Wowsa, Meowsa!

(I'm no critic, but....)

Student Stalwarts Straddle Stardom

High School Musical Extrodinaire: Today we will digress from politics and satire and talk about some stupendous students in Las Vegas. Las Vegas High School is on the east side of town. But some local readers might remember the old Las Vegas High School on South Seventh Street - the first and original. When the "school" was moved the original building remained and became a magnet school: the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts. Students must audition to earn a slot. The school houses some of the nations future artists and performers and puts on displays and performances that rival those seen on Broadway. Whether Beauty and the Beast , Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, or the other thirty-plus performances over the past half decade, these kids put on a first class operation.

Of course, every mother's son or daughter is the pride of performers, but these kids are the stars of tomorrow. The cast, crew, and faculty directors put on hit after hit that rivals nearly any performance on the Strip. Last Night we enjoyed opening night of CATS, based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," by T.S. Eliot adapted to a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. We've seen the musical performed in London, New York, and Los Angeles. The performance last night compared strongly with any of the others we've seen.

The cast and ensemble, which seemed like thousands of cats, were all superb. Philip Cerza as Munkustrap took the audience on a walk through the lives and haunts of his fellow felines. Among them Lynda DeFuria's Grizabella, Jamie Crider and Arielle Panarae as Mongojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Cody Canyon as Skimbleshanks, and Elija O'Connell as (Aspara)Gus brought their characters to life. The musical solos, especially "Memories" enraptured the audience. Professional Neal Taffe as Old Deuteronomy set an example for the students to emulate as his deep and powerful voice brought it all together in the final Ad-dressing of Cats.

Few who have not been part of a production can appreciate the work and effort that goes on behind the scenes. Musicians enhance the singing and dancing of the cast, the production staff under the direction of Producer/Director Glenn Edwards choreograph, design sets, provide the stunning technical effects, lighting, costuming, sound, hair and makeup, on and on. Without the expertise of the people the audience does not see, the performances would be impossible.

So a flip of the paw and flick of the ears to the Las Vegas Academy Theater and the Las Vegas Academy Dance and Music Departments. If you are a Las Vegan or in town for a visit, CATS is a must see.

Dr. Forgot

Hey Big Spender

The Agony of de Feet

Oh nooooooo: Mitt Romney could have borrowed a line from a TV celebrity today. As the cartoon character Mr. Bill from Saturday Night Live used to say whenever he was about to get pulverized, "Oh noooooo." Perhaps he ran out of pocket change after spending $ 50 million of his own money, or perhaps he got tired of being beaten up by his fellow Republicans, or perhaps he cut a backroom deal to provide for a Big Mac. Regardless of his motivation, the Mitt has been smit from the race. That leaves only Reverend Mike to stand in the way of the Commodore. It also means that each party is down to two little candidates (see January 30 post Hungry Candidates Await Supper Tuesday and "Ten Little Candidates").

Mitt Wastes $ 50 Mil? He's a piker: Those of us "Little People" as described by the late Leona Helmsley might think that the ability of Governor Mitt to spend $ 50 million of his own money is a huge commitment. Wonder how much he has left (whoops, sorry about the use of the word "left"). I guess it just depends on one's perspective. Steve Wynn, chair and CEO of Wynn Resorts has seen his stock holdings decline by $ 1.4 billion (with a B).

Could it be worse? It could if you're Kirk Kerkorian, majority stockholder of MGM Mirage has seen his portfolio slip by a whopping $ 4.6 billion (also with a B), more than triple the loss of Steve Wynn. And his losses weren't the worst for Las Vegas stake holders!

Local hotel magnate Sheldon Adleson, dreamer and builder of the Venetian and Palazzo Hotels in Las Vegas has had seen an adjustment in his portfolio of nearly triple the amount of Kirkerkorian's loss - $ 10.8 billion! That is a big hit, even if last September he was cited as the third richest American with holdings of $ 28 billion. It reminds me of the sage who once said, "A million here, a million there... pretty soon you're talking about real money.

