Category Archives: California Information

“Vandals deface ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ icon” – “Mayor recommends: Off with their heads”

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather
Photo credit: Sarah Gerke, LA Times
Photo credit: Sarah Gerke, LA Times

This article is from” (LA Times Online) The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz.

“If terms like “street art” seem a little disingenuous, I have to admit graffiti was never an issue that has really upset me much. But some jerks going at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign Monday really upset me and a lot of people I have spoken to about this vandalism. Like many cities, we have graffiti everywhere, but no one has ever vandalized the welcome sign before in the memory of anyone I reached, and it seems likely that this may not have ever happened before. Take that in for a moment: Since the sign was first created to greet tourists in 1959, no one has put graffiti on it despite the countless alcohol-soaked tourists who must have posed with the welcome sign over the years. I don’t even think a fraternity has ever stolen it as a prank. This is one bit of Las Vegas history that no one has suggested replacing or taking to the Neon Boneyard (though it gets moved south occasionally to keep pace with the growth of the Strip). The welcome sign is the one link with old Vegas that remains totally relevant in 2009.”

“I guess my surprise is that kids don’t scribble their initials on the sign more often, because it is so accessible and popular. But until Monday, the Betty Willis design has received nothing but respect from tourists and locals. I always smile when I drive past it going to and from work. Buffet photographer Sarah Gerke was out there this morning, and most of the scribbled initials left by the vandals had already been removed. But there is still some graffiti you can see in the lower left corner of the photo. A cleaning crew should finish restoring the sign today, according to the Review-Journal, which also has a shot of the more extensive graffiti, since removed, placed on the sign.” finish this article from The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz

Here’s another perspective from Las Vegas’ Review Journal:
“Vandals deface iconic ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign.” “Mayor recommends: ‘Off with their heads”

“The famous diamond-shaped “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign received an unwelcome addition this weekend — a series of initials scribbled with a red marker.” read more from MIKE BLASKY –
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

click for full image - click – Photo by John Gurzinski

“Arizona tourists Joseph Harris, left, Laura Massengale and Emily Viramontes pose Monday in front of the graffiti-blemished Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada sign that greets visitors on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard.”

Visit the main pages of the LasVegasBuffetClub here or click under “Website” (right.)

Third time is the charm “Scarlett and her Seductive Ladies of Magic.”

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather
Photo Sarah Gerke
Photo credit Sarah Gerke/LA Times

This is a reprint of (The LA Times) The Movable Buffet’s Richard Abowitz quoting the Review Journal’s Mike Whetherford. Huh!

From The Movable Buffet:
‘Princess’ gives up being regal to seduce
“Most people know the family-entertainment concept in Vegas failed long before I moved here a decade ago. Those who do not know that learn quickly. I don’t know how I missed the news release on this one. But I did. So, I will just quote Mike Weatherford’s column today:”

“The single-named Scarlett does an about-face from a family-friendly afternoon act to a 10 p.m. show with topless dancers at the Riviera starting July 1. She trades her ‘Princess of Magic’ handle for the new billing of ‘Scarlett and her Seductive Ladies of Magic.'”

Find more informtion on “Scarlett and her Seductive Ladies of Magic” at the LasVegasBuffetClub’s Riviera Page

Visit the main pages of the LasVegasBuffetClub

Silk Purse In A Sow’s Ear: El Cortez Cabana Suites – Downtown Las Vegas

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather


Photo by Sarah Gerke, LA Times

Although I used the “Silk Purse” phrase (in it’s original form) in the previous post, I had to reuse it here (rearranged) just because it was necessary: a boutique hotel next to The El Cortez, unheard of! (The El Cortez has always been on the edge of the fringe, located in a downtown area that is a bit rough, close to a very rough area.) LA Times’ Richard Abowitz (The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz) has heard of it and he’s written about it. Here’s a “reprint” of Mr. A’s post.

“South Beach style replaces downtown dirt”

“I approached the El Cortez Cabana Suites with great trepidation. Of all the downtown resorts few are more storied than the El Cortez, and few have I seen more rundown. And, these tough times for the Strip, are brutal for downtown. The Lady Luck seems to have just vanished. The expensive redevelopment project meant to attract tourists, the mostly empty Neonopolis, recently lost one of its few remaining major tenants, a movie theater. And classic property Binion’s is feuding with some landlords for its very survival. So who would expect that El Cortez has never looked better?”

