ATVs and Dirt Bikes are similar in a lot of ways but are also very different and it’s important to know the benefits of each one before you make a decision about which one to purchase.

ATV

ATVs have been growing in popularity for the past few years because they’re something that can be used for a number of activities.

For a long time ATVs were primarily used as a recreation vehicle, something you would take along on the camping trip or the trip to the sand dunes. And although they’re still used for both of those things, ATVs have begun to be used for more.

With all the new accessories that are being made for ATVs now, people who live in more remote areas are using them as an easier and cheaper way to get around their property.

Individuals who lives a good distance from a gas station have to be cautious of how much gas they use driving around and working on their land, but using an ATV for the way around your land can make fuel costs much cheaper. ATVs can also be used to do many jobs around your land. Over the last few years, farmers have been turning to ATVs instead of pick-up trucks to get around on their property and work.

Electric ATVs are now catching the eye of farmers also. Similar to the popularity of electric vehicles, farmers who are worried about the carbon footprint that a fuel powered vehicle or gas-powered ATV can leave are now able to turn to electric ATVs. MSN.com featured an article from the Associated Press about farmers, especially those who are pollution conscious, are turning to electric ATVs to get around on their property rather than fuel powered ATVs.

The article states that although the electric ATVs are, “50 percent higher (in cost) than a heavy-duty gas-powered ATV,” they are much more cost effective because of fuel costs versus electricity costs.

ATVs are also now growing in popularity for people who live in areas where a lot of snow is acquired during the winter and are using ATVs to remove snow from their driveway or street that’s off a main road. Doing this yourself with an ATV can be a quick option rather than waiting for the snow plow to get to your street.

Dirt Bike

Dirt bikes are still most popular around the recreational individuals who like to get away from the big city for the weekend and jump on the bike trails deep in the mountains or hit up the sand dune trails and enjoy miles and miles of fun, but with recent economic changes they are growing more popular for other reasons.

With economic hardship hitting more and more people and the rise of fuel prices, many people are turning to Dirt Bikes for their commute back and forth to work. Although Dirt Bikes can get lower gas mileage in rough terrain, they can be much more fuel efficient when used as a commuter vehicle.

Depending on the kind of Dirt Bike you use for commuting you could be increasing the amount of miles you get per gallon by 50% or more over your regular vehicle.

Even though Dirt Bikes are typically an off road bike, there are many kinds that are street legal, able to be used on regular roads, and it’s something that people have been utilizing in the last few years.

Final Thoughts

With the popularity of these two kinds of off road bikes climbing, there are many places both online and locally that are ready to sell you one. You can find the best bikes for sale here.

So whether it’s an ATV or a Dirt Bike that you choose for your off road bike, just remember to be safe out there on the mountains, dunes, regular roads, or even your own property.

Of course the road laws and off road bike laws are different in each state so before making your off road bike purchase make sure to check what is allowed in your state or area.

May means Mother’s Day, and if your mother is an Elvis fan, there’s no better place to come this year than Las Vegas. This month, the Cirque du Soleil is presenting “Viva Elvis,” a musical tribute to the life and music of Elvis Presley.

This show featuring The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is described by the Cirque du Soleil as a combination of “nostalgia, modernity, and raw emotion.” Featuring significant moments in Presley’s life to the backdrop of his timeless songs, “Viva Elvis” showcases the essential humanity of the man who turned America onto the world of entertainment.

Songs in Viva Elvis

Songs in “Viva Elvis” include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “One Night With You,” “Love Me Tender” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” among many others.

These performances will be highlighted by extensive and intricate set designs, which showcase props, scenery elements, and acrobatic equipment. In the opening number, for example, a giant jukebox measuring 70 feet wide and 22 feet high is featured.

In “Got a Lot of Living To Do,” seven trampolines were built after Presley’s own love of the fairgrounds, which he would visit with friends after closing hours. The structure weights 30 tons and fills the entire 78-foot stage on which it appears.

Costumes in Viva Elvis

Because Elvis redefined what Rock ‘n’ Roll meant in the ‘50s and ‘60s, costumes in “Viva Elvis” reflect his signature leather jackets, black pants, pompadour hairstyle, and pink and black suits.

The entire image of America in the time period was copied for “Viva Elvis,” with fake fur tutus, romantic letter dresses, and 150 custom wigs. There are also specialty costumes for a Western scene involving cowgirls and a “Jail House Rock” sequence, among others.

Reviews of Viva Elvis

“No tribute show can touch this one in its level of sophistication and its power of evocation,” Time magazine declared.

Indeed, reviews both in the media and posted by audience members cry up the emotion and pure fun involved in this production. Both the dancing and singing were praised, along with the involved set designs and lavish costumes.

Getting Tickets

You can buy your tickets for “Viva Elvis” through the Cirque du Soleil website or through a number of intermediaries that may offer discounted tickets.

Prices start at $69.00 per ticket, and shows begin at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Sin City has long been referred to as a place of cheap thrills, with a fiberglass pyramid and a stucco sphinx it’s hard to imagine why, but despite this moniker, people tend to spend a lot of money when they visit Vegas.

