And for you locals, it’s a good site to send your out-of-state friends to.

At BestofVegas.com you’ll find everything you need to book your entire Las Vegas vacation. From hotels to entertainment to local attractions, BestofVegas.com has taken the nonsense out of browsing dozens of different sites and put everything in one place. A simple concept and an exceptionally easy way to manage every detail of your Vegas vacation.

Check out:
Vegas shows
Vegas tours
Vegas hotels
Las Vegas travel deals

It’s billed as the best of the best whether you’re looking for luxury or great deals. It includes bargain deals on travel, tours, hotels, restaurants, shows and nightlife. It looks to us like they’ve considered and addressed every possible Las Vegas activity. And for your star stalkers — we know you’re out there — BestofVegas.com will even tell you where you’re most likely to find a celebrity.

The BestofVegas.com management team is composed of experts — people who’ve been there and done that — who have decades of experience in Las Vegas.

BestofVegas.com is a licensed and bonded seller of travel in Nevada, California and Florida. The company maintains a 100% security seal for all transactions.

When planning your Las Vegas vacation, may we suggest BestofVegas.com? It’s a great online resource for the best prices and offers, quality service, confidence and reliability — all in one place.

Visit them 24/7 at BestofVegas.com. They guarantee a great experience from start to finish.

CSN’s fifth annual Science & Technology Expo will feature displays, interactive exhibits, student demonstrations and laboratory tours to showcase high-demand careers, and high-tech education and training programs.

The Expo is a free of charge scientific extravaganza that’s open to the public — a high-impact, inquiry-based education experience for more than 2,000 Clark County School District students, their teachers and the Las Vegas community.

CSN partners with many businesses and industries, professional societies, universities and other government agencies to bring new developments in science and state-of-the-art technology to the public. Exhibitors and presenters stimulate curiosity, inform and teach through engaging hands-on activities and experiments, interactive demonstrations, simulations and crowd-pleasing presentations.

Food booths, music and entertainment also will be in full swing, adding to the Expo fun and excitement for the whole family.

We received tickets to see Toni Braxton in “Revealed” at the Flamingo Hilton on the Las Vegas Strip. The tickets were a generous birthday gift from a friend. Thank you!

We ended up at the front table, right next to the center stairs leading to the stage. Toni used this runway part of the stage quite a bit to interact with the audience, the thing she did best during the 90 minute show.

So, when she was pausing for photo opportunities with the audience mid-way in her show, I seized the moment and offered my lap for her to take a load off. She sat down for just a few seconds, long enough for the nearby photographer to snap five photos which they tried selling to me for $28 each.

As noteworthy as it is to have Toni Braxton sit in your lap (I’m wearing the same pants today), the most impressive moment of the night for me was when she sat down at the piano and played and sang. She’s a real musician!

Having said that, I can’t say I’d recommend her show to my friends. We were treated to more talking than singing, and more skimpy Vegas showmanship than quality entertainment. In fact, I take issue with her wardrobe person’s philosophy that less is more. Her best costume was a long white, elegant dress (I think it’s the one she wore at the Grammy’s many years ago; at least it reminded me of it).

She’s such a dichotomy - a preacher’s kid, or “PK” as she put it, who now seems content to sell sex through music.

I contrast last night’s experience with a concert my wife and I attended last May at The Joint at the Hard Rock. We experienced 90 minutes of awesome music and amazing, smooth, consistent vocals from Anita Baker.

For all the money that went into Braxton’s show, I’d say Baker’s one night stand at The Joint was twice as good. For me, it’s not always about expensive costumes, slick production and location.

I’ll continue to enjoy Toni Braxton’s music, but I’ll go see Anita Baker again.

ACA International is the professional organization for The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals.

“We have met the stringent requirements set forth by ACA International to become one of 280 worldwide members of the Asset Buyers Division,” said Rick Bennett, president of PlusFour, Inc.

The members of the Asset Buyers Division include buyers, sellers and brokers engaged in the buying or selling of accounts receivable. Each member is required to abide by ACA International’s Code of Ethics. “PlusFour, Inc. is honored to be a part of this select group of professionals,” said Bennett.

Since its inception as a specialized program of ACA in 1999, the Asset Buyers Division has provided its members with the most current information and education available in the complex and constantly evolving asset buying industry.

