Las Vegas: Sandra Off the Strip

Peter Grimes Opera in Live HD

Sandra — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:20:31 +0000

On various dates this spring at 10:00 am you can view LIVE High Definition via satellite productions from The Metropolitan Opera of New York at 5 local movie theaters. Each production has an encore performance the following day.

Participating Las Vegas theatres:
Regal Colonnade Stadium 14
Regal Village Square
Cinemark Orleans
Cinemark Sams Town
Cinemark Santa Fe Station

Coming Metropolitan Opera HD performances are:

Mar 15 & 16 - Peter Grimes (and encore)
Mar 22 & 23 - Tristan und Isolde (and encore)
Apr 5 & 6 - La Boheme (and encore)
Apr 26 & 27 - La Fille du Regiment (and encore)

Already presented:
New Year’s Day - Hansel & Gretel
Jan 12 - MacBeth
Feb 16 & 17 - Manon Lescaut

For more info about this and other special HD cinema events, go to fathomevents.com.

Russ Freeman Jazz Perfomed @ UNLV

Sandra — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:29:16 +0000

Nathan Tanaouyet and his big band “Las Vegas Jazz Connection” will be joined by The Cunninghams, Martin Niviera, Bobby Shaw and Lindell Blake for a tribute to jazz great Russ Freeman Mar 02. Tickets are $15/$10 seniors & students. CCSD students get one free ticket per ID. Call 702-895-2787. Judy Bayley Theatre, UNLV campus Las Vegas NV.

UNLV Playwright’s Festival

Sandra — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:04:51 +0000

The UNLV Playwright’s Festival runs from Feb 28 thru Mar 02 at the Black Box Theater in the Ham Fine Arts Building. The featured two plays are Oscar F Limon’s “Freedom Deck” and Laura V. Turner’s “Take Me to Monaco.”

Tickets are $12 at the Performing Arts Center Box Office, UNLV campus. Call 702-895-2787.

“Freedom Deck” - set on board a cruise ship during a gay cruise with writers, editors & photographer from a gay magazine.
Performances: Feb 28 & 29, Mar 01 @ 8pm and Mar 01 & 02 @ 2pm

“Take Me to Monaco” - a woman sabotages her daughter’s wedding by taking hostages and demanding a trip to fabled Monaco.
Performances: Mar 06, 07 & 08 @ 8pm and Mar 08 & 09 @ 2pm

World Vibration Concert - Celtic Music

Sandra — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:31:38 +0000

The World Vibration is a monthly world music series hosted by KUNV’s Kay Tuma on Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $10 adults/$7 seniors & children. Call 702-455-7340 or purchase tickets on line at secure1.co.clark.nv.us (adults) or secure1.co.clark.nv.us (seniors/students). Venue is Winchester Cultural Center 3130 S. McLeod Las Vegas NV

Mar 02 - The Celtic Travelers (Irish Music)

Novelists Mack and Kaufman @ Library

Sandra — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:14:26 +0000

The writing duo Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman will be at the Clark County Library Feb 28 @ 7pm to talk about their latest book “A Version of the Truth.” The pair also wrote the best-seller “Literacy and Longing in LA.” A book signing and reception will follow. Free to the public. Call 702-507-3400 for more info. Jewel Box Theater, Clark County Library 1401 E Flamingo Las Vegas NV.

Democratic County Convention “Debacle”

Sandra — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 22:41:14 +0000

I was there and it was embarrassing. But having organized events, chaired meetings and worked with volunteers to make things happen, I am maybe more sympathetic than most to the problems on Saturday at Bally’s with the largest ever Democratic Clark County Convention. The real problem is that it exposed how unprepared local Democratic leadership is to handle the growth of the Party. A lot of people would say that is the kind of problem we all should relish. Saddest would be a large room with no people - a “large room not large enough” could be cause for rejoicing.

I arrived at a little before nine and was amazed at the long long long line snaking its way throughout the casino floor. I chastised myself for not being intelligent enough to register in advance. I later discovered that pre-registering didn’t help some delegates who still encountered problems with credentialing. Finally making my way to the registration, I was apparently lucky to find my name listed as a delegate and was given my badge and the okay to enter the main meeting hall. Volunteers roamed the hallways and siderooms with banker boxes, collecting our “first alignment” ballots. It seems that the fact the boxes were not even taped shut caused considerable consternation among both the Clinton and Obama camps. Both sides were feeling that unsecured ballots and delegates turned away would favor the opposition.

I would like to speak positively of the gathering. I experienced no animosity between the Obama and Clinton camps. The atmosphere was clearly different than my precinct caucus when Clinton was favored over Obama (3-2) and the mood was euphoric for Hillary. That has changed. Although Hillary was victorious in Las Vegas a month ago, all were acutely aware that Obama has been on an all-out winning streak since. Clinton supporters must face the real possibility of an Obama candidancy. The time of a black Presidential nominee may come before the time of a woman.

