), David Lee (my sleeper pick), Amare Stoudemire, and Carlos Boozer.

Ray Allen will probably return to the Celts along with his buddy Pierce for a final run at the championship. Johnson is a good fit anywhere, but it looks like the Hawks have his number...or gave him a really big one for his salary. David Lee, to me, is one of those quiet players who may be overlooked due to all the hype surrounding Lebron and Wade, but he is a good player to have. The same can be said for Boozer, although a little bit more main stream than Lee. Stoudemire, who was offered a very, very generous contract by the New York Knickerbockers looks as if he has found a new home in the Big Apple. Along with Amare, the Knicks are pursuing my boy, TP, Tony Parker. With the San Antonio Spurs being my team, all I can say is, he better not leave.

Each of these players has met with several teams over the past week, so unless they've signed for sure (Dirk), there is no telling where they'll end up. Hopefully in a week or two, each of the free agents will have a new home, or return to their old ones. All that's for sure is that with big names comes big prices, so these free agents are anything but free.

Celebrity Spotlight: Margeaux Nelson's Star Burns Bright

2010-06-29T23:33:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Born and raised in South Florida, Margeaux Nelson has been entertaining since she was four years old. Her already extensive resume stacks up with the best of 'em.

Oh, and, get this: she hasn't even reached her 20th birthday yet.

"My career couldn't be developing better! I'm currently a singer in a girl group called the Velvet Angels, signed to Mercury/Island Def Jam Records," said Nelson. "They flew us out to Los Angeles for nine months to record our album, and we think we found our first single. Now we are just anticipating a release date, then we are on the road to success! We have worked with many writers and producers, including JR Rotem, Tricky and The Dream, Brian Kennedy, and many more incredibly talented people."

Boasting the most bubbly personality and a positive attitude to match, Nelson has parlayed her early success into commercial and acting gigs.

"On my down time with the group--if we ever have any!--I continue to do auditions and I actually filmed a few commercials that are being aired in NY, NJ, and CT," said Nelson. "I have also done many shows for Telemundo and Univison, including dancing in the Latin Grammys and the Latin Kids Choice Awards. As for acting, I filmed a movie pilot three years ago with Jonathan Krane ("Look Who's Talking 123"), and JoAnn Jansen (Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights). What a fun experience! I am currently taking acting classes now just to keep bettering myself."

Being a member of the group Velvet Angels has been an amazing experience, Nelson said. While performing at a talent convention in Orlando, FL, she and fellow member Bre ended up getting noticed by their producer/manager Damon Sharpe, who wrote "Love Don't Cost a Thing" by J-Lo, and has also worked with Kelly Rowland and Kylie Minogue.

"We have performed all over the United States! We have done performances at Dek23 and VooDoo Lounge in Miami, Broward County Fair, BB Kings in Los Angeles, the Universal City Walk in Los Angeles, and venues in New York City!" said Nelson, excited while reminiscing about her experience. "Most of our time was spent in the studio recording, but we just love performing and we have amazing chemistry both on the stage and off of it."

Nelson said she was represented by Platinum Gold Entertainment, which allowed her to enjoy personal interactions with friends and fans alike, and gain confidence for her later high-profile projects.

"I would dance at different private parties, mainly Bar and Bat-mitzvahs. I had an absolute blast!" said Nelson. "My job was to not only entertain the guests, but to get up them up on their feet and dancing (even if I had to pull them off their chairs!) Everyone had to have a great time. I loved my job, and I especially loved dancing with all the kids and parents! The job just continued to boost my confidence. It allowed me to learn to just 'go for it' and not be afraid of what anyone thinks of me, whether I looked like a complete goob dancing or not!"

Preferring to be labeled as an entertainer , rather than limiting herself to model, singer, dancer, or anything else, she said, has allowed a world of opportunities to open up for her.

"The Latin Billboard Awards, Latin Grammys and Latin Kid's Choice Awards have been an incredible experience," said Nelson. "I have danced for Wisin y Yandel, Frankie J, Fanny Lu, Calle 13, and many more artists--I have done so many. They not only build my resume, but being able to perform in front of 12-25,000+ people at the Bank United Center, American Airlines Area, or Hard Rock is just incredible. The feeling I get when I hear all of the screaming audience members gives me this rush I absolutely love! It is the best feeling in the world."

Though she has experienced a considerable amount of success at an early age, Nelson remains humble and actively involved in charities in Florida.

"My mom and I were driving down the street and I saw a sign for the Tamarac Jr. Orange Bowl Pageant. I signed up and one thing led to another," said Nelson. "I not only won the Tamarac Jr. Orange Bowl Pageant but it sent me to the state pageant. I then proceeded to win Princess in the Jr. Orange Bowl Pageant. I made 30 different appearances to many different Orange Bowl and Junior Orange Bowl events including the J.O.B. Special Olympics, Tree Lighting, Tennis Tournament, and Orange Bowl Parage. I hit the jackpot on that one! Not only did I get to be in two parades, one in the convertible, but for the Orange Bowl Parade I got to stand on a massive 3 story float and wave to the people!"

Because of her involvement in these events, she said she has learned many important life lessons.

"It taught be many lessons about helping out my community, and being selfless," said Nelson. "I loved being able to give back and put a smile on people's faces. The Special Olympics was actually a very touching experience for me. I still remain in contact with one of the girls who was competing in it."

Her life, she said, is spontaneous and unplanned. After 13 years of schooling, some of it at home due to her busy schedule, she received a full ride scholarship to the University of Florida.

"Education is most important in my life, and no matter what your dream is, you should always have a degree behind you. I am currently studying Public Relations in hopes to one day work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry," said Nelson. "I feel it is super important to learn how the industry works that you want to be in. When the girl group picks up speed, I am planning on continuing my education online. If it is required to be in school, I will wait until I have time to do the courses in person. I refuse to not get a degree!"

As can be expected, her looks have earned her an unfathomable amount of social networking requests, with accompanying messages, "Hey, you look hot in your default, hit me up sometime.." with their numbers attached. She said she has learned to be responsible with her internet use, and report obsessive fans who harass her.

If the "Hey! You're hot!" method does not work, then, what is the way to Margeaux Nelson's heart?

"You know, I have grown up very close with my family and they have always continued to keep me grounded. Whatever compliments I receive, I take them like it is the first I have ever heard," said Nelson. "I just feel that God has blessed everyone in their own way and that everyone was put on this planet for a reason, big or small. While I feel that I have definitely experienced some success, I know it came out of a lot of hard work and dedication, and I cannot thank God enough for all the opportunities he has brought my way.

She continued, "I truly hope that once my career hits its peak, to constantly give back to those who have a dream. Life has no meaning if it is all about you. I find happiness through helping others and putting a smile on their faces and I hope to inspire them though my music, acting, or dancing, whatever it may be. To get to my heart, you just have to be a sweet, loving, person. I love meeting new people and always keep an open mind."

*Photos courtesy of Margeaux Nelson

Get Up, Get Out, Get Inspired

2010-06-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Are you planning that cliche trip to the beach this summer, and you are too insecure about your body to take your shirt off? Or, are you simply done with seeing that extra flab on your arms and stomach (the only two spots we think matter most) ?

The simple solution is diet and exercise, but the strategy is not so simple. Common concerns include: where do I start? I do not want to look like a wimp in front of others at the gym. How many reps do I do? What do I eat?

I have enlisted the help of two fitness experts to help calm your nerves and get into the best shape of your life.

According to body builder Joromono Martin, knowledge of fitness is something that is learned from others. If you are just starting out, or have been working out regularly, there is always something new to be taught.

"When I was 13 years old,I met a body builder named David Taylor," said Martin, who has won competitions in his weight class, and came in second overall in competition. "He knew a lot about nutrition and the body. I spent a few summers with him, learning and reading. I cared about fitness because I knew that not only did I look good and feel better, but I, too, would be able to help people achieve their goals. It is not easy, but a little motivation from the right person can go a long way."

One common mistake that gym-goers make is believing that using the treadmill every so often will fix all of their imperfections. UNLV junior Terry Showalter II notes that without consistency and persistence, true results will not show.

"Anyone can walk into a gym and run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, but if they do not do that every few days, then it would just be a waste of time," said Showalter. "When you walk into a gym you want to make it a routine--not a one time only thing, which is very common. Many people workout for a good couple of weeks then stop, which is pointless. You want to start a good schedule to work out, especially if you are trying to get a good summer body. Not only will working out make you feel more confident but it also helps you take one step closer to a healthier lifestyle."

According to Martin, a common mistake to avoid is overworking a particular muscle.

"It is extremely important to have certain days to do different things, because muscles need adequate recovery time, just like your mind," said Martin, who believes that the decision to workout entails a change in one's lifestyle as well. "If you are looking to get a good summer body, a quick plan includes: eating wheat instead of white bread. Become more active, get enough sleep at night, and exercise for at least three days a week, while making sure that you drink plenty of water."

