Cliché Today
As American as apple pie: Although cliché is a French word Americans prefer a cliché to a soufflé. Today I’ll go against the grain and although I have no axe to grind, will give you the bottom line while we drill down to get the information that is on the money. Some clichés are as clear as mud and their meanings are rarely as pure as the driven snow. But today I will start at the crack of dawn and write, and though my thoughts may come as slow as molasses in January, I won’t beat around the bush, even if this column leaves me between a rock and a hard place.
Blood is thicker than water: The idea for today’s topic came from a sibling whose emails could fill a bottomless pit. Though she sometimes can’t see the forest from the trees she can also be the cat’s meow. Thus I will forget politics for today, which is for the birds, and sit back as cool as a cucumber and write today’s column come Hell or high water. Hopefully you’ll find this one funnier than a barrel of monkeys but I won’t count my chickens before they hatch. Compared to my other 300 posts this one is just a drop in the bucket. Oh, you might think that composing this is as easy as falling off a log but it is as hard as a rock to do this. Although even a blind squirrel can find an acorn beneath an oak tree. So I’ll just get my feet wet and go with the flow.
A good rule of thumb: Before you leave this site remember the grass is always greener on the other side, so don’t be a stick-in-the-mud. Laugh and the world laughs with you. It can cause a ripple effect. Send this to your friends and give them something to crow about. Soon enough we’ll all be pushing up daisies. If it’s not one thing it’s another. Your sorrows will be just a drop in the bucket, knock on wood. Life is a bowl of cherries. Laugh and the world laughs with you and soon your troubles will be as hard to find as a needle in a haystack. Sorrow is not my cup of tea. There’s no use crying over spilt milk, let yourself go. Be as nutty as a fruitcake. Avoid bummers like the plague.
Wake up and smell the coffee: With the economy in disarray it is well to remember that a penny saved is a penny earned. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Don’t tempt fate, look out for number one. Times might be rough as a corn cob but it ain’t over till the fat lady sings. If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Wall Street makes me as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof and the political parties that caused this are like two peas in a pod. Birds of a feather flock together. They pulled the wool over our eyes then told us to put that in our pipe and smoke it. The CEOs who caused this mess by trying to pull a fast one need to take their attitude and stick it where the sun don’t shine. As voters we need to tell those asking for a handout, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.” As we watched our 401K bite the dust until it bought the farm we needed to bite the bullet. Although there are dark clouds ahead every cloud has a silver lining. Do something to take your mind off your 401K. A watched pot never boils.
Take me out to the ball game: To take your mind off the economy, perhaps an athletic event is in order. Sit back, relax, and see who draws first blood. The game might be nip and tuck or a real barn burner. The teams might go at it like two heavyweights, fighting tooth and nail while the crowd goes wild as players give 110%. They certainly came to play. Yours is a blue collar team that shows flashes of brilliance but they are taking it one game at a time. Pretty soon your team will begin to take it to the next level. They thrive under pressure, rising to the occasion, and perhaps breaking a record, as records are made to be broken. They control their own destiny. This is a must win situation. Your team was really dialed in. They left it all on the field.
Nothing ventured nothing gained: Now comes the time to wrap it up and put the pedal to the metal. We hope you enjoyed today’s column. Maybe we were pulling your leg. Maybe we were jerking your chain but don’t jump to conclusions. Was this satire or philosophy? You can’t judge a book by its cover. It is what it is. As for us, we’ll continue writing this tripe come Hell or high water. Most of what I write is on the tip of my tongue, and you can take that to the bank.
A little blogging music Maestro… “Words of Love,” by The Beatles.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Those Oldies But Goodies
Mid-week Memories
A friend of mine, Nancy the principal sent me the reflection below. It is credited to that most famous of writers, Anonymous. Read, reflect, enjoy.
Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.
There lived a race of innocents, in the land of the free,
And they were simply simple folks, only you and me,
For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.
We learned to gut a muffler, we washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry in circles on the lawn.
We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.
We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'
And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me Me.
Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.
And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see
A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.
We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me Me.
Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,
And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.
We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk, yet, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.
For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson , and Zeppelins were not Led..
And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they weren't grown in jars.
And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed in the Land That Made Me Me.
We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.
And Hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me Me.
Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.
And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,
And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me Me.
We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,
We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms in the Land That Made Me Me.
There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill.
And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,
And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me Me.
But all things have a seas on, or so we've heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.
They send us invitations to join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me Me.
So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me Me.
A little blogging music Maestro… “Those Oldies but Goodies,” by Little Caesar and the Romans.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
A friend of mine, Nancy the principal sent me the reflection below. It is credited to that most famous of writers, Anonymous. Read, reflect, enjoy.
Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,
Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.
There lived a race of innocents, in the land of the free,
And they were simply simple folks, only you and me,
For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,
Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.
We learned to gut a muffler, we washed our hair at dawn,
We spread our crinolines to dry in circles on the lawn.
We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,
And Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.
We danced to 'Little Darlin,' and sang to 'Stagger Lee'
And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me Me.
Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,
And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.
And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see
A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,
And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.
We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,
Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me Me.
Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,
And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.
We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,
And Oprah couldn't talk, yet, in the Land That Made Me Me.
We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,
At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.
For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,
And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,
And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson , and Zeppelins were not Led..
And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,
Madonna was a virgin in the Land That Made Me Me.
We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,
And babies might be bottle-fed, but they weren't grown in jars.
And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and 'gay' meant fancy-free,
And dorms were never coed in the Land That Made Me Me.
We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,
And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.
And Hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,
And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me Me.
Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,
And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.
And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,
And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me Me.
We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,
We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea
Or prime-time ads for condoms in the Land That Made Me Me.
There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,
And fish were not called Wanda, and cats were not called Bill.
And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,
And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me Me.
But all things have a seas on, or so we've heard them say,
And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.
They send us invitations to join AARP,
We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me Me.
So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,
And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.
And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,
Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me Me.
A little blogging music Maestro… “Those Oldies but Goodies,” by Little Caesar and the Romans.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day 2008
Monday Mish-Mash
Tuesday Too
Out with the old, in with the new: Barack Obama entered the White House through the front door. The building that was built by slaves played host to the president and the president elect today. Pundits who have a shortage of air tome topics now that the election is over are asking how President Bush will handle the transition of power and whether he will be accommodating to the next president. Come on, Bush might have been a political bungler but one thing that he has always excelled at has been interpersonal relations. There is no reason to think that will change.
Ok, guys, you can quit whalin’ on Palin: During the election anybody who made fun of Governor Palin was called a hater by her party members. Now that the election is over the same slime-buckets who make a living trashing their opponents are sliming their own team members. I guess they just can’t help themselves. Their latest targets are Senator McCain who was made out to be responsible for everything that went wrong back to the fall of the Holy Roman Empire (which, by the way, was neither Holy nor Roman nor an Empire). That music must sound like an oldie to McCain as the same group slimed him unmercifully during his attempted presidential run in 2000. The same group and their cronies has turned their venom on the Queen of all Igloos. What your mother told you as a child is turning out to be true – lie down with pigs and all you’ll ever get is dirty.
