Arriving in Vegas is always surreal would Bugsy Siegel have known how this would take off when he setup his money laundering casino? The strip with the light shows, smoke-filled casinos with $1 Margaritas and high rollers is never short of a heartbeat
As for HIGHlights Bette Midler - the Showgirl must go on was just simply amazing - she danced, skipped, told dirty jokes and entertained! After watching her the Phantom at the Venetian and Cirque de Soleil - Mystere were all second class in comparison.
Good news is that we did not gamble ....not so good news is that we found the shops and there are many many of those institutions...
We saw lots of Elvis impersonators - Viva Las Vegas but we saw Kobe Bryant who was dining in the Wynns Casino !
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
4th of July
What does the 4th of July mean ? In the USA this is a holiday with Cookouts (BBQ) and fireworks aplenty. But what is real meaning of this day?
Did James Taylor capture the essence of this date with his song:
"Who fell into you at a quarter to two
With a tear in your eye for the fourth of july
For the patriots and the minutemen
And the things you believe they believed in then"
We could also interview Thomas Jefferson's who was responsible for penning a Declaration of Independence which was adopted on the said 4th of July, 1776.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
These are inspiring words ...... some 332 years later.......I wonder if Thomas would realize it would take so long
Happy July 4th!
Did James Taylor capture the essence of this date with his song:
"Who fell into you at a quarter to two
With a tear in your eye for the fourth of july
For the patriots and the minutemen
And the things you believe they believed in then"
We could also interview Thomas Jefferson's who was responsible for penning a Declaration of Independence which was adopted on the said 4th of July, 1776.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
These are inspiring words ...... some 332 years later.......I wonder if Thomas would realize it would take so long
Happy July 4th!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dancing Queen
Recently we attended ABBA hits show at the prairie. First time on a prairie and like highlighted by the author Bill Bryson - american's have created new words where perfectly good ones existed.
So here we were on the plain (prairie) watching a fake ABBA show. Now 'fake' has that undertone of poor quality so let me reflect on that. First Frida (the brunette) was not as tall and somewhat over weight, Agnetha (the blonde) was cute and actually had a good voice, Benny (bearded keyboard player) was a non-entity and Bjorn (seemed to have a blonde beatles wig) but otherwise lively.
What was really civilised about the event was that you could bring anything and have a picnic - wine, cheese, roast chicken etc. As the music started we soon realised that most of our fellow spectators were not moving their feet nor were they waving their hands - we immediately felt just like in Japan (no way)
It took nearly half the concert before there seemed to be permission given to let your hair down - we of course ended up front (where we could make these observations about the fake ABBA). A great night on the prairie !
So here we were on the plain (prairie) watching a fake ABBA show. Now 'fake' has that undertone of poor quality so let me reflect on that. First Frida (the brunette) was not as tall and somewhat over weight, Agnetha (the blonde) was cute and actually had a good voice, Benny (bearded keyboard player) was a non-entity and Bjorn (seemed to have a blonde beatles wig) but otherwise lively.
What was really civilised about the event was that you could bring anything and have a picnic - wine, cheese, roast chicken etc. As the music started we soon realised that most of our fellow spectators were not moving their feet nor were they waving their hands - we immediately felt just like in Japan (no way)
It took nearly half the concert before there seemed to be permission given to let your hair down - we of course ended up front (where we could make these observations about the fake ABBA). A great night on the prairie !
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Washington Post
Just back this week from a few days in Washington. My first time since 1994 when we took the kids for a USA holiday. I took the opportunity to meet with with Professor Frank Vella my old mate from Sydney University who now teaches at Georgetown University. A blast from the past as we had last spoken in 1981 and I 'googled' and found his email address online in about 5 minutes (really incredible search) at 6:30am one sunday morning.
The timing of this visit could not be more perfect as Barrack Obama had been named the Democrats presumptive candidate. Our briefings with numerous congressmen, senators, lobbyists and Ex CNN & current Washington Post journalists revealed their thoughts on Obama, Hillary and McCain. The speculation about the platforms and VP debate were particularly interesting.....it seems the USA is at a turning point does it choose the promise of radical change and reform or experience????
The timing of this visit could not be more perfect as Barrack Obama had been named the Democrats presumptive candidate. Our briefings with numerous congressmen, senators, lobbyists and Ex CNN & current Washington Post journalists revealed their thoughts on Obama, Hillary and McCain. The speculation about the platforms and VP debate were particularly interesting.....it seems the USA is at a turning point does it choose the promise of radical change and reform or experience????
