| ABOUT NORM
As is our want in life, we must attend various nightclub openings in the hope of finding a new venue the general public could enjoy. It’s tough out there, gang. Such was the case the other evening when we media types, along with a bunch of young VIPs, attended the Grand Opening of Christian Audigier’s new nightclub at TI (Treasure Island). Audigier’s claim to fame, I guess, is that he is an acclaimed French clothing designer, and has a bunch of actress friends.
Now, when one goes to these openings expecting to see a slew of stars, we come away often disappointed. I was really looking forward to eyeing Sarah Larson (the former lady who draped George Clooney’s arms for a lot of months), but from what I was told she failed to check in with Audigier. I did spot Nick Cannon and I think I saw Jaime Pressly (not sure about either one, but was told they were there). That could’ve been one of the Jackson boys standing near our enclave, but once again, not sure. That’s the problem when you go to these things, the stars do come out, but without the fancy makeup, etc., they look just like you and me. Although, got to admit, if Clooney had been there I would’ve spotted him. He is a STAR!
Anyhow the Audigier Nightclub at TI is quite interesting. It has a large dance floor and opens out to the lake that faces the Las Vegas Strip. And if you wait long enough, you get to see the battle of the TI Ladies on their docked ship, and a floating Pirate Ship. After a heated battle of words and a few cannon balls between ships, the Pirate Ship is sunk. The survivors board the ladies ship and the show ends. It’s a good, free display visitors to the Las Vegas Strip appear to like (they gather in the hundreds along the edge of the water) to watch.
My only complaint is that they seem to keep the music blaring so loud you can’t hear yourself talk. Oh, yes, and if you go, be sure to bring your credit card or a bunch of cash. Drinks are not cheap. As an example, a bottle of Crystal Rose Champagne will set you back $2,500. And should your group like to splurge on a special bottle of Cognac (some king with a number), you’ll need to shell out $6,000 big ones. Of course this writer will not be doing any of that splurging. Not in this lifetime! Other than that, I think the young people of our village (who have a nice income) and visitors will like it.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has announced that it will change the distance run for the Funny Car and Top Fuel classes, from a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) to 1,000 feet. The NHRA stages two events every year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This change will last while the NHRA investigates how to make the sport safer for the drivers, including parachute rigging, horsepower, etc. Funny Cars today are reaching speeds in excess of 330 mph on a regular basis. This change will cut down on the top speed, since the car reaches its top end during that final 320 feet.
The change was brought about by the death of one of its champions, Scott Kalitta, who was killed while competing in the 39th Annual NHRA SuperNationals in Englishtown, N.J. on Saturday, June 21st. Scott was a two time champion in the Funny Car Division, 1994-95. He quit racing following the 1997 season, returning in 1999, and once again hung up his helmet. However, the lure for speed was too much for the former champion to ignore and Kalitta returned to compete in 2003. He is the son of the famous innovator, mechanic, crew chief and racer, Connie Kalitta. Scott is survived by his wife, Kathy and two sons, Colin (8) and Corey (14).
Took in the Las Vegas Tenors show at the Suncoast last Saturday evening. I loved the new opening number titled “An American Medley,” assembled by the three tenors. Bill Fayne, Bobbie Black and Teddy Davey have trimmed out a few things (not essential to the overall show) and added some new material. Overall, I must say, this was one of their best—and I’ve seen just about every one of their shows. The Beatles medley has been nicely trimmed and is now perfect. In my humble opinion the show is nearly as perfect as any show can get. And if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY—Shades of Sinatra will be performing a very special one nighter at the Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin on Sunday, July 20th. If you love the music of The Man, Francis Albert Sinatra, then this is a must see event for you. I never get tired of watching these three guys and the gorgeous gal (Ryan Baker, Carmine Mandia, Larry Liso and Lisa Smith) sing those wonderful songs—the ones you don’t hear too much anymore, unless you listen to KJUL radio. Showtime is 3:00 p.m. with tickets priced at $15 for residents of Sun City and $17 bucks for the rest of us…Oh, well; such is life in the Big City (our village)….”Raw Talent Live,” a new innovative interactive dance show, with live original music and high tech illusions, will make its debut at the Sahara Hotel in August, according to a release by the hotel…Believe it or not: They are going to restore the very old and very historic Thunderbird Lodge on Lake Tahoe. Built in 1939 by millionaire George “The Captain” Whittell. The lodge housed not only guests but wild animals and even had a special building for the owners pet elephant…Bob Anderson, who this writer considers one of the all-time greats when it comes to singing impressions, will once again be performing in Branson with Andy Williams, beginning in September. However, he reports, that he and his wife, Karen, may move to Charleston, S.C., since their two sons have moved out of the house and are getting married. Wow, how time does fly… Well, that’s about it for this week. I’m outa here!
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