I don’t need the boss’s guff, I’m married: The latest term among those who examine career choices is, “work spouse.” No, it doesn’t mean your honey leaves the hive to become a worker bee, but according to Career Builder.com “A work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you have a close platonic relationship. In many ways, these relationships can mirror a real marriage.” They even list seven signs to help you determine whether or not you are or have a work spouse. We have developed our own list to see if you have a work spouse: 1. Does your co-worker come to work with curlers and face cream? 2. Does your co-worker tell you to “Make your own damn coffee.” 3. Does your coworker tell you the meeting has been cancelled because she has a headache? 4. Does the co-worker tell you that you left the toilet seat up? 5. During Power Point presentations does your co-worker insist on using the remote? 6. Does your co-worker remind you that she could have been working for former employer who appreciates her work more than you do? And finally, 7. Does the co-worker “Forget” to tell you that her mother is coming to visit?
Goodbye Gift List: As the Bush family prepares to leave their home of the past eight years they will follow a long tradition of giving gifts to their longtime employees and friends. Some are so hard to buy for that the task will be difficult. Take Vice President Cheney, for example. Do they buy him a new undisclosed location? He already has more than enough Darth Vader outfits, so how about a lifelong supply of batteries for his defibrillator? For Condi Rice, perhaps he could fix her up with a blind date with a good ‘ole Texan. Wolfowitz, Rummy, and the gang that has already departed should be happy with “Thank You” cards. For Vladimir Putin a kaleidoscope that can be used to look into people’s soul. And finally for former press secretary Scott McClellan, a job interview with President Elect Obama.
Remember our veterans: Veterans Day, 2008. Regardless of one’s politics or whether or not you feel we should be in Iraq, or should have been in Viet Nam or Korea, today is the day to honor the brave men and women who serve our country. We recognize the brave soldiers, sailors, and marines and wish them safety. We also need to tend to them upon their return from active duty. So hug a vet today or at least take a moment to give thanks to them. Oh, and by the way, legend has it that many babies born during World War II were named “Furlough.” Don’t worry if you don’t understand that one. It just means you’re a youngster.
A little blogging music Maestro… “God Bless America,” by Kate Smith.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Tuesday Too
Out with the old, in with the new: Barack Obama entered the White House through the front door. The building that was built by slaves played host to the president and the president elect today. Pundits who have a shortage of air tome topics now that the election is over are asking how President Bush will handle the transition of power and whether he will be accommodating to the next president. Come on, Bush might have been a political bungler but one thing that he has always excelled at has been interpersonal relations. There is no reason to think that will change.
Ok, guys, you can quit whalin’ on Palin: During the election anybody who made fun of Governor Palin was called a hater by her party members. Now that the election is over the same slime-buckets who make a living trashing their opponents are sliming their own team members. I guess they just can’t help themselves. Their latest targets are Senator McCain who was made out to be responsible for everything that went wrong back to the fall of the Holy Roman Empire (which, by the way, was neither Holy nor Roman nor an Empire). That music must sound like an oldie to McCain as the same group slimed him unmercifully during his attempted presidential run in 2000. The same group and their cronies has turned their venom on the Queen of all Igloos. What your mother told you as a child is turning out to be true – lie down with pigs and all you’ll ever get is dirty.
I don’t need the boss’s guff, I’m married: The latest term among those who examine career choices is, “work spouse.” No, it doesn’t mean your honey leaves the hive to become a worker bee, but according to Career Builder.com “A work spouse is a co-worker of the opposite sex with whom you have a close platonic relationship. In many ways, these relationships can mirror a real marriage.” They even list seven signs to help you determine whether or not you are or have a work spouse. We have developed our own list to see if you have a work spouse: 1. Does your co-worker come to work with curlers and face cream? 2. Does your co-worker tell you to “Make your own damn coffee.” 3. Does your coworker tell you the meeting has been cancelled because she has a headache? 4. Does the co-worker tell you that you left the toilet seat up? 5. During Power Point presentations does your co-worker insist on using the remote? 6. Does your co-worker remind you that she could have been working for former employer who appreciates her work more than you do? And finally, 7. Does the co-worker “Forget” to tell you that her mother is coming to visit?
Goodbye Gift List: As the Bush family prepares to leave their home of the past eight years they will follow a long tradition of giving gifts to their longtime employees and friends. Some are so hard to buy for that the task will be difficult. Take Vice President Cheney, for example. Do they buy him a new undisclosed location? He already has more than enough Darth Vader outfits, so how about a lifelong supply of batteries for his defibrillator? For Condi Rice, perhaps he could fix her up with a blind date with a good ‘ole Texan. Wolfowitz, Rummy, and the gang that has already departed should be happy with “Thank You” cards. For Vladimir Putin a kaleidoscope that can be used to look into people’s soul. And finally for former press secretary Scott McClellan, a job interview with President Elect Obama.
Remember our veterans: Veterans Day, 2008. Regardless of one’s politics or whether or not you feel we should be in Iraq, or should have been in Viet Nam or Korea, today is the day to honor the brave men and women who serve our country. We recognize the brave soldiers, sailors, and marines and wish them safety. We also need to tend to them upon their return from active duty. So hug a vet today or at least take a moment to give thanks to them. Oh, and by the way, legend has it that many babies born during World War II were named “Furlough.” Don’t worry if you don’t understand that one. It just means you’re a youngster.
A little blogging music Maestro… “God Bless America,” by Kate Smith.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Vegas Weekend Update
Election is over, Back to Unreality
Las Vegas Happenings
Aliante Station Celebrates Grand Opening Tuesday: Station Casinos’ newest property, Aliante Station, will open Nov. 11 in North Las Vegas. The $675 million Aliante Station will offer 202 hotel guest rooms and suites; six restaurants and a food court; 14,000 square feet of meeting, banquet and convention space; Regal Cinemas’ 16-screen movie theatre; Access Showroom, a 600-plus-seat entertainment concert venue and an array of popular gaming choices including traditional table games, a poker room, state-of-the-art race and sports book and slot machines. Aliante Station will represent Station Casinos’ 11th hotel-casino and its 18th property in Southern Nevada. For more information, contact Lori Nelson, Station Casinos, at lori.nelson@stationcasinos.com.
Caesars Palace Tops Off $1 Billion Expansion: Caesars Palace topped off its new 23-story, Octavius Tower as part of a $1 billion expansion. The resort’s sixth tower will add 665 hotel rooms to the property and will be located next to a new 263,000 square foot meeting and convention center and three new pools. The expansion is slated for completion in mid-2009. For more information, contact Debbie Munch, Caesars Palace, at munchd@harrahs.com.