You have no doubt seen the commercials for P90X, or Insanity, promising a new body, a new you, in X amount of days. Do these really work? Showalter, who has found success using the P90X Ab Ripper X workout, believes that it is useful for those who cannot afford a monthly gym membership. Martin, however, believes good old fashioned hard work is the key to earning and sustaining a respectable body.

"Those workouts are what I consider marketing miracles. People can do those workouts on their own without a $500 set of DVD's that they will use for three weeks and then let it collect dust," said Martin. "I like the smash mouth, old school, get-your-butt-to-the-dang-gym workout. There are many supplements that are extremely beneficial. You need to do extensive research and find what works for you. Every 'body' is different."

According to Martin, for those looking to get into body building, and perform at shows, it requires an intense discipline that is found in one out of every 25,000 people.

"Dedication, discipline, and desire. Without all three working at the same time, the average person could not diet for 16 weeks, nor sleep the way they need to, nor do many of the things that it takes to reach this level of fitness," said Martin. "Body building is hardcore; it does not just involve big arms or legs. It involves something that God gives each person individually. Symmetry, grace, beauty, and poise. It takes the same dedication to get up everyday and get to work. It takes neglecting all of your wants and desires to achieve the ultimate goal: perfection."

Diet. The word alone causes chills down everyone's spines. According to Showalter, it does not have to be that way. Allowing yourself what he calls a "cheat day" can confuse your body and actually create positive results.

"If you don't eat a variety of foods, with 90% of them being healthy then that body you are looking for will take 10 times longer to achieve than if you were eating the right foods," said Showalter. "Having a cheat day confuses your body by helping you absorb more nutrients on your non-cheat days. Your body gets used to eating healthy foods, so it takes in less nutrients. When you throw in a cheat day or two, it makes your body confused as to why it is not getting those nutrients, so it starts over to try to absorb them more. If you do not like fish, then eat a lot of chicken or beef meals."

Martin believes that eating a cheeseburger is not going to be the end to your diet. In fact, he said, knowing how to satisfy your body's cravings properly, and maintaining strict discipline with your diet will allow you to eat an unhealthy food every so often.

"I know what I can eat and when I can eat it. I know when I need pop vs. needed water to cure my cravings," said Martin, who encourages readers to email him with any questions they may have. "Cheeseburgers are not necessarily bad for a person; however, eating four every day can be. Everything has to be in moderation. I stick to leaner meals with less carbohydrates, with a few cheat meals mixed in. When I am training hard, I drink 3-4 protein shakes a day. When I am not, I only drink two every day."

Showalter said that the right kind of support can make all the difference between success and failure.

"As far as trying to get that body you always wanted, it takes time. Just stick to a schedule with the gym, and diet," said Showalter. "When lifting weights do not rush, take your time. The slower the better, because the more stress it puts on your muscles, the more it will help them get tone, and eventually grow. Everyone is different, but we all can achieve a healthy body as long as you you stay motivated."

It is concluded, then, that working out requires a change in attitude. However, many people feel they do not have time to do so. Martin, who has developed a system for training others, believes that the time spent watching television is perfect for working out instead.

"We must seek a healthier and better lifestyle so we can stop dropping off at 40 years old," said Martin. "Where is the will to live--the will to be the very best that we can be in everything we do? Live! If you drink, drink less. If you smoke, smoke less. Do not eat until you are about to pop. At night, sleep through the whole night without waking up to eat. Laugh, love, and help others. Remember, this is a lifestyle change. It must be in your heart."

To contact Joromono Martin about fitness tips, dieting plans, or workout routines, you can Email him here

New Tech Contributor

2010-06-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

By Chris Gudino

Hi all, Chris here and I will be the new contributing writer on the tech front, for all things shiny and techy. So, a bit about me: I love technology-- new things that press the boundaries of what is available today. I also love BlackBerry and dislike Apple. But I will try to be nice to Apple for the sake of iPhone/iPad users. I hope to bring you all a weekly round up of what is going on for PC/Laptops, Cell phones and anything new in the tech world. Feel free to ask any tech questions and I will try to get you the answers. Let’s get right in to it, shall we, with a little humor.

Due to Language NSFW

So who wants an iPhone??

UNLV's Own Brett Rather A Star In The Making

2010-06-26T07:45:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Winning is nothing new to upcoming UNLV sophomore Brett Rather. Indeed, Rather has experienced so much success, not even one sport can contain him.

In his high school days, Rather set the national record and power cleaned 350 lbs to win the 2009 National High School Power Clean Championships.

In his freshman year in April, Rather became the 2010 National College Heavyweight Champion in boxing.

Oh, yeah, he plays for the Rebel football team, too.

“It has been in the making for a while. I always wanted to win the belt ever since I saw a picture of it in the gym when I was 13,” said Rather. “It was just a matter of training beyond my limits even if it made me sick or injured.”

With an aggressive boxing style and massive confidence and enthusiasm to match, Rather kept a positive attitude despite years of training to get to this point.

“My goal is to become the best,” said Rather. “Because I have the right mind set, I refuse to lose and I always find a way to win. That is just who I am. It is pure ambition to work your ass off and do the things that have created champions in the past. Repetition and talent can take you places; you just have to stick with it.”

Rather’s teammates and peers praise him for not only his success, but his character as well.

“Brett was my roommate at Nationals. He was relaxed and just kind of knew he was going to win,” said Corey Deal, a fellow fighter for UNLV. “He adds confidence to the whole team. He is the kind of person you want on your team. Not to mention he is just a good guy.”

Rather was recognized for his success at the Las Vegas 51’s Memorial Day game in May. He threw out the first pitch of the game, and was on the field for the National Anthem.

“It was great being out there. I loved getting to stand on the field for the national anthem,” said Rather. “One of our boxing coaches, Frank Slaughter, was bringing troops to the game and they wanted me, as the heavyweight champ, to throw out the first pitch.”

Labeling his technique is rather difficult. Though he uses his strong build to overpower opponents, he rarely throws unnecessary punches.

“Brett is like a controlled tornado,” said Jerome Foster, who placed second at Nationals.. “He can cause a lot of destruction. However, he is precise and does not waste energy. Unlike a tornado, which may mess up one side of a street and leave the other side of the street still intact, Brett fights to destroy you in the ring.”

Any athlete knows the importance of pre-game rituals, and Rather is no exception. Though he says he feels the pre-fight jitters, his confidence helps him overcome the obstacles.

“Up until the fight, I talk the biggest game ever, and about 30 minutes before the fight, I am nervous,” said Rather, who admits that he questions why he fights out of pre-fight nerves. “Within the first punch, my confidence comes straight back. After a few punches I find out that they can not hit as hard as me because I know I am stronger than anyone I will run into.”

Rather is improving his technique and getting stronger for next year. On top of that, he is getting ready for the upcoming football season.

“As of right now I am training harder than last year--sometimes 3 times a day, counting football,” said Rather. “I will be back next year to defend my belt. I am training harder than ever before because it is harder to retain the belt than to win it.”

In the future, Rather hopes to be actively involved in the sports world. Then, he said, he would like to be able to pass on his knowledge to others.

“I will carry the same mentality for my whole life. I am a leader in the ring and as a person as well,” said Rather. “Success does not come to people; the people that get it further develop their whole life because they struggle to be number one. I plan to find a way to stick around sports because I love competition and by then, I will have a lot to teach people.”

Ryan Couture Turns Pro, Adds To Family Legacy

2010-06-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Hang on to your seat, folks. The influx of up-and-coming MMA stars is happening at a rapid pace. If you are a fan of the hard hitting, smack talking, uber-exciting sport that utilizes techniques that have been perfected over meticulous analysis and agonizing training, you are in for quite an exciting next few years.

Ryan Couture, the son of UFC legend and former heavyweight champion Randy Couture, just recently ended his amateur career in hopes of turning pro this summer.

"After my last fight I felt I had the experience and skill that I needed to take my fight career to the next level. I have enlisted the help of a manager and I am currently looking to sign my first professional contract," said Couture. "If all goes well, I will make my pro debut sometime in August. I do not feel I am at a level to compete in the UFC’s deeply talented lightweight division just yet, but someday it would be a dream to get there."

In the last fight of his amateur career, Couture, with a record of 4-1-1, lost consciousness due to a devastating triangle chokehold from opponent Sean Bollinger. Couture was allowed to continue fighting when he regained consciousness, though the match ended in a draw.

"That was actually the first and only time I have ever been choked out. It was a surreal experience having it happen just after the bell in a fight and then being allowed to continue," said Couture. "Obviously I would have preferred not to have put myself in that position but in a way I am glad it happened because it was a great confidence boost for me to know that I could endure such adversity and still come out and perform in the third round."

Though he admits his latest fight was his toughest, he attributes his confident demeanor in the ring to his easygoing attitude out of it.

