Today marked the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s first “Pink Newspaper Day” to help fight breast cancer, and a slew of Vegas notables were out in force to sell pink newspapers and bring attention to October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Among the celebrities selling the Las Vegas Review-Journal (printed on pink newsprint) was Harrah’s magician (and all around good guy) Mac King.

King joined volunteers at Town Square's Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store.

Of course, Mac King being Mac King, he couldn’t resist doing something miraculous relating to his surroundings, so he had a volunteer “pick a card, any card.” She shuffled. She cut the deck. She flipped over a card. The four of spades. Mac King pointed at a nearby coffee cup, and this was the result.

Told you it was miraculous!

Joining those doing their part for breast cancer awareness were Imperial Palace’s own Human Nature. The Australian quartet made an appearance at the Egg & I restaurant on Sahara Blvd.

Human Nature shows off their pink collectibles.

We took the opportunity to ask one of Human Nature’s members, Andrew Tierney, if he has any special ties to the cause. He said, “No, but I’ve got a lot of special women in my life, and I think it’s close to the heart of anyone who has a mom, a wife, a sister or a daughter.”

Bonus factoid: Holy cr@p, Andrew has some great eyelashes, doesn't he?

Of course, as a Las Vegas blog, we couldn’t resist asking about any inside Human Nature news.

Tierney said, “We’ve recorded a new record, ‘Vegas: Songs From Sin City.’ There’s such a music pedigree in this town, and we’ve delved in, looking back to performers like Louis Prima and done our own take on all those songs, and we’re really happy with it.”

The album will be released in Australia first (in November), but will be on sale at Human Nature’s shows at the Imperial Palace. Based on the title alone, this Las Vegas blog expects to be first in line to get that new release.

Please enjoy this entirely gratuitous image that serves no other purpose than to show off this blog's mad photography skilz. Yes, with a "z."

Insider scoop: Human Nature is doing a duet with Paris Las Vegas’ resident music legend Barry Manilow on the new album. Was that supposed to be kept top secret? We don’t know! This blog doesn’t live by society’s rules.

Photo op! Human Nature's (clockwise from top left) Andrew Tierney, Toby Allen, Michael Tierney and Phil Burton.

But back to the matter at hand. Others participating in the event around town included the “World’s Happiest Mayor,” Oscar Goodman, dancers Jace and Juan from Chippendales at the Rio, Frank Marino of “Divas Las Vegas” at Imperial Palace, comedian Louie Anderson and singer Clint Holmes.

The Human Nature guys get their philanthropy on.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal plans to donate 100% of retail newspaper sales for the day to the Southern Nevada affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Read more.

Go here for the official Susan G. Komen for the Cure site.

Holly Madison, star of Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, just returned from a short vacation. And Holly has returned as only Holly can. Pictorially!

Love those sunglasses!

The comely de facto mayor of Las Vegas (per this Las Vegas blog, anyway) is currently featured in UFC Magazine.

See all the photos here.

We were going to post a Holly Madison factoid here, but we got distracted a little.

As if one needed an additional reason to have a crush on Holly Madison, it should be noted that on her vacation, she visited the Gulf Coast to help animals impacted by the recent oil spill. The vocal animal advocate also made a $20,000 donation to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. (Sound of a Las Vegas blog getting even crushier.) See more pics of her Gulf Coast visit.

In other Holly Madison news. She has announced her much-anticipated book, “The Showgirl Next Door: Holly Madison’s Guide to Las Vegas,” will be released around Valentine’s Day.

Thanks to UFC Magazine for the great pics. Times, oh, a bajillion.

In another giant piece of Holly news, her reality show, “Holly’s World,” based at Planet Hollywood, has been renewed. (Sound of a Las Vegas blog having a coronary.)

Catch Holly Madison live at Peepshow inside Planet Hollywood.

