Sazzy and I had a date night last night.  We headed over to the Luxor to see the  “Fantasy” (think: Topless show).  Fantasy aka Midnight Fantasy has been going on in one form or another for over ten years!!

The newest version is lead by Playboy model, actress, pin-up girl, and all around hottie Angelica Bridges. That alone is almost worth the ticket price…  She is the ring-mistress of the evening.  Keeping the show moving with her sultry singing, dancing, toying with the audience members, staying barely dressed and introducing the various dance numbers and dancers.

Now before the Chip-N-Dale Magnet slaps the “pig” label on me for taking her daughter to a T&A show, let me say we were not the only couple there.  This is a classy show and the audience was pretty good mix of almost everything adult.

A mix of men, women, couples, young, middle aged and old.  Seriously, there was a great mix of people.  Even two elderly gents who seemed to be out of the nursing home on an evening pass for the first time in years…

I love the Atrium Theater for its intimate feel.  It only seats 350 people and its design puts you up close and personal to the stage. So close, you could smell the perfume.  I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. Perfect for this kind of show.

Normally when you think Vegas topless show, you probably think ear blasting bad music, cheesy lighting and some over the hill, former strippers who need more than a lift job.  With Fantasy, you would be 1000% wrong on all four counts.

At Fantasy, you get kick ass choreography, music that makes sense that’s not rattling the walls.  With nine of the hottest women on the Vegas Strip dancing, teasing and tormenting into the night.

Are they all Barbie knock-offs?  Heck no. You have eight gorgeous dancers of various body types, heights, hair colors and ethnicity dancing alone and in groups, through various typical male fantasies.  There is something there for just about anyone’s taste.

They have a great way to start the show.  The show starts off with a video of the girls primping for their calendar shoot.  Than as the screen lifts up, you are at the start of the first fantasy… A lingerie-clad female lounging in bed with a few of her hottest girlfriends.

From there, they went into the gorgeous secretary, the “save a horse, ride a cowboy” (just the way it should have been done in the first place) and the all time favorite of the male world …  Cheerleaders doing more than cheering from the sidelines… (If they danced like that in real life, I might actually watch Monday Night Football)  Plus a few other sexy numbers…

Angelica Bridges does a great job orchestrating the night.  But, she does get some help from comedian Sean Cooper.

At first, I wasn’t too hip on this.  I hate that they always have to ruin a great visual buffet with some lame comic while the girls take a much-needed breather.  But, I was wrong with Sean.

He started with a really delusional impression of James Brown that turned into a series of great impressions of Sammy Davis Jr., Tina Turner and of course, Michael Jackson. The man has great timing and talent to keep you laughing and moving the show along.

All in all, “Fantasy” is what the other Topless Reviews wished they could be.  An erotic, sexy and sultry show that celebrates the female form.

If you are looking for a classy adult show, this is it.

Tickets to Fantasy
See it at Luxor Resort
Starts 10:30 Nightly

My view of most celebrity tribute shows (celebrity impersonation) is very low.  The show is usually filled with hacks who were once told that they sound/look like so-and-so.  So they head to the land of impersonations, Las Vegas.  To make a career out of it. They are usually backed by equally unimpressive guys with instruments trying to be real musicians playing around ex-strippers trying to be real dancers.

Ok, so now you know my thoughts as I entered Harrah’s to see Legends in Concert. Let me say two things up front; they need to shoot the sound engineer and there is a reason this show has been around twenty-five years.  Wow…  The Talent.  You need to see this show!

First up was Jerry lee Lewis (Lance Lipinsky).  “The Killer” and he nailed the energy, the vibe and the feel of the man himself. Watching him, you understood the reason Jerry Lee had that name attached to him.

As he played, the two giant screens on either side of the stage showed clips of the real Jerry Lee playing the song currently being performed on stage with cutbacks to the show we were watching.  And the dude can play the piano like the man himself. If he was the only act to perform, you would be happy to stay and watch…

At one point, he stopped to talk to the audience while still in character.  Joking with the audience and informing the younger people in the audience not to be afraid of what was on stage. Those things the men were holding are called instruments and that’s how music used to be made!