"My most recent fight against Bollinger was my toughest to date. It was a high pace, back and forth fight during which I found myself in a lot of dangerous positions," said Couture. "I really had to dig deep to make it the distance and come away with the draw. I would not say that I have ever felt scared before a fight, though there is a lot of excitement and nervous energy to manage. I do my best to sleep in and have as slow, laid back a day as possible on fight day. I like to go record shopping to keep my mind occupied. Immediately before the fight in the dressing room, I like to just kick back and crack jokes with my teammates or pop in headphones and lay down, even taking a nap on occasion."

Stephanie Ann Cook, a ring girl, has watched Couture fight, and said she sees a lot of potential in him.

"I believe he has a bright future in MMA if he continues to train and work hard," said Cook. "He is a kind, gentle guy who likes to have fun and at the same time he can work hard and be focused."

In order to stay in elite condition for his fights, Couture adheres to a strict training schedule. Though he works Monday-Friday, he trains on Monday-Saturday, taking Sundays off to recover. His diet, he said, is important, given the need to make a specified weight class.

"My typical day during training camp starts around 10 AM with a workout. Depending on the day, this can be strength and conditioning, mitt work, grappling technique, or some combination of the three," said Couture. "I generally grab a bite to eat and then try to relax before starting my work day at the gym. In the late afternoon or early evening, I get my second workout in. The afternoon session is when I get my hard sparring and live grappling rounds in. Next, it is time to get cleaned up and get back to work until closing time. After work, I head home, eat, and rest up so I can do it again in the morning."

In the future, he says, he looks to be a well-established professional, competing at the highest level. The expectations associated with his last name, he said, does not affect his focus.

"The only pressure I really feel is the pressure I put on myself to perform to my abilities," said Couture. "I am sure there are many who have heightened expectations of me based on all that my dad has accomplished but I am not doing this for their sake. As long as I am having fun, improving, and fighting the way I know I can, I will be happy."

Couture had nothing but praise for the fighter salary structure that currently exists.

"There is such a wide range of salaries in MMA that it is tough to generalize. I have had teammates who have fought for $100 to show and $100 to win," said Couture. "At the other end of the spectrum, the top fighters in the UFC are clearing $1 million per fight. I think, on the whole, fighter compensation is headed in the right direction and will only continue to improve as the sport grows and becomes more profitable to the promoters."

Though he admits that he has benefited from the legacy of his father, he has certainly made a name for himself with his talents. With the right attitude and the not-so-distant memory of tying in a bout for the title, Couture is ready to take on both opponents and the media, waiting to criticize his every move.

"My dad has been a great resource for me as I have started down this path. I do not get to train with him as much as I would like due to his hectic schedule but he is always available for support and advice when I need him," said Couture. "He has put together a fantastic group of trainers who have made a world of difference in my skill set. Being a Couture has given me a lot of opportunities in this sport that most do not get. I intend to work hard to make the most of them."

*Photos Courtesy of Ryan Couture and Stephanie Ann Cook

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

2010-06-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Review of LOVE by Cirque du Soleil
By Mellisa Deang

Since June of 2006, the Mirage Hotel and Casino has played host to the Cirque du Soleil show centered around an idea based on a vision that guitarist George Harrison had for The Beatles' songs. As a huge Beatles fan, I felt it necessary to watch the show entitled LOVE, and had been planning to since it's opening. However, after four years, I finally had the opportunity to watch the show this passed Father's Day as a gift to my dad, who is a huge Beatles fan.

There are two showings for LOVE: one at 7:30 pm and one at 9:30 pm, and the show itself is about 90 minutes long. The way the stage is set up, there really was not a bad seat in the house, except for a very few limited view seats towards the top of the auditorium, but because the stage is circular, you can still see all the action from the opposite side of where the seats are located. The tickets, themselves, are more expensive than normal Cirque du Soleil shows with the seats set at $150, $130, $99, $93.50 plus taxes, which my father was not too happy about. However, locals get a 25% or 35% discount depending on the day of the show and which show time available. With the discount, the $99 dollar ticket came down to about $71 dollars including taxes after the 35% discount from the later showing (which my dad still felt a little "robbed" by).

The entrance from the casino floor into the auditorium is an eyesore: the rainbow, neon-lit floor turns heads, and along the back wall you see the infamous jumping picture of The Beatles from the "Hard Day's Night" movie, which was rearranged and made even more famous by the LOVE graphic, itself. To the left of the rainbow walkway, was exactly what heaven would look like for a Beatles fanatic if only John, Paul, George and Ringo were there. They had a large selection of t-shirts, posters, and every single one of the remastered CD's (and I mean seriously, every single one of them. I had to contain myself from taking the ones I needed to complete my collection) that had come out in September of last year. The store even featured a signed Hofner bass (the infamous violin bass that Sir Paul McCartney played) from all of The Beatles, which sadly was not for sale and kept in a sealed, glass container.

Walking into the auditorium, you could see the circular stage and how the stage actually rose up from the floor. Luckily for us, we were moved from the second level balcony to the front row, which only made me even more excited for the show. I did have a few concerns, though. In a family where music is everything, The Beatles were no strangers to the sounds my stereo. Previous to watching the show, a friend gave me his copy of The Beatles' LOVE soundtrack. The songs were remixed, and through the soundtrack, a story-line was not apparent, so I was worried about how their songs would translate into a Cirque du Soleil show. With that being said, I was afraid that the message in the music would not be captured as easily because there is a certain rawness that is apparent throughout all Beatles' albums that makes their music more real to their fans (for example, during the Please Please Me album, John Lennon's coughing could be heard in the background of "Twist and Shout". The Beatles' producer George Martin, who was also responsible for remixing the LOVE soundtrack along with his son, Giles, pushed Lennon to record the song despite battling a nasty cold).

Yet as soon as the first song "Because" (from the album Abbey Road) began, and the artists began making their climb from the stage up ropes dangling from what seemed at least 50 feet into the air, chills ran up and down my spine. The acrobats that were dangling from a rope and swinging from side to side across the stage made me nervous, yet awestruck at the same time. The talent and discipline of these performers was very obvious throughout the entire show. They were well rehearsed, and each of them had their own distinct character. The costumes from the beginning to end were so iconic of the 1940's through the 1960's and featured multiple 1960's Volkswagen Beetles.

I was literally blown away by how the Beatles, themselves, were so present throughout the show even though they clearly were not present in that auditorium. There was one segment of the show, where a curtain came down on stage when all of the sudden, four illuminated figures began walking across the curtain. They were The Beatles, which provided an entertaining skit for the audience while the performers backstage changed for the next scene. The show also featured the recorded "bloopers" of The Beatles during their time at Abbey Road studios, which also contributed to their presence.

Though the show did not center around one specific story, it did, however, center around the different times within a person's life and different ordeals that normal people deal with, such as childhood, loss of a loved one, child-rearing, and love. Each song transitioned beautifully with each scene that featured a different atmosphere for each song. It also loosely centered around events that happened in the lives of the Beatles'. From the early days in Liverpool, to the Beatlemania craze, to the flower-power days of the 60's, almost everything that happened in the era and the lives of the Beatles' was featured during the show.

One scene in particular was the scene where the character in Lennon's song "Julia" dies in a car accident, which was based on the death of Lennon's birth mother, Julia, who had been struck by a car when Lennon was just 18. Though a tragic scene, it was one of the most elegantly executed scene in the entire show. It also featured a fun, yet mesmerizing scene with a character based around Dr. Robert, the man who invented LSD, who gave "tea" to characters centered around a piano, and blew huge (and I literally mean larger than the size of my head) bubbles across the stage to the song, "Strawberry Fields".

The colorful stage, costumes and lights plus the entertaining story line and amazing acrobatics and dancing left little room for dull moments for the audience. Truthfully, I could go on and on about each segment of the show, and tell you every single detail about why the performers are doing what they are doing by explaining the history of The Beatles. However, I am not a teacher, nor am I an expert. I am merely a person who enjoyed the show, and hope that you, as a reader, can enjoy the show just as much as my family and I did. LOVE, in every sense of the word, was truly an entertaining masterpiece, and had something for everybody to enjoy. Even if you are not a huge Beatles fan, you are certain to know some of the songs, and still enjoy the performance.

The best part was when we left the auditorium, and made our way towards valet parking (which was literally across the rainforest atrium), you could tell who had watched the show, because they were humming some sort of Beatles song with a smile on their faces. The even better part was when I heard my dad whisper to my mom, "best Father's Day ever". I think that statement in itself sums up this entire article.

For more information about the show, visit the Cirque du Soleil website here. For ticketing information, visit The Mirage Hotel and Casino website here.

Celebrity Spotlight: Trading Punches With Larry Mir

2010-06-24T17:33:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Our town has seen every kind of celebrity come and go. From Sinatra and the Rat Pack to Jerry Seinfeld or Drake, it is safe to say we are used to seeing famous people.