Yes, they’re calling it “Rocktoberfest,” but your cringing will come to a screeching halt when you don your lederhosen, hoist your beer stein (or plastic cup) and revel in the Oktoberfest mayhem at the no-holds-barred block party slated for O’Sheas on Oct. 9.

Thank you, stock photography, for helping us avoid having to take a picture of "Weisswuerschte" ourselves. Whatever that might actually be.

No block party at O’Sheas would be complete without tempting drink specials, made even more special as they’ll be delivered by dirndl-clad bar maids in honor of Oktoberfest. Yes, “dirndl.” We looked it up.

Get $4 draft beer, $5 cans of Heineken, specially-priced beer tubs, and a full bar featuring that ever-so-popular party accelerator, Jagermeister. (Which is German, of course. Ah, the circularity of the universe.)

Bonus Jagermeister trivia: Jagermeister means, literally, “hunt-master.” Curt Mast, Jagermeister’s inventor, was an avid hunter.

The block party at O’Sheas runs from 3:00 p.m. to midnight. Games of beer pong and corn hole (don’t ask) will ensure the German-themed celebration is punctuated with copious amounts of trash talk. Oh, in the name of all that’s holy, don’t make us link to the American Cornhole Association. Let’s stay on-topic.

Radio station KOMP 92.3 FM will begin broadcasts from the block party at 3:00 p.m. and continue throughout the evening.

Live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day, including Sick Puppies at 9:00 p.m. The alt rock band features vocalist and guitarist Shimon Moore, bassist Emma Anzai and drummer Mark Goodwin. Their hit, “All the Same,” is awesome, by the way. Take a listen.

It should be noted that while the Sick Puppies are not, technically, German (they’re Australian), we’re thinking that when you’re into your third “beer tub,” you’re not really going to care all that much. Please tub responsibly, by the way.

Even if you hate loud music, come to “Rocktoberfest,” anyway. It’ll be wunderbar to have an excuse to say words like “Schweinsbraten,” “Steckerlfisch” and the aforementioned “Weisswuerschte” in mixed company.

Bonus Oktoberfest factoid: At the real Oktoberfest, in Munich, the event begins with a 12-gun salute and the cry of, “O’ zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!”)

One of the true greats of pop music, Rod Stewart, is set to perform a series of concerts at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Nov. 6-21.

The Scottish Stewart has wowed audiences around the world, and has an astonishing five decades of hits and sold-out live shows under his belt.

Rod Stewart has had more than 60 hit singles, with a staggering 250 million in record sales worldwide. Among his myriad timeless songs are “Tonight’s the Night,” “Hot Legs,” “The First Cut is the Deepest” and “You’re in My Heart.” And approximately, oh, seven bajillion others. Give or take a million.

Oh, who are we kidding? Everyone knows and loves Rod Stewart! So, you can probably tell this blog is giddy about his upcoming shows at Caesars Palace.

Rod Stewart's latest effort, "Fly Me to the Moon."

Is Rod Stewart giving Caesars Palace a test run for a possible longer-term residency (or vice versa)? We have no idea! We are a Las Vegas blog, not a prognosticator. But what an exciting prospect! Let’s just live in the moment for now, though, shall we?

Get tickets at Ticketmaster or at the Caesars Palace box office. Tickets go on sale Oct. 2.

Our visit to the new store at Flamingo Las Vegas began innocently enough. The entrance to Go Sexy was adorned with a pair of giant legs. Nice touch, right?

We were unprepared for the delights inside. Inside the store, that is.

It didn’t take us long to realize Go Sexy wasn’t your ordinary gift shop. First tip-off? The large display in the middle of the store, consisting of a lifelike, shirtless dude in handcuffs chatting it up with a scantily-clad dominatrix of some sort.

Oh, it gets better.

Cute, right? Well, this was just the tip of the whip cream-covered iceberg.

As we strolled the aisles of Go Sexy, we found a treasure trove of fantasy-expediting games, devices and novelties all with one theme: Uh, you know, sex. Vegas and sex? Whoever thought to pair up those two things is a genius!