CityCenter Tops Out Mandarin Oriental: CityCenter celebrated the topping out of its third high-rise tower Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. The 47-story tower is part of MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter project, a more than $9 billion urban metropolis set to open late 2009. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas are comprised of approximately 227 luxury condominiums situated on the upper floors of the 400-room hotel tower. Met with strong demand, Mandarin Oriental has sold 93 percent of its residential units, generating $656 million in sales. For more information, contact Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak, at nmounier@kirvindoak.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Celebrates Expansion Milestone: As part of its $850 million expansion project, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino topped off its new North Tower slated for completion in September 2009. The 17-story building will feature 479 guest rooms, state-of-the-art meeting space, 10 luxurious pool suites and a 3,400 square foot penthouse. For more information, contact Cherryl Kaopua, Kirvin Doak, at ckaopua@kirvindoak.com.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Announces New Development Plans: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced new development plans for the world-class performing arts center to be built Downtown. Citing recommendations from design architect David M. Schwarz, the exterior of the Smith Center will now be built using Indiana Limestone instead of rose met quartzite. In addition, the 650-seat small hall previously envisioned for the campus has been removed from the building program. Plans for the cultural center now include a total of three theaters. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows, in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other performances. The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children’s theater and local community events. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is slated for early 2009. For more information, please contact Morgan Kise, Kirvin Doak, at mkise@kirvindoak.com.
Harrah’s Las Vegas Unveils Modern “M” Suites: Harrah’s Las Vegas recently introduced the new “M” suite product featuring sophisticated design and an array of high-tech accessories. The focal point of the bedroom is the dramatic headboard featuring a bold white frame with a chocolate brown patent leather center, set against a deep brown wall with vivid red velvet striping. Convenience and technology meet in the “M” suites with digital amenities including a top-of-the-line Denon sound system with MP3 player docking station and CD/ DVD player, sleek Bang & Olufsen telephones and wireless internet connection. Rooms also are equipped with 42” flat-panel, HD television sets and built-in screens in the bathroom mirrors. The 33 new “M” suites are located in the Mardi Gras tower and complement the property’s other recently renovated standard guest rooms and suites. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.
ELEVEN Spa to Open at Town Square: ELEVEN, South Florida’s top spa escape, has announced that it will open a 20,000 square-foot sister location on the Las Vegas Strip before the end of the year. ELEVEN Vegas will be located in Town Square, the 1.5 million-square-foot regional lifestyle center with more than 100 shops, 12 restaurants and several entertainment venues. The spa will open in early December. The ELEVEN brand includes spas, signature skincare and makeup lines, a clothing boutique and more. ELEVEN Vegas will offer features such as a pool area with crystal chandeliers dripping into the water, a large specialty hair salon, 30 treatment rooms, 11 makeup stations, a signature brow bar and its very own helipad. For more information, contact Danika Daly, Shamin Abas PR, at danika@shaminabaspr.com.
Disney’s The Lion King to Open at Mandalay Bay: Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced the award-winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING coming to the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 2, 2009, with preview performances beginning April 20, 2009. This production will join the six other highly successful companies of THE LION KING around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka. Mandalay Bay’s production of THE LION KING will be virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and will be staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon. For more information, contact Erin Randell, MGM MIRAGE, erandell@mgmmirage.com.
Donny & Marie and Flamingo Sign Two-Year Deal: Flamingo Las Vegas has announced that brother-sister duo Donny & Marie will extend their contract as the resort’s headliners for two years, through October 2010. Presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment, Donny & Marie is an energetic, 90-minute variety show that incorporates singing, dancing, comedy and the stars’ signature brother-sister banter. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.
The Real Deal! Premieres at The Venetian: The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage show, has arrived at The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. Starring comedian roaster Vinnie Favorito as the host, the world’s greatest poker professionals and the entire audience, the show introduces a new paradigm in entertainment and establishes a completely original live show format that combines fast-paced action and humor with the latest in wireless technology and abundant prizes, including a chance to win $1 million. The Real Deal! occurs Tuesday through Sunday with shows at 5 p.m. and primetime performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 - $125. For more information, contact LeAnn Tinch, The Venetian, at leann.tinch@venetian.com.
SUSHISAMBA Strip Launches Signature SAMBAbrunch and SUSHI+SAKE 101:
SUSHISAMBA Strip is now serving its signature SAMBAbrunch every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located on the retail level of The Shoppes at The Palazzo, SUSHISAMBA now offers a family-style brunch menu complete with Continental and Brazilian, or Feijoada, breakfast selections for $22.95 per person. Additionally, the restaurant has announced an interactive, two-hour teaching and tasting event called SUSHI+SAKE 101. Beginning Nov. 5, participants will learn what it takes to become a master sushi chef while sipping sake alongside a five-course meal. The class introduces students to the art and history of this unique cuisine. For more information, contact Marina Nicola, Wagner Junker, at marina@wagnerjunker.com.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Extends Popular Exhibition Through New Years:
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has announced the extension of its “American Modernism” exhibition. The compelling collection now can be viewed through Jan. 2, 2009. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibit features masterworks by Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. For more information, contact Rebecca Ingram Frisch, MGM MIRAGE, ringram@mgmmirage.com.
Paris Las Vegas to Host 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration: Following last year’s inaugural celebration, Paris Las Vegas has announced its 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration set to kick-off at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 20. Honoring the long tradition regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, is released no sooner than the third Thursday of November when it is ready for consumption just six weeks after the harvest. Paris Las Vegas will host special events, tastings and unique Beaujolais Nouveau wine pairing menus at its restaurants. For more information, contact Tanesa Medlin, Mixed Media Entertainment, at tanesa@mmelv.com.
Virgin America Expands New York-Las Vegas Route: Virgin America, the California-based airline, announced it will add another daily non-stop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS) airports. Effective Dec. 11, 2008, Virgin America will have two daily flights on this busy travel route. On Sept. 4, Virgin America launched the non-stop JFK-LAS route with a star-studded inaugural flight. For more information, contact Abby Lunardini, Virgin America, at abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com.
Catholics Humble in Las Vegas: Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas --There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshipers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. And he is known as .....................The Chip Monk! For more information put your tongue in your cheek and pass this one on to a friend.
A little blogging music Maestro… “Viva Las Vegas,” By Elvis.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Las Vegas Happenings
Aliante Station Celebrates Grand Opening Tuesday: Station Casinos’ newest property, Aliante Station, will open Nov. 11 in North Las Vegas. The $675 million Aliante Station will offer 202 hotel guest rooms and suites; six restaurants and a food court; 14,000 square feet of meeting, banquet and convention space; Regal Cinemas’ 16-screen movie theatre; Access Showroom, a 600-plus-seat entertainment concert venue and an array of popular gaming choices including traditional table games, a poker room, state-of-the-art race and sports book and slot machines. Aliante Station will represent Station Casinos’ 11th hotel-casino and its 18th property in Southern Nevada. For more information, contact Lori Nelson, Station Casinos, at lori.nelson@stationcasinos.com.
