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ROGER WATERS – THE WALL – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR AT THE MGM

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Originally posted November 13, 2010

Rogers Waters in the Pink at MGM
Roger Waters in the Pink at MGM

Friday, November 26, 2010
Grand Garden Arena at The MGM Hotel.

“Roger Waters, co-founder and principal songwriter of the band Pink Floyd, is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the original release of The Wall with a monumental tour featuring a full band and a newly-mounted state-of-the-art production of his epochal masterpiece of alienation and transformation performed in its entirety. See Roger Waters live at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Show starts at 8pm.”

$250, $125 & $75
Grand Garden Ticket Office open from 9:00am – 9:00pm, daily.

Visit MGMs website for details/tickets

Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form at The Bellagio Hotel’s Gallery of Fine Art

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oy Lichtenstein, Untitled (From The New York Collection For Stockholm Series)
Roy Lichtenstein, Untitled (From The New York Collection For Stockholm Series)

Two color silkscreen, edition 231 of 300, 12 x 9 inches, Collection Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, gift of Mr. Robert Rauschenberg, New York, Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form. On view through January 2011.
Renoir, Picasso, Hockney, Lichtenstein, Viola

Located at the heart of the elegant Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) is Las Vegas’ premier exhibition space – where great art goes on vacation. BGFA is committed to presenting intimate exhibitions featuring works by some of the world’s most compelling artists. BGFA exhibitions are organized in partnership with museums and foundations from around the world.

This engaging survey features more than 40 paintings, photographs and sculpture along with video installations by 29 artists whose traditional and contemporary perspectives on figurative art helped to define the genre in the late 19th, 20th and early 21st centuries.

Featuring works of art from MGM Resorts International’s own Fine Art Collection, including some by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas and Fernand Leger, Figuratively Speaking also presents some of the best figurative works from the permanent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

General Admission: $15
Nevada residents: $12
Seniors 65 and older: $12
Students, Teachers, Military: $10
*Children ages 12 and under are complimentary

Ticket Information
Tickets available by calling
877.957.9777 or
702.693.7871 or

Visit Bellagio’s Official Website for more information
Visit the main pages of LasVegasBuffetClub.com

Burning Man 2010, August 30 – September 6

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The following is from “The Man’s” Website

Art of Burning Man
Art of Burning Man
Illustration by Dominic Tinio

WHAT IS BURNING MAN?
Trying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been to the event is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind. In this section you will find the peripheral definitions of what the event is as a whole, but to truly understand this event, one must participate. This site serves to try to paint a picture of the Burning Man experience to those who are new to the project, as well as to give those participants looking to keep the fire burning in their daily lives an environment in which to connect to their fellow community members. For a brief yet eloquent overview of the entire event from the time of arrival to the time of exodus, please read “What is Burning Man?”, an essay written by participant and one-time web team member, Molly Steenson. Please see archived sections for each year to read more about the art themes, art installations and theme camps for each year read more from The Burning Man Website

WHAT IS BURNING MAN?
The Burning Man Experience
By Molly Steenson

Hurtling down the road to the Black Rock Desert, the colors paint themselves like a spice cabinet — sage, dust, slate gray. Maybe you’re in your trusty car, the one that takes you to and from work every day. Perhaps you’ve got a spacious RV, your Motel 6 on wheels for the next days in the desert. Or you’re driving your glittering art car, complete with poker chips and mirroring to do a disco ball proud.

The two-lane highway turns off onto a new road. You drive slowly onto the playa, the 400 square mile expanse known as the Black Rock Desert. And there you’ve touched the terrain of what feels like another planet. You’re at the end — and the beginning — of your journey to Burning Man.

You belong here and you participate. You’re not the weirdest kid in the classroom — there’s always somebody there who’s thought up something you never even considered. You’re there to breathe art. Imagine an ice sculpture emitting glacial music — in the desert. Imagine the man, greeting you, neon and benevolence, watching over the community. You’re here to build a community that needs you and relies on you.

You’re here to survive. What happens to your brain and body when exposed to 107 degree heat, moisture wicking off your body and dehydrating you within minutes? You know and watch yourself. You drink water constantly and piss clear. You’ll want to reconsider drinking that alcohol (or taking those other substances) you brought with you — the mind-altering experience of Burning Man is its own drug. You slather yourself in sunblock before the sun’s rays turn up full blast. You bring enough food, water, and shelter because the elements of the new planet are harsh, and you will find no vending.