Our vote for the best novelty item in Go Sexy: Gummy handcuffs.

Until Go Sexy opened, we thought La Vogue at Paris Las Vegas carried the sauciest intimacy-facilitation products on the Strip, but it appears Go Sexy has taken it to a whole new level.

In fact, there are entire portions of the store we can’t actually show you because the Interwebs might melt. (We are not kidding.)

Remember "Pin the Tail on the Donkey"? The classic party game just got more Vegas, baby.

Sometimes playful, sometimes raunchy, sometimes shocking, the Go Sexy store has had a steady stream of customers since its opening, according to the intrepid salesperson, Avi, on duty during our visit. The secret to the store success? “We sell sex,” says Avi. She then qualifies her statement, “Fun sex. Vegas sex.” Ah, that kind!

The store has a sassy atmosphere that seems to encourage Vegas visitors to let loose and have some fun. We honestly don’t know if the floor display at Go Sexy was intended to be interactive, but a group of female customers we encountered didn’t wait to find out.

Molly appears to be fond of bad boys. Fashioned from fiberglass.

The inventory of sex-inspired toys and games seems virtually limitless at Go Sexy.

We don't make up the news, we just report it.

We asked Avi the Intrepid Sales Associate which items were becoming most popular at the store, and the top answer was definitely something we can’t really talk about. (Think viscosity.) Second and third most popular items according to Avi’s unscientific survey: “Toys and anything edible.” The mind reels.

Salesperson Avi didn't blush even once during our visit. There was some giggling, however.

Go Sexy at Flamingo is definitely on our must-shop list in Las Vegas.

Two of the happiest words in the English language: Chocolate. Thong.

Oh, and before you alert the authorities, it should be noted that no one under 18 is allowed in the Go Sexy store. See? Vegas thongs responsibly. Yes, we’re putting that one on a T-shirt.

Of course, we have more exclusive photos. We are a Las Vegas blog, after all.

R&B chanteuse Ashanti brought her Grammy-winning musical chops to the Carnaval Court at Harrah’s Las Vegas on Sep. 25.

Ashanti works the mic, among other things, at Harrah's.

The chart-topping singer blasted through her hits, including “Foolish,” reminding the frenzied fans at Carnaval Court about what made Ashanti a star in the first place.

Ashanti clearly had as much fun as her fans.

Ashanti’s accolades include multiple Billboard Awards, two American Music Awards and the Soul Train “Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year” Award, among others.

Bonus Ashanti factoid: She appeared as a child extra in Spike Lee's "Malcolm X."

Everybody plays Vegas, baby! Thanks to our bud Dave Proctor for the pics.

Holy innovation, Batman! Harrahs.com, one of the world’s most popular travel sites (seriously), just launched a major revamp of its room reservation system.

Now, there’s a chance you don’t especially care about this newsflash. Fine, be like that. But, at least give us a chance to facilitate your caring, because some of the new features are pretty darned slick.

The great news: Booking your getaway to Sin City (or any Total Rewards loyalty program destination) just got a whole shazzle (not a real word) of a lot easier. Here are a few select highlights of the new Harrahs.com reservations system’s “virtual rhinoplasty.”

Book Multiple Rooms at Once

The newly-launched reservation system includes a feature that makes reserving up to four rooms at a time a breeze. This is especially useful if you’re saddled with booking rooms for a group as you would for a family reunion or bachelorette party.

This interface is so clean, you could eat off of it. If, you know, you were having a dinner comprised of pixels.

Modify Your Reservation on the Fly

In the past, after making a reservation at Harrahs.com, if you wanted to make changes to your reservation, you’d have to cancel your original booking and start from scratch. (Sound of head banging against one’s keyboard.)

From here on out, you’ll be able to change several aspects of your reservation without starting over. Sorry, computer keyboard salespersons.

Problems with commitment? No problem!