But most of those present were agreed that an Obama presidency was far more acceptable than a McCain, and although their hearts may lie with Hillary, there was not much question how they would vote in November given that choice.

For myself, I am a Clinton delegate. I would have liked to see a Clinton-McCain race. Actually, I would have preferred a Clinton-Guiliani race, but Rudy clearly did not resonate with Republican voters. I am one of those members of the electorate who cannot find a real home - a social progressive and a fiscal conservative. I was an independent for 15 years, a fact which did not completely disenfranchise me in California with the open primary system. But the country desperately needs a change.

Raised a Republican and even a Goldwater Girl back in 1964, I am far from impressed with Republican performance in the White House the last 8 years. Coming from the Vietnam generation, I am disgusted - with my government that I was lied to twice in my life - and with myself that I fell for it the second time. I am saddened that the religious right has hijacked the Republican Party and that national Presidential debates pose questions about the truth of the Bible. I think religion should stay out of politics and politics should stay out of science. I decided to get off the fence and commit.

I’m willing to cut the local party some slack. They need a lot more volunteers than the 37 who manned the registration. I say to all those shouting and complaining that you should step up to the plate and put your time where your mouth is.

Bette Midler Super Star at Caesar’s

Sandra — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 23:17:09 +0000

Thanks to my friends, the Hart Family, I was privileged to be at the Opening Night of the new Bette Midler “The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace on Feb 20. Linda Hart worked with Bette years back as member of the backup troupe known as the Staggering Harlette’s and managed not only tickets, but invitation to the party afterwards.

I have always been a lukewarm fan of Bette’s. I liked her, but maybe because I spent the 70’s and 80’s in places like Africa, Denmark and the Middle East, I missed a lot and didn’t have full appreciation of her talent and energy. Well that has changed now. What a performer and personality!

The show itself is an amazing extravaganza of visuals, music and choreography. Film clips and innovative video combine with live stage to titillate the senses. The light production is one of the best on the Strip - rivaling my previous favorite at “Love.” Bette’s versatility is truly genius. The audience was on their feet at the end of the soul-wrenching solo “If a Man Loves a Woman” and laughing til tears at her raunchy vaudeville shtick. Here is a must see show - if you already love Bette Midler - it’s a no-brainer. If you don’t know her, then now is the time to be bewitched.

The VIP Opening Night Party at Pure was - well - pure delight. Open bar and a nice buffet of cold and warm delicacies and sweets, it was a good crowd of Bette fans from stage, movies and TV. I recognized faces of stars, but most commanding were the behind-the-scenes personalities who write, direct and produce the shows.

For more info on Bette Midler’s show, go to harrah’s.com. For more on Linda Hart (shown at right), go to broadwayworld.com.

IONS and “Escaping the Mind Prison”

Sandra — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:52:33 +0000

Mark Evan Furman, founder of Cognitive Neurophysics, an interdisciplinary approach to “understanding, predicting, influencing, changing and transferring human behavior patterns,” will be the guest presenter at the monthly meeting of IONS Las Vegas Feb 28 7pm-8:30pm. Furman developed the Mind-Imaging technology known as “NeuroPrint.” For more info go to mindimagingtechnologies.com.

“What is IONS exactly?” An acronym for the Institute of Noetic Sciences, IONS is a “nonprofit membership organization that conducts and sponsors leading-edge research into the potential and powers of consciousness.” For more go to noetic.org. If you consider yourself a visionary, a person with a world-view, someone seeking more than the daily existence of routine life, this might be the group for you. I guarantee you will be introduced to intriguing information that will rock your world view.

Email info@ionslasvegas.com for more info or checkout the website ionslasvegas.com. Donations accepted. Walk-ins welcome. The group meets the 4th Wed from 7p-8:45p at West Sahara Library 9600 W. Sahara Ave Las Vegas NV (just west of Ft. Apache).

Total Lunar Eclipse

Sandra — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:41:24 +0000

This evening will be a special astronomical event with a total lunar eclipse beginning about 5:43 pm PT. The eclipse will take 78 minutes until the moon is in total shadow, continues about 51 minutes, then begins to edge out at the lower left (southeastern) edge. The moon will be completely free the the earth’s shadow (umbra) by 9:09 pm.

Briefly, a lunar eclipse begins when the moon enters the faint outer portion (penumbra) of the Earth’s shadow. This part is virtually invisible to the human eye. Visible eclipse begins when the moon enters the Earth’s darker umbral shadow. For those without any knowledge of lunar eclipses, what you will view is the Earth passing between the moon and the sun. You are actually seeing the shadow of the earth falling on the moon. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is totally safe for viewing with the naked eye.

