Farts, Burps, and Hurl Capture Kids' Attention and Imagination

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body, a traveling exhibition exploring the good, the bad and the ugly about how your body works, is currently on display in the Cultural Gallery at Lied Discovery Children’s Museum through September 7, 2009.

Grossology is a collaboration between Science World, Advanced Exhibits and Sylvia Branzei, a teacher, microbiologist and author of the best‐selling children’s book of the same name. The exhibition uses creative animatronics and interactives to teach about runny noses, body odor and other unmentionables. Visitors will be able to learn how your nose acts as an air filter and mucus producer, mimic the buildup of acid indigestion at a burp machine, and climb on large replica of human skin.
As the museum’s summer spotlight, Grossology takes the place of the highly successful Adventures With Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibition and becomes the third science‐based addition to the facility in 2009. The Green Village and It’s Your Choice core exhibitions were added earlier this year.

“Lied Discovery Children’s Museum is a center for science in the Las Vegas Valley,” executive director Linda Quinn said. “Grossology makes science fun for children and families, which is why it’s a perfect fit. We are fortunate the support of the community continues to enable the museum to bring bigger and better science exhibits and educational opportunities to our members and visitors.”

Grossology is locally sponsored by Cox Communications.

Lied Discovery Childrenʹs Museum is located at 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North in downtown Las Vegas and features more than 100 interactive exhibits in the arts, sciences and humanities for children and families. For more information, visit www.ldcm.org or call (702) 382‐3445.

Posted June 12, 2009 1:42 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It’s “Business As Usual” for Southern Nevada’s Top GM Dealership

General Motors sent pink slips to roughly one out of four of its dealers nationwide this month. Findlay Chevrolet, one of the newest and most successful dealerships in the Las Vegas Valley, was not among them. Just last week, Findlay Chevrolet received “the other” letter from GM. This one asked the dealership “to be part of ‘the new GM.’”

“Findlay Chevrolet has been affected by the economy just like virtually every other business, but we are determined to weather the storm,” General Manager Justin Findlay said. “We are happy that GM feels the same way about us.”

GM determined that the overall performance of the company would benefit from a reduction in the number of dealerships that were - in many cases - competing with each other within the same market.

More than 1,100 “underperforming” stores, as GM put it, were targeted to ensure the automakers’ future retail networks will be stronger down the road.

Mark LaNeve, GM’s North American sales chief, said the dealer cuts were needed to match the shrinkage in the company and in the U.S. auto market.

Late last year, two Chevrolet dealerships in Southern Nevada abruptly ceased operations and shut down, reducing the total number of Chevrolet dealerships in Southern Nevada from five to three. One has since re-opened under new ownership, bringing the total to four.

“If we hadn’t had that attrition earlier in the year, who knows what would have happened here,” Findlay said. “But four seems like the right number. We basically have one in each corner of the market.”

Also last month, Integrity Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep, the dealership adjacent to Findlay Chevrolet in the Southwest part of the valley near 215 and Rainbow, announced it was closing under the strain of the economy. Chrysler Corporation also announced it was not renewing several franchise agreements in Southern Nevada, creating a shockwave through the local auto industry and doubt amongst Southern Nevada GM and Ford dealers, who comprise the balance of the “Big Three” in domestic auto sales.

For GM dealers like Findlay Chevrolet, the doubt can now be put behind them.

“Now we are focused solely on what’s in front of us,” Findlay said.

Findlay Chevrolet opened in December 2007 and became the No. 1 GM dealership in Southern Nevada within its first year of business. It is one of 14 dealerships within the Findlay Automotive Group.

Posted June 11, 2009 5:08 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Heller Companies, a Las Vegas-based commercial real estate development and management firm, has implemented a new strategy to deal with waste at several of its multi-tenant business parks, including Valley View Business Center, one of the largest multi-tenant office/industrial flex projects in Southern Nevada.