“Dating back to the ’40s, El Cortez may be the most storied downtown casino if by storied you mean old Vegas mob glamor. Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum and Moe Sedway all at one time owned part of the property. There are photos of those characters around the executive offices. And the last time I was there a few years ago, it seemed you could still smell their cigarette and cigar smoke in the air at the casino.”

“But this time as I headed to the executive suites the smell was some sort of perfume. In addition to an updated air filtration system, General Manager Mike Nolan tells me the casino is experimenting with scents in the air. It isn’t exactly a pleasant smell, but it does mask any lingering scent of smoke and wear and tear that used to define the property. Plus, while there are older sections of the casino, much of the property has been extensively redesigned and redeveloped. Among the redone areas: The coffee shop is nice, and a bathroom is not disgusting (actually quite decent).”

“But the most visible change is next door, at overflow property Ogden House at 651 E. Ogden Ave., between 6th and 7th streets. Built around 1975 and changed little, if the El Cortez was rundown, consider Ogden House’s condition. In fact, virtually everything but the walls has been redone. After spending more than $7 million, the casino barracks has been transformed into a South Beach-style boutique-hotel called El Cortez Cabana Suites.”

“This is probably one of those ideas, like so many of the new resorts seeking financing for completion on the Strip right now, that made a lot of sense when it was planned in 2007 and seems downright odd in 2009.”

“Who would want a boutique hotel in downtown Vegas? Perhaps some high-end tourists truly value the proximity to easily available street dealers and hookers and grifters? Don’t get me wrong. El Cortez Cabana Suites are the nicest rooms in downtown Vegas, even nicer than the ones I’ve seen at the Golden Nugget. But who goes to downtown for the boutique hotel experience? Downtown has always been the place for extreme bargains. And here is a gorgeous and stylish hotel thought out down to the I-pod docking station and a concierge who assists with guests, offers security, and finally works as the hotel’s new media specialist keeping the property a constant and responsive presence on social networking sites. All this in a neighborhood that still has as many empty fronts as going concerns.”

“Still, the over $7 million that the El Cortez Cabana Suites cost would not fund even a study to build a resort on the Strip. And that is one of the advantages of building downtown. The cognitive dissonance is caused by this boutique hotel being built to be part of an urban hipster population that was to come with a downtown renaissance of clubs and condominium towers that did not fully materialize.”

“Nolan points to some nearby empty buildings that he hopes will be clubs and stores pending financing. A blue tarp is placed in the parking lot ground for a VIP event later that night. The hope is this parking lot will eventually be the pool for the Cabana Suites, one day, when economy bounces back.”

“Anyway, I am working on the Buffet print column for May 17 about the El Cortez and its new offspring, Cabana Suites. But for sure if you want to explore old Las Vegas on your visit but not sacrifice a nice room like the ones on the Strip, El Cortez Cabana Suites is a new alternative that allows you to see the the dirty urban origins of Vegas without having to take a cut in the contemporary Vegas luxury experience.”
Story by Richard Abowitz

Click this link to access The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz

Access the main pages of LasVegasBuffetClub.Com

Elton John’s final ‘Red Piano’ performance

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

I was cruising the LA Times.com website page “The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz” and found a post on (Sir) Elton John: (Sir) “Elton John’s final ‘Red Piano’ performance” (at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.)

I’ve been a bit bummed out over (Sir) Elton ever since he dumped Marilyn Monroe for Princess Diana, so to speak. The dude wrote a love song to MM, singing passionately about America’s fallen princess…Then the Brits lost a princess (tragic circumstances,) and once again – a great loss for the entire world.

But c’mon dude, write a brand new song, don’t steal Marilyn’s song. Of course I’m “speaking” of “Candle in the Wind,” the song (Sir) Elton wrote “for” Marilyn Monroe, then rewrote – changing a few words – and re-recorded the song “for” the Princess of Wales after her tragic death. Who did (Sir) Elton dishoner more: the desperately-gorgeous, Blonde American Princess, the preciously-beautiful, British Royal Princess or (Sir) Elton John?