Also look for the rare occurrence of Saturn and Regulus forming a broad triangle with the moon. Regulus is a bright bluish star and Saturn will be a cold white unblinking point. This particular combination will not happen again in this millennium, so it is definitely worth a look. Obviously, star-gazing is hard with the light pollution of Las Vegas. For those lucky enough to be in the desert for the viewing, it should be pretty spectacular.

photo thanks to China Photos/Getty Images File

Crown Royal Race Car @ Lee’s Liquors

Sandra — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:15:42 +0000

The Crown Royal Race Car will be on site at several of the Lee’s Discount Liquor outlets in the next couple of weeks.

Race Car Schedule:
Feb 28 4p-7p Sunset store @ 4427 E. Sunset
Feb 28 3:30p-6:30p West Flamingo store @ 9355 W. Flamingo at Fort Apache
Feb 29 4p-7p Lake Mead location @ 7411 W. Lake Mead at Tenaya
Feb 29 2p-5p East Flamingo store @ 3480 E. Flamingo at Pecos
Mar 01 3:30p-6:30p Rancho location @ 4421 N. Rancho at Craig
Mar 01 4p-7p Mesquite location @ 674 W Pioneer Blvd Mesquite NV

UKLV Britcom Costume Party

Sandra — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:53:03 +0000

Known in the UK as “fancy dress,” but more commonly called a costume party here Stateside, this quintessentially British affair will host a buffet, live band, D.J. and plenty of that special brand of humor cultivated in the Great Kingdom of Comedy. The Brits are unabashed in their ability to poke fun at themselves and the world and can be positively irreverant. Creators of Spamalot and Monty Python, this national genius for lampoon takes no prisoners.

You don’t have to be British to attend this party at the Empire Ballroom on Feb 22, but you do need to get your ticket for $25 and you must be over 21. Go to the website uklv.co.uk or call Steve Lee 702-252-0082. You are more than strongly encouraged to come in fancy dress (costume) as your favorite British comedian, humorist or comedy role and great prizes are planned for the best portrayals. The event runs from 7pm to midnite with free entry to the Empire Nightclub following. The Empire Ballroom is located @ 3765 Las Vegas Blvd S #G Las Vegas NV.

Related Gathering of the Brits

Coldstream Guards, Royal Scots Pipes & Drums @ UNLV

Sandra — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:03:01 +0000

The 2007-2008 season of the UNLV Performing Arts Center presents the Charles Vanda Master Series, with 7 guest performing artists or groups beginning Oct 26 and scheduled thru May 2.

Upcoming:
Mar 01 - 8 pm - Band of the Coldstream Guards and The Pipes, Drums, and Dancers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Mar 12 - 8pm - The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico
May 02 - 8 pm - Zukerman Chamber Players

performed this season:
Oct 26 - Denyce Graves, Mezzo-Soprano
Nov 27 - Yefim Bronfman, Pianist
Jan 23 - Itzhak Perlman, Violinist
Feb 14 - St. Petersburg State Ballet Theatre (Giselle)

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Anthony Rapp “New York Stage & Beyond”

Sandra — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:54:10 +0000

The 2007-2008 season of the UNLV Performing Arts Center presents the New York Stage & Beyond, with 7 guest performing artists or groups beginning Sep 14 thru Feb 23.

Upcoming:
Feb 23 - 8 pm - An Evening of Words and Music with Anthony Rapp

Already performed:
Oct 13 - Paul Taylor Dance Company
Oct 20 - The Broadway Divas
Nov 08 - Tango Buenos Aires
Jan 20 - Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour
Feb 02 - Christine Ebersole

For tickets and more info: Call the UNLV Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or go to pac.unlv.edu.

Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Sandra — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:39:30 +0000

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back in the theater every 1st & 3rd Saturday at 11:30 pm! The cult classic returns in the way it was always meant to be experienced - with a state-of-the-art digital projection and sound system, designed with love and the audience’s utmost enjoyment in mind. The Onyx Theater includes a hip lounge to purchase your popcorn, drinks, and candy! There’s stadium seating so every seat is the best in the house. Only $10.

Onyx Theater located in THE RACK at 953 E Sahara Ave Las Vegas NV (in the NE corner of Commercial Center)

Free Foreign Films @ the Library

Sandra — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:59:08 +0000

The NOTBAD series: The Film Movement Collection with Nevadans Organized to Better Address Diversity screens free films on themed topics every Tuesday @ 7:00 pm at the library. Call 702-507-3400 for more info. Clark County Library 1401 E. Flamingo Las Vegas

Feb 19: “Fraulein” (2006) Two Eastern European women in Switzerland. German, Serbo-Croatian and Swiss German with English subtitles.