Caesars Palace Tops Off $1 Billion Expansion: Caesars Palace topped off its new 23-story, Octavius Tower as part of a $1 billion expansion. The resort’s sixth tower will add 665 hotel rooms to the property and will be located next to a new 263,000 square foot meeting and convention center and three new pools. The expansion is slated for completion in mid-2009. For more information, contact Debbie Munch, Caesars Palace, at munchd@harrahs.com.
CityCenter Tops Out Mandarin Oriental: CityCenter celebrated the topping out of its third high-rise tower Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. The 47-story tower is part of MGM MIRAGE’s CityCenter project, a more than $9 billion urban metropolis set to open late 2009. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas are comprised of approximately 227 luxury condominiums situated on the upper floors of the 400-room hotel tower. Met with strong demand, Mandarin Oriental has sold 93 percent of its residential units, generating $656 million in sales. For more information, contact Natalie Mounier, Kirvin Doak, at nmounier@kirvindoak.com.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Celebrates Expansion Milestone: As part of its $850 million expansion project, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino topped off its new North Tower slated for completion in September 2009. The 17-story building will feature 479 guest rooms, state-of-the-art meeting space, 10 luxurious pool suites and a 3,400 square foot penthouse. For more information, contact Cherryl Kaopua, Kirvin Doak, at ckaopua@kirvindoak.com.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Announces New Development Plans: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has announced new development plans for the world-class performing arts center to be built Downtown. Citing recommendations from design architect David M. Schwarz, the exterior of the Smith Center will now be built using Indiana Limestone instead of rose met quartzite. In addition, the 650-seat small hall previously envisioned for the campus has been removed from the building program. Plans for the cultural center now include a total of three theaters. The 2,050-seat main hall will be home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and touring Broadway shows, in addition to housing the Nevada Ballet. A smaller, 300-seat theater will have a stage facing Symphony Park and host jazz, cabaret and other performances. The third theater will be a 200-seat flexible studio used for rehearsals, children’s theater and local community events. Groundbreaking for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is slated for early 2009. For more information, please contact Morgan Kise, Kirvin Doak, at mkise@kirvindoak.com.
Harrah’s Las Vegas Unveils Modern “M” Suites: Harrah’s Las Vegas recently introduced the new “M” suite product featuring sophisticated design and an array of high-tech accessories. The focal point of the bedroom is the dramatic headboard featuring a bold white frame with a chocolate brown patent leather center, set against a deep brown wall with vivid red velvet striping. Convenience and technology meet in the “M” suites with digital amenities including a top-of-the-line Denon sound system with MP3 player docking station and CD/ DVD player, sleek Bang & Olufsen telephones and wireless internet connection. Rooms also are equipped with 42” flat-panel, HD television sets and built-in screens in the bathroom mirrors. The 33 new “M” suites are located in the Mardi Gras tower and complement the property’s other recently renovated standard guest rooms and suites. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.
ELEVEN Spa to Open at Town Square: ELEVEN, South Florida’s top spa escape, has announced that it will open a 20,000 square-foot sister location on the Las Vegas Strip before the end of the year. ELEVEN Vegas will be located in Town Square, the 1.5 million-square-foot regional lifestyle center with more than 100 shops, 12 restaurants and several entertainment venues. The spa will open in early December. The ELEVEN brand includes spas, signature skincare and makeup lines, a clothing boutique and more. ELEVEN Vegas will offer features such as a pool area with crystal chandeliers dripping into the water, a large specialty hair salon, 30 treatment rooms, 11 makeup stations, a signature brow bar and its very own helipad. For more information, contact Danika Daly, Shamin Abas PR, at danika@shaminabaspr.com.
Disney’s The Lion King to Open at Mandalay Bay: Disney Theatrical Productions and Mandalay Bay have announced the award-winning Broadway phenomenon THE LION KING coming to the Mandalay Bay Theatre May 2, 2009, with preview performances beginning April 20, 2009. This production will join the six other highly successful companies of THE LION KING around the world in New York, London, Hamburg, Paris, Tokyo and Fukuoka. Mandalay Bay’s production of THE LION KING will be virtually identical to the other companies seen around the globe and will be staged with all of the same spectacular music, sets, and costumes that have made it a worldwide phenomenon. For more information, contact Erin Randell, MGM MIRAGE, erandell@mgmmirage.com.
Donny & Marie and Flamingo Sign Two-Year Deal: Flamingo Las Vegas has announced that brother-sister duo Donny & Marie will extend their contract as the resort’s headliners for two years, through October 2010. Presented by Danny Gans and Chip Lightman of GansLight Entertainment, Donny & Marie is an energetic, 90-minute variety show that incorporates singing, dancing, comedy and the stars’ signature brother-sister banter. For more information, contact Jamie Nielsen, Harrah’s Entertainment, at jnielsen@harrahs.com.
The Real Deal! Premieres at The Venetian: The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage show, has arrived at The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino. Starring comedian roaster Vinnie Favorito as the host, the world’s greatest poker professionals and the entire audience, the show introduces a new paradigm in entertainment and establishes a completely original live show format that combines fast-paced action and humor with the latest in wireless technology and abundant prizes, including a chance to win $1 million. The Real Deal! occurs Tuesday through Sunday with shows at 5 p.m. and primetime performances on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 - $125. For more information, contact LeAnn Tinch, The Venetian, at leann.tinch@venetian.com.
SUSHISAMBA Strip Launches Signature SAMBAbrunch and SUSHI+SAKE 101:
SUSHISAMBA Strip is now serving its signature SAMBAbrunch every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located on the retail level of The Shoppes at The Palazzo, SUSHISAMBA now offers a family-style brunch menu complete with Continental and Brazilian, or Feijoada, breakfast selections for $22.95 per person. Additionally, the restaurant has announced an interactive, two-hour teaching and tasting event called SUSHI+SAKE 101. Beginning Nov. 5, participants will learn what it takes to become a master sushi chef while sipping sake alongside a five-course meal. The class introduces students to the art and history of this unique cuisine. For more information, contact Marina Nicola, Wagner Junker, at marina@wagnerjunker.com.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Extends Popular Exhibition Through New Years:
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has announced the extension of its “American Modernism” exhibition. The compelling collection now can be viewed through Jan. 2, 2009. Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), the exhibit features masterworks by Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Arshile Gorky and others. For more information, contact Rebecca Ingram Frisch, MGM MIRAGE, ringram@mgmmirage.com.
Paris Las Vegas to Host 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration: Following last year’s inaugural celebration, Paris Las Vegas has announced its 2nd Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration set to kick-off at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 20. Honoring the long tradition regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, is released no sooner than the third Thursday of November when it is ready for consumption just six weeks after the harvest. Paris Las Vegas will host special events, tastings and unique Beaujolais Nouveau wine pairing menus at its restaurants. For more information, contact Tanesa Medlin, Mixed Media Entertainment, at tanesa@mmelv.com.