You’re here to create. Since nobody at Burning Man is a spectator, you’re here to build your own new world. You’ve built an egg for shelter, a suit made of light sticks, a car that looks like a shark’s fin. You’ve covered yourself in silver, you’re wearing a straw hat and a string of pearls, or maybe a skirt for the first time. You’re broadcasting Radio Free Burning Man — or another radio station read more from The Burning Man Website

Q. What is Burning Man?
A. Burning Man is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. Check out What Is Burning Man on this web site for more information, read the other articles on this site and visit other web sites for a broader understanding of the Burning Man event. Before you contemplate attending, you probably want to read our Survival Guide—it’s not as easy as it looks! If you wish to truly understand and comprehend Burning Man, you need to attend the event — it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced!

Q. Where is Burning Man being held this year?
A. Burning Man will be held in the Black Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada. The towns of Empire and Gerlach serve as guardians of the desert region.

Q. What are the dates for the event?
A. Burning Man is always held the week prior to and including Labor Day weekend. In 2010 the dates are Monday, August 30th to Monday, September 6th.

Q. What night does the Man burn?
A. Saturday night before Labor Day.

Q. What is this year’s theme?
A. Past themes have included Fertility, Time, Hell, Outer Space, The Body, The Floating World, Beyond Belief, Vault of Heaven, Psyche, Hope and Fear, The Green Man, The American Dream, and Evolution. The theme for 2010 is Metropolis.

Find tickets, photos and more information at The Official Burning Man Website

Visit the main pages of the LasVegasBuffetClub

See Jersey Boys for Free

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Originally posted August 20, 2010See Jersey Boys for Free, story after this preface and photo.

This is an album of tunes from the early days. Most of the songs are from the early days before the [1]British Music Invasion and before the Beatles knocked The Four Seasons off the top rung of the hierarchy of the rock n’ roll music-business – when The Four Seasons were arguably the most popular “rock band.” The Vocal Group Hall of Fame has stated that “it [The Four Seasons] was the most popular rock band before The Beatles.” [2]It was also at a (brief) point on the timeline of American music when young Americans with Italian surnames occupied a sizable portion of the airwaves. [Perhaps the term Rock Band should be replaced with Vocal Group. The Beach Boys were certainly in the running: “from 1962 to early 1964, only the Beach Boys matched the Four Seasons in record sales in the United States” – Wiki. [Elvis is another story, he was in a class of his own. The first Number 1 rock n’ roll record was Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” topping the charts around July of 1955. Elvis’ first number one hit, “Heartbreak Hotel” was in 1956.]

This is just one person’s take.
“When the British Music Invasion’s initial – first few years – bombardment was over, the Italians – much to the delight of Chef Boyardee-America – were sent back to the streets of Philadelphia, New Jersey and other Italian, East Coast strongholds.” “The “I Did It My Way” dream was over.” “From that point on, if they wanted to play, many had to do it “someone else’s way,” or so it seems.” “A few groups and individuals survived – the crème de la crème.”

There’s a Denver Connection to The Four Seasons (at the end of this post.)] Some of the aforementioned is derived from a sociological theory that deserves much more depth and discussion. The LasVegasBuffetClub’s blog pages will present such an in-depth post in the future.

The Very Best of Frankie Valley and The Four Seasons
The Very Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Photo is from StoneWallets.Org

Story from LasVegasAdvisor’s Anthony Curtis
See Jersey Boys for Free: The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will celebrate its 1000th show at The Palazzo at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 28th. To celebrate the milestone performance, Jersey Boys will host the “Walk Like a Man” shoe drive, where fans can bring a pair of new children’s shoes to the theater lobby between noon and 5 p.m. on the day of the show and receive a complimentary ticket to that night’s performance in exchange. A maximum of two pairs of shoes per person will be allowed and up to 1,000 tickets will be distributed to fans who participate in the drive. All shoes will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.” Story from LasVegasAdvisor’s Anthony Curtis
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From The Palazzo’s Official Website

JERSEY BOYS
Las Vegas welcomes the musical phenomenon Jersey Boys to its exclusive West Coast home at The Palazzo!

This super-hit blockbuster takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Discover the secret of a 40-year friendship: four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom and experience electrifying performances of the golden greats that took these guys all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Eyes Adored You,” and more. As the New York Times says, “The crowd goes wild!”

“An Electrifying Seismic Sensation!” – LA Times
“A Bona Fide Mega Hit.” – San Diego Tribune
“A Cheering, Stomping, Hats in the Air Triumph!” – Toronto Star

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There’s a Denver connection to The Four Seasons.
Denver’s Jerry Corbetta joined The Four Seasons in 1980. Corbetta was in the Boulder, Colorado based rock and roll band, Sugarloaf, in the 1970s. Boulder’s Corbetta and Sugarloaf (named after a mountain in Boulder) are best known for two songs, both of which hit the top 10 charts in the United States: “Green-Eyed Lady” in the autumn of 1970 (their biggest hit, reaching #3 on the Billboard chart) and “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You” in 1975 (US #9.) – Wiki

Another Boulder connection:
Around the early 1960s an early incarnation of the Four Seasons was called “Frankie Valle and the Romans” – not to be confused with the Boulder-based band “The Romans” with members: John “Skip” Laguardia-manager/guitar, Dave Mariano-bass/vocals, Tommy Moore-drums, and Bill Carbone-guitar/vocals. Other occasional players with The Romans were: Doug Dolph-guitar, Paul Longo-saxophone and Frankie Reno-vocals.