It is not often, however, that a town has homegrown talent, the kind that a whole city can get behind and rally around. Such is the case with Las Vegas' own Larry Mir, an amateur fighter who boasts a 2-1 MMA record according to his website.

And, yes, he is the cousin of UFC fighter and former heavyweight champion, Frank Mir.

"The best advice my cousin has ever given me was that the only pressure i should feel is the pressure I put on myself. Ever since then I have felt no pressure at all!" said Mir. "Me and Frank are very close like brothers. I see him at least twice a day, and we train together almost every morning."

Mir admits that with so much on his plate, he never has a day off. Every day Mir balances his training with his job where he said he is the director/technical director for the p.m. shows at ABC 13.

"I wake up every morning around 9:30 AM, and I am out the door by 11 AM to our private training facility, Suffer," said Mir. "I do strength and conditioning workouts with my head coach, Richard Vadnais, from about 12-2 PM, then off to work. I have a dinner break from 7-8:30 PM then back to work until 12 AM and off to bed by 2 AM."

He knows that the window of opportunity for success closes as a fighter ages, and he looks toward his next few fights to gauge his skills for the next level.

"The ultimate goal is to go pro, and hopefully if i can pull off some good performances in these next 2 fights, I will go pro," said Mir.

Every athlete knows that pre-game rituals make all the difference. Mir is no different. In his toughest match to date, he said, the nervousness before his fight contributed to the difficulty.

"I would have to say my second fight with Jace Crawford was my toughest. Besides having to fight him I had to battle mental issues I was having back stage like pre-fight jitters," said Mir. "I always watch the movies like Karate Kid. I watch the Mike Tyson Documentary most [often] before a fight."

His fans refer to Mir by the nickname Stinky. Why not something more stereotypical, like "The Wolverine" or "Warrior" ?

"My niece, Isabella, made the name up. Both her and my nephew, Kage, call me Uncle Stinky," said Mir. "I keep the name as a nickname so if the kids were ever in the audience, they would get a kick out of it. If it wasn't for them, I would just be Larry Mir."

One issue that arises with fighters is compensation. It is abundantly clear that fighters risk their lives in each match, and many feel that they should be paid more. Mir, however, is not distracted by the money, and knows that the payoff will come once he makes the jump to professional fighting.

"I am still an amateur so we do not get paid; we are doing it more for experience and to get our names known," said Mir. "I like how the salaries at the pro level are not too outrageous, and not out of control like in professional boxing. Although, it would be awesome to get paid a million to fight!"

With the support of his family and a positive mindset, Mir looks to continue his journey with ferocity and class.

"I have been through a lot in my life and now that I am older I appreciate all of the simple things in life," said Mir. "I also think it has a lot to do with how we were raised in the Mir household. Hopefully i can have a successful pro MMA career for a few years."

*Photos courtesy of Larry Mir.

Hey, What's Your Number?

2010-06-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

Before I begin writing this article you should know it isn't your typical "sports" article. However, I plan to integrate it so well you won't even know! This article borders more on current events, a little bit of psychology, and some pop culture. Now that all of that is cleared up, to the article.

So, being human it's natural for us to be attracted to other humans. Also part of human nature is the want, and in some people's cases, the need, to judge. Now, I'm not talking about a truly in depth type of judging, merely a quick "hot or not," if you will.

It's almost guaranteed that at least once in your life your life you've been walking with your friends, your brother, sister, etc. and they say to you "Hey, what do you think of that guy (or girl) over there? Cute, huh? What do you give them 1-10?" Not too long ago the 1-10 scale was good enough. It encompassed the entire package: body, face, the whole deal. However, that's not the case anymore.

Now the sport you didn't even know was a sport, "People Watching" (popular in places like Las Vegas or South Beach, or anywhere with gorgeous people, or people who think they are) has become a little bit more complex than just the good 'ol 1-10. In my travels as a teenage male it's come to my attention that the 1-10 scale is out, and the new "Area Code System" is in.

Like you may have guessed from its name, the Area Code Rating System uses three digits as opposed to one. The first and third number each run from 1-9, and the middle number leaving you a choice between 1 and 2.

The first digit represents the face alone, 1-9. 9 is the high end, and 1, the low. The middle number is dependent on whether you'd like to be with them (1) or not (0). The final number is the person's body, 1-9, again 9 being the high. So whether you get a short glimpse or a pretty good stare at your subject, you now posses the capability to "area code" them.

So, next time you're in the mall or walking down the street, remember what you just learned about your new favorite sport. It's easy to do and anyone can do it! Keep an eye out for those 919's.

Two of my personal favorite 919s.

Fresh Blood Enters The Medical Field

2010-06-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Where will you be in 5 years? 10 years? Hopefully in well enough condition to avoid the ever-so-scary hospital.

If you are a resident of Nevada, you are fully aware of the dire need of competent doctors with even the slightest notion of what bedside manner truly is. It is refreshing, then, to hear about students, straight out of high school, with a plan for the future.

"I am going to major in biology. As far as preparing for medical school goes, I think the major I chose is as close as you can get," said Mercedes Kam, a Green Valley High School graduate of the class of 2010. "I have not chosen a minor, but if I did, I would definitely go with childhood development. When everything is said and done I am looking at 8 years of school (if completed on track) and 3 years of residency."

With so many critics of Generation Y (those born in the range of 1970s-2000s), it is easy to get the wrong impression of teenagers in this era. However, benefiting from extraordinary technological advances, this generation is equipped with the means to succeed at a rapid pace.

Faced with a long road ahead, especially given the bias toward male doctors, how does Kam stay motivated?

"I know there are going to be obstacles in my future no matter what and being a female probably wont help much. I think we still live in a society that discriminates without reason," said Kam. "I want to prove that women are just as competent as men. There are going to be times when I will ask myself why I am even still trying to work for my goal when it seems impossible, but pushing through and continuing will only make me stronger."

Though she admitted UNLV was not her first choice, Kam seemed pleased with the prospect of staying in one spot and getting acclimated with the university's medical program.

"I was contemplating going to UNR, but deciding on my major is what made me stay," said Kam. "Staying at UNLV until I obtain my bachelor degree is ideal. I would hate to have to transfer when I finally reached a point of stability. I am not ruling out the fact that life does happen and things change, but I do hope to stay in one place."

Many members in the medical field have a family history of treating patients, and Kam is no different.

"Almost every single person in my family does (or did) something medical related," said Kam. "My mom is definitely my leading example. She has worked so hard and has prospered in the medical field. If I could even gain half the knowledge she has and compassion she has for her patients, I would be beyond happy."

Kam said she is so focused in the present, that she has not thought about what the future holds.

"By my first year out of residency I would hope to find a practice that is willing to take me in. I do not want to just work my 12 hours and leave the office," said Kam. "I want to be a big part of the medical community and do all I can to help kids stay healthy. They are the future after all!"

Armed with a tenacious spirit and positive attitude, Kam said she is ready for the criticism that may come from being a young, female doctor.

"I am independent, strong, and have what it takes to accomplish what ever I set my heart to," said Kam. "The way I see it, there are always going to be sick people and someone has to be there to help them. I would love for that person to be me."

*Photos courtesy of Mercedes Kam

New Rebel Yell Articles

2010-06-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

The UNLV newspaper, The Rebel Yell, has just published a new issue. One of my articles, about the JMS program eliminating its entrance exam, can be found here.

The other article, a news brief, is about three talented UNLV baseball players who were drafted in the 2010 MLB draft. You can find that one here.

SUMMER GUIDE 2010: SWIMWEAR

2010-06-16T23:19:00.001-07:00

By Mellisa Deang

Summer, both in the male and female mind, only means one thing: bikini season. This one word brings both positive and negative connotations: for ladies, those two words are the most terrifying words in the English dictionary and as for men, well… need I say more?

However, let us not forget, gentlemen, that swim trunks also need to look great on you, too, if you would like that budding summer romance to happen. Have no fear, ladies and gentlemen, because “bikini season” doesn’t have to be horrifying, and you don’t have to worry about what to wear this season. For as long as you have the proper motivation to

get into shape, you can look forward to looking fabulous (or like a complete stud, if you will) with these tips this summer.

Ladies: This is the summer of retro prints, cuts, and colors. Think summer on the French Riviera with maritime stripes, or neutral hues, or take after the ladies of Sex and the City for a summer in Abu Dhabi in vivid prints. Channel your inner 1950’s pin up and use bold colors, like magenta or azure, to make it more modern, especially if you are doing a balconet top and a high-waisted bottom. Use black or white to take the sexier approach, or with a maritime approach with a striped bikini, incolors like red, blue or black. Bandeau tops became more popular in the sixties and seventies, and are still very popular today. Go with a bandeau top in bright floral prints or vivid hues that compliment your skin tone. For a more understated look, continue with the retro feel, but with a one piece in a vivid color. (Below pictures are from Top Shop)

Remember to also choose bathing suits that you feel comfortable in and that flatter your body type (for example, if you are a more gifted woman, try finding a bathing suit with underwire to provide support, especially if you are going with a strapless bikini. Side picture featured in Vogue).