Feb 26: “Dreams of Dust” (2006) A Nigerian farmer becomes a gold miner in Burkina Faso. French with English subtitles. Official Selection 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Deeksha “Oneness Blessing”

Sandra — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:42:36 +0000

There’s a new movement from the East that is spreading rapidly around the world called Deeksha or the Oneness Blessing. It involves the transference of high energy being generated in the Golden City, India through individuals trained to act as conduits who pass the healing power through their hands into the brains of the receivers - all with the end goal of raising levels of consciousness.

photo thanks to OnenessMovement.org

Deeksha (also spelled Diksha) is defined as a transfer of spiritual energy to the neocortex of the brain. It initiates a neurological change that, when complete, frees the senses from constant “brain chatter,” giving rise to a clarity of perception with spontaneous feelings of joy, inner calmness and a connection to the Oneness in everything.

This is definitely one of those “you had to be there” kind of experiences. Participants experience everything from euphoric states of meditation to extreme relaxation and sense of well-being and purported life changes. You can read more at deeksha.com or onenessmovement.org.

There are several regular meeting places around town, mostly in people’s homes. You can experience Deeksha with Clay Pulley at Transformations on Thursdays from 6p-7p. These guided meditations are free and open to the public. Love offerings are welcome. Call 702-252-3502 for more info. Transformations, a Healing Place 1725 S. Rainbow #25 Las Vegas NV.

Femme Fatale Free Films @ the Library

Sandra — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:40:48 +0000

Continuing the series Tuesday Afternoon at the Bijou is the screening of the great classic films. This month features famous femms fatales. Free admission. What a great way to spend Tuesday afternoon if you don’t have a day job. Showtime @ 1pm. Clark County Library 1401 E. Flamingo Las Vegas NV. Call 702-507-3400 for more info.

Feb 19 - “The Big Sleep” (1946) Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall
Feb 26 - “Murder My Sweet” (1944) Dick Powell and Anne Shirley

Living Food (vegan) Potluck Party & Movie

Sandra — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:16:08 +0000

Transformations, a Healing Place invites you to a potluck dinner and movie. Share recipes, learn about the value of eating fresh and uncooked, and network with kindred spirits. Bring a raw vegan dish to share with 3-4 people.

This special get together for the health-focused is from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Casual, welcoming and inspiring. RSVP 702-252-3502. Check out their website: transformationsahealingplace.com. Transformations, a Healing Place 1725 S. Rainbow #25 Las Vegas NV.

Sin City Neander Dolls Roller Derby

Sandra — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:39:39 +0000

You want to watch, or even play some mean roller derby? Don’t let the fact that this a girl team fool you. These gals are serious contenders and not shy about demonstrating that the “weaker” sex is an outdated concept not relevant to 2007. The Roller Girls’ Neander Dolls compete at home and on the road. Practices are Tues, Wed, Thurs @ 7pm and Sat @ 5pm. They are looking for “a few good women” to join their team. Check out their website sincityrollergirls.com.

Take 1 Fridays with Larry Wild Wrice

Sandra — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:52:03 +0000

Good news that Larry Wild Wrice has a new gig on Friday nights from 9pm til 1am. Larry and the Gents of Swing are at “Take 1” at Fremont St and 7th for Jazz Jam. If you want a mellow blend of great old jazz standards, take a drive to the new entertainment district in Downtown Las Vegas. The Gents of Swing Friday consist of Larry on drums, Kevin De Acosta, keys and vocals and Tony Rose on upright bass. 703-433-8253. Take 1 707 Fremont St Las Vegas NV.

Wild Wrice and Friends play Sundays at Take 1 for a jazz brunch from 1pm to 5pm. Larry is on drums, Joe Darro, keys and vocals and Dick Straub on upright bass. Look for special friends to sit in.

National Speaker’s Ass’n Workshop (public welcome)

Sandra — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:36:27 +0000

This is a fabulous training opportunity for both professional speakers and those aspiring to be paid for doing what they love - talking in front of audiences. The Las Vegas National Speaker’s Association (NSA) holds mostly monthly workshops with top notch trainers and celebrities from the speaking circuit.

This Saturday at the Imperial Palace will be a “Secret Seminar” with two professionals helping give your career the boost it has been needing. Patricia Fripp will reveal Secret 1 with specific techniques to improve your techniques immediately and Dan Maddux will divulge Secret 2 - how to get hired to speak. The workshop is from 9am-4pm and cost includes lunch. Prepay is $177 for non-members and $127 at the door. Non-members are always welcome. Venue is the Imperial Palace Hotel on the Strip, 5th Floor. Go to nsalasvegas.com for more info and reserve your spot.

