Exhibit shows what 'Bodies' are made of

Advertisement

Dr. Roy Glover is the Chief Medical Adviser and spokesman for a new exhibit that just debuted at the Tropicana called Bodies..the Exhibition. An anatomist by profession, Glover recently retired from his teaching position at the University of Michigan.

"The subject matter is my passion," he said. "I had that blend of skills and I was interested in a different arena. As long as I can contribute."

Glover states that this 2,000-square-foot exhibit is very big news. Most people do not normally know about the body or how it works. Stressing the learning side of the experience he said, "We want this to be a dialogue within the family. It's an important educational opportunity."

Produced by Premier Exhibitions, 21 whole-body specimens and more than 260 organs are on display throughout nine galleries, giving visitors the opportunity to view the beauty and complexity of their own organ systems.

The bodies, all donated for medical purposes, are preserved through a technique called polymer preservation. Human tissue is preserved with liquid silicone rubber that is then treated and hardened. After preservation, the bodies and organs are resistant to decomposition.

"It's not ghoulish; not macabre at all," Glover said. "The exhibit will change people's lives for the better."

Bodies...the Exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Tropicana. Admission is $15-$24. For information, call 739-2411.

Headliners

Bill Medley and Rita Coolidge will hit the stage of Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, July 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $34.95-$45.95. Call 800-386-7867.

After a several-year absence, singer Jimmy Hopper makes a rare return visit to Vegas. He will perform at Mandalay Bay's Island Lounge, July 11-15, 18-22. Show times are 5, 6:45 and 8:30 p.m. Free.

Show canceled

Jerry Lewis canceled his upcoming show at the Orleans, originally set for July 13-16, due to a minor heart attack. Lewis was recently released from the hospital and is recovering at his San Diego home. Plans to bring his Muscular Dystrophy Telethon back to Vegas at the South Coast are still a go for Sept. 3-4.

Theater

To honor our military for Independence Day, the musical "Forever Plaid" is offering two-for-one show tickets to all active-duty and retired military personnel through July 9. Present your military ID to the Gold Coast box office when you purchase your tickets. Call 251-3574.

The Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, Utah invites all Las Vegans to "Let's Play!" The summer season runs through Sept. 2 and includes "Hamlet," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and "Anthony and Cleopatra." Call 800-752-9849.

Film screening

The Dam Short Film Society in Boulder City has scheduled monthly film screenings for the conference Room of the Boulder Dam Hotel. Up to nine short films will be shown. The next screening is July 15 at 6:30 p.m. Log onto www.damshortfilm.org. A donation of $4 is requested.

Freebies

The Gaming Life Expo returns to Rio, July 27-30. Experience the newest products available for the poker fanatic or wanna-be. Poker champions will be on site to dispense advice. Poker book authors will participate in meet-and-greets, and mini-workshops are scheduled. A main stage will be set up for daily live entertainment. For adults, 21 and over.

The 13^th Annual Sandcastle Building contest kicks off July 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Becker Community School, 9110 Hillpointe Road. Bring your own buckets, shovels, and family to help out. Castle building at 6:30 p.m., family games at 7:45 p.m. The animated film "Madagascar" will screen at 8:30 p.m. Call 229-2482.

Museum

The Savage Ancient Seas exhibit opens this month at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum in the Marine Life Room. This display showcases huge, carnivorous marine reptiles, flesh-eating fish, and flying reptiles. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 24. Admission is $3-$7. Children 2 and under are free. Call 384-3466.

Barbara Scherzer is an entertainment reporter who lives in Las Vegas. Contact her at BeeBeeLee@cox.net.