Virgin America Expands New York-Las Vegas Route: Virgin America, the California-based airline, announced it will add another daily non-stop flight between New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK) and Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS) airports. Effective Dec. 11, 2008, Virgin America will have two daily flights on this busy travel route. On Sept. 4, Virgin America launched the non-stop JFK-LAS route with a star-studded inaugural flight. For more information, contact Abby Lunardini, Virgin America, at abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com.
Catholics Humble in Las Vegas: Little known facts about the Catholic Church in Las Vegas --There are more churches in Las Vegas than casinos. During Sunday services at the offertory, some worshipers contribute casino chips as opposed to cash. Some are sharing their winnings - some are hoping to win. Since they get chips from so many different casinos, and they are worth money, the Catholic churches are required to send all the chips into the diocese for sorting. Once sorted into the respective casino chips, one junior priest takes the chips and makes the rounds to the casinos turning chips into cash. And he is known as .....................The Chip Monk! For more information put your tongue in your cheek and pass this one on to a friend.
A little blogging music Maestro… “Viva Las Vegas,” By Elvis.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Highs and Lows
Election Results: Hope: 1, Fear: 0
How did it happen: The election results are even more amazing when the following factors are considered: Hillary Clinton had been the anointed one for years. The Democratic Party planned to walk through the formality of a primary before selecting their candidate for coronation. But from Iowa onward Obama was smarter, better organized, better prepared, and hungrier. President Elect Obama won the election despite being beaten up and trashed during the primaries by the Hillary Clinton camp that threw out charges of sexism at those who did not support her. Hillary showed her mettle as a terrific campaigner who some say nearly followed a scorched earth battle plan. That turned out to be a two-edge sword, for although the Republican opposition used several of Hillary’s clips in anti-Obama’s ads, if one watches his performance before and after the primaries, it is clear that he improved tremendously against the strong competition. The long and arduous primary was so intense that many Hillary supporters were so committed to her they were unable to change their loyalty to the person she had been fighting. After the primaries it became clear that her tiara had been snatched from her and she coolly did the minimum to help her former opponent until late in the campaign.
More innovation, less traditionalism: The Obama vs. McCain campaign was like no other in American history. Conventional wisdom calls for the leaders of the Party to support the candidate of choice. The most influential Democrat in the country, former President Bill Clinton was noticeably absent from the campaign trail until very late when the outcome was already well in hand. As mentioned above Senator Hillary Clinton also had a difficult time helping to elect the person to the office that she and Bill clearly saw as hers. She did eventually overcome her hurt and in the same fashion that she had reinvented herself time again during the primary campaign, she got into it about the eighth inning. Her help was a little stronger than Bill’s but still was not a deciding factor.
Next in the traditional campaign would have been former primary candidate John Edwards who was strong with the working class and was expected to bring that constituency to the Obama camp. But he self-destructed with the tabloid news break of an illicit affair that produced a love child while his wife was fighting to be a cancer survivor. It was a Newt Gingrich type story but the result was that Edwards and his leadership disappeared from the campaign trail. Finally, the Party traditionally helps the candidate with money for TV and radio ad buys, but in a stroke of brilliance, the Obama party raised more money than the entire Democratic Party.
If Reagan was Teflon, Obama was Houdini: The Obama campaign neither invented the internet nor introduced it into political fundraising but took the task to a level never before seen. The campaign, as the nerds say, went viral, reaching hundreds of thousands of people who had neither been previously active nor donated to campaigns. In addition the campaign used its internet magic to reach supporters who were already both internet and politically savvy. Supporters were asked to donate small amounts - $ 25, $ 30, $ 50, even $ 100. The internet donations had almost a contest atmosphere to them, bringing supporters back almost daily for more requests. The phenomenon was not unlike a chat room in which people with like interests exchange ideas, gossip, chatter, and donations. No campaign had ever taken such a novel approach and one result was that young people in the 18-35 age group, many of them students who had not been politically active previously, “joined the club.” The campaign also assembled more than a million volunteers to register voters, hold rallies, and bring in many who had felt disenfranchised by the political system.
The Campaign itself: The campaign was a classic between traditional and innovative. The innovative side had several firsts including a female presidential candidate in the primaries, a non-white presidential candidate in the generals, a campaign that used the internet with an almost surgical precision, used text messages and cell phones to keep in touch with constituents, and focused on constituencies that had not played a major part in politics for decades. The traditional side offered an elderly white male candidate who by his own admission did not know how to use email, who campaigned in all the traditional ways, drawing mostly white audiences, and earning endorsements from mostly old white traditional men. Late in the campaign the traditional side threw the equivalent of a Hail Mary pass by adding a female to the ticket. The ploy seemed to be pure genius but upon further review, although she invigorated the party base, a lack of vetting of the candidate proved to be a detriment.
The traditional candidate did what had been done in campaigns for decades, tossing dirt, character assassinations, and other usual tricks such as having surrogates in the form of so-called 527 groups send daily missives that were wildly emotional with highly skewed “facts” in an attempt to discredit the opponent. The innovative candidate did not address the attackers talking points or return the below the belt punches. It had no 527 or surrogate groups return the attacks in kind. It simply either ignored them, or for those that were patently false, it responded with a rebuttal, often within minutes, then moved on.
Newest Republican sport: Pounding Palin: Now that the election is over, as in any contest to the victor go the spoils. For the losers, angry Conservatives have discovered a new target – their former Hockey Goddess Sarah Barracuda. Reports have leaked from the McCain camp that the head guy himself described his ex-running mate and her family as “Wasilla hillbillies who looted Neiman-Marcus from coast to coast.” Reporters who had taken a vow of silence until after the campaign was over are now saying that the Republicans are painting their former star as an overly ambitious politician who lobbied hard for the job and who, when told to buy three outfits for her and her hubby, bought nearly $ 200,000 worth of clothing for the entire family! Her rise and fall from grace reminds me of the line from “Ole Blue Eyes,” who once crooned, “The higher the top, the longer the drop.”
Out with a smile: We will close out today’s post with a few bits of tongue-in-cheek humor about each of the players. The rift in the McCain campaign became clear when he began to refer to Sarah as “That One.” When Sarah Palin began “going rogue,” her Secret Service detachment changed her code name from “Caribou Barbie” to “Joe Biden.” Joe the Plumber was not a licensed plumber so he was unable to save the McCain campaign from going down the toilet. President Bush’s dog Barney reportedly bit a Reuters reporter. Seems the newsman reported finding a “doggie surprise” on the White House sofa. Barack Obama had Bruce Springsteen lead off with “Born in the USA” at a fundraiser. His birth certificate was shown on the big screen to convince the right wing.