He had me hooked.  If this was the opening act, the rest of the show is going to blow me away and I would have to rethink my views on tribute shows.  Unfortunately the next act almost killed the momentum.

Tina Turner.  This is when I realized that the sound engineer needs to be taken out back and shot.  Not that he could do anything to improve this hack of a performer, but that he needs to know where the bass knob is on the sound board and turn it down.  I think the thumping sound was heavy enough to set off my car alarm in the parking lot.

Tina was the weak spot of the entire cast.  Not convincing in sound, looks or mannerisms.  Her voice.. eeeuuu.  Worse than anything I ever heard come from the real Tina Turner.  Thankfully the band and the talented dancers helped make it bearable.

From there the show went to Bette Midler.  Pretty darn close in mannerisms and voice.  Of all the Bette imitators I have seen, this one ranks at the top.  It was also fun to see the clips of the real Bette through the years on the big screens as we watched the tribute unfold.

Now we come to the shocker of the evening.  Michael Jackson (Damian Brantley).  Not shocking that he was in the show, but shocking that the impersonator was the first I had ever seen that did justice to the Talent of Michael Jackson.  Everyone, including me, forgets that he did have some amazing musical talent.

Every other MK impersonation you see plays off his weird looks and his habits, leaving the signing talent to someone else.  Not this guy.  He shows off the voice and the overall talent that Michael really had.  I think even the most critical fans of MK would see this performance and walk away with a different view of “the King of Pop.”

Closing out the show was “the King” Elvis Presley. He was good as Elvis impersonators go.  I just never heard Elvis with a slight lisp.  He’s not Big Elvis, but he did a very respectable job as Elvis in his early years.

With a final twist, he recreated Elvis’ opening up in Vegas, complete with the larger than life lighted “Elvis” marquee in the background and a quick change in the infamous white sequined jumpsuit.  What did you expect from an Elvis impersonator in Vegas??

I will give him bonus points for changing the words to Love Me Tender, to be something of a cheesy pick-up line he used with a female member of the audience.  Calling her his Priscilla and asking for her room number!  That was pretty original.

That led up to the grand finale with all coming on stage to do a medley of rock hits one at a time.  Complete with the dancers and band members taking their turn in the spotlight.

Did I mention the supporting cast?  Yes, the normally cheesy, sexy dancers, seeking a pole to dance with?  Not here.  Nope.  Just as impressive as the headlining talent, the dancers were in a league by themselves.  Always sexy in a very classy manner and always right on cue.

Like I said, this show will change how you think of tribute shows.  The talent filled the stage in all areas (except Tina) including the band.  The band didn’t look like a bunch of guys that would hang out together after the gig, but they were talented enough to know they were performing as a group and perform they did.

With the talent on the stage and the screens on either sides giving you glimpses of the stage as well as the performing being impersonated, you would be best to sit further back and center in the theater.  Get the full impact of the show.

As one who has survived way too many “tribute” shows, let me say this one will change your thinking.  It did mine.

Tickets and info to Legends in Concert

Do you need a reason as to why foreign corporations should never be allowed to own casinos?  The Plaza would be the poster child for the argument against ownership.

The recent remodel of the buffet is a perfect example of wasted opportunities.  The previous 777 Buffet was pathetic.  Its replacement is called “Stuffed” and is a middle of the road… a not too bad but, not too good buffet.  The high marks are ripped apart by the low marks.

First off, the prices were raised about five dollars, in exchange for a better atmosphere and more selection of food.

However, you first have to pay for the meal before entering.  This appeared to be a challenge for the staff…  dinner starts at 4pm, so the line starts at about 3:45pm.  At 4:05pm they decide to bring out the cash drawer, and then they have to sign in.  They take the money from one customer, and then they have to stop to take the cash drawer out because they are changing cashiers.  The new cashier signs in and serves two customers before they decide to stop, take the drawer out and put it into the other cash register so they have two open. Are you following this logic??