Las Vegas used to be the land of cheap buffets and free lounge acts. But now, everywhere you go it seems like you are having to pay a cover charge or choose between five star entrees that cost an arm and a leg.

Despite the fact that prices for shows are climbing and hotel rooms and flights are far from cheap, there are still things to do in Las Vegas without spending a lot of money.

So if one of your New Years Resolutions is to spend less money, look into some of these cheaper than cheap thrills that Sin City has to offer.

Antique Auto Museum

If you’re a fan of classic autos you might be interested in the Sunbelt Classic and Antique Auto Museum.

Plus, the museum opens at 6 am on weekdays so it offers something to fill your time that isn’t nightlife.

Piano Competitions

Although the piano might not be the first thing you think of when you think Sin City, Vegas is definitely known for its live music.

Check out the Piano Bar at Harrah’s Las Vegas at around 9 each night for some competitive and free music.

Vegas History

Not only does Vegas have a colorful present, but its past is a rich story with the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

If you’re a history buff you might enjoy the Las Vegas City Hall historic walking tour, displaying items such as Mayor Oscar Goodman bobbleheads and a 1923 city budget.

So you want to give your friends a taste of “Fat Tuesday” New Orleans style. In order to do this, you need to know a little more about the traditions and celebrations that are characteristic of the season.

Invites

There are several options for invitations. It depends entirely on what kind of celebration you want to do. More a more formal party, you might consider sending or giving each of your guests a cheap, plastic mask, and writing the details of the party on the back, and invite them to come in costume, or wear the mask.

Decorations

The motto associated with Mardi Gras is the oft heard phrase “Let the Good Times Roll!” You can make a banner of this motto, in the traditional colors – green, purple, and gold. Try to use these colors everywhere you can, including the tablecloth, napkins, centerpieces, and even in the food.

This may seem gaudy, but honestly, that is part of the charm of Mardi Gras. The bigger, louder, and more flamboyant the better. As the host, you should encourage this.

In terms of music, you should play New Orleans brass band or Zydeco music. This will help to distinguish this party from any other and give your guests the traditional feel of what it would feel like to celebrate Mardi Gras in the French Quarter.

Food

Think traditional creole and New Orleans themed dishes. Some of the best options are gumbo, jambalaya, and other simple, spicy foods.

A huge part of the Mardi Gras is the tradition of the king cake. This is a simple coffee cake covered in icing and sprinkles, but in one piece of the cake, there
is hidden a small bean or plastic baby figurine.

You can incorporate this tradition into your party by declaring whoever gets the bean piece the king or queen of Mardi Gras. You might want to buy a cheap, plastic crown to add to the festivities.

Costumes

This is another huge part of the Mardi Gras tradition is the wearing and displaying of costumes. Invite your guests to come dressed as royalty, carnival characters, 1920’s flapper attire, or anything in the proper colors.

If you have the budget, it might be fun to order custom Mardi Gras shirts for your guests, with the date printed on the back, so everyone will be in costume without having to spend a fortune.

Favors

When your guests arrive, drape them with plastic beads and have plastic doubloons on the table or use them as prizes during the games you play. These trinkets are an essential part of the Mardi Gras experience.

Although Sin City might not be the first vacation destination that you think of for visiting during this festive season, Las Vegas is actually one of the most cheery places to visit during the holiday season.

So if you’re considering ditching the usual Griswold Family Christmas, take a look at what the oasis of Las Vegas has to offer.

It’s Always Sunny in Vegas

If the winter blues already have you down, with chilly winds and frigid frost, then you’ll be happy to hear that Las Vegas expects Christmas to be in the high 50′s.

And since Las Vegas is such a dry climate you won’t have to worry about the humidity that can make the cold feel like it hits you all the way down to your bones.

Everything’s Bigger in Vegas

Except maybe the Pyramids and the Eiffel tower, Vegas does everything bigger than everyone else. With bigger shows, bigger fountains and bigger decorations, Vegas always goes all out.

Each casino tries to outdo its neighbors with bigger and better christmas decorations and lights, and Christmas trees that are larger than life.

Once in A Lifetime Activities

Ever year, for Christmas, Las Vegas offers special entertainment that they don’t do at any other time. For instance, the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens have a holiday display with flying reindeer made solely from pecans and a polar bear family made of carnations.

You’ll also find a seven foot tall rocking horse in the middle of a rail display that will have you nostalgic for Christmas as a kid.

But the centerpiece of this display is a 42 ft tall Shasta Fir tree that is emblazoned with thousands of Christmas lights.

This display is only on display from December 6th to January 2nd, so if you’re thinking of a Vegas Christmas, don’t wait any longer to book your tickets!

But who says that holiday savings are just for Christmas lists? Las Vegas has discounted some of its most popular shows for this season and all throughout the new year.

We’ve put together a list of some of the top shows, as well as where you can find the best deals.

Lion King

This Disney classic is no longer only for the TV in your basement, but you can now experience the magic live at the Mandalay Bay.

Not only has this show won the hearts of audiences all over the world, but it has also won awards for some of the best costumes and original songs.