Compare Rooms With Ease

This feature is truly the ultimate in flexibility when you’re deciding on a room. It’s never been simpler to compare room offerings within a given hotel, or even comparable rooms at other hotels in the Total Rewards family. Here’s an Oscar nomination-worthy video (soundtrack, not so much) that shows off this groundbreaking new feature.

Go On, Fondle the “Flexible Schedule Tools”

Oh, you’ll want to, trust us. These tools are all about letting you be the boss when it comes to choosing the dates of your stay. There’s a “Weekend Calendar” that lets you decide if your weekends are like normal, human weekends, or if your weekends include a Thursday or Tuesday.

Bonus: If your schedule is flexible, you could get even better deals. An “Availability Calendar” lets you check out a month’s worth of room prices at-a-glance. See it large.

They're your weekends. Do what you want with 'em.

It’s worth noting that all of the calendars in the new reservation system have been rejiggered. Refined. Streamlined. And drenched in awesomesauce. Choosing your check-in and check-out dates is now easier than finding a boisterous frat guy at O’Sheas on a Saturday night. (Very easy.)

And the tool that makes us happier than Holly Madison at a ferret convention? (Yes, she loves ferrets.) The “Destination Calendar.” Pick your dates and see rates at all of the Total Rewards hotels in a given region. Hello! Miraculous. Take a look.

We dare you not to be hypnotized by the pretty colors.

“Trip Planner” Makes You Omnipotent (Kinda)

Making a hotel reservation isn’t usually “fun,” but this is definitely close. The new “Trip Planner” in the Harrahs.com reservation system allows you to quickly enter or change room types, dates and other variables so you can be sure you’re getting the room that’s right for you, for exactly the right price.

Note: You know how people in the Middle Ages often considered new or different things witchcraft? This would qualify. Take a look.

Discount Code Nirvana

The Harrahs.com reservation system has gotten its discount code act together, and now, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of special rates. Enter your discount code in the Supreme Ultra Code Translator Box (not its real name) and you’re set. Thank you, computer programmer wizard dudes. This blog loves it some discounts.

Gratuitous discount code field thingy graphic.

Custom Package Flair

It’s not too often that you book a room and just sit in that room staring at your complimentary shampoo and conditioner.

Now, you can add diversions like golf or a cabana rental at the time of your room reservation (at Caesars Palace and Paris only, at the moment). Are we good at imparting good news, or what? Feel free to kiss the blog on the mouth, as time allows. See the below graphic full-sized.

In the marketing world, it's called "up-selling." In real life, it's called, "This just spared me three phone calls and saved me some bucks, thanks."

Upgrade Offers Just Because You’re You

It’s as if the Internet were hit by lightning and suddenly became psychic, because as you book your reservation on the new and improved Harrahs.com, you could very well end up with a custom offer for discounted room upgrades.

It’s kind of something for nothing! A sentence we’re fairly sure just infringed upon the copyright of that Dire Straits song from the 1980s.

Sweet upgrade offers are like bowls of chilled M&Ms. Or whatever treat you're fond of.

These new features are just the beginning of all the room reservation system glee to be found at Harrahs.com. So, take the new reservation system for a test drive. And if you don’t love it, this blog will marry a ferret. Or something.

It’s a little off the beaten path, but a visit to Las Vegas’ renowned, mind-bending Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health is well worth the trip. Take a look.

No, your computer monitor is not malfunctioning. It's a real building in Las Vegas.

The Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health was designed by famed architect, and guy this blog had technically never heard of before yesterday, Frank Gehry.

Frank Gehry’s vast portfolio also includes the groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. Time magazine even named Frank Gehry the world’s “greatest living architect.”

The building opened in July of 2009 and cost about $100 million to build. Pocket change in Vegas, baby!

Read more about this unmistakable Vegas landmark. Or visit the official site of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. This distinctive building resides just off the I-15, across from the World Market Center, near downtown Las Vegas.

