Archive for Entertainment

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

July 1, 2011 kristinaf Entertainment

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Ever feel like you’re a bit different, like you’re missing something that everyone else knows, and kind of makes you feel awkward or unaware? In The Perks of Being a Wallflower Charlie is that awkward kid. He leaves middle school with a the hardship of losing his best friend. But as he starts high school he meets Sam, who quickly becomes his first crush, and Patrick, who becomes a really good friend. Charlie is an interesting character. The novel is a collection of letters to a stranger expresses how he feels and what’s going on in his life. However, the letters are only going one way intentionally. Through the whole book you can tell as the reader that something is off but can never really figure out why. Of course, he’s figuring out who he is as a teenager but he seems a little distant. His friends Sam and Patrick become really close and create a bond only understood as you’re reading. Through his friends, Charlie gets exposed to drugs, alcohol, sex and their consequences, the ‘good’ and bad. He finds out the truth of how some people hide who they are and that not everyone is who they seem. At times he’ll express himself through music whether that be playing the music selection at a party or making mixed tapes. He explains moments with Sam and Patrick in their truck with the right song on as feeling infinite. Even though he’s bit different at some level whoever has felt out of their element or even just pressures of being a teenager can relate to this book. I really don’t want to give too much away because it is a good book and it’s compared to the level of Catcher in the Rye. Exciting news! In 2012, there will be a movie made from this book. The main character will be played by Logan Lerman from Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lighting Thief. Sam will be played by the ever popular Emma Watson who was in Harry Potter. Patrick is not casted or not released yet.      
No comments

Wanderlei Silva Returns to UFC 132

June 29, 2011 susank Entertainment, las vegas, Las Vegas Entertainment, Mixed Martial Arts, Sports, UFC

Urijah Faber versus Dominick Cruz may be the headline event for UFC 132.   But many MMA fans seem to be more enthused for the return of former PRIDE champion and MMA hall-of-famer, Wanderlei Silva, 34.  The UFC has scheduled a co-main between Chris Leben, 30, and Silva on Saturday at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Image Courtesy of Caged Insider

Silva is returning to the octagon after a 17 month break due to injuries.  After breaking a rib cage that led to a knee injury Silva has been away from fighting for the UFC. However, he has kept himself busy as a business owner at his gym,  Wand Fight Team, located near Tropicana and the I-15 in Las Vegas.

Silva’s preparation for UFC 132 has included training with The Wand Fight Team and with trainer, Rafael Cordero.  According to MMA Junkie, Cordero has, “Attracted top talent to his King’s MMA school in Southern California. In fact, an old Chute Boxe teammate, former UFC light-heavyweight champ Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, had recently taken refuge there.”

Silva is known for his strength, his heavy hands and intensity he brings to the octagon. With a vast amount of fans and respect he brings to the Las Vegas valley Silva may not be the headlined event at UFC 132, but he will be a featured fighter that MMA fans won’t want to miss.

His opponent, Leben (21-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC), also admitted he has been a long time fan of Silva  (33-10-1 MMA, 3-5 UFC).  ”Believe it or not – I really don’t want to tell him this – but he’s one of the reasons I started. When I very first started fighting, I used to go get bootleg PRIDE videos and watch them, and in some ways try to emulate some of the stuff he did,”  said Leben during a teleconference promoting UFC 132.

Silva showed his appreciation to Wand Fight Team on Monday night when him and his wife, Tea, raffled off ten tickets for UFC 132 that they had bought by themselves.   The tickets were in honor of his gym, members and coaches who train at Wand Fight Team.  He has also arranged a private viewing party that is only offered to his fight team.

“Wanderlei Silva versus Chris Leben is like pouring a truckload of ignited gasoline over a mountain of live dynamite. It is difficult to imagine any result other than a massive explosion,”  state UFC’s article Go Get Some Popcorn: Silva vs. Leben by Michael DiSanto.