"Please sir, can I have a little more?" Compared to the guys above, Las Vegas schoolteachers seem a bit like the Charles Dickens character, orphan and beggar Oliver Twist when he dared ask for another morsel of food. Local teachers, hat in hand, have for years begged the legislature for a humble increase in their pay but state budgets have kept them ranked among the bottom few states in pay. One justification is that perks such as no state income tax should make up the difference.

But teachers have come up with a different tack, asking that Fagin, er, the gaming industry's tax rate be increased by a mere three percent with monies designated to be spent on teacher salaries. The state's largest industry compensating teachers??? What a concept!

A little blogging music Maestro.... How about the old Cricket's tune, "Money (That's What I Want)."

Dr. Forgot

Hump Day

Super Tuesday Settles It… Or Not

Mac, Mitt, Mike: Those to the right of center – but far enough right according to some in the party are each claiming victory. Mike cried “Hallelujah and Amen” as voters in ‘Bama, his homies in Arkansas, peaches in Georgia, volunteers in Tennessee, and mountaineers in West Virginny all decided they hearted Huckabee best. Brother Mitt found Alaskan Eskimos, Colorado Rockers, three M’s (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Montana) were mmmm-mmmm good to him, as were ballot punchers in N. Dakota and Utah.

The big winner, despite rantings and ravings from a certain pill popper in Florida, was Mac who knifed through nine states (AZ, CA, CO, DE, IL, MO, NJ, NY and OK), all of which were okay to Mac by delivering 423 delegates on a silver platter. Mac must have been singing Abba’s “The Winner Takes it All” as he relished in the Republican rules in most states which give all the state’s delegates to the winner. Super Tuesday’s outcome did not dampen the spirits of either of the other two candidates, however as they still consider themselves contenders.

Tales from the left of center: Hillary must feel that yellow blazer is her lucky coat. Either that or she is considering becoming a school crossing guard after her political career ends. Whether it was the magic yellow blazer or Bill’s lip being zipped, she came out on top Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma as well as states with large urban centers and heavy Latino makeup – AZ, CA, MA, and the two News; York and Jersey. However, in all states except Arkansas (69%) she took 56% or less of the vote.

If Hillary took the diverse urban states, Barack cruised in the mostly white rural states including 80% of the ballots cast in Idaho, 75% in Alaska and Kansas and 65% in his home state of Illinois. The results made one thing clear – there is no clear winner on the Democratic slate and probably will not be for another month or so. One thing is for sure – there is no sure thing.

When is a flag just a rag? Las Vegas’ Liberty High School colors are red, white, and blue and its mascot is a Patriot. What better setting for a self-proclaimed 18-year old atheist to refuse to stand during the morning flag salute because he objects to the phrase, “One nation under God?” The student was sent to the Dean to get things sorted out but instead called Mommy who told him to come home. He now could be in trouble – not for refusing to stand. The law allows for that. But for leaving campus without permission. What a country!

A little blogging music Maestro… Tommy Blakes, “Freedom.”

Dr. Forgot

Food For Thought

Election Day Around the Country

The following came to me in an email and is credited to "Anonymous." People around the country will be voting and are often influenced by their local newspapers. Below is a profile of the respective newspaper readers.

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country .

2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.

3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.

4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.

5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country -- if they could find the time -- and if they didn't have to leave Southern California to do it.

6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it , thank you very much.

7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.

8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who is running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.

9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country but need the baseball scores.

10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure if there is a country or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.

11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.