Men: It becomes very easy to overlook men’s swimwear men when buy their trunks from their favorite brands. However, when finding swim trunks, you must remember that fit is just as important as style. Most swim trunks are fitted either right at the knee or right above. If you are a taller male, trunks that fit right at the knee are more flattering. For males that sit at a smaller stature, trunks right above the knee are more flattering because they elongate the legs, making the appearance of a taller man. Also, make sure that your trunks fit well throughout the waist, to avoid showing something you may not want to show, and to also avoid the “muffin top”.

This summer, try black and white trunks, in either plain black or white with accent colors, or stripes. Remember to findsomething that you think is cool (top picture from Pac Sun, bottom picture from Nordstrom's).

Even though being fabulous should be felt on the inside, it makes all of feel good knowing we look good, and these tips will make bikini season one less thing to worry about this summer.

Showdown in the West

2010-06-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

Game 7, one of the most coveted moments in sports. You don't need to be a Lakers or Celtics fan (or even a sports fan for that matter) to understand the importance of a "do or die" moment, and this is that kind of moment. There have only been three (modern) other game sevens in NBA finals history (the most recent with my San Antonio Spurs taking it all against the Pistons in 2005) and this game will make number four. This game seven is different though...this game seven features the two teams that make up the greatest rivalry in the NBA.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are the equivalent to the 'Yanks V Sox' or 'Mapple Leafs V Canadians' or 'Arsenal V Man U' or 'Giants V Cowboys' or "Federer V Nadal'....you get the point. This is big, huge even. The two teams have met eleven times prior to the 2010 Finals, the Celts taking nine of those rings (that's nearly one for every finger). If you're a seasoned NBA fan you probably have fond memories or Bird and Magic going at it, one upping each other in their really short shorts. Quite honestly, odds are those are some of the best moments the NBA will ever see.

It was just two years ago when these two found themselves dancing with one another, the Lakers falling to the mighty Garnett and crew. The one moment from that series that will eternally be etched into my brain is this. Supposedly Garnett said "Anythinggggg is posssiblleeee!" However, and till this day I am sticking with it, he said "JAMMMAAALLLL!" During the 2008 Finals Boston won the series 4-2, slightly more convincing than the winner of the 2010 will be.

As anyone who has been watching has seen, this series has been everything a fan could ask for. It's had it all, from drama, to close games, to blow outs, to spectacular dunks, passes, and defensive plays. And should anyone be surprised that Kobe has been being Kobe? One, Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant has gone off like bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S! For five out of the six games he has been the leading scorer on either team, scoring upwards of 30 points per game. This doesn't come without help, however. Pau Gasol, Mrs. Khloe Kardashian (Lamar Odom), Derek Fisher, Ron Artest, and Jordan Farmar have all been doing their part (as well as others). True, Artest couldn't hit a free throw in the closing minutes of game five, but he's made up for it since. And what about D-Fish you ask? Well, he's D-Fish, good ol' dependable. He has been clutch like nobody's business.

Not to be outdone by the Lakers, the Celtics have their "Big 3" who have been, well, big. Pierce, Garnett, and Allen who led the Celtics to the 2008 Championship have returned, and with help in a rising young stars Rajon Rondo and "Big "I Like to Slobber All Over" Baby" Davis.

The Celtics have spread the wealth and title of "leading scorer" around a little bit more than the Lakers, with each of the Big 3 taking the credit for the title. Win or lose the Celtics successfully pulled off one of the most amazing NBA Finals plays in a while which will go down in history it self. I think someone channeled their Joe Montana and Randy Moss right about then.

Now for the prediction. With Perkins out and Bynum in, the winner of the seventh game of the 2010 NBA Finals is....(drum roll please) the L.A. Lakers! Let's face it, with the momentum they have going into this game after the game six massacre, it seems almost impossible they'd lose. But let us remember, "Impossible is Nothing" and "This is Where Amazing Happens" so anything can turn out. Like my friend Arjun told me shortly before finishing this article, "Kobe can smell blood, the defense [of the Celtics] is weaker, and they [the Lakers] have home court." And come on man, would the Lakers really let down Jack?

Jack says "Watch Thursday at 9PM EST on ABC to see the Lakers take the ship!"

The Weekly Rant: Less Annoying Than A Vuvuzela

2010-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

What has an extra week done for this website? Other than allow us to collect more writers, get potential advertisers, learn about new people with amazing stories, and a whole week for me to get whinier, not much. Yes, indeed, this is The Weekly Rant.

...Who does Kobe Bryant think he is? During the introductions to game 5 last night, Kobe had the audacity to simply walk by his teammates, displaying the lowest amount of enthusiasm humanly possible. I want to see this Kobe, passionate and ready to play at an elite level. I do not want to see the best player in the NBA lazily walking onto the floor, then shoot 9-19. Yes, he's a great scorer. But 9-19 shooting means he made less than half of the shots he attempted. Better get fired up if you want to win ring number 5, Bryant.

...I have given everyone enough time to get acquainted with the vuvuzela. If you have not heard yet, it is essentially a horn that audience members blow for the entirety of a 90 minute soccer game, thereby creating a droning, buzzing sound, equivalent to that of a couple billion bees buzzing. There is even an app for it. I do not care how ethnocentric this sounds, because sometimes an ethnocentric view is in the best interest of the case at hand: the vuvuzela distracts athletes, makes watching soccer on television utterly insufferable, and it simply needs to be banned. Here's to you, BBC, for having the courage to make the right decision.

...Apple, you suck. We all hear about the customer who goes to an electronic store, buys a new gadget--television, printer, computer, etc.--and then the company comes out with an upgrade the next week. Well, Apple does this all the time with their products. I saved up my hard earned money to buy an iPod Touch for myself, which obviously does not have a camera. Apple has a deal going on where they give you a free iPod Touch if you buy their computers. As reader Zobi Naqshband points out, this could mean the phasing out of the current model in favor of an upgraded iPod Touch. Though an updated Touch was not spoken of during the WWDC, a new release from Apple that was kept secret is not unprecedented. Naqshband noted that Apple recently released their new Mac Mini without notice. There goes 200 bucks down the drain.

...Lil Jon putting out dance songs is ridiculous. We know Lil Jon for being a shaggy looking gangster who screams "WHAT", "YEAH", and "OKAY" at the top of his lungs. When I think of him, I think of rap, not pop. A collabo with 3OH!3? Oh my LORD, spare my ears. I am not even going to touch on the atrocity that was Shots with LMFAO.

...Never, ever wish death or illness on anyone. That's what my mama taught me. However, it is hard not to hate on Albert Haynesworth. We live in an economic time where people are losing their jobs at an astounding rate, and there is an oil spill that is forcing out-of-work citizens to make a predicted 100 billion dollars in claims. Then, there is Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth. Teammates, fans, columnists, radio show hosts, and just about everyone imaginable lament the greedy, piece of trash on a daily basis, now. Objecting to the team's desire to switch to a 3-4 defense (for those of you who do not follow football, the 3-4 defense is a style for the defense to line up against the offense) Haynesworth has skipped voluntary workouts, minicamps, and pretty much every team activity. So, what makes this such an appalling story? How much is a HaynesWORTH? In the 2009 offseason, he signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins on the first day of free agency, Feb. 27, 2009.

...Vince Young, the controversial Tennessee Titans Quarterback, was the subject of intense scrutiny for his involvement in a fight at a stripclub at 3 A.M. Apparently, another horny guy flashed the Texas Longhorns hand sign upside down, thereby disrespecting Young. Really? Grow up. It's good to feel pride for your school, but you're an athlete and kids look up to you. Just goes to show you: Nothing good can happen past 12 A.M.

...Basically, if you're from Yemen, you're not going anywhere. The Department of Homeland Security has doubled the amount of names on the no-fly list to about 8,000 recently. And, if you're from Yemen, we just assume you are a terrorist. While I support random interrogation of citizens at the airport, and a souped-up security system, we cannot assume every darn person with a turban, beard, or different voice is a terrorist. Are we headed toward a system where someone like myself must carry around a patch with the star of David? How much longer until a racist from the south is a card-carrying KKK member? Our ethnicity should not be our scarlet letter. I'm all for security, obviously, but I fear for the day when every last bit of privacy is stripped away. How far are you willing to go?

That's about it for this week. What'd you think? Too whiny? Too soft? Tune in next week!