Oh well, I digress, back to the great Abowitz: “Goodbye, Elton John. Though I never interviewed you at all, I saw the Red Piano that sold out while the shows around you did not.”
“And, it seems to me that you worked the Colosseum like a beacon amidst the neon, always knowing which hits to play to make the crowds applaud.”
“And, I would have liked to interview you, but I am just a blogger, and so you packed your shows in Vegas without the Movable Buffet.” Click this link to view “The Movable Buffet: Dispatches from Las Vegas by Richard Abowitz”

“Musician Sir Elton John performs during the final performance of his show “The Red Piano” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace April 22, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. John played 241 concerts in the 4,300-seat showroom since he began his run as one of the resort’s resident headliners in February 2004.” read more from Zimbio.com

“Phil Spector found guilty of 2nd-degree murder”

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Phil Spector – April 13, 2009
Phil Spector

By LINDA DEUTSCH AP Special Correspondent – Story from DenverPost.com
“LOS ANGELES—Rock music producer Phil Spector was convicted Monday of second-degree murder in the shooting death of a film actress at his mansion six years ago, a verdict that will send him to prison for at least 18 years barring a successful appeal.”
“A Superior Court jury returned the verdict after about 30 hours of deliberations. The jury had the option of choosing the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, but did not do so.” read more from DenverPost.com
Associated Press Writer Alicia Chang contributed to this report.

“Kato Kaelin: From house guest to wedding guest”

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Brian Kato Kaelin
Brian "Kato" Kaelin

The following story was originally published March 26, 2009:
“Kato Kaelin: From house guest to wedding guest” – LasVegasSun.com story By Melissa Arseniuk · March 26, 2009.

“America’s most notorious houseguest, Kato Kaelin, is about to make his Vegas debut as Sin City’s most notorious wedding guest.”

“Kaelin will assume the role of a “celebrity wedding crasher” in Planet Hollywood’s off-Broadway show, “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” for two weeks. His first performance will be tomorrow [March 27] night and the actor will reprise the role through April 9.”

“Kaelin will arrive in Las Vegas this afternoon [March 26] and will be attending the celebrity-studded classic rock showcase at the Hilton, Monster Circus, this evening.”

“The 50-year-old actor sprung into the spotlight in 1994 during the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Once a struggling actor, Kaelin had been staying in Simpson’s guesthouse on the night the NFL All-Star’s ex-wife and lover were allegedly murdered. Kaelin served as a witness during both of Simpson’s trials and his inconsistent testimony and foggy memory led prosecutor Marcia Clark to call him a hostile witness.”
read more from LasVegasSun.com…
Access LasVegasSun.com’s Culture pages…
Visit the main pages of LasVegasBuffetClub.com…

A Bill to Amend the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Living Free On The Wild Open Range!

Wild Horses - Discovery Magazine
Wild Horses - Discovery Magazine

This is a headline from OpEdNews.Com – November 16, 2008: “BLM Planning to Execute 30,000 wild horses”. Things might be changing…
The following is a copy of an E-mail I received from the Cloud Foundation regarding the treatment of American wild horses and burros:

March 6, 2009 – 11:53 PM
“Dear Wild Horse friends;”
“I apologize for not being in touch with you sooner, but we wanted to have a clearer idea of what is really happening with the new Administration, BLM, and the wild horse program before reporting to you.”

“A Bill to Amend the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971:
Perhaps the single most important development so far this year is the recent introduction of HR 1018 by Congressmen Rahall (D-WV) and Grijalva (D-AZ). This legislation would amend the Wild Horse and Burro Act in numerous ways. You can read the bill by clicking here. The intent of the Bill is to strengthen protections for both wild horses on the range and in captivity. You can read my comments to the Congressmen here.”

“HR 1018 would allow for the expansion of wild horse habitat. We hope that this would support our arguments regarding the legal expansion of Cloud’s herd on the Pryor Mountains. Range expansion would eliminate BLM’s stated reason (lack of forage in the designated range) for reducing the herd to genetically non-viable levels, thereby destroying this genetically unique herd of Spanish mustangs.”

“The BLM Herd Management Plan, which has not yet been adopted, calls for a herd of only 90-120 animals in the Pryors. Legally expanding the range to areas which wild horses historically used and are using at the present time would also prevent the scheduled round up of 60 wild horses in August. This round up would represent the largest round up in the history of the Pryor Wild Horse Range. Please click here to contact the Billings BLM office so you can automatically receive information from them on their management plans for Cloud’s herd.”

“I would encourage you to get involved by thanking the Congressmen for their efforts with HR 1018 and encouraging them to specifically support the Pryor Wild Horses by preventing the planned destruction of the herd in August. Click here to contact them.”

“Range Expansion: Please communicate directly with the new Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack [AgSec@usda.gov] and the new Supervisor of the Gallatin and Custer National Forests, Mary Erickson requesting that that the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range be expanded to reflect the historic and current use areas of the rare Pryor wild horses.”