Hard working, all but forgotten and now seemingly invisible small-town-band “The Romans” played the Denver/Boulder area’s so called 3.2 Circuit which referred to Denver’s liquor law permitting 18+ year olds, access to clubs that served only 3.2% beer. The age limit for hard-alcohol/6% beer clubs was 21. Most of these 3.2 clubs were owned by 60s premiere club owner, Nate Feld. Feld was from the family presently affiliated with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Nate Feld was also a partner of Denver rock impresario Barry Fey.

The Romans band also played fraternity houses in Boulder as well as other nightclub venues in Denver, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, Greeley, Pueblo and surrounding areas. One of the more popular gigs at the time in Boulder (before the drug culture) was the infamous TOGA PARTY, made famous by the movie Animal House.

“I remember The Romans playing at a very hot Toga Party on the Hill in Boulder.” “They did a rousing version of the Kingsmen’s song “Louie Louie” that must have lasted for twenty minutes with a ten minute guitar solo on a Cherry-Red Guild Starfire.” “Everyone was dressed in bed sheets – for togas, beer was flowing from kegs of Coors, and everyone was going absolutely crazy.” Psychedelics were just on the horizon.

*The 60sOfficialSite.com says
[1]Though generally not credited with starting the “Invasion”, Dusty Springfield was one of the first British artist[sic] to have significant success in the U.S., with her hit single “I Only Want to Be with You”, released in November 1963.

I spent half of my life in love (as a fan) with Dusty Springfield and still am, I agree and I’d like to add:
“In 1962, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Stranger on the Shore,” by Mr. Acker Bilk. It was the first British hit to make the top of the U.S. charts” – PugetSoundRadio.com

I’ve always realized the irony: (British) Stranger on the (American) Shore. This was the shot heard ’round the world.
[MUSICAL NOTES INSERTED HERE] How lo—ng – – – – has this bee’n go—ing on???

[2]Strong in the 1940s and 50s, continuing into the 60s, starting to fade by the 1970s.

Some of this information was written by an artist-type individual. He makes no claims to intelligence nor does he claim any degrees of higher education. And the professors say, Uh, You really don’t have to tell us that.

Visit The Palazzo’s Official Website
Visit the main pages of the LasVegasBuffetClub

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Here are a couple of interesting paragraphs from Wiki pages:

Influence
“The British Invasion had a profound impact on the shape of popular music. It helped internationalize the production of rock and roll, establishing the British popular music industry as a viable centre of musical creativity,[] and opening the door for subsequent British and Irish performers to achieve international success.[] In America the Invasion arguably spelled the end of such scenes as instrumental surf music, vocal girl groups and (for a time) the teen idols that had dominated the American charts in the late 1950s and 60s.[] It dented the careers of established R&B acts like Fats Domino and Chubby Checker and temporarily derailed the chart success of surviving rock and roll acts, including Elvis Presley.[] It prompted many existing garage rock bands to adopt a sound with a British Invasion inflection, and inspired many other groups to form, creating a scene from which many major American acts of the next decade would emerge.[] The British Invasion also played a major part in the rise of a distinct genre of rock music, and cemented the primacy of the rock group, based around guitars and drums and producing their own material as singer-songwriters.”[]
“Though a majority of the acts associated with the invasion did not survive its end, many others would become icons of rock music.”[]

Criticism
“That the sound of British beat bands was not radically different from American groups like The Beach Boys, and damaged the careers of African American and female artists,[] have been the subject of criticism of the invasion in the United States. American singer Willy DeVille said the invaders played a watered down version of American music and pushed aside talented American artists such as Ben E. King and Smokey Robinson, adding that Americans, by favoring “anything that fucking glittered”, fell for a “big money complicated political con game”.”[]
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All information is protected under the Laws of International Copyright.
Copyright 2010 LasVegasBuffetClub.
All rights reserved.

Cosmopolitan Hotel Casino Las Vegas

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Cosmopolitan Resort Las Vegas, artists rendering from GreatLasVegasCondos.Com
Cosmopolitan Resort Las Vegas, artist's rendering from GreatLasVegasCondos.Com

The following is a press release from The Cosmopolitan Hotel Casino Las Vegas, the new resort is just south of The Bellagio on Las Vegas Boulevard.

THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS OPENING DECEMBER 2010 SETS NEW STANDARD AMONG LAS VEGAS RESORTS

New Luxury Resort Will Feature Inspired Designs, Original Collection of Diverse Dining Experiences and Expansive Private Terraces Overlooking the Las Vegas Strip

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (May 2010) – The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas pairs stylish design with an adventurous and welcoming spirit – delivering a decidedly different kind of Las Vegas experience. The new 2,995-room resort will feature oversized residential style living space with expansive one-of-a-kind private terraces and spectacular designs by acclaimed interior architects David Rockwell, Jeffrey Beers, Adam D.Tihany and the Friedmutter Group. Guests will enjoy diverse dining experiences from the country’s top chefs – all new to Las Vegas, unprecedented services and amenities, innovative new membership offerings, three distinct pool environments, a 110,000 square foot casino and breathtaking views of the Strip at every turn. The resort will first welcome guests in December 2010.

Situated at the heart of the Strip, The Cosmopolitan’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design on just 8.7 acres of land boasts sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline, allowing guests to feel that they are truly at the epicenter of the vibrant city while maintaining a boutique style footprint. “The Cosmopolitan is about creating a resort experience that is truly different than anything that exists right now in Las Vegas,” says John Unwin, CEO of The Cosmopolitan. “When you combine spacious suites, high design from talent like David Rockwell, a curated award-winning dining collection, unparalleled service and gaming, we know we are giving guests an experience that’s been missing in Las Vegas and harkens back to an era when guests felt connected, inspired and engaged by their resort.”

The Cosmopolitan will offer culinary concepts from some of the country’s top chefs and restaurant brands, each opening for the first time in Las Vegas. To date, the prestigious roster will include: Jaleo and China Poblano, a new Chinese-Mexican fusion concept, both by Chef José Andrés, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Comme Ça by acclaimed Los Angeles chef David Myers; New York City’s Estiatorio Milos by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Scarpetta and D.O.C.G., a new casual wine bar, both by award-winning chef Scott Conant; and popular steakhouse STK from The One Group.

The 50-story East and West towers will be comprised of oversized hotel and condominium-style rooms ranging in size from 730 square feet to over 5400 square feet in addition to ten three-story bungalow-style suites adjacent to the west pool deck. Contemporary bespoke room décor by David Rockwell will feature spacious living areas, luxurious bathrooms, a hundred small but unique touches, and many with expansive terraces overlooking the heart of the Strip. Each room features state-of-the-art technology control panels, plasma-screen televisions, entertainment system, wireless internet and a custom in-room bar. The oversized bathrooms offer moments of unexpected tranquility combined with breathtaking views – Japanese soaking tubs, rain showers and marble floors complete the guest bath experience.

Purchased by Deutsche Bank in August 2008, The Cosmopolitan consists of 2,995 rooms, nightclub and ultra lounge, 150,000 square feet of convention and banquet facilities, restaurants, 50,000 square foot spa, salon and fitness center, retail and three pool environments. The Cosmopolitan will operate under the direction of John Unwin, CEO, with more than 30 years of management experience in the hospitality industry after serving most recently as general manager of neighboring casino giant Caesars Palace for more than five years.

“Deutsche Bank concluded that building a new brand, with a unique identity and guest experience, was central to the overall vision for The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas,” says John Gallagher, Director in Deutsche Bank’s media relations group. “As a result, rather than partnering with a existing hotel brand, the Bank brought on some of the best executives in the gaming and lodging space to form a highly experienced management and operations team, led by John Unwin. We’re confident that this team will help The Cosmopolitan become a premier feature of the city’s business and entertainment landscape. “

Situated at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is located at 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South directly between CityCenter and the Bellagio. The resort’s uniquely vertical multi-tower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The new 2,995-room resort features oversized residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces. Resort features include 100,000 square feet of casino space; 60,000 square feet of world class shopping; 43,000 square feet of spa, healthclub and salon offerings; three unique pool experiences and multi-level integrated nightclubs. Signature restaurants include: Jaleo and China Poblano restaurants by Chef José Andrés, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Comme Ça by Los Angeles chef David Myers; New York City’s Estiatorio Milos by restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Scarpetta and D.O.C.G. by award-winning chef Scott Conant; and popular steakhouse STK from The One Group.

Cosmopolitan Las Vegas Hotel Casino Official Website

10th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

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Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
July 24-25 at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver
Story and photographs are from the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival’s Official Website
July 25 Full moon information at the bottom of this page.