A little blogging music Maestro… Dedicate this one to the Vice President Elect: “The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect” by The Rakes.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
How did it happen: The election results are even more amazing when the following factors are considered: Hillary Clinton had been the anointed one for years. The Democratic Party planned to walk through the formality of a primary before selecting their candidate for coronation. But from Iowa onward Obama was smarter, better organized, better prepared, and hungrier. President Elect Obama won the election despite being beaten up and trashed during the primaries by the Hillary Clinton camp that threw out charges of sexism at those who did not support her. Hillary showed her mettle as a terrific campaigner who some say nearly followed a scorched earth battle plan. That turned out to be a two-edge sword, for although the Republican opposition used several of Hillary’s clips in anti-Obama’s ads, if one watches his performance before and after the primaries, it is clear that he improved tremendously against the strong competition. The long and arduous primary was so intense that many Hillary supporters were so committed to her they were unable to change their loyalty to the person she had been fighting. After the primaries it became clear that her tiara had been snatched from her and she coolly did the minimum to help her former opponent until late in the campaign.
More innovation, less traditionalism: The Obama vs. McCain campaign was like no other in American history. Conventional wisdom calls for the leaders of the Party to support the candidate of choice. The most influential Democrat in the country, former President Bill Clinton was noticeably absent from the campaign trail until very late when the outcome was already well in hand. As mentioned above Senator Hillary Clinton also had a difficult time helping to elect the person to the office that she and Bill clearly saw as hers. She did eventually overcome her hurt and in the same fashion that she had reinvented herself time again during the primary campaign, she got into it about the eighth inning. Her help was a little stronger than Bill’s but still was not a deciding factor.
Next in the traditional campaign would have been former primary candidate John Edwards who was strong with the working class and was expected to bring that constituency to the Obama camp. But he self-destructed with the tabloid news break of an illicit affair that produced a love child while his wife was fighting to be a cancer survivor. It was a Newt Gingrich type story but the result was that Edwards and his leadership disappeared from the campaign trail. Finally, the Party traditionally helps the candidate with money for TV and radio ad buys, but in a stroke of brilliance, the Obama party raised more money than the entire Democratic Party.
If Reagan was Teflon, Obama was Houdini: The Obama campaign neither invented the internet nor introduced it into political fundraising but took the task to a level never before seen. The campaign, as the nerds say, went viral, reaching hundreds of thousands of people who had neither been previously active nor donated to campaigns. In addition the campaign used its internet magic to reach supporters who were already both internet and politically savvy. Supporters were asked to donate small amounts - $ 25, $ 30, $ 50, even $ 100. The internet donations had almost a contest atmosphere to them, bringing supporters back almost daily for more requests. The phenomenon was not unlike a chat room in which people with like interests exchange ideas, gossip, chatter, and donations. No campaign had ever taken such a novel approach and one result was that young people in the 18-35 age group, many of them students who had not been politically active previously, “joined the club.” The campaign also assembled more than a million volunteers to register voters, hold rallies, and bring in many who had felt disenfranchised by the political system.
The Campaign itself: The campaign was a classic between traditional and innovative. The innovative side had several firsts including a female presidential candidate in the primaries, a non-white presidential candidate in the generals, a campaign that used the internet with an almost surgical precision, used text messages and cell phones to keep in touch with constituents, and focused on constituencies that had not played a major part in politics for decades. The traditional side offered an elderly white male candidate who by his own admission did not know how to use email, who campaigned in all the traditional ways, drawing mostly white audiences, and earning endorsements from mostly old white traditional men. Late in the campaign the traditional side threw the equivalent of a Hail Mary pass by adding a female to the ticket. The ploy seemed to be pure genius but upon further review, although she invigorated the party base, a lack of vetting of the candidate proved to be a detriment.
The traditional candidate did what had been done in campaigns for decades, tossing dirt, character assassinations, and other usual tricks such as having surrogates in the form of so-called 527 groups send daily missives that were wildly emotional with highly skewed “facts” in an attempt to discredit the opponent. The innovative candidate did not address the attackers talking points or return the below the belt punches. It had no 527 or surrogate groups return the attacks in kind. It simply either ignored them, or for those that were patently false, it responded with a rebuttal, often within minutes, then moved on.
Newest Republican sport: Pounding Palin: Now that the election is over, as in any contest to the victor go the spoils. For the losers, angry Conservatives have discovered a new target – their former Hockey Goddess Sarah Barracuda. Reports have leaked from the McCain camp that the head guy himself described his ex-running mate and her family as “Wasilla hillbillies who looted Neiman-Marcus from coast to coast.” Reporters who had taken a vow of silence until after the campaign was over are now saying that the Republicans are painting their former star as an overly ambitious politician who lobbied hard for the job and who, when told to buy three outfits for her and her hubby, bought nearly $ 200,000 worth of clothing for the entire family! Her rise and fall from grace reminds me of the line from “Ole Blue Eyes,” who once crooned, “The higher the top, the longer the drop.”
Out with a smile: We will close out today’s post with a few bits of tongue-in-cheek humor about each of the players. The rift in the McCain campaign became clear when he began to refer to Sarah as “That One.” When Sarah Palin began “going rogue,” her Secret Service detachment changed her code name from “Caribou Barbie” to “Joe Biden.” Joe the Plumber was not a licensed plumber so he was unable to save the McCain campaign from going down the toilet. President Bush’s dog Barney reportedly bit a Reuters reporter. Seems the newsman reported finding a “doggie surprise” on the White House sofa. Barack Obama had Bruce Springsteen lead off with “Born in the USA” at a fundraiser. His birth certificate was shown on the big screen to convince the right wing.
A little blogging music Maestro… Dedicate this one to the Vice President Elect: “The World Was a Mess But His Hair Was Perfect” by The Rakes.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen, President Elect Obama
A New Day
In case you are Rip Van Winkle: Just in case you missed it, there was an election yesterday. Today we have a new president-elect, a new first family, and within a few months we’ll have the transition team in place and hope will fill the air. The burden will be a heavy one, as our country is in fiscal chaos and has a $ 10 billion dollar per month war festering. President-elect Obama is our new leader and every American must pull together to heal the wounds from which our country and its citizens bleed.
Some excerpts from President Elect Obama’s speech: “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer… It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states… We are, and always will be, the United States of America…
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader…
(He then thanks all who have played a role in his life’s journey) But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you… (This victory) drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth. This is your victory.”
Some excerpts from Senator McCain’s speech: “My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly… In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving…
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face… I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited… It is natural -- it's natural tonight to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.”
“I would not be an American worthy of the name, should I regret a fate that has allowed me the extraordinary privilege of serving this country for a half a century. Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone and I thank the people of Arizona for it... Tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama -- whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.
“And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history, we make history.”
Turning off the passion is difficult: Two strong candidates ran for the office of president of the United States. Both sides had their supporters and both fought for victory in their party. But just as the sportsmanship that comes with the end of a conference football game, win or lose, both sides shake hands, congratulate each other for a battle hard fought, and leave the field as allies in the same conference. So must the passions be set aside that were so strong just hours ago. That is what makes us a civilized country. We vote, and then we all support the winner. Such must be the case with our new president. We must rally as Americans to support our president to rebuild the economy, the healthcare system, and all the other challenges that must be met. Should the President Elect seek my counsel I would advise him to invite Senator McCain to join his cabinet. Regardless of who you endorsed for president, I urge you to follow that person’s exhortation and become a true American.