Monday, May 26, 2008
Eric Clapton - Watching fingers move and Lightning strike
Eric Clapton is considered to be a legend.....well not being a guitar enthusiast I quickly understood why he is rated as one of the best (some say 4th best ever) We watched him and the big screen invariably focused on his strumming fingers; the soulful strings and sounds that emanated were amazing. The concert was a complete musical treat and you kept feeling that this guy is on just simply on top of his game !
As we watched in the open (Verizon Theatre) Eric moved from his acoustic guitar back to electric mode and the tempo was intensified. This seemed to somehow mysteriously effect 'nature' and the bolts of Lightning that struck all around us increased to a uncomfortable level. Unknown to us this was the beginning of a really really bad storm - lightning, tornado's and torrential rain meant we had 2 metre visibility driving home (that was fun !)
As we watched in the open (Verizon Theatre) Eric moved from his acoustic guitar back to electric mode and the tempo was intensified. This seemed to somehow mysteriously effect 'nature' and the bolts of Lightning that struck all around us increased to a uncomfortable level. Unknown to us this was the beginning of a really really bad storm - lightning, tornado's and torrential rain meant we had 2 metre visibility driving home (that was fun !)
How to avoid the Indy 500
A few weeks ago I asked my wife: how does going to the Indy 500 sound ? The in the conversation gave me the answer and the Indy 500 parade appeared to be acceptable but to watch cars go around a circuit for 500 miles at 200 miles an hour - not that attractive!
So we watched the Indy 500 parade and mostly wondered who these people were (clearly we are not avid race goers) We did manage to spot our two (future) neighbours and also some celebs. Well does Jim Nabors (Gomer Pye qualify?)
Next day - race day I'd planned to play golf as it happened our course was in direct beeline with 30,000 other race enthusiasts. After a few detours we played golf with the sounds of sirens of police...and the watchful eye of the 30,000 in the traffic jam (with nothing else to better to do)
So let's go to our favorite Vietnamese cafe I say....to which we (again) encounter the race crowd who have decided that the free park and walk strategy is the best one. We struggle to find a car spot and end up triple parking. Once safely inside the cafe of course the TV has the race preludes on 'live'.
Can't beat em' - I think next year I will join the throngs and watch the winner drink the bottle of milk (yes it is Sunday and even Costco won't sell you a bottle of wine)
So we watched the Indy 500 parade and mostly wondered who these people were (clearly we are not avid race goers) We did manage to spot our two (future) neighbours and also some celebs. Well does Jim Nabors (Gomer Pye qualify?)
Next day - race day I'd planned to play golf as it happened our course was in direct beeline with 30,000 other race enthusiasts. After a few detours we played golf with the sounds of sirens of police...and the watchful eye of the 30,000 in the traffic jam (with nothing else to better to do)
So let's go to our favorite Vietnamese cafe I say....to which we (again) encounter the race crowd who have decided that the free park and walk strategy is the best one. We struggle to find a car spot and end up triple parking. Once safely inside the cafe of course the TV has the race preludes on 'live'.
Can't beat em' - I think next year I will join the throngs and watch the winner drink the bottle of milk (yes it is Sunday and even Costco won't sell you a bottle of wine)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Day of Service
During this week I participated in Lilly Day of Service. In my case with members of my team we cleaned the parkland area near a river,. This involved weeding, cutting branches and removing items dumped in these areas.
From my recollection this was the first time in nearly ten years (really) since I last did any gardening. It was clearly 'physical' work but in the simplicity was a great day to work as a 'team' as there are no hierarchy or management levels in these exercises. Indeed you can observe the team members with natural leadership skills as well as see the drive & energy of individual's.
But was what the intention of Lilly Day of Service? I'm sure there are multiple reasons....but I found a great quote that sums up my feelings:
“Hands that give also receive”
From my recollection this was the first time in nearly ten years (really) since I last did any gardening. It was clearly 'physical' work but in the simplicity was a great day to work as a 'team' as there are no hierarchy or management levels in these exercises. Indeed you can observe the team members with natural leadership skills as well as see the drive & energy of individual's.
But was what the intention of Lilly Day of Service? I'm sure there are multiple reasons....but I found a great quote that sums up my feelings:
“Hands that give also receive”
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