The Valley View Business Center development, located at South Valley View Blvd. and Sunset Road, has more than 554,000-square feet of office, showroom and warehouse space, which accommodates more than 200 tenants. Heller Companies principal Jay Heller estimates those tenants produce 2,784 cubic yards of refuse each month.

“We started to analyze ways of incorporating more green practices in our projects and realized that when companies normally think green, they tend to look towards energy efficiency and alternate sources of energy,” Heller said. “But there is equally as much green potential in recycling the materials we use on a daily basis.”

Wanting to leave less of a carbon footprint, Heller set out to correct the problem by adopting and implementing a waste management program for all of his company’s multi-tenant business centers. The program went into effect May 1.

To make the program work, Heller Companies enlisted the assistance of a local recycling company, NVCCU, which consulted with Heller throughout the changeover and supplied the necessary recycle-only bins. The new bins handle all waste material except food waste. Special bins are in place specifically to handle the food waste. The recyclable materials are all co-mingled in the bins and require no additional effort from the tenants to sort.

“As odd as it sounds only the food waste needs to be separated out, which in the entire facility is minimal,” Heller said. “All the co-mingled recyclables go to a special facility owned and operated by NVCCU, where they are then sorted, baled and sent off to be recycled.

“The majority of the waste generated at our developments are recyclable, material such as paper, cardboard, plastics, wood, etcetera, and previously it was all just going to the land fill. Now the majority of our trash is being recycled.”

Because the bins are twice the capacity of previous garbage bins, they are emptied less often, further decreasing the overall carbon footprint of the business park. It also means lower operating costs for Heller Companies, and ultimately the tenants.

“It’s a win-win situation. Everything about this initiative makes sense,” Heller said.

For more information on Valley View Business Center, or other Heller Companies projects, visit www.hellercompanies.com.

Posted May 29, 2009 10:28 AM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Born to fill a void in Truckee’s (Calif.) affordable housing market, Hopkins Village, earned the award for “Best New Subdivision in the United States” at the 2009 Manufactured Housing Institute’s National Industry Award ceremony during the industry’s National Congress and Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing at Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas last month.

The subdivision is comprised of two-story, multi-family units that look and feel like town homes that belong in the alpine village located across the California border roughly 30 miles west of Reno.

“This was a unique situation because the product had to fit two criteria that are not usually consistent with one another,” said Leo Poggione, a 1992 graduate of UNLV (Business Administration) and president of Reno-based Craftsman Homes. “They had to be completed within a relatively tight budget, but also be attractive enough so they would not detract from the surrounding area.”

Hopkins Village is located between three world-class golf courses and Northstar, an upscale community that features world-class skiing, a country club, high-end residences and a host of celebrity neighbors.

A greater challenge was the small window of time allowed to complete the project. Because of the unpredictable weather that Truckee is known for, a project of this magnitude - if it were site-built - might take up to 24 months to complete. As modular units that are constructed in closed, controlled environments, shipped and assembled on site, that window was reduced to just 90 days.

“This project presented a lot of challenges that we would not have been able to overcome if we were building these units from scratch,” said Poggione, who also was honored as the 2009 National Retail Person of the Year.

The National Industry Awards are presented annually. Entries submitted for awards were judged by an independent panel of professionals within the planning, community development, Realtor and homebuilding professions.

Craftsman Homes is a 10-year-old Reno company that specializes in the sale of homes from a variety of different manufacturers. To view pictures of these homes you can visit www.forahouse.com or call Craftsman Homes, Inc. at 775-853-3004. For information on the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), go to www.manufacturedhousing.org.

Posted May 26, 2009 2:45 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

WHO:
Auld Dubliner, the authentic Irish pub at The Village at Lake Las Vegas.

WHAT:
Join Auld Dubliner as they celebrate Memorial Day with a festive barbecue and live music from various entertainers. Enjoy smoked turkey legs, ribs, beef tips and much more!

WHEN:
Sun., May 24, Noon - 8 pm / Mon., May 25, Noon - 5 p.m.

