Apparently the whole year-end-fireworks-photo-roundup-thing is a bit of a trend!  One of my favorite websites on the whole wide interwebs, SmashingMag.com, offers their take on capturing these awesome visual displays…

It is a most beautiful experience — the sounds and colors of fireworks in the silence and darkness of night. Words alone cannot describe such an experience. The sky comes alive with so many vibrant hues, starbursts, and showers of light along with ribbons of smoke, making us happy and awestruck. Photographing fireworks, however, is not an easy task.

To celebrate the beauty of fireworks, we present a showcase of beautiful fireworks photography. Each image is linked to the original photographer’s page with their profile names — so you can view more of their work or even thank them for their contribution. And finally, remember to have a camera handy this coming New Year’s Eve!

We’re are countin’ ‘em down!  Next up in our series of profiles of the “lucky 7″ sexy Vegas fireworks launchpads is MGM Grand.

The Property
Step through the doors of MGM Grand and begin a pure, amplified (yeah!  AMPLIFIED! TURN IT UP!) and unforgettable Las Vegas experience.  Visit MGM Grand and be a part of “Maximum Vegas.”  Guests feel as special as any celebrity and are part of the action, pampered by a courteous staff, immersed in luxury and invited to play day and night at this AAA Four Diamond resort.  The property is comprised of four 30-story towers soaring 280 feet, 5,044 guest rooms, including 751 suites.

Millions of visitors stroll by the impressive front entrance of MGM Grand each year.  Featuring a 45-foot, 100,000-pound bronze lion statue, this corner of the famous Las Vegas Strip is hard to miss.  The lion, perched atop a 25-foot pedestal, is framed by light-emitted diode (LED) screens, water fountains, Atlas-themed statues and lush landscaping.  Once inside the lobby, guests are instantly enveloped by the thrill and excitement of one of the city’s most dynamic resorts.  Large viewing screens mounted behind the desk, tantalize guests with an endless array of entertainment possibilities, all available within the resort.

Dining and Entertainment
A vast array of incredible dining options are available at MGM.  Seriously – how am I supposed to decide between Joël Robuchon’s L’Atelier and Tom Colicchio’s CraftSteak?!  Or Michael Mina’s Seablue and Emeril Lagasse’s Fish House? (Y’all know I’m down for some N’awlins cookin’)  Be sure to check out their special “Holiday Tasting Menu.”

Once you’ve sufficiently stuffed yourself, take advantage of some of the best entertainment options in the city at MGM.  KÀ, their unique spoke in the colorful wheel that is Cirque du Soleil, brings the visual language of cinema to a dazzling live event that is more about storytelling than any previous Cirque du Soleil production.

And the Las Vegas entertainment scene changed forever when  MGM Grand introduced the Grand Garden Arena, a 16,800-seat special events center home to mega concerts, championship boxing, nationally televised award shows, and premier sporting and special events.  Barbra Streisand, in her first concert in more than 20 years, opened the Grand Garden Arena on Dec. 31, 1993, in conjunction with the grand opening of MGM Grand.  Other performers have included Madonna, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, Shania Twain and Cher. continues its tradition of bringing world-class entertainment to Las Vegas with MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris, a show direct from one of the finest nightspots in the world.  Since 1951, Crazy Horse has been famous for its productions celebrating beautiful women and the artistry of the nude.  Leave the kids at home!  …or bring ‘em.  They’ve gotta learn sometime, am I right?

Nightlife and …Daylife?
Admit it – you like the nightlife, you got to boogie.  Well, MGM is here to help with something for every taste.  Go behind the velvet rope and get your boogie on at Studio 54, where the DJs take visitors on a musical odyssey with stops throughout the last three decades.  Or be the center of attention at Centrifuge, a 77-seat bar featuring live entertainment and a creative drink menu. The bar comes alive nightly with a progressive music program and numerous freestyle and choreographed dance numbers.

Even more intriguing is MGM’s Wet Republic.  I’ll let them tell it:

It’s Daylife born – the entirely new daytime experience on The Strip. The first-ever ultra pool in Las Vegas, Wet Republic redefines poolside entertainment by combining the vibrancy and energy of Las Vegas with supreme poolside amenities.

