Seeking info for dumb tourists

I'm going to be in Vegas for four days in late April, of which two half days will be taken up by the mundane work-related reasons for being there. So, all you well-travelled and tasteful people who inhabit my f-list - what's good to see that isn't Vegas? I'm thinking day trips out here, deserts and canyons and dramatic scenery - we'll be renting a car for the duration to get out of the city. Pour forth your knowledge and opinions upon me!

EDIT: Googling is suggesting the Valley of Fire State Park and Red Rock Canyon might be good places. Anyone been to the Hoover Dam? Is that worth a trip?

Thai Screwball

Last night was movie night with mamishka, the local queen of obscure foreign films the world has never heard of XD A double bill of films by the Thai director Wisit Sasanatieng - I don't think I'd seen a Thai film at all before. Two very different films, surreal and brilliant in entirely different ways :-)

( OMG, the insanity! )