Flag Catching Dragon Boat
Flag Catching Dragon Boat

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival:
Celebrating Colorado’s Asian Pacific American Communities for 10 Years

The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) has become, in 10 years, the most recognized and celebrated Asian American/Pacific Islander cultural event in the Rocky Mountain region. From an audience of 15,000 in its first year, 2001, the Festival has grown to over 100,000 spectators from throughout the region. Since inception, it has received many accolades and awards. For example, Westword anointed the Festival “Best New Festival” of 2001. The Rocky Mountain News called it the “Best City Festival” in 2003. And, in 2007, 5280 magazine describes Dragon Boat as “One of Colorado’s greatest festivals…”

Dragon Boat
Dragon Boat drummer

There have been other Asian Pacific American events in the Denver metro area, but none with the scope and scale of CDBF. The Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership with partners Denver Film Society and the City of Aurora hosted the Aurora Asian Film Festival, a showcase for recent theatrical films with Asian themes for many years. The film festival is currently on hiatus. The Asian Pacific Development Center mounted Passport to Asia which included Asian American entertainments and vendors. At its peak, Passport to Asia drew 10,000 The Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square has been a Denver tradition for over 35 years. Sponsored by Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, the still-thriving Cherry Blossom Festival draws 25,000 spectators to celebrate Japanese-American culture, food, music, dance, arts and crafts.

CDBF Dancer
CDBF Dancer

Planning for a dragon boat festival began in 2000. Ding Wen Hsu, then president of the Chinese American Council of Colorado, had heard that John Chin, then president of the Denver Chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans, was working with Howie Solow, founder and chief instructor of the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association, on developing a dragon boat festival in Denver. She contacted John Chin to discuss collaboration as she was interested in doing such a festival

When the three festival founders met, they found that they shared a common festival vision. All three believed that the festival should be a Pan-Asian event celebrating all of Colorado’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Moreover, they felt that the festival needed to be “community-owned” with local AAPI communities guiding the goals and direction of the festival. They also envisioned three key elements as fundamental to the success of the festival: dragon boat racing using traditional dragon boats; an entertainment stage featuring local Asian Pacific American groups; and a marketplace with the foods, crafts and other merchandise of local AAPI businesses. read more from the CDBF Official Website

CDBF Food Vendor
CDBF Food Vendor

One of the ongoing highlights of each year’s Colorado Dragon Boat Festival has been the opportunity to eat your way across Asia and the Pacific Islands — bite by bite. Over the years, Taste of Asia has featured vendors serving up the cuisines of China, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Japan, Hawai’i, Laos, Thailand and oh yes, the good ol’ USA (and Mexico!).

2010 Colorado Dragon Boat Poster
2010 Colorado Dragon Boat Poster

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival’s Official Website
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The Moon will be 100% full on July 25th, 2010 at 6:37 PM Las Vegas, Nevada time.

Open Letter to Sean Penn from Maria Conchita Alonso

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The following story was culled from a Zimbio.com post.
Written by Jake on Mar-29-10 1:21pm

Maria Conchita Alonso at Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup press conference at Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA.-(May 24, 2010 - Photo by Photo Agency)
Maria Conchita Alonso at Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup press conference at Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA. (May 24, 2010 - Photo by Photo Agency)

Maria Conchita Alonso, an actress best known for her work in movies such as The Running Man, has written an open letter to Sean Penn, asking Penn to stop supporting Hugo Chavez. Alonso, who is Venezuelan, castigates Penn for supporting a man she considers to be a dictator.

She brings up a number of points, including elections she considers rigged, Chavez’s cult of personality, and Chavez’s nationalization of many industries.

The full letter can be read below:

Dear Sean, WHY?
Even though I have great respect for your artistic talent, I was appalled by a recent television interview where you vigorously showed support for the regime of Hugo Chavez. Therefore, I’ve decided to set the record straight for you regarding the Chavez regime, supporting my case based not only on my political ideologies, but on proven facts you choose to ignore. Otherwise, I believe your position would be different.

Being born in Cuba, a country where freedom of speech is non-existent, it’s startling to observe how Venezuela, where I was happily raised, is fast becoming Cuba’s mirror image: Dismantling of fundamental democratic rights deserved by its people and citizens of the world.

For example, you said that all Chavez-winning elections in Venezuela were “transparent.”
Then WHY didn’t the government allow a manual recount of the votes and computer information when doubt set in? After all, how do you explain how these votes that were strongly favoring the opposition mysteriously reflected the opposite results the morning after, thus permitting Chavez to continue on? On what are you basing your conclusions? I strongly recommend that you read a report by the U.S. State Department written in 2009 entitled “The Fraudulent Elections in Venezuela”.

We live in a Republic comprised of three autonomous branches of government: Supreme Court, Congress and Executive, thus, a true democracy. Then WHY do you accept violations by part of the government of Venezuela to ignore its Constitution whereby one man, military-educated Chavez, controls all branches of government? His military background is revealed by his philosophy: “I order, you obey and if you disagree you’re a traitor to the country.” And your voice is silenced along with the ability of freethinking. Did you know solely the government controls 92% of media communications?