1st Annual Mesquite PowWow

Sandra — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:29:30 +0000

This was the age of the modern powwow, held indoors with electronic aids and Navajo taco fast food booths. The vivid and vibrant colors are certainly not the products of natural dyes and wild animal skins, but still the ancient rhythms reverberated throughout the massive hall and the heart and soul of an earnest peoples permeated every corner.

Open to the public, but definitely not a tourist event, this gathering of the tribes from as far away as Oklahoma and beyond was as authentically native American as you can get today.

The First Annual Mesquite PowWow last weekend at the Hotel Casablanca spanned generations of multiple tribes - tiny toddlers to Korean War Veterans in full regalia. They were dancing, singing, praying and, fascinating to me, honoring the American flag and the native American service to the country with whom they have had a long and painful history.

There were glorious processions with an array of color and design that simply dazzled the eyes. The beat of the massive drums with six drummers joining in throaty chorus that would strain the vocal chords of any normal man - a long, eerie, incredibly foreign incantation of sounds totally unnatural to my anglo ear. The male dancers leapt and soared and preened with feathers of every hue undulating in the wild dance of mysterious and powerful birds.

They came in their cars and vans and adorned themselves and their children in the parking lot, traveling long miles to convene with others of their spirit. They prayed in both English and haunting exotic tongues and processed to the song and drums of the Indian National Anthem.

There was a special honoring of those in wheelchairs and apologies about the $5 entry fee to the event, with promises of different arrangements next year.

Here is a people accustomed to suffering and sadness and here is a people determined to be proud and worthy, but also compassionate. I don’t know how many attendees are enjoying the new wealth of Indian casinos. I have no idea what percentage of the native American population is represented in these powwows that take place all over the US, but I felt privileged, if not a little like an intruder - to step inside their world for an afternoon.

In times long past the Pawnee, the Shawnee, the Cherokee, the Ute, the Pauite and others competed for land and resources - before the white man came and gave them a common enemy. Now their enemy is loss of culture and these powwows with their color and music connect their collective spirits and pass the traditions through new generations.

How odd it must be to gaze on the purple-tinged mountains around the oasis of Mesquite and know that all of this once belonged to them - that the land and the water and the trees and the birds, the sunrises and sunsets were their exclusive domain. They travel in large vans down modern highways and park in the lots of grand casinos built on their ancient hunting grounds.

Can they feel the connection with the earth that they espouse? Do they truly experience the thread of consciousness weaving its way back through time to ancient days when Mother Earth and the spirit world held dominion over Clark County? Are they amazed, confused, angry about the evolution of their world? I would be and I’d like to think I’d have some feathers and beads and learn an ancient tongue to keep my bloodline alive.

“Homeland Security - Fighting Terrorism Since 1492″

UNLV Spring Free Lecture Series - Italian Opera

Sandra — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:41:10 +0000

For all of you out there who feel you live in an intellectual, as well as geographical desert, take time to experience the oasis of the University Forum Lecture Series offered by UNLV. You can check out details at liberalarts.unlv.edu or call 702- 895-3401.

The University Forum is sponsored and funded by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts for the edification of the Las Vegas community. All events are free and open to the public, no reservation is necessary - just show up and enjoy. Lectures start at 7:30 pm. Venue is the Barrick Museum Auditorium, UNLV campus, Las Vegas NV.

Apr 02 - A Night at the Italian Opera The Pax Opera Company, Dominic Sabatino, ProducerApr 03 - Seeing Movies and Watching the Stars Dr Gregory Currie, Prof of Philosphy, Dean, Faculty of Arts, UNLV

Apr 10 - The Slow Food Movement in Las Vegas Robert Morris, Area Extension Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno

Apr 15 - Electronic Music, Art and Society Prof Craig T Walsh, School of Music, University of Arizona

Apr 17 - Recovering the Multi-Racial West: Racial Politics, Billy the Kid, and the Lincoln County War Prof. Jose Aranda Jr, Depts of English and Spanish, Rice University

Already happened:
Jan 31 - Abraham Lincoln and the Middle Ground of Illusion Prof. Mark A. Graber, Department of Government and Politics and the Law School, University of Maryland
Feb 14 - The Originary Hypothesis and the Scene of Human Origin Prof. Eric Gans, Dept of French and Francophone Studies, UCLA
Feb 22 - The Murals of San Bartolo, Guatemala: Early Maya Creation Myth and the Origins of Gods and Kings Prof. Karl A Taube, Dept of Anthropology, UC Riverside
Feb 27 - The Complexities of Supply and Demand: Intimacy, Sexual Labor, and Commerce Dr. Teela Sanders, School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds
Feb 29 - Venus and Cupid in Renaissance Art and Mythography John Mulryan, Distinguished Board of Trustees Professor, St Bonaventure University
Mar 04 - Writing the West: Three Well-Known Wordsmiths Discuss Their Craft William Kittredge, Author and co-producer of “A River Runs Through It, Annick Smith, Author and Founding Member of the Sundance Film Institute, Greer Chesher, Author of “Heart of the Desert Wild,” winner of the Utah Book Award for Non-fiction
Mar 13 - The Geometries of Fiction Prof Douglas Unger, Chair, Dept of English, UNLV