The Time Has Come

2010-06-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

By Alon Torres

Has four years really passed since Italy was crowned soccer (or "futbol" for you more traditionalists) champions of the world? Has four years really passed since Zinedine Zidane attempted to decapitate Marco Materazzi? And has four years really passed since the last FIFA World Cup? Yes, yes it has. It is once again time for all the soccer hooligans to awake from hibernation and gather for one of the greatest spectacles this world has to offer.

Granted, the United States is not a "soccer country," but I have always been a fan of both soccer and the USA. So, needless to say I am pulling for the homer pick this time around. To break it down you "non-soccer" fans reading this article (thank you, by the way) I'll break it down into seven main parts, each representing a group from this years World Cup.

Following with tradition, we'll start with Group A. Making up this group we have

France
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay

Looking at the group France is a clear favorite having made it to the final round last year. Also here we have the host country, South Africa, who honestly, is only really in this competition because they are the host country. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and pick them to advance with France. This means the other two teams, Mexico and Uruguay are left behind in an upset. Both these teams are solid, ranked in the top 20 in the world. Should I pick Uruguay to move on? Yes, I really, really, really should. Will I? No. Moving on is France and South Africa (because I'm a dreamer).

Group B consists of

Argentina
Nigeria
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Greece

As seems to be the case with most South American teams, they're always favored. This being said Argentina is a clear favorite to break out of the group, especially since they have arguably the best player in the entire world in Messi leading the charge. Nigeria, like many African teams are black horse picks. Their speed and team work combine to give most teams that face them a challenge but not enough of one to make that big of a dent. Making a surprise appearance is South Korea, ranked nearly 50 in the world. Unless there happens to be a South Korea v North Korea final...not much more needs to be said about this team. Just falling short of being ranked in the top ten in the world is Greece. In years past they've been a solid contender but nothing more than that. Moving on is Argentina and Greece.

Group C (My favorite for obvious reasons)

England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia

England is good, very good. They always have been, it must be in their blood or something. However, we (the USA) caught a break with Rio Ferdinand having to sit out the tournament due to injury. Ah, the USA. I love the USA and the chance they have to break out of this group. Led by Landon Donovan, a world class super striker, the USA has a legitimate chance to move on, especially with an early win against England. The other two teams are not to be brushed off however, but....still rooting for USA! Moving on is England and USA.

Group D

Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana

The often referred to as "powerhouse team" Germany resides in this group and is a clear cut favorite. The other three are all evenly matched and whichever of the three decide to show up on game day will prevail. Moving on is Germany and Australia (I like their accents).

Group E

Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon

Well, in this group there are no "big names," no "clear favorites," and not much for me to say quite honestly...EXCEPT when it comes to the Netherlands. They're a good team, a solid team, and can ball with the big boys (Germany, England, all those other European teams). The other team I like in this group is Cameroon. Again, speed is key here, and I like speed. With this being said I think this group will have some great match ups. Moving on is Netherlands and Cameroon.

Group F

Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia

What is that I see? Oh! It's the returning champs! How could one root against them? Italy leads this group and is most likely to move on. The only thing worse than being in a group with the world champs is being in the "Group of Death" (see Group G). With this being said, I have a feeling the surging Slovaks will ride along with Italy leaving New Zealand (and their great accents) and Paraguay behind. Don't be surprised however, if Uruguay's cousin, Paraguay steals a spot from Slovakia. Moving on is Italy and Slovakia.

Group G A.K.A. "The Group of Death"

Brazil
Korea DPR
Ivory Coast
Portugal

Every time the World Cup comes around there is usually a "Group of Death." "What is this ill named group you speak of?" you may ask. Well, it's exactly what it sounds like, a deadly group to be a part of. Even if you know nothing about soccer, you know the word "Brazil" could be swapped with "greatest soccer country ever" and you'd be fine. When it comes to soccer you just do not mess with Brazil. As if it wasn't bad enough to be paired with Brazil, there's Portugal right behind em! Leading Portugal is Christiano Ronaldo, one of, if not the best strikers in the world. And if you're team happened to make it past these two teams, you get to face the Ivory Coast. True, they lost their best player, Drogba, to a broken arm suffered just a week ago in an exhibition game, but even still, they are a great team. Like I've said about each of the African teams, these guys are fast and know how to pass. So, uh...North Korea...good luck! Please don't blow anyone up! Moving on is Brazil and Portugal.

Group H...The Final Group

Spain
Switzerland
Honduras
Chile

Spain, number two in the world, there you are. You are a mix of talent, speed, and vision. This team should have zero problems getting out of this group. The other three teams have their work cut out for them though. If the Swiss had Roger Fedderer playing for them, he may be able to ace a goal or two, but that's not going to happen. Honduras, not quite South America so I can't quite give you an edge over Chile who is ranked in the top 20 in the world. Therefore, moving on is Spain and Chile.

Well, there it is! The first round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup as predicted by me. Congratulations on all of you non-soccer enthusiasts making it this far. Be sure to come back before the second round for another preview and remember....go USA!

The Confident Woman: How To Improve Self Confidence In 7 Steps

2010-06-07T13:17:00.001-07:00

By Mellisa Deang

Fashion models, Hollywood starlets and famous pop-stars alike are all over our consumer products, like make-up (Halle Berry as Revlon spokesperson), clothes (Keira Knightley as Chanel muse), and gadgets (Lady Gaga has a line Heartbeats by Monster headphones). It even comes down to what we eat and what we drink as a society (think Britney Spears as Pepsi spokesperson circa 2004). But these women fit the stereotypical mold of the “perfect female” that in reality, most of us young women just do not fit into.

I am not 103 pounds, I do not have perfectly maintained hair, nor am I 5’9”. Would I like to be? Definitely. That statement in itself it is such a problem for us young ladies. This mentality drives our self-esteem into a downward spiral, and takes a serious toll on our self-confidence. Imagine how many women have been inhibited by the societal idea of perfection, and how many women now suffer from such low confidence.

Now, as much as I wish I looked like I just came off the runway (clothes and all), I’m not uncomfortable with my body. I have learned to embrace my curves and love my body regardless of what I have been given, and I am comfortable with who I truly am. I would consider myself a confident woman. But most of my own peers have not been so lucky to be graced with such self-acceptance. It’s about time that’s changed. Here are my seven very important tips to follow (in no particular order) on a daily basis in order to improve your self-confidence.

1. Act confident – Even if you don’t feel confident, the most important aspect of “acting” is that people will believe that you are confident. Once they believe it, you will slowly begin believing it as well.

2. Stand up straight and strut your stuff – Think back to every movie that you’ve ever watched with a super confident woman, and I will guarantee you, every single one of those women stood up straight, shoulders dropped and walked into the room with heels clacking away. Posture makes a world of a difference, because as soon as you enter a room, your body language is the first thing people notice. If they notice that you are walking upright with a Beyoncé strut in your stride, more than likely, they will perceive you as confident. Their perception will gauge how you feel about yourself, and will instantly boost your self-esteem. Also, on a physiological standpoint, according to an article on spine-health.com, better posture reduces back-pain, and can lead to better sleep, which improves collagen building in the skin, and restores a healthy glow. Adding a yoga class de-stresses the muscles in your back, which also helps to over-all better your posture.

3. Make eye contact – It is very rare to find a person that can look you in the eye while having a conversation with them, and enjoy their company. It gives off the vibe that you really are interested in what they have to say, which in turn, will allow your ideas and your opinions to be heard, which to some people can be very intimidating. Not only that, but looking into someone’s eyes while remaining calm, interested and engaging shows that you truly are a confident person, while the lack of eye contact shows that you are submissive or shy.

4. Smile – Going along with the previous tip, making a conscious effort to smile more often throughout the day allows people to find you more approachable, and not submissive or shy. It sends positive feelings towards your peers, and shows that you are genuinely much happier. Happy people are confident people.

5. Don’t be afraid to say what you feel – When you can voice your opinions to another person, or to a group of people, you really do feel empowered afterwards. Not only do you feel empowered, but it shows that you care enough to put your foot down and care enough to know exactly what you want. The most confident people know exactly what they want, and will go to whatever length to obtain it.

6. Take care of yourself – Don’t be afraid to pamper yourself once in a while. Take the extra time to do your hair, exfoliate more than once a month, and paint your nails every two weeks! When you feel pretty, you are pretty.

7. Wear lingerie – No, really. Wear lingerie under your dresses, your jeans, and even your sweats. There should never be an occasion to wear lingerie, because there is something about that great satin or lace panty and matching balconet bra that makes you feel like you have a sexy secret to tell. And that is exactly Victoria’s secret: she wore lingerie all day, everyday. When you wear something sexy, you feel sexy, and that, my friend, is the embodiment of a confident woman. You don’t have to go out and buy Agent Provocateur or La Perla or even break out the stuff you’ll need a magnifying glass to see, but something that you find that just makes you feel sassy.