You’ve strongly criticized your own governments’ overspending and corruption, whereby the budget for We the people never ends up in the hands of those who need it most. Then WHY do you support a government with over $100 million in oil revenue that has 71% poverty? Or don’t you know that corruption is so rampant that the rightfully deserving poor never sees a “red cent”? In addition, the fact is that Chavez gives away millions of dollars; belonging to the Venezuelan people, to other countries in order to build a false sense of philanthropy of a man whose self-proclaiming ego is blinded by power behind a communist Cuban-style revolution, expanding such regime.
We live in the U.S.A., the land of opportunity to do and say what we desire, respecting dissenting points of view, of course and without reprisals. Then WHY do you defend a government whose stronghold upon its people is so oppressive that a big price is paid for exercising freedom of speech: Persecutions, closing of radio and television stations, jail…and even death?

You are fortunate enough to live in a country where you can buy property and claim it as your own to do whatever you want with it. Then WHY do you promote the interests of a government that violates the Constitution by hindering the possibility of development: Land, industries, commerce, communications companies, foreign investment opportunities, financial institutions and private property? This is an everyday scenario in Venezuela.
Then WHY haven’t you informed yourself on these facts by reading Venezuelan and international newspapers exposing thousands of cases?
Given your sense of community and respect for all people, I think you would defend the security of the citizens in your country. Then WHY do you validate a government that has converted Venezuela into the second most dangerous country in the world, where impunity is above 90% and its people live in a constant state of stress and fear of getting killed? Many wonder if this situation isn’t but a diabolic strategy by the part of the government, something to think about. Do you know that the weekend of March 13th there were 67 counted homicides only in Caracas? Furthermore, in the first 50 days of this year, there have been 140 express kidnappings for fast money (a 50% increase in 2009 versus previous years). After 11 years of the Chavez government, more than 16,000 people has been murdered by armed gangs and we’re not even at war like in the Middle East.

In the U.S.A. the arm of the law comes down hard on government or private sector where cases of fraud and corruption are discovered. Then WHY do you defend a politician who promised to sweep corruption, but has ended up sponsoring illicit enrichment by part of his closest allies and civil servants, placing Venezuela as the most corrupt country in the Americas and in its political history? Corruption has increased 68% and inflation 31% in 2009. What a coincidence, Sean that the majority of those “corruptors” are members of the government you have chosen to embrace.
You’ve demonstrated admirable assistance to those in need, due to natural disasters or poverty, those with desperate pleas to get their misfortune exposed for the whole world to see.
Then WHY do you applaud the efforts of a government that has notoriously increased poverty (65% to 71%), produced scarcity of staple products and created an energy and water shortage crisis never seen in Venezuela? Not to mention the numbers of children begging in the streets. You may have missed it because the government tends to take the scenic routes for its guests. I invite you see the real Venezuela, stay for a couple of weeks without the logistics the government of said country organizes for you and you’ll be amazed with the results in your unaided observations.

Sean, you live in a country where your parents had the freedom to teach you principles and respect for entities and human beings, where education hasn’t been manipulated by political agendas of those in power. Then WHY are you in favor of a country where day after day education isn’t plural by obligating a single-minded agenda and lack of respect for family structure? Did you know Sean that in Venezuela there is political indoctrination at a very early age, better known as “brainwashing”? And let me tell you that if parents don’t agree, they will lose custody of their children, just like in Cuba, a country you’ve placed on a pedestal.You are a product of a Jewish father.
Then WHY is your fascination with a government that has overtly stated its hatred against the Jewish community worldwide, to the extent that the State of Israel condemned anti-Semitic attacks in Venezuela? Do you think it’s fair that many Jewish-Venezuelan families have emigrated because the Chavez government robbed their personal files when their temples and offices were under attacked in 2008?
I don’t think so, Sean, that you would support violence as a means to impose your agenda.
Then WHY do you support a government with close relationships with FARC, ETA, Cuban G-2, Government of Iran, Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah, among others, which are the most feared terrorist movements in the world?

You have said that you applaud the actions that Chavez has instituted for his “pueblo”.
Then WHY do you back him up when he himself has recently publicly recognized his failure for effective social programs (missions) in the areas of education, social service and hospitals; where each day the number of the uncared rises for lack of appropriate facilities and respective upkeep, and a country where the mothers give birth in the streets? This you can see on YouTube in investigative programs run on German, Swedish, Italian and Spanish television stations.
Sean, have you considered researching the existence of the growing list of political prisoners, including journalists, on your own? For your information Chile, Peru and Costa Rica has that data. Furthermore, many of these prisoners are tortured and their families persecuted and threatened, just like the Cuba you stand up for.
Is that what you support when you publicly declare that all those that say that Chavez is a dictator should go to jail?
Sean, you have the right to say what you want, but as far as I know, your statements are contradictory to “Freedom of Speech”, the same one you enjoy in this country; by coincidence, “The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.”

