The original Renaissance man, known the world over for his enigmatic paintings, inspired inventions, intense curiosity and zest for shaping the stuff of the world into art by whatever means available, Leonardo da Vinci remains an inspiration for artists and great minds nearly 500 years after his death.

As with most holiday celebrations, food is an essential part of welcoming Chinese New Year, and Vegas’ top restaurants are offering special dishes and fixed price menus that will help to ensure prosperity—as well as satisfied appetites—in 2012, the Year of the Dragon.

The all-male phenomenon from the Outback, Thunder From Down Under is one part screaming women, one part dance and two parts pure fantasy as a cast of muscled, scantily costumed, charismatic Aussie dancers recreate the wildest daydreams of the gathered crowd onstage for a night of pure hedonism. We spoke with 12-year veteran of the show, Matthew Fardell, to find out how he joined Thunder and what he wears when he isn’t dressed as swarthy pirate or a Greek god.