These tips should be relatively easy to follow, and does so much for your self-confidence. Not only will you immediately see how people act towards you, but you will immediately feel differently about yourself in social situations. You will quickly learn to be yourself in front of so many people, without feeling ashamed about how you look or how you dress. You don’t have to be a celebrity to be perfect; you just need a little self-acceptance.

The Weekly Rant--A Column Bigger Than LeBron's Ego

2010-06-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Nope, I'm not an old man quite yet. Maybe it's the scorching Nevada heat? Or maybe it's the start of UNLV summer school. Whatever it is, there are some things out there that I need to complain about! This is the Weekly Rant.

*Not to go all Aldous Huxley on you guys, but this is way too much for me. Basically, there is an app that allows hungry people to place an order that will be ready once the individual arrives at the restaurant. However, certain restaurants are considering replacing face-to-face ordering, and instead installing iPads with this app. As if texting hasn't diminished communication skills enough, now we might not even talk to our waiter/waitress to order! The article about it, linked in this paragraph, is really well written, so check it out.

*The last season of "The Office". It used to be my all-time favorite television show. This season, however, it seems as though everyone is forcing themselves to be funny. The idea that Kevin is a fat, slow, dim-witted employee can only be made so many times. I would be open to seeing a whole new cast. Breath some life into a rapidly dying show.

*While I'm on the subject, Family Guy has not been funny in years. Another one of my favorite mindless shows, Family Guy is reaching harder for jokes than a midget trying to get a---ah, darn it, Family Guy is making ME unfunny.

*To quote my mom, "this is not just a spill!" Just the phrase "BP Oil Spill" evokes a slew of disgusted faces and opinions. I do not know how this got so out of control, but too many animals are dying, and not much is being done to help. I am not high on politics, which is why a new writer is being hired for this website to give political opinions! < end selfish plug here >

*EWWW too far, Chef Ramsay. I hold the position that there is a fine line a manager (or any person in a high position) must not cross with his employees. I am all for innovative, creative techniques that can be implemented in the workplace, but this is too far.

*I have lost a little respect for Sports Illustrated for this and for ESPN for this and this. LeBron James is a legendary talent, an his athletic ability trumps pretty much anybody in the NBA. However, giving this much attention to one player only feeds into his already enormous ego. Is it any wonder, then, that LeBron has a cocky attitude? Should we really be surprised when he looks a teenage staff member in the eye, and throws his warmup suit to the ground instead of handing it to the kid? Is it really that shocking when LeBron mails it in during the playoffs, to "prove a point" to his teammates? Then, "analysts" around the league make excuses for him. PLEASE! Enough already! I used to look up to him for his hard work. Now, I can not wait to see him bounced out of the playoffs year after year!

*Employee parking has to be the worst mile walk I have ever had. I do not know the plight of other people who are forced, like animals, to park far, far away from the sweet, precious customers, but I am pretty sure employees around the world agree with me. As if the far walk wasn't enough, it takes thirty minutes (on a good day) to finally escape the traffic in the parking garage. This is not including the other half hour spent in traffic, taking the supposed "back way" to escape the even more gruesome Las Vegas Boulevard traffic.

So, what did you guys think? Too soft? Too whiny? Leave some comments, message me, anything! Let your voice be heard!

51s Memorial Day a Game to Forget

2010-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

Not even camo-themed jerseys could hide the 51s fielding woes.

With 64 errors in 52 games, the Las Vegas 51s made three errors in the last two innings, allowing the Tacoma Rainiers to score four unearned runs en route to a 7-4 victory at Cashman Field.

"That was a poor performance. It seemed like the bat boys hustled more than the baseball players did," said Jose Robledo, a member of the United States Navy, attending his first 51s game. "I definitely would not go to see another 51s game. That performance was not at all what it should have been."

51s starter Brad Mills lost a no-hit bid in the fifth when he gave up a homer to Tacoma third baseman Matt Mangini, his sixth of the season.

After trading leads, the Rainiers regained the lead in the top of the ninth when second baseman Jeffrey Dominguez led off with a triple that met a chorus of boos from the home crowd. Dominguez hit a chopper to first that 51s first baseman Brett Wallace misjudged and the ball went into the outfield.

It was all downhill from there for the 51s, who seemed defeated before they came back up to bat in the bottom of the ninth. The fans, who booed after every error, were disappointed with the team's perceived lack of effort.

"When the crowd gives up hope for the home team, it is not a good experience," said Robledo.

NCAA Heavyweight Boxing Champion Brett Rather, who attends UNLV, threw out the first pitch.

"One of our boxing coaches, Frank Slaughter, was bringing troops to the game and they wanted me, as the heavyweight champ, to throw out the first pitch," said Rather, who received a round of cheers after the pitch.

The excitement of throwing out the first pitch, Rather said, made for an exciting experience.

"The ball did not go where I planned it to go, but I definitely threw it far enough," said Rather, donning a white UNLV boxing tee. "I hadn't played baseball since I was thirteen. It was great being out there, though. I loved getting to stand on the field for the national anthem."

While Robledo was happy to see some effort made by the team to thank the brave men and women in the armed forces, he was disappointed by the idea of only one day dedicated in their honor.

"It being Memorial Day, there is not much anyone else can say, other than thank you, and what that individual person feels," said Robledo. "I kind of think what the 51s did was unnecessary. I am not saying I am ungrateful, but I would not be bothered if they did not say anything at all. Why does it take Memorial Day for people to say thank you? Donate money, support the troops, be proactive. Otherwise, it just feels like an empty thank you."

The game was not a total loss, however, as many traditional food items were one dollar each, and vendors sold bobble-heads of 51s legend and former Dodger closer Eric Gagne for five dollars.

"It was a beautiful day and I loved our seats," said Rachel Maatallah, who enjoyed the atmosphere of the game. "It is a very nice stadium."

Fans were treated to a scoreboard thanking all members of the armed forces for their services.

"You can tell they all worked really hard for that game, and it was just a joy to watch," said Ashleigh Gary, who was in attendance with her family. "I always get intense at baseball games. It was just so much fun and a good way for everyone to be together on Memorial Day. It is a nice way to remember our fallen heroes."

The Week Ahead

2010-05-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks for hanging tight with the lack of updates the past few days, but a lot of projects are in the works for the website and I!

*First, look out tomorrow for an article about the Memorial Day Las Vegas 51s game!

*Look out the next few weeks for the UNLV newspaper, where my articles will be featured in the News section. As Assistant News Editor, I will post my articles on here for all to see!

*I am currently looking for a writer for this website. Whether it is a part time contributor or whatever you want, I am looking for someone that can post great articles on here so that there is constantly new material. My biggest fear is that this website does not get updated as much as it should.

*Be on the look out for an article featuring a promising young student headed toward the medical field. You're going to love it.

*I am starting a Person of the Week spotlight to go along with The Weekly Rant. I hope to have this up by midweek-Friday!

Tell your friends :)

The Rant

2010-05-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

No, I'm not Andy Rooney, with foot long eyebrows and a sense of disillusionment unmatched by my peers.

I am, however, disgusted by several things I hear. Call it the return of my old column from where I first started out, or call it me being cranky. This is The Rant.

...What is up with Facebook pages that have titles that take up the entire page? Or pages that talk about how you put up with your ex's bad habits? What do you think it says about you as a person if you join one of these pages? "Hey, I'd like to annoy you by taking up an entire page of your news feed!" Or, "Yes, I am still bitter about how poorly I was treated by my ex. I'm still not over it, and I will see to it that everyone knows how I feel!" Stop. Seriously.

...People's disgust with autotune. Is it really that bad? If you do not like a song, CHANGE IT. Am I forcing you to listen to T-Pain? Are you sad that Kanye West did an entire album using autotune? Is it really that heartbreaking that Brisco made a song sounding like a malfunctioning robot? You'll live. There are plenty of songs out there.

...People going on "breaks" with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Essentially, that means you are done with that person, but you're keeping them aside just in case. What is the point? "Okay, while you're still crushing over me, I'm going to go date other people!" I guess this song is true!

...All these movies in 3-D. Yes, it's cool to see an attractive actress (or actor, for the ladies) popping out at you like she was right in front of you. It isn't cool, however, to pay an extra five dollars for a movie that has no business being in 3-D.

...I miss those mini panic attacks that people had in high school when it was yearbook signing time. "Omg, you have to sign my yearbook! Have you signed it yet? Okay, tomorrow, for sure." Growing up has its pros and cons, I suppose.

...Teachers that never update their grades online. Whether it was Parent Link for high school, Webcampus for UNLV, or whichever site your school uses, guessing what my final grade is all semester long is not a game I like to play.

...Some of my friends from high school are married already and some have become strippers. The last part wouldn't be such a bother, if I didn't hear stories of how much money they are making. They make bank. I hope college pays off, because it's hard to stay focused when you are juggling school, two jobs, a social life, and you are still making less money than your aforementioned friends!

Did you like this week's rant? Too soft? Too whiny? Send me your opinions in the comment box below or on Facebook! Watch out for a new rant column every week!