Thankfully we were next in line.  Paying by credit card gave the clerk a scare, and the printer wasn’t really working.  She had the nerve to ask if we wanted to add a tip to the bill.  Hey, give us some service first before you start panhandling, okay??

We are hustled to a table and left alone.  This is pretty much self service buffet. More than usual, including getting your own drinks and anything else you may need.

Okay, they did raise the prices and in exchange you get a better atmosphere than before.  Everything is now in the same room, the walls actually look like real walls with real lights, and the tables actually match without warbling as much as before.

The staff; well half were thankful to be employed and happy to have a job.  They smiled and were friendly.  The other half were grumpy and growly.  Probably wishing all these people would stop coming in so they can be unemployed like 15% of their friends.  There was no in between.

The Plaza caters heavily to the Midwestern gamblers junket.  On this part they got it right.  The food was pretty much Midwestern food.  Corn, fried chicken, etc…   It had plenty of variety and all was warm and tasty, something for just about everybody.

Tonight’s special was steak and peel and eat shrimp.  Being Midwest fare and being Sunday, they must have gotten in a fresh batch of steaks from the Red Wing shoe factory.

Mine was a size ten and the PA got two that were a size three.  They were actually pretty tasty for what it was suppose to be.    Didn’t know my favorite hiking boots had such flavor to them when cooked.

So the food was satisfying and that helped save us from the horrible beginning.  But, the final insult was the desert area…  Please see the photo.  Yeah, that’s it.  A Pepsi cooler with three shelves… two had the same thing on them and the third was mix of finger foods.  And you guys all know the Dessert Queen… She was not impressed…  Insulted would be a better word…..

We left….  That’s all I can say about that….  Not a pretty sight….

Will wonders ever cease?  A fan of the Podcast asked about the Gold Spike and I said it had been rehabilitated, cleaned up, fumigated and now back open for business.  A few of you scoffed at me when you heard that.

The Gold Spike was a downtown hole in the wall, smoke filled  joint with a flophouse making out like a hotel on top.  It was known for its cheap beer, cheaper women and the encouragement of chain smoking.  I am pretty sure it was also used as a test chamber for the effects of third hand smoke.  Anyone within 50 feet of the front entrance had a pretty good shot at catching something.

Well, like I said on the podcast that those days are gone.  Last year a brave soul stepped forward and bought the place.  Paid a pretty penny for it too!  The new owner, Stephen Siegel is serious about transforming the Gold Spike into a boutique and classy little joint.  And is on his way to proving that point.

.

Just to prove the point,  I walked into the place and  could actually see more than five feet in front of me.  Look at the pictures… It’s a clean and shiny place with friendly people. Really! Almost like a new joint.

Trust me, this wasn’t just a duct tape and bleach redo like some other joints.  Nope.  This was a strip’em to the walls and floor and start over type pf clean up.  They aren’t really done with it all, they still have some work left on it.  But what a difference it makes so far.

Now if they would only do something with that other problem child next door, the Lady Luck… That’s the new eyesore!

This is just an awesome show. With everything changing so fast in this business, this is where we go to catch up and keep up. Workshops, speakers, training and of course, schmoozing.

But, the highlight of the event is the fact that we get to be up close and personal with your favorite porn stars, get their autographs and pictures. Plus we wander around the exhibit area to see, touch, and explore what’s new in Adult entertainment, technology, and toys.

The first part of the day is open only to select media, exhibitors and those in the Adult entertainment business. This gives everyone some one on one without any of the craziness of the fans or the parties.

Come afternoon, all bets are off as the doors fly open to the fans. This is when you, the paying public can come in and see it all. And I mean ALL… From the stars dressed in … well usually not much of anything, posing for your pleasure, to the newest toys and technology. It’s an amazing adventure.