My intention isn’t to convince you, but to let you know what is truly happening in this beautiful country of noble people, Venezuela. I would encourage you to investigate in depth the “inside story” and realize for yourself the dark side behind the person you choose to idolize.
Agreed, Chavez did win his first elections, but like Hitler, he betrayed what the country gave him: The vote of confidence.
Read this story, and more from Maria Conchita Alonzo on the web

Maria Conchita Alonso Challenges Oliver Stone Over Hugo Chavez Film

From The Huffington Post
Tom Gregory: Maria Conchita Alonso, Charlie Chaplin, and Walt Disney Take on a Dictator

Find Maria Conchita Alonzo on the LasVegasBuffetClub pages.

TUSCARORA WILD HORSE ROUNDUP

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Story is from The Cloud Foundation

Calico Colt Photo by Carol Walker
Calico Colt Photo by Carol Walker

Help Us Stop the Tuscarora Roundup
Young foals will be run in high heat over rugged, rocky ground without public oversight

Please read the following press release and share with your local news station and any major news outlet you’d like to cover this story- this is yet another example of the cruel mismanagement of the BLM and it is unacceptable. Call on your Senators to pass your concerns onto Senators Reid and Ensign of Nevada. Thank you.

BLM Helicopter Roundup To Begin Despite Presence of Vulnerable Young Foals

BLM violates protocol designed to protect wild horse babies
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Elko, NV (July 8, 2010)— Over 1,400 federally-protected wild mustangs are to be rounded up beginning tomorrow, July 9, in the Tuscarora area of Elko County Nevada during the hottest month of the year. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is violating their own set-protocol for waiting six weeks after the main foaling season, defined as March 1-June 30, so that young foals can escape the inherent danger of a high-heat summer roundup. BLM will dispatch privately contracted choppers to run the Tuscarora mustangs over miles of rugged terrain in a taxpayer-funded roundup expected to last three weeks and result in the removal of some 1,100 mustangs. Only last month, Oregon BLM wild horse managers postponed a planned roundup that would have started the day after foaling season—opting to begin instead in mid-August for the horses’ safety.

“If allowed to go forward this will be a massacre,” states Anne-Marie Pinter who rode the Pony Express Race through the area on her Spanish Mustang and saw small foals. “It is covered with razor-sharp, volcanic rock that will rip up the feet of these poor foals. Before riding the area, our event veterinarian strongly recommended that we put thick rubber boots over the metal shoes of our horses—the rocks are that treacherous. We experienced triple digit temperatures and had to constantly work at keeping our horses hydrated. I can’t even imagine the toll on terrified small foals and even the adult animals at the hottest time of the year. This amounts to horrible animal cruelty and no one will know what is going on because BLM has closed the area, even the roads.”

Last winter, during the deadliest BLM roundup in memory in the Calico Mountains of Northwestern Nevada, at least two 6-9 month foals suffered a horrible death. Their hooves literally separated from their leg bones after running over similar terrain. Yet, BLM justified the dead-of-winter roundup by stating in their Environment Assessment: “Fall and winter time-frames are much less stressful to foals than summer gathers. Not only are young foals in summer months more prone to dehydration and complications from heat stress, the handling, sorting and transport is a stress to the young animals and increases the chance for them to be rejected by their mothers. By gathering wild horses during the winter, stress associated with summer gathers can be avoided.”

BLM photo of Calico Roundup by Kurt Golgart
BLM photo of Calico Roundup by Kurt Golgart

“Let’s be honest. What is driving these roundups has very little to do with concern for vulnerable foals and everything to do with contractor availability and using up taxpayer money before the end of fiscal year 2010,” states Cloud Foundation Director, Ginger Kathrens, who has spent over 16 years documenting the lives of wild horse families. “With only two helicopter contractors available to round up the horses, scheduling becomes tricky, especially when the goal is the removal of 6,000 wild horses before the end of September. So, the rush to rid the land of mustangs trumps humane treatment. Disgusting.”

The Cloud Foundation is asking that humane observers and the public be allowed to document the roundup and any injuries and deaths which occur. Currently BLM has arranged for a near total lockdown of roundup activities, including a widespread closure of public roads around the area. Access will be extremely limited despite promises made by top BLM officials to the contrary.

“Having a ‘media day’ during the operation is certainly not the same as having humane observers on site at all times during the operation,” says Elyse Gardner, who has documented the Pryor and Calico roundups. “A sanitized version of BLM activities is not transparency in dealing with the public’s horses. If anything, rather than transparency, BLM is closing the door on public observation because of what our cameras have already revealed about these roundups.”