12. The Oregonian is read by people who have recently caught a fish and need something in which to wrap it.

13. The Arizona Republic is read by people who need to shield their face from the sun.

A little blogging music maestro.... "I Got Some News For You Baby," with Bobby Lee

Sunday Olio, Super Chooseday

New York, Political, and Other Giants

Show class in victory and defeat: No longer can the i be removed to make them the New York Gnats. The Pat Riot is over. The Patty-cake from the land of baked beans found that cactus country ended the dry spell of their cross-a-couple-of-states rivals. Brady did not have the beauty from all the other games as the Beast belittled the Pats. As any Monday morning quarterback can say, I saw it coming. The Perfect Pattys could easily have not been so had it not been for a bad call at Baltimore or a bad bounce against Sand Diego or even their previous meeting with the NY Ogres. Eli is due his gin as is the rest of the team. Pat Coach Belichick's belly-ache post game interview could have shown more class. I'm sure his radio played "Hurt So Bad."

Yes We Can: get as many endorsements as possible. Who is winning the race for California backers? Hillary seems to be leading the pack with some 30 high profile backers including politicos Gary Davis, Diane Feinstein, Maxine Waters, and seven city council members as well as entertainers Ron Howard, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ron Howard, Rob Reiner, and Steven Spielberg. Barack trails with some 22 major endorsements including less well known politicos and George Clooney among his actors. On the Republican side Johnny Mac claims 12 endorsements from Sly Stallone, Guv. Arnold, and a host of politicos. Mitt boasts endorsements from 11 politicos including the Orange County GOP chair, and five boosters heart Mike Huckabee including the co-founder of the Minuteman Project, former candidate Duncan Hunter, and tough guy actor Chuck Norris.

CSPAN Class Act: The get-together of the girls for "O" man included "O" ladies Oprah and Michelle, along with supporters Caroline Kennedy and Maria Schriver - wife of the Governator. Oprah was.... well, Oprah. Caroline was fine and Maria made a strong case for her support of Senator Obama. But in this writer's opinion, Michelle Obama stole the show. If was one of the first times she has spoken at length in a national forum. Ms. Obama was as eloquent as she was "down home." Her message is sure to touch the hearts of the young and restless. My only concern is that some conspiracy theorist will start looking into Obama, Oprah, Iowa, and find that there are just too many vowels.

Flipping real estate in Las Vegas: The media gives us our daily dose of the shaky Las Vegas real estate market but we can prove that there are still bargains out there. One report gave upbeat sales figures to commercial buildings and more recently the Gold Spike, which had been purchased six months ago for $ 15.6 million, was recently flipped, or resold for $ 21 million. Not a bad profit.

Bits of Tid: We reported in a post recently that the Monte Carlo and MGM Mirage management showed class in the way guests were handled in the aftermath of their fire. Several guests have spoken out and most seem to be in agreement that personal trauma was kept to a minimum and many were upgraded to suites at other properties. North Las Vegas has grown from its "Northtown" image of a bedroom community for Las Vegans to a formidable competitor to Las Vegas and Henderson. The community or 200,000+ plans to add 330 acres of new gaming and hotel rooms in the I-15/215 area. Remember, Las Vegas was once little more than a watering hole.

A little blogging music Maestro... Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler."

Dr. Forgot

Sunday pre-Super Tuesday

Songs That Might Have Been

Three Conservative Hopefuls (to the tune of "Three Coins in a Fountain)

Three Conservative hopefuls, Each one with a name of "M."
Mac, Mitt, and Michael, all three to the right do bend.

Just one M will be selected, One M will be the GOP.

Who will represent the GOP?
Will the voters Heart Huckabee?

Three conservative hopefuls, Each one with his strongest points.
Mike, Mac, or Mitt Romney, Who will the Republicans anoint?

Just one M will be selected, One M will be the GOP.

Who's the one that will remain?
Will the voters select John McCain?

Three conservative hopefuls, Each one with a treasure chest.
John Mac, Mitt, or Michael, who will stand the toughest test?

Just one M will be selected, One M will be the GOP.

Who will be the Republican star?
Will the voters select Mitchell R?

(all three singing in harmony)Make it me.... make it me... make it me...