Caucus in precinct 5355 Las Vegas

Sandra — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:53:24 +0000

There was really no doubt from the very beginning who would take the majority of delegates from our local Democratic caucus at the Lesbian and Gay Club in the Commercial Center off Sahara and Maryland. Hillary T-shirts and buttons dominated, but Obama supporters were numerous if not subdued. The story was there from the beginning for anyone to see.

Smiles on the faces of Hillary supporters, largely an older, more affluent group with many women. The Obama camp was racially weighted, a younger set with a more blue-collar tinge. The handful of Edwards fans looked like displaced Midwestern suburbanites. The sole Kucinich voter stood with the same courage as his candidate and read a letter full of the spirit and vision of the Dennis who never backs down from his conviction. You have to admire a man for that, even though you might not support him for president of the United States.

The registering started at 11:00 am and was crowded and not a little confused. If you were a registered Democrat, your name appeared on a pre-printed list and you were given a sticker to place on your ballot. If you were registering to vote or changing party affiliation, you filled out a separate sheet with a unique number, completed your voter registration form and then received your ballot.

I re-registered from independent (non-affiliated) while the man before me and woman after me re-registered from Republican. It would be fascinating to see the number of voters switching their party loyalties for this election.

The group then moved into the actual caucus room where we head-counted ourselves to arrive at the number 93 who had showed that morning to stand literally for their candidate. Representatives of each candidate were given the opportunity to read a letter from the presidential hopeful. The mood was courteous and attentive and each candidate’s statement received applause. The Obama supporters had sandwiches which they graciously passed through the room. A change is so desirable and necessary for this group and each candidate spoke to core values of everyone in the room. This is really a matter of personality cult more than platform.

The next step was to break into preference groups known as “going to your candidate’s corner” and do a second head count: 49 for Clinton, 34 for Obama, 7 for Edwards, 3 for Kucinich and 0 for Gravel. The Edwards and Kucinich corners not being “viable,” meaning they lacked the required 15% support (14), they were given the choice of going over either to Clinton or Obama - or simply dropping out. Some went to Clinton, some to Obama. When you look at the political stance of the candidates, the logical second choice of an Edwards supporter should be Clinton, but there is no denying a “hate Hilary” factor which pushed some to the Obama camp.

There were two-sided ballots, one red and one blue. If your candidate was viable, you marked your choice on the 1st alignment blue ballot and handed that in for the count. If your candidate was not viable, you then marked your 2nd alignment choice on the red side and handed that in. The ballots were counted, the percentages calculated, and as I early predicted, Clinton came out of our caucus with 5 delegates to Obama’s 3.

The Obama and Clinton camp then selected that number of delegates to go the county caucus where the number will be further culled to attend the state caucus and finally 23 delegates will go to the National Convention in Denver to represent Nevada.

As I write this, CNN is announcing that Hillary Clinton and Mitt Romney have carried the state of Nevada. This race is fast becoming one between those two and I, for one, intend to do all I can to see that this country does not turn into a theocracy.

Brainstate Technologies Neurofeedback Demo

Sandra — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 17:39:16 +0000

Clay Pulley, a BST trainer with Brainstate Technologies of Scottsdale AZ, brings to Las Vegas the cutting edge neurofeedback called “brainstate conditioning” that balances the areas of your brain to achieve remarkable results in all areas of brain performance. Developed by a computer scientist, mathematician and psychologist, the technique involves mapping of the alpha, beta and delta wave lengths of brain activity and training the brain to achieve higher or lower levels of activity, depending on the balancing needs of the individual. Painless and non-intrusive, the process utilizes proprietary high-level computer programming to create sound patterns that reflect your brain activity and encourage your brain to re-train itself for maximum performance.

The technology is suited not only for those with mental health or learning issues like ADD, anxiety, panic attacks and depression, but also for those wishing simply to improve performance in their sales efforts or golf game.

Clay will be presenting this advanced technology Jan 30 6pm-8pm at Transformations. You can receive a Brain Map for only $25 ($125 value). For more info on brainstate conditioning, go to brainstatetech.com. Please RSVP @ 702-252-3502. Transformations A Healing Place 1725 S Rainbow Blvd #25 Las Vegas NV.

