Bryan Brothers Swing Into Las Vegas For Tennis Camp

A few days ago, former Wimbledon doubles champs Bob and Mike Bryan released a new five track album, Let It Rip. The album comes complete with a new single, Autograph, featuring debut from British tennis star Andy Murray and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

While most critics are advising Murray and Djokovic keep their day jobs, everyone is giving props to the Bryan Brothers for pulling it together. The release of the new album also comes just in time for Camp Bryan 3 on Dec. 12-13 in Las Vegas. The event, immediately following the Zeno/Canon Tennis Challenge in Florida, includes cardio tennis workout, clinics, round robin play, an amateur challenge, a pro-am tournament, and Bryan Brothers Concert.

"I play a lot of pro-am tournaments but Camp Bryan was the best of them all," noted Michael Scott, the winer of last year's Camp Bryan. "The Stirling Club was first class and the competition was high-level. I was fortunate to play with Bob Bryan and win first place. My prize tickets to the 2009 French Open!"

Camp Bryan III will be the last opportunity this year to work on tennis skills with the twins, who have dominated the doubles scene with over 54 tour titles since their first tournament at age six. In fact, at the writing of this post, the Bryan Brothers are currently competing in ATP World Tour Finals, hoping to win the rest of their matches en route to the title and finish the season atop the rankings much like they began the year.

They were ranked first after claiming their seventh Grand Slam title with a 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 win over Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles in the Australian Open final. They hope to be there again.

All funds raised at the camp benefit USTA-NV Junior and Multicultural Tennis Programs. All four courts at The Stirling Club are clay, which offers a better quality of play, easier movement, and a softer surface. (Among the top rated in the city.)

Stirling Club members may participate weekly clinics throughout December. Marty Hennessy, tennis director, is also organizing a Holidays Ladies Round Robin Doubles competition in December. For nonmembers hoping to learn more about tennis programs offered at The Stirling Club, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director.

Thanksgiving In Las Vegas

While many people plan to stay close to home with family and friends this holiday season, more than 25 percent are already making plans to drive to their favorite destinations. And for anyone on the West Coast, Las Vegas remains a first choice favorite for the holidays.

In addition to being listed among many travel guides as one of the top dining destinations in the world, Forbes Traveler has consistently listed it among the top ten in the country and Via AAA recently rated it among the the top three in the West Coast. Not surprisingly, celebrity chefs are already making plans to prepare the best; Las Vegas will not disappoint for Thanksgiving.

Five Top Spots For Thanksgiving In Las Vegas.

The Stirling Club. The Stirling Club will have two intimate Thanksgiving presentations by Chef Charlie Palmer at noon and 3 p.m. The menu includes favorites like roast organic turkey breast, sauteed turkey thighs, creamy brown gravy, cranberry lemon compote, and candied sweet potato puree. Seating is extremely limited and reservations are required. $49.95 per adult and $19.95 for children under 12. The price reflects the benefits of membership.

Alize. Alize at the top of The Palms has developed a Thanksgiving menu under Chef Mark Purdy that includes a choice of traditional oven roasted free range turkey with herb nut and dried fruit stuffing; pan seared California sea bass with Cannellini bean ragout; or roasted Kurobuta pork chop with sauteed spinach. Service will begin at 4 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. $85 per person.

Ritz-Carlton Ballroom. Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas will feature the work of executive Sous Chef Ryan Taliaferro with a Thanksgiving menu that blends traditional turkey dinner with modern chefs’ action stations. The special menu will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include live Jazz played throughout the service. $60 per person and $25 for children between the ages of 4-12.

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro. Located inside The Palazzo, Morels merges classic and modern culinary skills under the direct of Chef J.L. Carrera. The Thanksgiving menu includes oven roasted free range turkey with chorizo and brioche stuffing with glazed autumn root vegetables and mashed potatoes. Service is held from 11:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. $65 per person.

Spago. While set in the bustling Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Executive Chef Eric Klein is featuring a classic roasted free range turkey roulade, served with pretzel bread stuffing, sweet potato puree, and clove turkey natural jus. Dinner will be served during normal hours, 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. $65 per person.

For more Thanksgiving options or assistance with reservations, members may call The Stirling Club concierge. Members visiting from other cities are encouraged to make their Thanksgiving selection this week, as many venues will have limited hours and/or seating. Some choices above may also have a dress code.

In Honor of Veterans Day

"We have to support, in ways we never have before, our soldiers and veterans as they come home from Iraq and Afghanistan." — Clint Holmes

Those were just a few words from Stirling Club member, Las Vegas entertainer, and singer-songwriter Clint Holmes at a special screening of the documentary Who WIll Stand hosted by The Galaxy Theatres at the Cannery Casino & Hotel in Las Vegas.

Holmes, also a U.S. Army veteran (1967–1969), wrote and produced the title song for the film. In honor of Veterans Day, it seems fitting to share his song as it recognizes the accomplishments and sacrifices of the men and women who have served.



Two public screenings of the film will be held today, Veterans Day, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free, with the request of a donation to help homeless veterans.

For those who do not know, Veterans Day is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world. It falls on Nov. 11, which is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. In the United States, Armistice Day was celebrated until 1954 when Congress amended the national holiday it became Veterans Day in an effort to further recognize the contributions of all veterans.

Several bloggers, through a program called BloggersUnite, have dedicated their Nov. 11 posts to honoring veterans and drawing attention to their needs. The event organizer is also the director of the film, which features Holmes' song, and we're honored to join them in recognizing our veterans. In closing and with gratitude ...

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." — Ronald Reagan, President

The Stirling Club Adds A Zumba Exclusive

Beto Perez, former choreographer for Shakira and other high profile celebrities, may have never seen it coming, but Maria DiMarco, director of spa and fitness at The Stirling Club, did. Zumba was destined to become a fitness craze in North America with its infusion of Samba, Salsa, Hip Hop, Reggae, and Cumbia into a high energy workout.

“I was immediately inspired to add Zumba because it is a fun cardio workout that anyone can do,” said DiMarco. “Because I have an extensive background in both dance and fitness, I was driven by my passion to add this class as a permanent addition."

In fact, DiMarco was so taken by Zumba, she pursued her certification directly from Perez, who also serves as director of the national Zumba Master Trainer Team. She started studying Zumba more than a year ago and the distinction is what Stirling Club members have come to expect.

Unlike many gyms offering Zumba, DiMarco utilizes Beto Perez’s core philosophy. He believes in instructing participants through non-verbal clues, making the class more like ‘follow the leader'. DiMarco says this helps participants avoid the frustration of trying to verbally and visually comprehend the dance moves while performing them simultaneously.

“I have also adapted my class to fit the preference of Stirling Club members, creating new dances and allowing them to select their favorites,” said DiMarco. "This allows for each class to feel different, unique, and always fun!”

The class, which DiMarco says required long hours of additional instruction beyond the certification program, took several months to perfect. And even then, she says it is continuing to evolve. Every few weeks, DiMarco choreographs new dances for individuals who attend on a regular basis.

The infusion of new routines benefits visiting members as well. Every time they visit Las Vegas, they are likely to discover a new dance as part of this exclusive class that averages no more than ten members per session.

As one member described, The Stirling Club provides near personal instruction for a class that is often standing room only at other gyms. They also know that as a certified instructor, DiMarco must continually stay current through the variety of courses offered by the Zumba Academy.

The Stirling Club initially offered Zumba classes to gage member interest. After an overwhelming response, the class has been added to the fitness program schedule at 9 a.m. every Wednesday. It is exclusive to members, but guests may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, for a pre-membership trial and tour.