Asset Buyers Division members receive an informative bi-monthly newsletter, access to ABD’s Due Diligence Guidelines, and are invited to attend annual meetings and education institutes held throughout the year.

DevCorp, a boutique financial services company which provides construction financing for small to mid-sized commercial construction companies, has announced a new Contract Financing Program to help companies participate in large-scale construction projects, like CityCenter.

Through the Contract Financing Program with DevCorp, contractors get the working capital and financial tools they need for large-scale construction contracts. The program provides access to contract financing, providing local contractors cash flow for payroll, operating overhead, inventory, equipment and other business purposes.

The program is available to any contractor on any project and companies with large-scale construction projects such as Perini Building Company and MGM MIRAGE are referring contractors to the program.

This type of financial support is needed in the Southern Nevada business community according to Carl Rowe, executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Las Vegas and a former management consultant. “DevCorp was able to help one of our smaller contractors stabilize both his financial and administrative circumstances and avoid the cancellation of a contract,” Rowe said.

Additionally, DevCorp has mobilized resources to provide technical assistance activities to meet the special needs of developing small construction businesses, and historically underserved contractor populations. Forging effective partnerships with the international financial community, including First Asian Bank, and establishing links to industry associations such as the National Association of Minority Contractors and the Nevada Minority Business Enterprise Center are vital to the success of this aspect of the CFP.

“I’m impressed with the services and skill mix that DevCorp brings to the table,” said Ernest M. Fountain, Project Director of the New Ventures Capital Development Company, which also operates the Nevada Minority Business Enterprise Center, funded from federal sources. “Not only does DevCorp provide contract financing, but high level technical support and assistance, especially in the construction arena.”

DevCorp Contract Financing Facility, LLC specializes in the design and implementation of financial tools that help small and middle market construction contractors build capacity through access to contract financing and bonding. For more information, please visit DevCorp online.

This, from the company’s announcement:

The Findlay Automotive Group held a fund raising event this past weekend to assist UNLV basketball legend Glen Gondrezick with medical costs associated with his pending heart transplant.

The fund raising event was held March 28 and 29, 2008 at all Findlay locations in the Las Vegas area. Findlay had pledged to donate $100 for every vehicle purchased at Findlay dealerships on those two days.

Findlay’s Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder, announced today that the dealerships sold 249 vehicles during the two day event. As a result, Findlay is donating $24,900 to the Gondo Medical Fund.

Gondrezick, known as “Gondo” played for the UNLV Rebels in the 1970’s before playing in the NBA for six years. Gondo has been a radio announcer for UNLV basketball for the past two decades.

Cliff Findlay, owner of Findlay Automotive Group, is a former UNLV basketball player and a longtime supporter of UNLV athletics.

The fifth annual Spring in the Desert plant sale and lecture series — presented by the CSN Desert Garden Center and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension — will be held at the CSN Desert Garden Center at 6221 West Charleston Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Guest lecturers and topics include:

• Norm Schilling, president of the Schilling Horticulture Group will speak on “Five Most Important Principles for Gardening in Las Vegas”


• Leslie Doyle, gardener, author and desert tomato expert will speak on “Growing Tomatoes”


• Sean Goodchild, biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will speak on “Gardening for Wildlife”


• Daniel Secinaro, Lead Gardener for the Springs Preserve will speak on “Native Plants for the Mojave”

The lecture series will help valley gardeners create thriving landscapes in our arid climate. Plants which offer food and habitat to local wildlife will also be showcased, giving gardeners a plant palate for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to their homes year round. Community partners will be on hand to provide attendees with helpful information, including: the Springs Preserve, Nevada Cactus and Succulent Society, Tortoise Group, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Las Vegas Wash Project, Nevada Bonsai Society, and the Conservation District of Southern Nevada.

"With our year purchase the size that it is, this makes Village Seafood Buffet one of the largest buyers in the world," says William Becker, vice president of food and beverage for the Rio.

To pair with the cuisine, sommeliers will pair wines that bring out the best flavors in the selections. In addition, the Rio beverage team developed a collection of specialty cocktails. With fresh sushi remaining a primary component of the menu, the team created the “Coast to Coast,” a refreshing blend of gin, berry cognac, cucumber, fresh lemon and just enough ginger syrup to give a hint of Asian influence.