Caucuses Vegas Style

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:43:47 +0000

Jan 19 is the day when the whole country is looking at Nevada to see the outcome of that mysterious political process known as the caucus. Political junkies watched the Iowa version and were enthralled with the kind of grassroots, back room, push and pull political persuasion that goes into the caucus way of choosing delegates to the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

As those conventions have become utterly boring and without suspense - the Presidential candidate having long been decided by the nationwide parade of primary elections, these caucuses bring a little of the excitement back to the stage. Especially fever-pitched are the Democrats who slug it out until the supporters of the weakest candidates surrender their votes to the strongest.

I am a long time registered Independent (”decline to state” in California and “non-affiliated” in Nevada). But I was delighted to learn that I can participate in the Democratic caucus by showing up and re-registering as a Democrat on the spot. You can bet that I will be there at 11 am on Saturday, pumped up and ready to roll up my sleeves and do some old-fashioned politicking.

Single Malt Tasting at the Stirling Club

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:22:21 +0000

Tired of wine tastings? Not everybody is, I understand - but for myself, the single malt tasting at the Stirling Club last night was a marvelous diversion from the endless rounds of reds and whites available virtually any day of the week somewhere in the Las Vegas Valley.

Ed Kohl, North American Marketing Mgr of Signatory USA, was a professional presenter who led the group of fortunate 30 tasters through the intricacies of Scotch 101, specializing in that most delectable of human creations - the single malt Scotch whiskey. With the assistance of maps and an excellent slide show, the mainly male group was educated in the artisanal distillation and production process that creates the single malt and distinguishes it from the blended variety. A complex science and art form that transforms barley and cold water into that unique-flavored beverage known simply as “single Malt,” the industry is heavily regulated and steeped in tradition and culture.

On the tasting menu were:
Lowland 92 proof Bladnoch
Highland 80 proof Tullibardine
Highland 86 proof Edradour
Speyside 92 proof Glen Rothes
Island 92 proof Highland Park
a Pure Malt 86 proof Hog’s Head
Speyside Cask Strength 112 proof Macallan
Islay Cask Strength 114 proof Laphroaig

My favorites were the sherry-tinged and gentle Edradour, the classic Rolls Royce Macallan and that grand daddy of all hard core Scotch lovers Laphroaig. Kohl’s own blend of 2 single malts he calls Hog’s Head was wildly popular with the group. Signatory Vintage was offering very favorable discounts for the attendees with prices ranging from $32 bottle to $160.

I’m ready to get on a flight to Edinburgh, rent a car and head out to the moors to smell the heather and sample the native ware.

Chris Rock ‘n Roll Wine at Canyon Club

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:49:27 +0000

Join Las Vegas’ #1 Party Man Chris and his famed Rock ‘n Roll Wine Event at the Canyon Club on Fri Jan 25. This should be another of those magical nights only Chris creates. The Canyon Club at the Four Queens is one of the newest live music venues in town with an eclectic Rock ‘n Roll atmosphere.

DIRECTIONS: The Four Queens Hotel is located in Downtown Las Vegas with a self-parking garage entrance on Carson or Valet parking on the corner of Carson and 3rd St.

Tickets are $35 + tax prepay/$40 + tax at the door. Your ticket includes wine, live entertainment and your $10 Rock ‘n Roll Wine Buck Voucher redeemable at Lee’s Discount Liquors or Khoury’s Fine Wines. To reserve, call 702-240-3066 or email rsvp@rocknrollwine.com.

“Live” HD Met Opera in local movie theaters

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Participating Las Vegas theatres:
Regal Colonnade Stadium 14
Regal Village Square
Cinemark Orleans
Cinemark Sams Town
Cinemark Santa Fe Station

Coming Metropolitan Opera HD performances are:

Mar 15 & 16 - Peter Grimes (and encore)
Mar 22 & 23 - Tristan und Isolde (and encore)
Apr 5 & 6 - La Boheme (and encore)
Apr 26 & 27 - La Fille du Regiment (and encore)

Already presented:
New Year’s Day - Hansel & Gretel
Jan 12 - MacBeth
Feb 16 & 17 - Manon Lescaut

For more info about this and other special HD cinema events, go to fathomevents.com.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman conducts @ Ham Concert Hall

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:08:23 +0000

The UNLV Performing Arts Center presents a UNLV 50th Anniversary Celebration with violinist Itzhak Perlman conducting on Jan 26 @ 8pm. Perlman has the unique ability to combine classic artistry with a sense of humor and incredible connection with his audience. Venue is the Ham Concert Hall, UNLV campus Las Vegas.

Tickets are still available at $90/$60/$45 by calling the Performing Arts Box Office 702-895-2787 or going to pac.unlv.edu.