Wet Republic evokes a sensuous South Beach ambiance with a seductively modern vibe. Setting the standard for entertainment and luxury by the pool, Wet Republic features two spectacular saltwater pools, eight individual pools and spas, exclusive VIP Bungalows, hip party cabanas, spacious daybeds and oversized deluxe chaise lounges.

Mix, mingle and dance in the 2,500-square-foot lounge as world renowned DJs rock the turntables with the hottest beats. Lounge by or in the pool with a cocktail or unwind in the privacy of your very own Bungalow. Celebrities and hot entertainers headline weekly and monthly events…transforming the 4,100 square-foot sundeck into a stage, and making Wet Republic the hottest destination for premier entertainment.

New Year’s Eve Specials
Deluxe accommodations are available at MGM Grand for New Year’s Eve.  To book, call 800.929.1111

Studio 54 The exclusive celebration will include an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring complimentary party favors. Las Vegas’ favorite dance club will offer a pre-paid ticket line to usher party-goers directly into the club. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. For reservations, call (702) 891-7279.

Tabú Ultra Lounge Tabú Ultra Lounge presents an intimate setting with model cocktail servers and top DJ talent and will feature an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. including complimentary party favors. Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m. A limited number of tables are available for guests purchasing bottle service. Guests must be 21 years of age or older. For reservations, call (702) 891-7129.

MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris New Year’s Eve performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $60.50 and $50.50 inclusive. Guests must be 18 years of age or older. For reservations, call (702) 891-7777.

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil® New Year’s Eve performances are scheduled at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $160, $135, $109 and $69 plus tax and handling fees. For reservations, call (702) 891-7777.

The Signature at MGM Grand Deluxe accommodations are available at The Signature at MGM Grand. For reservations, call (877) 727-0007 or visit www.signaturemgmgrand.com.

Next up in our roundup of the seven hotels involved in lighting up the Vegas sky on New Year’s Eve is the brand new ARIA.

About the Property
ARIA Resort & Casino is a fusion of energy, inspiration and vision.  Forming the core of CityCenter, the dazzling urban resort destination destined to refine and redefine the Las Vegas Strip, ARIA features an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities.  Guests are swept away by its breathtaking beauty, stunning innovation and the refreshing level of consciousness found in every detail.  Even in a city such as Las Vegas, with its extraordinary history of dynamic cutting-edge developments, ARIA introduces a new generation of resort experiences, unlike anything Las Vegas, and more remarkably the world, has ever seen

ARIA just opened on December 16 2009 (with a Grucci display to mark the occasion, of course!) and again, is the crown jewel in the big, shiny tiara that is City Center.   Funded by the MGM Mirage Group & The Dubai World Group, City Center comes in at a combined 16 million, 800,000 sq. feet of mixed use space over 76 acres and is the largest privately funded construction project in the history of the US.  Designed with green technology, the City Center property is one of the world’s largest environmentally sustainable urban communities. Plans include the use of reclaimed water, and an on-site power plant. Total cost?  Wait for iiiit… between 8 and 11 billion dollars. Damn, that’s a lotta dough!

Dining and Entertainment
Good lord, where do I even start?  ARIA has assembled a collection of the world’s most critically acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs, with enticing new concepts from such chefs as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Sirio Maccioni, and Julian Serrano. For the first time, Michelin 3-star chef Masayoshi Takayama brings his unrivaled mastery of Japanese cuisine to Las Vegas with BARMASA. Also new to Las Vegas, James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Shawn McClain introduces his innovative cuisine at Sage.

And for those Cirque junkies who are in need of a new fix, Aria offers a rock legend infusion with their new show, Viva Elvis.  Created in the image of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – powerful, sexy, whimsical, truly unique and larger than life – the show highlights an American icon who transformed popular music and whose image embodies the freedom, excitement and turbulence of his era.