Billary, Oprabama, and Ted (to the tune of Abraham Martin and John)

Has anybody here seen the Democratic hopefuls? Can you tell me where they've gone?
Around the country seeking delegates. To make their candidacy Number One.

Has anybody here seen the candidate Billary? How can they be two places at once?
While Hill shows emotion and Bill spews fire. They try to make Oprabama out a dunce.

Has anybody here seen hopeful Oprabama? From coast to coast at delegate events.
They've taken center stage in several places. To pitch their passionate eloquence.

Campaigns are hard fought and expensive. Some candidates spend themselves to the red.
Will this race be decided by an ex-president? Or endorsements by Caroline and Ted.

When the primaries are over. The anger and sniping put to bed.
They'll walk the campaign trail against their opponents...Billary, Oprabama, and Ted.

Dr. Forgot

Friday's Follies

Super Summary

Super Bowl Sunday: This weekend's game in Arizona will be another boon for Las Vegas. From the prop bets - Hilton alone offers 50 pages worth - to betting on the outcome of the game (Pats are hands down favorites but will they cover the spread?), to packages that go through Las Vegas, this will be one of the biggest sports weekends of the year. Beer and snack sales are up, big screen TV sets and recliners are being lugged out of stores, and pizza makers are bracing for an onslaught. A call-girl cal has even gone out since there are not enough escorts to escort fans. The big bowl helps to keep Las Vega$$$ green.

Slip sliding away: Taxable sales slipped in November - a whopping 1.3% according to those who report such things. Can't help but wonder why they did not report that November sales were at 98.7% of last year's record? Still, the weekend should boost sales taxes as well as casino spending. The Valley of the Dollars is usually considered a destination but many Super Bowlers stop here for a few days then mosey on down to the game. Those without tickets opt to stay and see it locally. It is cheaper that way and they get to see replays and those fancy new commercials.

Are candidate debates de bait? It is looking more and more like both parties have their two finalists for the pageant. The Republicans had their debate the other day on the right side of the left coast and Mitt and John seem to be the emerging candidates. Last night the Democrats had their Kodak moment on the left coast as Hillary and Obama continue to be center stage. Seems like it should be a movie - actually two movies. The Rebub debate was cast as "Grumpy Old Men" and the Dem debate was cast as "Love Story."

Where have all the flowers gone? We don't know about the other flowers but if a Rose by any other name (as in Thomas Rose) doth appear as a Peter Piper of Paradise Plumbing, he may have pilfered a peck of palettes from the public pavilion. Police partook plenty of packages from the pigeonhole that belongs to the owner of Paradise Plumbing. Problems persist pursuant to pilferage of University Medical Center property that has pitfallen into places where they should not be perched. Paradise Plumbing was paid 50 grand to replace valves without the benefit of a bidding process. That is perplexing.

Won't you be my friend? It wasn't Mr. Rogers but President Bush who flew into the Valley of the Dollars looking for friends. But most of the Republican officeholders were conspicuously absent to greet him for photo ops. In fact, members of the media were kept at such a distance that it was nigh impossible to get a photo shot of him. The Pres was able to dig up a few supporters including the Guv, who is having many of his own problems that are not unlike those of the Prez. During a 30-minute speech the hand picked audience that gave the biggest round of applause to his correctly pronouncing "Nevada."

New meaning may come to The Strip: Like Rodney Dangerfield, some people just don't get no respect. Take strippers for example. Wait, let me rephrase that. An estimated 10,000 strippers - uh, exotic dancers, actually pay for the privilege of getting naked as independent contractors. But a group of the ladies have sued to become employees and be paid wages by club owners for whom they work. When they say "minimum" they are talking about attire, not wages. A recent ruling cleared the way for a class action lawsuit that some may consider no-class seeking to change the work status. One might say the new law would cover the uncovered.

A little blogging music maestro..."Your Mama Don't Dance" by Poison.

Dr. Forgot