We are not alone on this planet: Leaders of countries around the world watched the U.S. election. Below are a few of their comments:
NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT
"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.
"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond. France and Europe ... will find a new energy to work with America to persevere peace and world prosperity."
STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER
"I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States.
"In the weeks and months ahead Canadian officials and diplomats will be working closely with members of President-elect Obama's transition team. Ministers in our government look forward to building a strong working relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet."
HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER
"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON
"President (Asif Ali) Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan-U.S. relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll."
A little blogging music Maestro… Replay yesterday’s tune: “A New Day” by Celine Dion.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
In case you are Rip Van Winkle: Just in case you missed it, there was an election yesterday. Today we have a new president-elect, a new first family, and within a few months we’ll have the transition team in place and hope will fill the air. The burden will be a heavy one, as our country is in fiscal chaos and has a $ 10 billion dollar per month war festering. President-elect Obama is our new leader and every American must pull together to heal the wounds from which our country and its citizens bleed.
Some excerpts from President Elect Obama’s speech: “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer… It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states… We are, and always will be, the United States of America…
Sen. McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader…
(He then thanks all who have played a role in his life’s journey) But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you… (This victory) drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth. This is your victory.”
Some excerpts from Senator McCain’s speech: “My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly… In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving…
"Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face… I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited… It is natural -- it's natural tonight to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.”
“I would not be an American worthy of the name, should I regret a fate that has allowed me the extraordinary privilege of serving this country for a half a century. Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone and I thank the people of Arizona for it... Tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama -- whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.
“And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history, we make history.”
Turning off the passion is difficult: Two strong candidates ran for the office of president of the United States. Both sides had their supporters and both fought for victory in their party. But just as the sportsmanship that comes with the end of a conference football game, win or lose, both sides shake hands, congratulate each other for a battle hard fought, and leave the field as allies in the same conference. So must the passions be set aside that were so strong just hours ago. That is what makes us a civilized country. We vote, and then we all support the winner. Such must be the case with our new president. We must rally as Americans to support our president to rebuild the economy, the healthcare system, and all the other challenges that must be met. Should the President Elect seek my counsel I would advise him to invite Senator McCain to join his cabinet. Regardless of who you endorsed for president, I urge you to follow that person’s exhortation and become a true American.
We are not alone on this planet: Leaders of countries around the world watched the U.S. election. Below are a few of their comments:
NICOLAS SARKOZY, FRENCH PRESIDENT
"With the world in turmoil and doubt, the American people, faithful to the values that have always defined America's identity, have expressed with force their faith in progress and the future.
"At a time when we must face huge challenges together, your election has raised enormous hope in France, in Europe and beyond. France and Europe ... will find a new energy to work with America to persevere peace and world prosperity."
STEPHEN HARPER, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER
"I look forward to meeting with the President-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States.
"In the weeks and months ahead Canadian officials and diplomats will be working closely with members of President-elect Obama's transition team. Ministers in our government look forward to building a strong working relationship with their counterparts in a new Obama cabinet."
HELEN CLARK, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER
"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON
"President (Asif Ali) Zardari expressed the hope that Pakistan-U.S. relations will be enhanced under the new American leadership that received a popular mandate in Tuesday's poll."
A little blogging music Maestro… Replay yesterday’s tune: “A New Day” by Celine Dion.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Monday, November 3, 2008
Vote Tomorrow
RAIN Minus 1
Item First – Let it RAIN: From one month out until the presidential Election Day we have begun each post with a review of the Remove All Incumbents Now (RAIN) campaign. A good rain washes clean all the road scum, dust and filth. We hope that a cleansing of Congress will result in the firing of the legislators who are part of the group that bailed out Wall Street with nearly a trillion dollars, at least 150 billion of which was blatant authorized pork by Democrats to appease Republicans who had previously rejected the bill then changed their vote allowing it to pass after being seduced by pork. We are not sure how much of the bailout, if any, was actually needed.
Early Voting: Early voting in Nevada closed Friday – a state holiday, not because it is Halloween but Oct. 31 is the day Nevada became a state. About 600,000 people had cast their votes in Nevada by close of polls Friday. That number exceeds the total who voted just two elections ago. Colorado has seen 70% of the number who cast votes in the last election vote early. If this campaign has done nothing else it has stimulated interest in one of democracy’s most precious rights. Regardless of the outcome of the state, local, and national elections you need to be proud of yourself for voting and must also support the next president – but watch him as well. Stay involved and remember that we hired him and if he does not live up to our standards, he can be fired at the end of his contract.
Why it is important to vote Obama for President: This is the first time I have overtly come out and supported a candidate. This is the reason: The Republican Party is in disarray if we are to believe the pundits and reporters. As the polls increasingly show Obama in the lead infighting within the Republican Party threatens to tear it apart down to its very fabric and leave it in utter chaos. That is a good thing, for from chaos comes opportunity. Consider this: with the Republican Party in chaos, an opportunity arises to jettison the right wing nuts, the religious zealots, and the Atwater/Rove - style slime mongers, and build the Party from the ground up with REAL American values. See more about this idea below.
Nothing but excess: We have been spoiled as our country has grown and prospered from the end of World War II onward. Our homes have increased in size from an average of less than 1500 square feet to over 2500 square feet. The stock market has grown rapidly and many of us enjoyed watching our 401k, stock portfolios, and savings accounts grow. As children we had maybe one car in our house, now we have one for each member of the family over the age of 16. We have color TV, cable, satellite radio, computers, electronic games, and toys ad infinitum. We have become a society of consumers rather than one of savers. We drive gas guzzlers, travel at the drop of a hat, eat out regularly, and enjoy many more choices than our parents and grandparents had. Then the market crashed.
State of the Union: We are in a $ 10 billion per week war that we cannot win. Our environment is dying, our air is unhealthy, our economy is in the toilet, health insurance costs have skyrocketed, and we are among the unhealthiest of nations in the G-8. We have a high mortality rate, the income tax structure is a mess, FEMA is a joke, and we are perhaps as divided amongst ourselves as we have been since the Civil War. We tremble at the thought of terrorism, are required to remove our shoes and half our clothes before going through an airport, we recently paid $ 4.00 per gallon of gas which threatened to go even higher (it will), and most of that happened on the watch of the current administration. Our Congress has socialized the money lenders with a trillion dollars they call a bailout. The Republicans want another chance but offer no new ideas. The Democrats also want a chance to fix things. I say let them try. We have little more to lose.
Giving the Democrats a chance: The Republicans have controlled the presidency for the past eight years and the senate for six of those eight years. It was on their watch that the sky has fallen. The McCain campaign has operated like a pinball bouncing from idea to idea while spreading gossip and trashing their opponent. They have offered little in the way of solutions. So I say it is time to give the other team a chance. If their election means Congressional Republicans get tossed out and one party dominates the Senate, House and White House, that is not ideal but so be it. If the new group does not turn the country around, when the next elections roll around, fire them.