Image Courtesy of The MMA Digest

No comments

The Fremont Street Experience

June 25, 2011 susank Digital Journalism, Entertainment, Fremont Street Experience, las vegas, Las Vegas Locals

Nothing beats a five-block radius full of cheap cocktails, live music, dancing, zip lining and a free light show on an overhead canopy that extends as far as five football fields.

This is free entertainment that is only found in downtown Las Vegas.  The Fremont Street experience is affordable, fun and fabulous.

The light show is one of downtown’s main attractions.  Every night, Fremont Street illuminates the block with bright images, special effects and great tunes.  The light show is a spectacle of entertainment for tourists and locals.

Fremont Street also offers live music, shopping and $5 buy-ins on gaming tables. Located in the heart of downtown, Fremont Street gives tourists and locals a chance to experience where Sin City began.

Its vintage look holds a place for onlookers to get a feel of Las Vegas history.  Fremont was the first paved street in the valley.  It was also the start of the city’s gemstone, bright lights, attractions, casinos and 24-7 entertainment.  It contains the first hotels, casinos and the beginning of one of the most unique hot spots in the world, the Strip.

One of the newest features of Fremont is the Golden Nugget casino’s pool called, “The Tank”.   It contains a three story water slide that zips past a tank full of sharks.

The other addition is Flightlinez, a zip line that extends 800 feet above the crowd and reaches up to 25 mph.   The four tier zip line zips its riders above Fremont Street.  You can enjoy the zip line during the day or at night.  Before 6 p.m. it is $15 and after 6 p.m. it is $20.

Whether it is to witness the history of Las Vegas, the zip line, cheap drinks, dancing, “The Tank” or the light show, Fremont Street is a one of a kind place.  The high-spirit vibe of downtown is a block party that you don’t want to miss.

 

No comments

The Perks of Exploration Peak

June 23, 2011 susank Entertainment, Hiking Las Vegas, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Locals, Las Vegas Recreation, Outdoor Enthusiasts

Las Vegas may be know for the infamous Strip with gambling, fabulous dining, extravagant shows and elaborate nightlife but there is more to the valley other than the Strip.

Welcome to Exploration Peak Park at Mountain's Edge

Las Vegas valley may be centered around the Strip but on the Southwest edge of the city lies a growing community, Mountain’s Edge.  The community is centered around Exploration Peak Park that holds a peace of history, a sense of calamity and a view of beauty.

The park is located on the Southeast corner of Blue Diamond and Buffalo. Exploration Peak has been flourished with community events and local outdoor enthusiasts. The park features include covered picnic areas, a water splash area, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, an outdoor amphitheater and a Western themed playground.

The park was first opened in May, 2007.   The Western theme resembles the early history of early Indian settlers in the area.  ”The building facades are inspired by early days of settlement in the West, but built at a child’s perspective. Behind the building facades are climbing structures, slides and other equipment,”  stated in the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s article Mountain’s Edge Opens Park.

View from the top of Exploration Park Peak

 

Exploration Peak is not just for kids.  It is also a great place to enjoy a hike, bike ride or just to escape the rock landscape of the valley and enjoy some green grass.  There are a majority of hiking trails that lead you to the peak of the park and overlook the city for a fabulous view.

The trails start at the base of the park, loop around the playground area and the lower level of the park.   The trails lead to the top of Exploration Peak and wind done on both sides for an extended hike.

“Exploration Peak is the first mountain-based park in Las Vegas, with several paths that lead to the top at 2,486 feet,”  stated in The Las Vegas Hiking and Outdoors Meetup.  If you are looking for a moderate hike with a great view then Exploration Peak is a perfect pit stop.   Whether you choose to mingle or lounge, go for a leisure hike or even a sprint up the 2,486 foot peak for an exhausting workout you can enjoy the view of the Las Vegas Valley from Exploration Peak in Mountain’s Edge.

No comments