The Spa
If there is a way to pamper, indulge, or spoil you, ARIA has found it. And they bring it to you as no one else can.  When you’re ready to get away from it all, our spa and salon offer you a lavish way to unwind…and to re-energize yourself for all that ARIA has in store for you.  Guests are welcomed by a tranquil stone and water garden adorned with sacred Japanese Aji stones, blessed in Japan to inspire calmness and tranquility. The Spa at Aria is the only spa in the country to offer Japanese stone sauna “ganbanyoku” beds. Especially unique are Aria’s three private spa suites, each serving as a personal “spa within a spa.” for up to eight people.

Nightlife
Seductive, intoxicating, and exhilarating. Or warm, friendly, and inviting. Whatever your mood, you’ll find just the vibe to suit it. From quiet bars and lounges where you can relax and chat with old friends to hip, trendy lounges and piano bars where you can make new ones, ARIA brings your day or night to life.

And for the ultimate night in Las Vegas, ARIA has partnered with The Light Group to create a nightclub of unrivaled energy and excitement, where amazing lights, a sensual atmosphere and internationally known DJs combine in one mesmerizing experience.

New Year’s Eve Specials and Events
Deluxe hotel accommodations are available for New Year’s.
For reservations, call (866) 359-7757 or visit their website (Dear Santa,  I would like a box of money for Christmas so that I can get a room at ARIA for New Year’s Eve.  No, it’s not that it’s exceedingly expensive …but it would help me in my quest to not have to stay at the Fiesto Rancho!)

Tiesto hosts at HAZE Nightclub (buy tickets online) HAZE is a colossal, cutting-edge space in which guests are challenged to question their sense of perception and reality. The nightclub features large hanging props over the entryway that draw guests to a grand staircase transporting them to the mezzanine level. The main dance floor peers up at a wall of interactive projection screens stretching 100 feet across on a performance structure where impromptu acts by world-renowned artists regularly take place. HAZE also includes a unique two-story wall of lights incorporating the latest in technology coupled with a one-of-a-kind sound system.

Gold Lounge NYE 2010 hosted at Gold Lounge created by Cirque du Soleil (buy tickets online) The GOLD Lounge, a collaboration of The Light Group and Cirque du Soleil, is the newest and most decadent nightlife creation. Toast to 2010 with a countdown to midnight while a special guest DJ spins late into the night to give guests a one-of-a-kind experience.

Eva Longoria Parker hosts at Eve Her Nightclub at Crystals (Click here for more information)

The Details
ARIA
3730 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702.590.7757
866.359.7757

Catch a live stream of the Funchal Harbor fireworks (Guinness Book of World Records record-holder for the largest fireworks display) off the coast of Portugal on the Madeira channel starting at 6 p.m. EST (psst – you can watch it below!  don’t even have to leave AFUTV!)

Next up in our coverage of the lucky 7 hotels from which the indomitable Grucci team will shoot big, noisy, firey goodness into the sky to ring in 2010 is the venerable Caesar’s Palace.

About the Property
Opened in 1966, Caesars Palace is one of the world’s best known resort-casinos, celebrating the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome, in an 85-acre destination location that sets the standard for excitement and luxury. Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip (it stands between the Bellagio and the Mirage), Caesars Palace ranks among the world’s top luxury resorts known for their originality and beauty and features more than 3,300 hotel guest rooms and suites, 26 diverse restaurants and cafes, the 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, Qua – a world-class spa, and 240,000 square feet of premium meeting and convention space and has served as host to countless huge sporting events over the decades.

Dining and Entertainment
Caesar’s boasts a 4,100-seat Colosseum which spotlights world-class entertainers such as Bette Midler (who is currently wrapping up her Caesar’s residency), Cher, Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld and sits just steps away from celebrity chef restaurants and The Forum Shops.

From contemporary French fine-dining, to more casual fare including a 24-hour café, Caesar’s offers some of the best cuisine available in one of the world’s top food cities.  Caesar’s earns its reputation as a true gastro-destination with 13 restaurants including French genius Guy Savoy’s and Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, NYC’s legendary Italian restaurant Rao’s & Wolfgang Puck’s Spago.