Few will argue that Congress as it now works (or doesn’t work) has become corrupt with the infusion of PAC money, so-called 527s, and lobbyists. We must give the new administration a mandate to clean up the system and vote out any Congressman who has been a part of it. Every two years when election time rolls around throw the bums out who have not lived up to the “New America” promise. The voter has the power to do that.
What happens to the Republican Party: While the Democrats are trying to undo the damage that has been caused by a corrupt Congress, the Republican Party will have time to rebuild. As stated above, they need to jettison the right wing nuts hate and fear mongers, and religious zealots who would put ideology and religious fervor first. Then they must identify strong leaders with strong ideals. Perhaps the governor of California, or Ron Paul, or even Ralph Nader could form a nucleus of people who have not been corrupted by the system. Follow some of the good things that Candidate Obama has done by reaching out to young people and others not involved in the system. Imbue the party with philosophies of some of our greatest leaders such as Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and the like. Include bright energetic women and minorities in the mix. Seek council from the likes of Colin Powell, Bill Gates, Suze Orman, Stephen Hawking, Robert L. Johnson, Linda B. Buck, Dolores Huerta, and leaders from all walks of life. Now THAT would be a party I could get excited about.
The alternative: The alternative to giving Barack Obama and his party a chance to do their best to repair our ailing country is to reelect a party that is in disarray, that is itself infected by far right radicals, hate mongers and religious zealots who bully more moderate members of the party. The choice is to continue on the path to Perdition that the country is now following, or allow a new generation to try to fix it. The choice is yours. Literally.
A little blogging music Maestro… “A New Day” by Celine Dion.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
Item First – Let it RAIN: From one month out until the presidential Election Day we have begun each post with a review of the Remove All Incumbents Now (RAIN) campaign. A good rain washes clean all the road scum, dust and filth. We hope that a cleansing of Congress will result in the firing of the legislators who are part of the group that bailed out Wall Street with nearly a trillion dollars, at least 150 billion of which was blatant authorized pork by Democrats to appease Republicans who had previously rejected the bill then changed their vote allowing it to pass after being seduced by pork. We are not sure how much of the bailout, if any, was actually needed.
Early Voting: Early voting in Nevada closed Friday – a state holiday, not because it is Halloween but Oct. 31 is the day Nevada became a state. About 600,000 people had cast their votes in Nevada by close of polls Friday. That number exceeds the total who voted just two elections ago. Colorado has seen 70% of the number who cast votes in the last election vote early. If this campaign has done nothing else it has stimulated interest in one of democracy’s most precious rights. Regardless of the outcome of the state, local, and national elections you need to be proud of yourself for voting and must also support the next president – but watch him as well. Stay involved and remember that we hired him and if he does not live up to our standards, he can be fired at the end of his contract.
Why it is important to vote Obama for President: This is the first time I have overtly come out and supported a candidate. This is the reason: The Republican Party is in disarray if we are to believe the pundits and reporters. As the polls increasingly show Obama in the lead infighting within the Republican Party threatens to tear it apart down to its very fabric and leave it in utter chaos. That is a good thing, for from chaos comes opportunity. Consider this: with the Republican Party in chaos, an opportunity arises to jettison the right wing nuts, the religious zealots, and the Atwater/Rove - style slime mongers, and build the Party from the ground up with REAL American values. See more about this idea below.
Nothing but excess: We have been spoiled as our country has grown and prospered from the end of World War II onward. Our homes have increased in size from an average of less than 1500 square feet to over 2500 square feet. The stock market has grown rapidly and many of us enjoyed watching our 401k, stock portfolios, and savings accounts grow. As children we had maybe one car in our house, now we have one for each member of the family over the age of 16. We have color TV, cable, satellite radio, computers, electronic games, and toys ad infinitum. We have become a society of consumers rather than one of savers. We drive gas guzzlers, travel at the drop of a hat, eat out regularly, and enjoy many more choices than our parents and grandparents had. Then the market crashed.
State of the Union: We are in a $ 10 billion per week war that we cannot win. Our environment is dying, our air is unhealthy, our economy is in the toilet, health insurance costs have skyrocketed, and we are among the unhealthiest of nations in the G-8. We have a high mortality rate, the income tax structure is a mess, FEMA is a joke, and we are perhaps as divided amongst ourselves as we have been since the Civil War. We tremble at the thought of terrorism, are required to remove our shoes and half our clothes before going through an airport, we recently paid $ 4.00 per gallon of gas which threatened to go even higher (it will), and most of that happened on the watch of the current administration. Our Congress has socialized the money lenders with a trillion dollars they call a bailout. The Republicans want another chance but offer no new ideas. The Democrats also want a chance to fix things. I say let them try. We have little more to lose.
Giving the Democrats a chance: The Republicans have controlled the presidency for the past eight years and the senate for six of those eight years. It was on their watch that the sky has fallen. The McCain campaign has operated like a pinball bouncing from idea to idea while spreading gossip and trashing their opponent. They have offered little in the way of solutions. So I say it is time to give the other team a chance. If their election means Congressional Republicans get tossed out and one party dominates the Senate, House and White House, that is not ideal but so be it. If the new group does not turn the country around, when the next elections roll around, fire them.
Few will argue that Congress as it now works (or doesn’t work) has become corrupt with the infusion of PAC money, so-called 527s, and lobbyists. We must give the new administration a mandate to clean up the system and vote out any Congressman who has been a part of it. Every two years when election time rolls around throw the bums out who have not lived up to the “New America” promise. The voter has the power to do that.
What happens to the Republican Party: While the Democrats are trying to undo the damage that has been caused by a corrupt Congress, the Republican Party will have time to rebuild. As stated above, they need to jettison the right wing nuts hate and fear mongers, and religious zealots who would put ideology and religious fervor first. Then they must identify strong leaders with strong ideals. Perhaps the governor of California, or Ron Paul, or even Ralph Nader could form a nucleus of people who have not been corrupted by the system. Follow some of the good things that Candidate Obama has done by reaching out to young people and others not involved in the system. Imbue the party with philosophies of some of our greatest leaders such as Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and the like. Include bright energetic women and minorities in the mix. Seek council from the likes of Colin Powell, Bill Gates, Suze Orman, Stephen Hawking, Robert L. Johnson, Linda B. Buck, Dolores Huerta, and leaders from all walks of life. Now THAT would be a party I could get excited about.
The alternative: The alternative to giving Barack Obama and his party a chance to do their best to repair our ailing country is to reelect a party that is in disarray, that is itself infected by far right radicals, hate mongers and religious zealots who bully more moderate members of the party. The choice is to continue on the path to Perdition that the country is now following, or allow a new generation to try to fix it. The choice is yours. Literally.
A little blogging music Maestro… “A New Day” by Celine Dion.
Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com
Read me also at http://vegasnews.squarespace.com/dr-forgot-andrew-r-nixon/
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