To complete the experience, the gelateria, otherwise known as the dessert station, showcases the custom-made silver rotating gelato display with 10 flavors and flambé station, as well as a bevy of classic plated deserts including cheesecakes, cookies and crème brulees.

Village Seafood Buffet is open daily at 4 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Price is $38 (plus tax) per person and $23.99 for children ages four through eight. Children three and under are free.

Gondrezick, known to Rebel fans as “Gondo,” has been a radio analyst for the UNLV men's basketball games for 15 years. Gondrezick also played in the NBA for six seasons.

He suffers from congenital heart disease and will miss this year’s NCAA tournament as he is at UCLA Medical Center awaiting a heart transplant.

The fundraising event, announced today by Findlay Automotive Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Tyler Corder, will be held on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at all Findlay locations in the Las Vegas area.

Findlay will donate $100 for every vehicle purchased at Findlay dealerships on those two days. “We hope to raise more than $20,000 for Gondo during the event,” said Corder.

Cliff Findlay, owner of Findlay Automotive Group, is a former UNLV basketball player and a longtime supporter of UNLV athletics.

Here are a few of the activities available:

CSN Coyote Baseball games — great for families and entire little league teams; March 14 at 4 p.m. at Morse Stadium (CSN Henderson Campus) or March 15 at noon

Lunch at Russell’s Restaurant — students manage the restaurant, from top to bottom; Monday through Thursday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CSN Cheyenne Campus; call 651-4701

Shows at The Planetarium — Friday, March 21 at 6 and 7:30 p.m. or Saturday, March 22 at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the CSN Cheyenne Campus; call 651-4759

Desert Garden Center — learn about native plants and gardening techniques; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CSN Henderson Campus; call 651-5050

Founded in 1971 and educating more than 100,000 students annually, the College of Southern Nevada is the state’s largest college. CSN is one of the country’s most exciting and dynamic colleges with more than 200 degrees and certificates in more than 100 areas of study. Students create flexible, personalized schedules including day, evening and weekend classes taught on three main campuses, and numerous satellite locations, academic and learning centers throughout Southern Nevada.

Well . . . Dr. Azimi, Las Vegas’ downtown general and cosmetic dentist, has reserved the dental chair for one lucky person for a total dental makeover.

For the first time, Dr. Azimi has agreed to donate a smile makeover to a worthy candidate.

“We’re looking for someone who lives or works in downtown Las Vegas, is a real asset to their employer or community, and would like to have a brand new smile,” said Dr. Azimi. “What we’re looking for is someone who is outstanding in every way and may have a few crooked teeth they’d like fixed.”

For details, visit Dr. Azimi’s newsroom.

The event, which serves as a fund raiser for CSN, UNLV and Nevada State College students with financial hardships, seeks tax deductible contributions and provides attendees with the opportunity of hearing from keynote speakers Dean John Valery White of the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Dean M. Christopher Brown, II, of UNLV’s College of Education.

Last year’s Black History Breakfast was also held at The Venetian and generated $9,000 in contributions to the shared scholarship fund. The Las Vegas–Clark County Urban League has held the scholarship funds in reserve awaiting announcement of scholarship recipients at this year’s event.

Black History Breakfast is one of dozens of Black History Month events sponsored by CSN and the state’s other institutes of higher learning. For a complete list of Southern Nevada college and university campus Black History Month events, visit csn.edu/blackhistory.

Those interested in attending the Black History Breakfast and supporting the Las Vegas–Clark County Urban League scholarships should contact the CSN Office of Diversity & Inclusion at (702) 651-7485.

About CSN

Founded in 1971 and educating more than 70,000 students annually, the College of Southern Nevada is the state’s largest college. CSN is one of the country’s most exciting and dynamic colleges with more than 200 degrees and certificates in more than 100 areas of study. Students create flexible, personalized schedules including day, evening and weekend classes taught on three main campuses, 14 academic and learning centers and many satellite locations throughout Southern Nevada.

Street Teens a 501 (c)(3) corporation, founded by Rosario and David Mereaux is a volunteer based, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting homeless, abandoned, and at risk youth, ages 12-21 in the Las Vegas Valley. Street Teens provides basic necessities in a safe and compassionate environment, including access to educational, health care and employment resource services through the drop-in center and in collaboration with community partners.

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