Shopping
The Forum Shops invite you to discover the treasures of the Roman empire. Here you’ll find the world’s best designers of men’s and women’s fashion, accessories, furnishings, dining and so much more. From Jimmy Choo to Valentino and Louis Vuitton, you’ll want to make sure not to gamble all of your money away, lest you miss out on a shopping experience like no other.

It’s Las Vegas’ premier retail, dining and entertainment destination, featuring more than 160 boutiques and shops as well as 13 restaurants and specialty food shops. The Forum Shops have held on to their position as the most successful shopping venue in the country through continual progress.  The most recent expansion added 175,000 square feet and additional levels that extend the mall out to Las Vegas Boulevard, where a grand pedestrian plaza creates a signature entrance for The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Nightlife & New Year’s Eve
If you’re looking for the best hot spots in Las Vegas, look no further. Whether it’s the sophistication of world-famous PURE or the flirty fun of Shadow, your evening out in the world’s most electrifying city will be unforgettable.

PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace sets new standards for Las Vegas nightlife with progressive DJs, awesome views and sexy style. As if that wasn’t enough, Rap superstar 50 Cent will be appearing on New Year’s Eve at Pure!

The Details
Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
800.901.1170

Second on our list of the 7 hotels whose rooftops will serve as the launching pads for Grucci’s gigantic New Year’s Eve “America’s Party” Fireworks display in Vegas is Planet Hollywood.

New Year’s Eve Specials …and PH Towers!
Just because the hotel is sold out for New Year’s Eve (Good for you, guys!  Congrats!) doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty for you to check out!   Although we may have missed out on their three awesome New Year’s Eve packages (“The Star”, “The Superstar” and “The Red Carpet” — as well as their “New Year’s Gala” — all speak to this L.A. girl!), there’s still lots of excitement to be found because Planet Hollywood opens it’s brand new 1201-room PH Towers to hotel guests  …TODAY!  Executives at the property indicate the new tower is aimed at high end, high roller genre guests. The new 52-story Planet Hollywood Towers will offer an “all-suite” product, according to President Bill Feather.  The rooms in the new tower are absolutely gorgeous, and appear to offer a unique experience to any high-rollers looking for the newest and brightest.

You know, high-rollers like me.  Right, Bill Feather? *“wink, wink, nudge, nudge,” said the girl who still needs a room for her and her crew on New Year’s Eve. Oh, God, please don’t let me end up at the Fiesto Rancho!

About the Property

Formerly the Aladdin, the hotel re-launched as Planet Hollywood in November, 2007. Billing itself as “The House that Fame Built,” Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has “all the action you can handle” (and then some!) with three acres of gaming, a variety of tables and slots, a huge poker room, The Playing Field race and sports book, and the scintillating Pleasure Pit, with “beautiful women dealing blackjack, clad in sensual lingerie, while go-go dancers cavort overhead.”

Guests can luxuriate in one of their 2,500 plush and stylish rooms and suites — each one with its own piece of Hollywood history — actual memorabilia from famous films.  The hotel property has been featured in many films including The Cooler, Resident Evil, Rambo (2008), 21 (Kevin Spacey), Transporter 3 & Race To Witch Mountain.

Relaxing Surroundings
With rooftop pools overlooking the strip, Planet Hollywood caters to both your party animal side and …the other side — you know, the side that just wants a nice massage the next day.  For that, check out their beautiful Spa by Mandara which offers a wide array of luxurious spa delights.

Dining and Shopping
You can dine at one of eight extraordinary and already famous restaurants, including Koi (with sushi and Japanese dinner specials) from Los Angeles and Strip House (steak and dinner specials) from New York.  For more casual fare, guests can hit up PF Chang’s or Pink’s Hot Dogs (they snap when you bite into ‘em!)

And for a little year-end retail therapy, be sure to hit the Miracle Mile shops.  It’s a little surreal for me to leave the Miracle Mile here in L.A. which is mere blocks from my house and drive 4 hours to go to …the Miracle Mile, but our Miracle Mile doesn’t have nearly as cool a collection of specialty stores as the “fiercest fashion district in Las Vegas,” nor does it have a fountain show or a freakin’ laser show!  I’d say that’s worth the trip!

Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the day really begins at Planet Hollywood. Whether it’s Heart Bar, Privé or The Playing Field Lounge, there’s sure to be a vibe for everyone at the hottest nightlife in Vegas. New Year’s Eve at Privé will feature Playboy’s Holly Madison (who stars in the hotel’s new “ultra-hot” production, Peepshow) hosting and Producer Jermaine Dupris DJing the night’s festivities.

The Details
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702.785.5555
877.333.9474

We’re kicking off our coverage of the 7 hotels involved in the New Year’s Eve fireworks display for Las Vegas’s “America’s Party” with The Stratosphere.  Rooms are still available for New Year’s Eve with great views of the fireworks!

New Year’s Eve Packages
The Stratosphere is offering six incredible party packages designed to help you celebrate New Year’s Eve at the one Vegas location that offers a breathtaking view of fireworks throughout Las Vegas, including the most beautiful one of all — the big Grucci display on New Year’s Eve.

About the Property
The hotel itself is 24 stories with an 80,000 sq. ft of casino floor, and is situated an equal distance from the strip & downtown (which is a big selling point).  The property boasts two pools as well as a multitude of entertainment options.

Jutting 1,149 feet into the Vegas skyline, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest observation tower in the U.S. and the second tallest in the Western Hemisphere (rumor has it that the only reason it’s not bigger is because the airport said “no”!)  I drool a little bit just thinking about the view that the tower will offer on New Year’s Eve!

Thrills
And not to be outdone by the amusements offered by their peers, they have a ride called “Big Shot” which, at 1100 feet, is the highest thrill ride in the world.  The Stratosphere actually boasts the Top 3 highest thrill rides in the world!  Wonder what I’d have to do to get to the top of one of ‘em at midnight when the works go up?

Dining
Whether you want to linger over a gourmet meal or grab some hearty grub before going out on the town, the Stratosphere offers a dining option for every palate. But for a fine dining experience in truly unique Vegas style, check out Top of the World.  This award-winning restaurant, situated 800 feet above ground level, revolves 360 degrees to offer magnificent panoramic views.   (Kinda sounds like the perfect place to check out some kaboom on 12/31, no?)

And for your convenience, you’ll find a variety of fast food and snack shops peppered throughout their property.

Nightlife
How do you like your action? Lively and loud? Or chic and sophisticated? They’ve got it all at the Stratosphere. Check out all of their Vegas Bars on The Strip and discover what makes people keep coming back for more. Rockin’ music. Tantalizing drinks. Big-screen TVs. Even multi-denominational games. Catch a show at our hot resort hotel, then party on at a Las Vegas Strip bar.  And besides — how can you deny a venue that advertises its “leather and leopard ambiance”?!  Oh, thank God for Vegas, ’cause the only other place I know for “leather and leopard ambiance” is my house, and I ain’t stayin’ home on New Year’s Eve!

The Details
The Stratosphere Las Vegas
2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89104
702.380.7777
For Room Reservations Please Call: 1.800.99.TOWER (86937)
Click here to view all New Year’s Eve Packages

On Friday, December 18, 2009, pyrotechnician Jason Flannigan lost his wife Jami unexpectedly. She left behind 4 children, Jada (11 ), Liam (2 ), Kaitlyn (1) and Rian (16 days old). Suddenly a pyro’s family of 3 kids lost their mother and were hit with hospital and funeral expenses at Christmas.  (click here for more)

You can donate directly at any Wells Fargo bank. Just tell them you want to make a deposit to the Jami Flannigan Donation Fund, or you can download a pre-filled deposit slip and mail a check to your local branch. Please make your check payable to Jami Flannigan Donation Fund.  Click here to find a local branch.

There’s also another way to help the family. The members of Passfire.com have thrown together a charity auction. 100% will go to the family and the individual donors will pick up the processing and shipping fees.

The auction can be found here.

Thank you!