Everybody Loves Sac

2010-05-23T12:59:00.001-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

From snakes to dogs, cheerleaders to grandmothers with pink hair, and babies to Zac Effron and Vanessa Hudgens, LoveSac has something for everyone.

Located on the first floor of the Galleria Mall at 1300 West Sunset Road, LoveSac is a hip alternative to traditional furniture stores. With a variety of products suited for every room, and an equally large fan base to match, the store is truly an experience from the moment you walk in.

The store is divided into several rooms, each with a unique purpose. According to Vegas Market Manager Casey Cochran, the Sacs Educational Room, shows pictures that replicate a living room setup. The loft area is a hip spot that features the store’s largest sac, and pictures of Dj Whoo Kid, Tony Hawk, and Steve-O. The Media Room features dim lighting, a large television and a picture of their theater in Texas. The Cash Wrap area showcases owner Shawn D. Nelson and his family when they first started out. The Pet and Kid Pod features pictures of LoveSacs tiniest fans enjoying their products. The Custom Order Pod features products with a funky, unconventional style.

"I have had someone come in here to buy a ball for their kid, and they ended up walking out of the store spending close to $5,000," said Cochran. "If people sit down and listen to what our products are about, they will be amazed. It will blow their minds. It will be the best investment they have ever made. I believe that is where we are different. It is not some cheap couch from some lame furniture store; it is going to last. You are going to be satisfied."

What, exactly, sets LoveSac apart from other furniture stores? According to Vegas Assistant Store Manager Josh Graham, their patented formula ensures no other company can come up with products of similar quality.

"Our couches refill itself with air, our frames and springs have a lifetime guarantee, and all furniture is machine washable," said Cochran. "You have an accident, spill a drink on one of our products, not a big deal. Just wash it. Most of our stuff you can take home same day, and not many stores can claim that. In what other store can you fit an eight foot couch into the back of a mustang?"

According to Collin Purley, who enjoys stopping in the store to browse around, LoveSac is a great place to find creative furniture that cannot be found anywhere else.

"It looked like a fun place just to sit, and find some things I can bother my mom to buy me," said Purley. "I like how comfortable and soft everything is."

Indeed, with their use of DuraFoam for their products and an owner that personally flies down to their factory in China for months out of the year, it is no wonder the store makes a guarantee that "Your Sac will not go flat, break or have manufacturer's defects for two lifetimes."

"Our covers made in a huge factory in China, because it is the only place we have found that does double lock stitching," said Cochran. "The seams overlap each other and lock everything in, and that is what helps make our products so good."

Brian Matthews, a frequenter of the store, owns a LoveSac sac in his living room, and loves the feel of the furniture.

"We have one that expands out eight feed wide in our living room, and I love it!" said Matthews. "We actually got it for my brother's birthday. Every time I lay down on it I want to fall asleep. The store gives me a nice, relaxed, cozy feeling."

Nelson, who is attributed with the title of Chief Sac on the company's business cards, won the reality show Rebel Billionaire in 2005. The show featured billionaire Richard Bransen, founder of Virgin Worldwide, putting entrepreneurs through grueling challenges and flying them around the world.

Nelson, who includes the motto "Kill It" when he sends out memos to the stores to inspire hard work and great sales, is spoken of very highly by Graham and Cochran.

"Bransen told Shawn that he could either take the check for himself or invest the money into the company, and Shawn invested the money into LoveSac," said Graham. "To take one million dollars and put it into your company, that is a really unselfish act. He was already $55,000 in credit card debt!"

Cochran believes that Nelson's hands on approach to business is what sets LoveSac apart from competitors.

"He hung every picture on the walls of our store. How many owners do you know are going to come into the store and bust their butt for you?" said Cochran. "You can not go into other stores and expect to see an owner worth millions to come in and do hard labor. They sit in their office, in their nice chair, and let everyone else do it. Not Shawn. He drives East Coast to West Coast all the time, flies out to China for months out of the year, and misses family time just to make this company run."

Social networking, at the insistence of Cochran, put LoveSac in the spotlight. It is not uncommon to find LoveSac commenting on your latest Facebook status. Nor is it uncommon to find them twittering or blogging about their latest deals.

"Through twitter, we update all of our fans, and it is our special way to have them feel connected with the company," said Cochran. "About a year ago, I was looking for an outlet to get the store noticed. The entire company jumped on the bandwagon because they saw us on these websites and wondered 'What is Vegas doing to get sales numbers like that?' We were invited to Manager Fest 2009 in Connecticut and we gave a presentation that centered on how social networking was our strong point."

With an ever-expanding fan base, and an arsenal of sac-related innuendo, don't be surprised to find LoveSac showing up on campus, or an event near you.

Images provided courtesy of LoveSac Facebook page and me, Jamie Bichelman.

A Sneak Peak: The Week Ahead

2010-05-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Thank you for your support this week and for making the website such a success. So far, I've got an interview up from the future American Idol winner, Kristina Guerrero, and advice from actual ESPN staff members Robert Flores and Adam Schefter.

So, what's next for Sin City News Club?

I am aggressively pursuing interviews with Bryce Harper, Billy White, and a few businesses that you are all VERY familiar with, around town. As we speak, LoveSac and I are in negotiations for an interview! Feel free to contact me with story ideas. And be on the lookout for some amazing content this upcoming week!

Thanks everyone, and keep pursuing those dreams!

Advice From the Pros

2010-05-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm a big twitter-er. I love asking professionals for their advice. Robert Flores and Adam Schefter are two of the most generous ESPN staff members on Twitter.

UNLV Student Singer Spotlight

2010-05-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

By Jamie Bichelman

If you are anything like me, you turn the radio on, carelessly belt out a verse or two from the newest Jay-Z hit, without thinking twice. If you are anything like Kristina Guerrero, however, you pick a song with deep meaning, sing it with every last bit of passion your body can muster, and feel the energy through your soul.

If only we could be so lucky.

"I have done performances for political campaigns, community events and at open mics," said Guerrero. "I have so much fun doing what I love to do. It gives me such a rush that I can not even explain."

Guerrero, who was among the top five finalists for the inaugural UNLV Idol Gives Back event, said the competition was a learning experience, and that it was challenging having such a diverse group of singers.

"It was so interesting because every singer had their own style and their own voice," said Guerrero. "Since we were such a diverse group, I just had to bring the best out of me. It did definitely prepare me for other competitions. I learned how to react in a high intensity situation while keeping calm and how to do a quick outfit change in less than a minute!"

Guerrero has high hopes for her career, and has ventured into the YouTube world to share her talents. Though they are no longer together, she was also a member of the band Azure.

"I am really hoping that my talent will become my career. I honestly cannot see myself doing anything different; this is my passion," said Guerrero. "I am doing whatever I can to get exposure, like posting covers and original songs on YouTube and performing wherever I can get a gig. If anyone needs someone to perform they can shoot me a message on YouTube."

Though she enjoys singing, she has immersed herself in music by learning several different instruments. Her musical background, she said, is influenced by her mother.

"My favorite instrument is the piano. I was classically trained for 14 years and since then, took the skills I learned to try writing my own compositions," said Guerrero. "I also play guitar, but I am still learning the basics. My mom tells me that I used to hum to the music that she put on in the nursery room when I was a baby, so I can trace my singing days back to when I was a baby. She said when I was still in the womb, she would watch musicals and listen to classical music, and when I was born, she exposed me to music and continued to as I grew up."

It should come as no surprise that a multifaceted, do-it-all performer like her looks up to celebrities who have tried their hands in other forms of entertainment as well.

"I really look up to singers that are triple threats: singers that can act and dance as well," said Guerrero. "Such singers are Jennifer Lopez, Catherine Zeta Jones and Beyonce. It is rare to see someone who has all three talents, and I really look up to them because they have what it takes to make it and stay in the industry. My favorite song to sing is Speechless by Lady Gaga. My all-time favorite band is Maroon 5, and I also really like this duo named HelenaMaria."

With a slew of videos on YouTube, an inviting personality and dreams as high as the sky, Guerrero maintains a hard working attitude and hopes for the best.

"Singing and music have always been a part of me," said Guerrero. "I am hoping all my hard work will pay off. As far as American Idol, I have considered it and I do not think it would be a bad idea to try it out. Hopefully they come to Las Vegas in the next season!"

You can see all of Kristina's videos on her YouTube page, http://www.youtube.com/azureband22

Welcome To Sin City News Club

2010-05-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! Thank you for checking the site out. This is my first step toward a career in journalism. If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer to be interviewed, feel free to contact me via Facebook, Email, or by phone. It is my goal to have a new article at least once per week, with a few bonuses in between. If you are an up and coming model, athlete, singer, actor/actress, or have an interesting story to share, let's get it on here! I'm aggressively pursuing my dream, and I want to hear about your dreams, too!