Caesars Palace crooner Matt Goss just released a glitzy new video for his song, “Lovely Las Vegas.” You’re seeing it here first!

Goss created the soulful homage to Sin City as a theme for a local news program. The song proved so popular, he did a full-fledged version, now immortalized on the YouTubes.

The video features many of the most recognizable resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, including Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Bally’s Las Vegas and others.

Matt Goss belts out "Lovely Las Vegas" in one of the most lovely spots in Las Vegas.

Gotta love how the former pop sensation’s pipes truly shine in this memorable tune. Ever get the feeling the guy could sing the telephone book and make it sound cool? (Uh, they still make phone books, right?)

Anyway, you can catch Matt Goss in person, in the Gossy Room at Cleopatra’s Barge, at Caesars Palace. Snappy chapeau optional. Learn more. And for all things Gossy, visit his official site here.

We saw an extremely offensive T-shirt the other day that said, “If my music’s too loud, you’re too old.” Point taken.

That said, fans young and old are going to be getting their punk on at Rio on Sep. 25 with Lit, Zebrahead, The Fact Remains and other bands on a cochlea-damaging bill.

These colors frighten us a little.

Lit’s biggest hit, “My Own Worst Enemy,” is sure to be on the playlist at the Crown theater. Take another listen.

Zebrahead has released several successful albums, including “Yellow,” “Waste of Mind” and “Playmate of the Year,” and they’ve toured with Green Day, among others.

Also slated to appear are up-and-comers The Fact Remains, featuring Eric Raleigh (guitar), Dave Z (guitar), Bryan Otrambo (bass) and Kevin Warner (drums).

Whatever you call it (alternative, rock, rap, funk, metal, punk), it’s going to shake the Carnivale-themed walls at Rio.

See what else is coming up at Vegas’ newest entertainment venue, Crown Vegas.

Come on in, the water’s fine! Just another day at the Palace, folks. (Caesars Palace, that is.)

Please, summer, don't go anywhere.

Learn more about the incredible pool complex at Caesars Palace.

Bonus factoid: See that waterfall thingy? Underneath is a full bar as well as swim-up blackjack tables. And this blog is not there right now, why?

The walls of Planet Hollywood are awash with photos of entertainment’s brightest stars. Since this blog dabbles in photography from time to time, the image below would have to be our favorite!

Peter Sellers snaps some photos for his blog. (We just made that up.)

This funny, candid portrait of screen great Peter Sellers was done by Terry O’Neill, and it’s a signed, limited edition print (3/50, to be exact).

Some of Terry O’Neill’s most famous subjects were Judy Garland, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Bonus O’Neill factoid: He had a longtime relationship with actress Faye Dunaway.

We could just spend hours wandering the halls of Planet Hollywood, just star gazing. Try it sometime!

How’d we miss this segment about Las Vegas on the Travel Channel? Oh, well. Time to play catch-up! Keep an eye out for your favorite places to play.

It’s time for a Vegas news purge. Which sounds kind of gross, granted, but in actuality, it’s a way for us to share loads of Vegas scoop without having to do much actual “writing” or “thinking.” So, let’s have at it!

* The nominations for the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame have been announced. The nominees are Chris Ferguson, Barry Greenstein, Jennifer Harman-Traniello, Dan Harrington, Phil Ivey, Linda Johnson, Tom Mcevoy, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen and Erik Seidel. Visit the official site.

World Series of Poker Hall of Fame contender, Phil Ivey.

* Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton, met with Vegas neighbors about plans for a tourist attraction across from his Casa De Shenandoah estate. One to watch. Read more.

* The World Series of Comedy is happening through Sep. 25. The event, held at the Alexis Park Resort Hotel (motto: “There’s an Alexis Park Resort Hotel?”), features hundreds of up-and-coming comics from around the country. Get some funny.

* Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman will make an appearance on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” on Sep. 23 at 11:30 p.m.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. The only person on Earth who might give this blog a run for its money in a "Loving Las Vegas" contest. Photo by, well, this blog.