Nik at Nite back at Bootlegger’s

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:38:37 +0000

Nik “at Nite” Mastrangelo, the singing lawyer, will make a reprise appearance at the Bootlegger with the best of American and Italian popular song and jazz. He will perform with Larry Millonzi on keys, John Plows on drums, Steve Flora on bass, Gus Mancuso on baritone horn, and Tom Hall on Alto Sax & Flute Mar 28 from 9:30pm to 12:30am. The Bootlegger Bistro specializes in Old Vegas style entertainment, solid Italian cuisine and an intimate bar. Call for reservations 702-736-4939. Bootlegger Bistro 7700 Las Vegas Blvd So #1 Las Vegas NV.

Quantum Resonance System with Mony Vital

Sandra — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:22:18 +0000

Come explore a new paradigm based on advance quantum physics technology and revolutionary concepts in healing and anti-aging on Jan 23 & Feb 15 from 7pm-9:30pm. Entitled “Vital Energetic Balancing - Life Force Enhancement Program,” Mony Vital, Ph.D and author of “Ageless Living, Freedom from the Culture of Death” offers this free presentation as well as a free energetic evaluation chart, a $300 value.

Mony Vital is director and creator of Vital Energetic Balancing, a program that helps thousands of individuals around the world raise their life force and open up energetic blockages in their personal energetic matrix. The energetic evaluation chart shows the top 12 imbalanced frequencies in the body and reflects energy blockages or energy flow in the body.

For more info call 702-252-3502 or visit transformationsahealingplace.com. Venue is Transformations A Healing Place 1725 S Rainbow Blvd Las Vegas NV.

Meditation with Sri Lanka Buddhist Monk

Sandra — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:01:53 +0000

Entitled The Peaceful Mind - Awaken Your Inner Intelligence, this introductory meditation class features the practical instruction of meditation postures, mindful breathing, concentration and opening of your wisdom eye - all under the guidance of a Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk. Jan 12 4 pm -6pm. Donations of $15 are suggested. Pls RSVP 702-252-3502. Visit their website transformationsahealingplace.com. Transformations A Healing Place 1725 S Rainbow Ste 25 Las Vegas NV

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Sandra — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 11:52:12 +0000

The 24th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering sponsored by the Western Folklife Center in Elko NV will be held January 26 through February 2.

In the words of their website, “At the Gathering, we encourage kinship with all fellow beings, whether two-legged or four-legged, that call this region home; and we encourage better understanding of the language of horse culture and the land that nurtures this way of life.”

This year’s event will welcome for the first time guests with Mexican heritage, with special look at vaquero tradition from the northwestern states of Sonora and Sinaloa.

Poetry is the highlight of the event, but also look for dancing, films, music, theater and how-to programs on everything from cowboy cooking to making a halter for your horse.

Tickets and information are available at westernfolklife.org, You can also call 888-880-5885 ext 239.

Splender in the Glass Vegas PBS Fundraiser

Sandra — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:13:57 +0000

Sample excellent wine and beer and help public TV on Jan 19 from 3pm-7pm at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Your favorite local PBS station Vegas PBS (Channel 10) will hold a benefit wine and beer tasting with 65 wineries and breweries, a live wine auction, a silent auction, and live jazz. Tickets are $60 advance/$80 at the door. You must be 21 years old. For advance ticket purchase and more info go to klvx.org, call 702-799-1010 ext 5428 or drop by Vegas PBS, Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits, Las Vegas Wine Co and Lee’s Discount Liquor. Las Vegas Hilton 3000 Paradise Rd Las Vegas NV www.lvhilton.com

Free Big Screen Star Viewing in Tecopa CA

Sandra — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:00:49 +0000

The public is invited to a free star viewing party in Tecopa Hot Springs Resort CA with the special attraction of telescope viewing on a 60-inch screen. View deep space objects and galaxies with narration. The show starts after dark and features good music, campfire and warm food. Bring chairs, blankets and wood. Tecopa is about 80 miles west of Las Vegas on the edge of Death Valley. For more information call 760-852-4420 or visit the website tecopahotsprings.org.

They are hooked up with a webcast on astrochannels.com, a site you should definitely checkout if universe gazing is your thing.

Dinosaurs Alive!

Sandra — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 22:06:13 +0000

What kid isn’t fascinated by dinosaurs and who of us didn’t spend time in our childhood memorizing those long complicated names and relishing tidbits of trivia about size, speed and mealtime preference of our favorite exotic breed of “terrible lizard?”

Walking with Dinosaurs comes to the Thomas & Mack Jan 9-13 with several shows per day. Ticket prices go from $30.50-$72.50 with military discounts of $10 on some shows. Call 702-729-FANS for tickets or go online at UNLVtickets.com. Thomas & Mack Center UNLV campus 4505 S Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas NV.