“BLM Advisory Board Meeting: We CANNOT allow the herd to be destroyed and we CANNOT allow Cloud and his family and the other wonderful families of wild horses on this spectacular mountain to be ripped apart. I delivered this message to the BLM Advisory Board at their meeting this Monday in Reno. Thanks to Sally Summers and Horse Power in Reno, you can view that meeting by clicking here . The bias of this Advisory Board boggles the imagination. It is stacked with vested special interest members, but there is hope. Three new positions will be opening up. I was nominated but have less than no chance of being appointed as I am too outspoken on behalf of the horses. But, we hope at least one new member speak on behalf of the public and our wishes to always have wild horses on our wide western landscapes. You can read my comment letter to the Board here.”

“Planned Trip: On a lighter note, we plan on visiting the Pryors in two weeks to see how everyone is doing. We know that Cloud is doing well but will report back to you, hopefully with photos if we can reach the bands. Winter is always a difficult time but we will do our best to access them. I will send them your regards. On some level, I know they feel your love for them.”

“Thanks so much for your continued support. You are so great. If you can donate for the cause, please do so by going online at www.thecloudfoundation.org or sending us something via mail. Please help if you can.”

Happy Trails!
Ginger

“P.S. Both the air date (now November 2009) and name (now Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions ) of the new Cloud program have changed. My new book, Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions, will be out in June and we’ll let you know when it is available. If you do not have the first two Cloud programs and books, you can order them on our website and be up to speed when the new story is published and aired. There is more story in the books than the DVDs, of course, and lots of photographs. I can autograph them however you like.”

Cloud Foundation
The Cloud Foundation

Wife of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens has plans to save wild horses – View a previous LVBC post…

Madeleine Pickens
Madeleine Pickens

Madeleine Pickens’ Official Website…

Sheryl Crow’s “I Don’t Wanna Know” featured in “Saving the American Wild Horse” Documentary.

Click the BLOG Header to view all posts…
Visit the LasVegasBuffetClub’s main pages…

The Eleventh Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Presented to George Carlin on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 8 p.m

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

George Carlin
George Carlin

From Monday, November 10, 2008 at 8 p.m:
George Carlin – 2008 Prize Recipient of The Eleventh Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor – presented at The Kennedy Center.

“The Kennedy Center will posthumously award The Mark Twain Prize to the late George Carlin at the eleventh annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The evening will recognize the life and achievements of the late comedian. Carlin passed away on June 22, 2008” read more from The Kennedy Center website…

This is a YouTube video of the Oldies tune: “CHERRY PIE”, written by Joe Josea, Jules Taub & Marvin Phillips, performed by George Carlin – live on the Arsenio Hall Show – Thursday, 30 November 1989. There is a bit of banter before George sings the song, but it’s worth the wait. This is a fine, magical R&R moment. It’s very revealing…
The last time I saw George Carlin, we were passing each other near the Starlight Lounge at the Stardust – just a “Hey Man.”

This is a link to the “original” “CHERRY PIE” by Skip and Flip

George Carlin on IMDb

Visit the LasVegasBuffetClub’s main pages…

Spotlight on PORTILLO’S HOT DOGS in Buena Park, California – Chicago-Style

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmailby feather

Soup's On...
Soup's On...

20s Theme
20s Theme-Northlake, IL

Portillo’s – Buena Park, California
8390 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park CA 90620
714-220-6400
Theme: 30’s Prohibition

I “happened” on to a colorful sight a few years ago, as Portillos was in the process of preparing another restaurant opening – in Buena Park, CA. A sign said “Grand Opening Tomorrow” so I made it a point to return. I did and it was a veritable circus – jam packed with customers and staff at the business of food. More precisely, the business of hot-dog-type-food: Chicago Hot Dogs. “HOT DOG…2.45 – With everything includes: mustard, relish, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers piled onto a perfectly steamed poppy seed buncheck out the full menu…

Welcome to Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Inc., started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer and soon will be operating 48 units” read more…

NECESSARY INGREDIENTS for a Chicago Hot Dog: Beef Hot Dog, Poppy Seed Bun, Dill Pickle Spear, (Neon) Green Relish, Chopped Onion, Tomato Wedges, Yellow Mustard, Sport Peppers and a dash of Celery Salt – from HotDogsChicagoStyle.Com…

CHICAGO HOT DOGS in detail – HotDogChicagoStyle.Com

Chicago Hot Dog ingredients by Doug Criner-enginova.com this is a comprehensive list.

Chicago-style hot dog – Wikipedia…
Visit the LasVegasBuffetClub’s page for Portillo’s…
Visit the LasVegasBuffetClub’s page for Mustard’s Last Stand in Denver, Colorado…