We found a deal where you can get up to half off VIP seating here.

Le Reve

This one of a kind show is put on exclusively at the Wynn in Las Vegas. Its breathtaking performance features a dream world where the boundaries between water and air are tested on never before seen levels.

In an intimate theater you’ll be able to see aerial acrobatics, provocative choreography and artistic athleticism.

You can also view this world of fantasy, adventure and intrigue from the luxury of VIP seating. This package offers an evening of extravagance with champagne bottle service, chocolate covered strawberries, gourmet truffles and lounge seating.

Here you can find a deal for $25 off the VIP seating ticket price.

Blue Man Group

One of Las Vegas’ most famous shows, the Blue Man Group has been described as visually stunning, wildly inventive and hysterically funny.

This show, although it defies any attempts at description, has wowed audiences the world over, from New York to Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Berlin, London and Las Vegas.

However, in Las Vegas you can see the Blue Man Group in the lavish Venetian’s theater that has been build especially for this spectacular show.

Click here for up to 40% off tickets for this show.

Rather than limiting your Christmas shopping to power tools and perfume, let Vegas help you make memories that will last forever.

A new production created by the creators of the international sensation, Stomp, Stomp Out Loud combines many of the same odd instruments and percussion pieces. Men and women still walk around with trash cans attached to their feet and other obscure methods of making as much sound as possible.

Stomp Out Loud provides a unique combination of percussion, movement, and this time around, visual comedy that will keep you watching. This show has an expanded cast, and it takes you through a new journey, wordlessly communicating through percussion instruments, dance, and sound.

Rated as a crowd favorite, Stomp Out Loud is one to see. I can guarantee that if you spend the money, it won’t disappoint. Tickets generally run around $70 a piece, and discounts can sometimes be found online. The above video just gives you an idea of the animated show that is Stomp Out Loud.

Instead of cutting supplies, programs, and staff support, schools and the school boards should take a step in the right direction, which the people of Las Vegas know all about.

In a program called Tools for Teachers, residents in the Vegas area can do something, even if it’s small, to donate to their local schools.

Kill two birds with one stone and get dinner at the same time you do something good for your children, good for the whole community, and good for all of the students by dropping off any school related supplies to any Papa John’s location in Vegas.

Teachers spend too much of their personal money in order to get by in their classrooms. Considering the fact that teachers are underpaid to begin with, this is unacceptable. Now, with bonuses being cut back, budgets being cut, and dropping supplies, your help is needed more than ever.

The Director of Operations for Papa John’s, Jim Polito, says, “Students and teachers need the proper tools to succeed and we’re committed to collecting 20,000 items. Any and all school supplies will be accepted. Join the drive today by dropping off school items to receive free ‘instant win’ gifts and menu items.”

Papa John’s isn’t the only place you can go to donate the much-needed school supplies. You can also go to the Public Education Foundation’s Teacher Exchange ™ program, Smith’s grocery store, and radio Ninety-Seven One The Point (97.1) and 8 News Now.

Don’t let the future of America suffer and miss out on the proper education they need in order to be the great leaders we’re going to be looking for in the next few years. Without the proper start, how are we going to rely on them for the future?

Restaurant Week, spread into two weeks for 2011, is a unique experience for everyone in the Las Vegas area to finally get the chance to try out all of your favorite restaurants throughout Las Vegas, regardless if it’s generally in your price range, or not.

More importantly, though, it’s all for a good cause.

Starting five years ago with its first ever Restaurant Week, Three Square, a Las Vegas food bank, receives help from local restaurants in what is now an annual event. This year, over 120 restaurants donated to this special cause.

For the last two weeks, Vegas has supported the hungry and spread awareness of the many in need of a little help.

Restaurant Week is a special week where restaurants create menus just for this event, with special prices ranging from $20.11-$50.11 so you have options of how much you want to spend—and donate.

Restaurants who participate is this special function donate the price of the meal to Three Square in an effort to gain awareness for those in need and to help end hunger.

Restaurants are excited to be part of this special promotion, and to do something good for mankind.

Rick Moonen, executive chef of RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay says, “I was already really excited about helping end hunger in the United States…Being involved in food-service industry, having the luxury of such great products, I get to give back to the community.”

Restaurant Week goes all throughout Las Vegas, and not just on the strip. There are a lot of restaurants all throughout the big city excited to be part of such a large humanitarian project.

And as Brian Burton, president and CEO of Three Square, says, “Hunger is a solvable issue. This is something we can solve together.”

What a great event to take part in.

That’s right, Atomic Milkshake isn’t a delicious frozen beverage, it is in fact a new band performing in Las Vegas starting this summer.
This band made up of young artists started up a while back, and they are ready to get their big break.

Check out their website here.
For more info, check out their Facebook page here.
If you’re interested in following the upcoming activities of Atomic Milkshake follow them on their Twitter acount here.

Here’s a glimpse (more of an ear full, actually) of what Atomic Milkshake is all about. Here’s a video of them rehearsing one of their songs, “By What.”

If you like their sound, maybe you should check them out while you’re in Las Vegas. It could be a real treat, and a night of some serious fun.