Tuscarora horses including young foals, photo by Craig Downer, June 2010
Tuscarora horses including young foals, photo by Craig Downer, June 2010

If allowed to proceed, the Tuscarora roundup will decimate three herds, Owyhee, Little Humboldt and Rock Creek, living in a vast 455,000-acre area about 90 miles northwest of Elko, Nevada. Over 4,000 cattle are allowed to graze on the Tuscarora designated wild horse herd management area while only 337-561 mustangs are welcome. In 1990 the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report underscored that wild horse removals did not significantly improve range conditions and pointed to cattle as the culprit for public lands damage. Despite GAO noting the lack of data provided by BLM back 20 years ago, the public has seen no improvement in the piecemeal management of an agency that favors welfare cattle over legally protected mustangs and burros. Herd areas containing 10 to 30 times more livestock than horses are the norm rather than the exception.

“Damage to livestock fences is cited as a reason to remove the horses in Tuscarora. Give me a break,” states Craig Downer, wildlife ecologist, former BLM employee, and 3rd generation Nevadan. “How about removing the fences, reducing the number of cattle and starting to manage wild horses as principal members of their ecosystems, as well as celebrated symbols of the American West? BLM’s habit of operating behind a veil of enforced secrecy is completely unacceptable.”

The Cloud Foundation opposes the further manipulation of the Tuscarora mustangs through the use of experimental infertility drugs in combination with skewed sex ratios. The result will be increased turmoil among the highly social wild horse family bands. Given the disastrous management and the lack of accurate range censuses and the presence of over 37,000 wild horses in government holding at enormous taxpayer expense, advocates continue to call for an immediate freeze on the costly roundups. Congressional hearings are needed to discuss the shortcomings of an out-of-control program that threaten the future existence of wild horses and burros on lands set aside for their use.

“BLM has responded with its classic bunker mentality, abandoning any transparency efforts and placing at risk the lives of these small foals that have never even had a chance at life with their families,” states Kathrens. “We pray that BLM will show some compassion and ground the helicopters. With all the uncontrollable disasters in the world, why is BLM determined to create one in Tuscarora?”

Click here for The Cloud Foundation’s Press Release for this story

The Cloud Foundation’s Official Website

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Cinco De Mayo – May 5, 2010

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Repost from MSN

Battle of Puebla
Battle of Puebla
MSN photo

“Cinco de Mayo (May 5) commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces in 1862. Since then, it has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture across the United States, but only in some parts of Mexico.”

“Where it all began: The city of Puebla (where’s that?) is the epicenter of Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo festivities.”

“Not to be confused with: The Mexican Independence Day, which takes place on Sept. 16 and celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain.”
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Reposted from MTV

May 5 2010 1:36 PM EDT
Cinco De Mayo: Celebrate Mexican History Across The U.S.
Limp Bizkit, the Phoenix Suns and your local Mexican communities offer up plenty of ways to party
By Rochell D. Thomas

“Every year on the fifth of May, Mexican flags can be spotted waving at homes and businesses across the United States. There are parades and dances. Schools and theater groups put on special presentations and bars offer drink specials. But despite what many people think, Cinco de Mayo is not the Mexican Fourth of July. (Mexico celebrates its independence from Spain on September 16.)”

“Though it’s a holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1862, Cinco de Mayo has become an ethnic holiday that celebrates Mexican culture and the Mexican army’s never-give-up spirit. Mexican-Americans — and, really, anyone who likes to root for underdogs fighting the good fight — celebrate the holiday in many ways. Here, we list a few of the major festivities going on around the country on Wednesday (May 5) and beyond.” read more…

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Full Moon – Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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Full Moon Poster
Full Moon Poster
c.2010-LasVegasBuffetClub.Com
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac the moon will be full Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at around 5:18 a.m. Las Vegas, Nevada time.

“American Indians gave names to each of the full moons to keep track of the passing year. The names are associated with the entire month until the next full moon occurs. Since a lunar month averages 29 days, the dates of the moons change from year to year. Here are titles most closely associated with calendar months” – Western Washington University. Click the link for Native American moon names.

OUT WEST

Young Apache Woman
Raven-Haired Apache Beauty
Photo - Western Washington University

Out West on the Southern Plains, Apache’s refer to the April moon as “Moon of the Big Leaves,” according to Western Washington University; no Apache translation is given.

BACK EAST
Back East the Abenaki (Northeast Maine) name for the April moon is “Sogalikas” or “Sugar Maker Moon.”

Abenaki Bowl
Abenaki Bowl
Photo - Western Washington University

*FYI – In the mid-90s, when I was traveling around the southwest in a motor home, I happened to meet the great, great-grandson of the great, great, Apache leader Geronimo He was selling stones and trinkets from a hogan in the Arizona desert. I still have his phone number, I think. BC

Geronimo
Geronimo
Photo is from WIKI

Visit the LasVegasBuffetClub’s Gaming Pages for Native American gaming links/information

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