This is also a great time for you to meet the people behind the scenes. The webmasters, producers, and content providers. They are all there and wanting to talk to you. Hear what you want, like and don’t like. See what they have planned for the coming year.

Than it all caps off on the last night. The Awards night. The Adult Video News Awards Show. Think of it like the Oscars for Porn!! And like the ones you see on regular television, there is an award for just about everything sexual related. Really…

The interesting thing is that this mild mannered convention (not really) happens at the same exact time as another major convention is in town. The Consumer Electronics Show, which is the largest convention Vegas holds every year.

Las Vegas will get a bit crazy between January 9 and the 11 and we will be here to keep you posted and update to date with the greatest in technology, toys and porn!

Daily Show Tickets

Awards Show Tickets

This year they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the NFR,  23 of those years in Las Vegas…  We would sell you tickets, but this event usually sells out shortly after the current year ends.  That’s over 17,000 fans each night and giving the city a $60 million dollars non gaming kick in the pants!

Now if you are wondering where your favorite country act is right now, they are probabaly in some showroom in or near Las Vegas…  They all seem to show up in Vegas for the NFR

It was a battle of the youths…  And the younger man won… Peter Eastgate, the 22 year old Danish poker pro beat out Russian Ivan Demidov after about 4.5 hours of play at the final table on Monday night.

Eastgate becomes the youngest person ever to win the SWorld Series of Poker. Taking home over $9 million in winnings and of course, the bracelet!

And buy they did.  Holy Cow!! Over $29 million dollars changed hands over the three day event at the Mandalay Bay Events center.  Classic, custom and collector cars plus tons of memorabilia.

Seven cars were sold for various charities totaling over $655,000 at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas, including $150,000 for the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Limited Edition Shelby GT. This rare Mustang was signed by the host and judges of “American Idol” and all proceeds from the sale benefited The Lili Claire Foundation.

Additional charity vehicles included a 2006 custom Ford Mustang, that was modified on ESPN2’s “Car Wars With Funkmaster Flex”, that went for $300,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and a 2007 Dodge Charger raced by NASCAR star Kurt Busch for $85,000. In 2008, Barrett-Jackson has raised over $6.7 million for charities.

The top ten cars sold in Las Vegas include:

* 1949 MG TC – $313,500 (Lot #819)
* 2006 Ford Mustang GT – $300,000 (Lot #774.4)
* 2003 Saleen S7 – $260,700 (Lot #805.1)
* 1954 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn – $225,500 (Lot #794)
* 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $214,500 (Lot #803.1)
* 1962 Lincoln Continental – $209,000 (Lot #812)
* 1938 Packard Victoria – $209,000 (Lot #801)
* 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – $205,700 (Lot #816)
* 1970 Plymouth HEMI ‘Cuda – $187,000 (Lot #804.2)
* 1958 Chevrolet Corvette – $187,000 (Lot #788)

Barrett-Jackson Website

Look for details of next year’s events soon…

After attending the 2008 Police K9 Trials, I feel much safer today than I did a week ago. The Henderson Police Department K9′s took home some of the honors.

I tell you ,watching these dogs was amazing. I mean they team work that goes into a K9 unit. the police officer and his partner are life long friends.

But what amazed me most while watching the teams go through their paces was the fact that people actually challenge these four legged police officers. Really!!

Hey, that dog runs faster than any man on earth. Is friendly until threatened or ordered to chase. Than nothing can stop them from brining the bad guy to the ground.

Standing 100 feet away, you could here the dogs teeth sinking into the padded arm of the catcher. You could hear it!! Plus watch as the force of the moving dog caused the bad guy to spin around.

Once they attach themselves to you, its like trying to get rid of a bad date from hell. He ain’t going anywhere until he knows you are no longer a harm.

Absolutely amazing… That and the fact that most of these dogs have their own baseball style trading cards.. Now thats cool!

emtn