Auld Dubliner live entertainment schedule is as follows:
Sat., May 23, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sun., May 24, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Mon., May 25, Noon - 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Auld Dubliner at The Village at Lake Las Vegas
15 Costa di Lago
Henderson, Nev. 89011

COST:
The cost of the barbecue ranges from $8 to $12 per-person. Entertainment at Auld Dubliner and lakeside concerts* are free and open to the public.

Posted May 21, 2009 9:31 AM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas, NV – April 8, 2009 – Ben & Jerry’s, the company that broke the mold for businesses showing you could make a profit while giving back to the community, will commemorate its 31st Annual “Free Cone Day” at the Galleria Mall at Sunset in Henderson with celebrity scoopers to benefit Lied Discovery Children’s Museum and at the District at Green Valley Ranch location to benefit the Nevada Community Learning Centers (formerly Classroom on Wheels). All small cones are FREE with no purchase necessary, but patrons are invited to make a donation to the respective local charity.

Local celebrities will roll up their sleeves and dig in at both locations and work to help raise money by scooping ice cream throughout the day on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, from noon to 8 p.m. Celebrities are being confirmed and will be announced shortly.

“Free Cone Day” was originally launched to thank the community for their loyalty to Ben & Jerry’s and to congratulate the staff on the company’s first anniversary. It was such a huge success; it is now a tradition that is celebrated each year. “Free Cone Day” at Ben & Jerry’s will happen across the globe and all proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops anticipate to give away more than two million free ice cream cones nationally. While the full flavor line-up is up for grabs on “Free Cone Day” featuring “legend-dairy” palette pleasers like Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby, Ben & Jerry’s will debut its newest offerings as part of the celebration:

• Chocolate Macadamia – A Flavor with a Mission! Fair Trade Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Creams Swirled Together with Fudge-Covered Macadamia Nuts

• Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road – Chocolate Ice Cream, Peanut Butter Cookie Dough, Butter Brickle and White Chocolate Chunks

• Orange & Cream – A Swirly Sorbet of Orange with Vanilla Ice Cream Blended to a Harmonious Summertime Treat

• Triple Caramel Chunk – Caramel Ice Cream with a Swirl of Caramel and Fudge-Covered Caramel Chunks

The Galleria Mall At Sunset is located at 1300 W. Sunset Road at the intersection of Stephanie Street. Ben & Jerry’s is located on the Upper Level, across from the Food Court. For more information, please contact Ben & Jerry’s at 702-435-0330.

The District at Green Valley Ranch is located next to the Green Valley Ranch Casino on I-215 and Green Valley Parkway. For more information, please contact Ben & Jerry’s at 702-437-3300.

Continue reading "LOCAL CELEBRITIES TO SCOOP ICE CREAM FOR CHARITY FOR BEN & JERRY’S 31st ANNUAL “FREE CONE DAY” APRIL 21" »

Posted April 8, 2009 1:55 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Audi’s A4 has been voted "Business Car of the Year" by the readers of BusinessCar Magazine.

The BusinessCar Awards are the only awards in the market that are solely decided by the readership. This makes them the most influential in the business car arena.

Alongside the A4’s win, Audi took six other category wins including Sporting Car with the A5 and Small 4x4 with the Q5.

“The new A4’s win demonstrates how much value business car managers put on strong residual values, prestige branding and low running costs," said Tristan Young, BusinessCar Editor-in-chief.

Jim Diguilio, General Manager at Audi Henderson, believes the business community in Southern Nevada reflects the findings of BusinessCar Magazine poll.

"The Las Vegas business community is a fast-growing segment for us," Diguilio said. "Our lineup is stylish and loaded with the types of features and performance the typical business person is looking for."

The newly redesigned 2009 Audi A4 is available in the Las Vegas Valley at Audi Henderson in the Valley Auto Mall. www.audihenderson.com

Posted February 2, 2009 1:14 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Event benefits The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada

The Village (MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas) and Buckbean Brewing Company, the largest production microbrewery in Nevada, host the first-ever Village Beer Fest on Sat., March 14, 2009 from 3 – 7 p.m. Tickets for the festival are available at the event for $20 per person which includes an engraved commemorative glass, with proceeds benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southern Nevada (MDA).

