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Get some spiritual enlightenment. With all the news surrounding Tibet, China and this summer’s Olympic games, it’s easy to forget how awesome Tibetan monks really are. But then again, it does take a pretty big person to swear an oath of celibacy in search of self-enlightenment. And when the Tibetan monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery return to the Clark County Country Library May 16 from 7-9 p.m., bringing readings, stories, music and other monkish goodness, Vegas will be just a little more of a self-enlightened place. Even if it’s only until some starlet pukes or does coke in a club bathroom—ultimately returning us to normalcy. 507-3400.
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Experience ... beer! Lee’s Discount Liquor may be known mostly for, well, discount liquor, but for the second year in a row, Lee’s will tap the kegs and pop the tops on more than 300 brews, including domestic, hand-crafted and imported—for the second annual Lee’s Beer Experience on May 17 at the Tuscany Suites & Casino. This will be accompanied by a silent auction featuring everything from collectible neon signs to bikes and trips. All net proceeds benefit Lee’s Helping Hand, their own charity which in turn funds other local charities, mostly those which benefit children. Tickets are available at all Lee’s locations for $40 in advance and $50 at the door. The event runs from 1-5 p.m., which, by our calculations, gives you 48 seconds per beer if you don’t stop to talk, pee or breathe. Cheers!
3.
Experience ... beer pong! If beer pong were strictly a game for care-free college kids, it wouldn’t be so damn popular at the various PT’s Pubs that host the game throughout the week. Especially the PT’s Gold location on Maryland Parkway and Silverado Ranch, where on Thursday nights men and women of all drinking ages congregate in the name of ping-pong balls, plastic cups and suds. Every Thursday night, starting at 7 p.m. 1383 E. Silverado Ranch. 968-3013.
4.
Get game—by practicing. Every basketball player, competitive and recreational alike, knows that summer is the time to improve your skills. Hence, the “Sunday Skills Session” mini-basketball camps this summer at the esteemed Tarkanian Basketball Academy, starting this May 18. All players are invited. $20 registration fee. Noon-2 p.m. 2730 S. Rancho Drive. 871-0096.
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Save our bones. See some of the coolest Vegas history at the Neon Boneyard, which is open for tours during Helldorado Days on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 per person. (Normally it’s only available by advance reservation for $15.) The Boneyard is home to historic signs from such properties as the Golden Nugget, Binion’s Horseshoe and the Silver Slipper. Plus, they’re raising cash to save the La Concha Motel lobby, designed by the internationally known architect Paul Revere Williams. Go see it to save it! neonmuseum.org or 387-6366.
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Seek vengeance. Compared to the recent fourth Rambo film, 1982’s First Blood is fairly tame. The first adventure of surly Vietnam vet John Rambo features only one character actually biting the dust, as opposed to the new movie’s 236 (there are plenty of injuries, though). First Blood is also much more successful as a drama, and actually works as a serious exploration of post-traumatic stress disorder. It gets a one-night-only big-screen showing, complete with the alternate ending that features Rambo committing suicide, before a fancy new DVD release. May 15, 7:30 p.m., various local movie theaters, $10. fathomevents.com.