* Spitfire comedian Kathy Griffin returns to Caesars Palace, Nov. 27. Tickets for the Thanksgiving weekend performance are now on sale at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace box office, or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or visit Ticketmaster and use the keyword “Caesars Palace.”

* Keep the snickering to a minimum, please. Renaissance festivals are a hoot! Las Vegas hosts its own, the annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, Oct. 8-10. Taketh ye more information, verily.

* Worst business decision ever? Las Vegas Sands Corp. considers removing “Las Vegas” from its name. Why would anyone want to remove “Las Vegas” from anything? Read more. On a related note: Harrah’s Entertainment plans to change its name to Caesars Entertainment soon. We hope to see some snarky entry about that on the Las Vegas Sands Corp. blog soon.

* The Flamingo Go Pool no longer offers topless (ahem, “European”) sunbathing. Sorry! Read more sadness.

* If you know Vegas entertainment, you’ve probably seen the Spazmatics. Who knew these folks are a franchise, part of an entertainment empire? Good stuff here.

* MTV’s “The Real World” is coming back to Vegas. (No brainer, there.) Season 25! My, how time has flown. This time around, the show will be headquartered at the Hard Rock. Brace yourself.

* The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society hosts its Sixth Annual Fur Ball fundraiser on Oct. 8. We love us some critters, so find out more.

Any time we can find an excuse to post our photo of this dog, we're all over it.

* Here’s a look behind the scenes at Pink’s Hot Dogs at Planet Hollywood.

* Enjoyed this, “Matt Goss Goes from Bros to Boss.” Read it, and catch Matt Goss at Caesars Palace.

* We were sworn to secrecy on this one, but the word’s out. Planet Hollywood has plans to dramatically change up its street-level front parts soon. See more details.

* Here’s one for O’Sheas fans, because you know it’s coming at some point. Yes, you can fry beer. Too good.

* USA Today (at least its Pop Candy blog) covered the demise of Penn Jillette’s famed pony tail. Partner Teller lopped it off to benefit Locks of Love, a nonprofit. Read our coverage. See Penn & Teller at Rio.

Teller pays Penn back for not being able to talk onstage all these years.

* Take a bite of this sweet article about the man behind Max Brenner, the new chocolate paradise at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

* Jermaine Jackson’s concert on Oct. 2 at Planet Hollywood is scheduled to include a special tribute to his brother, Michael Jackson. Read the adjective-filled news release.

* Cher has announced she’ll end her current stint at Caesars Palace on Feb. 5, 2011, ending a successful, three-year residency. Celine returns to The Colosseum on Mar. 15. See Cher before time runs out.

* Crown inside the Rio hosts “Country Night” on Sep. 23. The evening will feature line dancing lessons (8:00 to 9:00 p.m.), and The Ryan Whyte Malone band will perform at 9:00 p.m. with special guest appearances throughout the night. Yee-to-the-haw. Get all the Crown goodness here.

DC inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood will host an autograph-signing session with Street League Skateboarding athletes on Sept. 23 (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

Thank you, iStock, for supporting our ongoing commitment to doing as little as possible while still maintaining a rad, photo-rich blog.

Skaters expected to attend include Danny Way, Colin McKay, Josh Kalis, PJ Ladd, Nick Dompierre, Linsey Robertson, Matt Miller, Chaz Ortiz, Marquise Henry, Evan Smith and Wes Kremer. And we’re not just listing those guys because we want their fans to search Google for their names and discover this Las Vegas blog. Probably.

The skater dudes will be in town for Street League Skateboarding’s final tour stop at the Thomas & Mack Center, Sep. 25. Visit the official Street League Skateboarding Web site.

Bonus skater jargon: In skateboarding, “focus” means to break a board in half. We have absolutely no idea why. We are a Las Vegas blog, not a “ripper.”