The Village Craft Festival showcases craft beers from around the U.S. served along The Village’s cobblestone streets with waterfront views. Live music by Las Vegas’ The Wedge Brothers will cap off a great day where guests can enjoy these hand-crafted brews in support of a great cause.

“Buckbean’s excited to partner with The Village on this event and hopes it will become an annual event,” said Buckbean Brewing Company Owner Douglas Booth. “The location is perfect for this type of event with restaurants and shops to enhance the experience and a resort in case guests have had too much fun and need a place to sleep.”

Guests wishing to take advantage of MonteLago Village Resort’s luxury lakeside lodging can do so by calling 888-600-2688. Complete with scenic balconies, full kitchens and living areas, lodging at the resort starts at only $99 per night, plus resort fees and taxes. Mention “Beer Fest” when calling to receive the special rate. A special Beer Festival package is also available and includes an overnight stay and two passes to the event for $125, a 35 percent savings (plus resort fees and taxes).

For more information on this event, please visit www.montelagovillage.com. For sponsorship information during any MonteLago Village event, please call 702-564-4785.

Continue reading "Inaugural "Village Craft Beer Festival" Coming To The Village" »

Posted January 23, 2009 12:59 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Free oil change offered for toy donations

In an effort to give added support to the local Boy's & Girl's Clubs in Southern Nevada, Findlay Chevrolet is conducting its first-ever "Frank Findlay's Drive For Toys" today.

To help make the toy drive a success, anyone who brings in a new toy with a value greater than $10 will receive a voucher for a free oil change on their GM vehicle at Findlay Chevrolet. The toy drive began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 8 p.m. tonight.

"This is the kind of thing we feel is important for our community," General Manager Justin Findlay said. "If we can make just one child's holiday a little brighter, then we've succeeded."

Findlay Chevrolet, along with toy drive sponsors Collision Authority and Perini Building Company, hope to collect several hundred toys that will then be turned over to local Boy's & Girl's Clubs.

Findlay Chevrolet is located in the southwest part of the valley, between Rainbow and Jones just south of the 215 beltway. For information on Frank Findlay's Drive For Toys or on Findlay Chevrolet, call 982-4444.

Posted December 23, 2008 9:23 AM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Clark County Water Reclamation District (District) will be continuing to repair the collection system on Broadbent Boulevard at Frances Celia Avenue, near Sam Boyd Stadium. Traffic in this area will be impacted through at least the end of the year.

The bypass pumping, that is the cause of traffic impact in this area, works to protect the public and environment from any spills during the critical repair work being done.

Travel advisory for fans attending the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl:

Expect the following traffic impacts on Broadbent Boulevard at Sam Boyd Stadium:

- Prior to the start of the game two lanes will be open traveling into the stadium.
- Once the game has started, lanes will shift so provide two lanes for traffic exiting the stadium.

“We appreciate the patience of the community and of fans attending Saturday’s football game during this project. Rest assured, we are working as quickly as possible to have traffic back to normal in these areas,” said Sam Scire, assistant general manager of the District. “Due to the nature of this work, we are unable to avoid some lane restrictions for events at the stadium this month.”

Scire suggested those attending the Las Vegas Bowl use alternate routes, including Boulder Highway to East Russell Road, which leads directly into the stadium.

For more information and traffic updates, drivers can call the project hotline at 702-853-1333, or visit www.cleanwaterteam.com.

About the CCWRD

The Clark County Water Reclamation District was created in 1954. It services the unincorporated portions of Clark County within the Las Vegas Valley, as well as the communities of Blue Diamond, Indian Springs, Laughlin, Overton and Searchlight. The District collects and treats more than 100 million gallons of wastewater each day utilizing more than 2,000 miles of pipeline and eight treatment facilities.

Posted December 19, 2008 2:49 PM by Blogging Vegas | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This