Tis sad, the largest building project in the world, the 9 billion dollar Las Vegas City Center, an MGM Mirage and Dubai World extravaganza geared to spiff up a becoming tawdry strip, may be doomed to bankruptcy. The economy is hurting corporations that own Vegas now. However, corporations run Vegas on spread sheet checks and balances - casino employees use business etiquette. If "the Boys" maned the tables, we'd see gamblers loyalty. Steady gamblers were 'family" before the 80's. Families stick together when times are tough and Vegas regulars - little fish or gigunda whales - would be loyal to their adopted Vegas uncles and come home when times are tough.
Corporations courted penurious engineers who attended tech conventions and went to sleep at 9. They invited families with toddlers that left strollers in the way of perspiring gamblers rushing to the sound of a hot streak at a crap table. Corporations think like corporations. This surprising Las Vegas Pearl Harbor blow never would have happened if "The Boys" were protecting the "family business.".
They took a risk in the 1930's on Bugsy Segal's Flamingo Hotel extravaganza - a gold mine in the middle of the desert - that laid the foundation of impeccable hospitality and reckless generosity to gamblers and created the miracle that became Las Vegas.
After corporations took over Las Vegas hospitality things really changed from warm to cool. Pre 1980's corporate takeover of hotel-casinos, you gambled without calculating how-many-hours you stayed at a machine or stood at a table. True, you had to meet casino bosses expectations. However, they never made you conscious of it. It's not that way now.
The Boys" seemed to nurture, comfort and ply you with gifts anyway you played - as long as you stayed more than three days and returned and returned. They commiserated with you if you were losing...suggested you go home and return at another time - presumably when your luck would be better . If you were winning, they sent Dom Perignon your rooms and made sure you celebrated. As long as you came home to them regularly, knowing that the house always wins in the long run - no matter how they got your money, you were treated like family.
Tis sad...If the 9 billion dollar City Center - a complex of hotels, shops, condos, casinos...bling and glitz - .must fail, it will hurt 8,500 construction workers - 10,000 permanent workers and collapse the city "The Boys" built. The original Las Vegas investors have critics too - as well as supporters like me. However, think them "good people" or "no-so-good-people". I cannot believe "The Boys" would lose their classy "cool" or their protective brand of checks and balances or their visionary talents and let Vegas sink to this embarrassing level.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
TEEN OR SENIOR DRINKIN' GOOD RULES FOR NOT DRIVIN' DIRTY
Thinkin' and drinkin' in this confusing era is becoming a nasty habit. Thinkin' about Obama's urging us to spend money now and save it later just rattles my dwindling savings and boggles my mind. He makes intellectual sense. My emotions do not compute. Gotta' create a better habit.
The answers to doing the "right thing" are fuzzy enough without a drink. With a drink, I remember reading that a cat made a miracle: survived five weeks buried under fallen concrete. I imagine that if a cat survived five weeks and solved it's problems, I can find a way to surface too.
Living alone makes it too easy to drink alone. There are many reasons why - young or old - that's not a good idea. So, after my basic tenet, never drive when drinking, is my promise to me to think sober and drink with company.
Into correcting a bad habit, solving problems before I create them and thinkin' safe, now I'm on a roll with safety nets for drinkin' in general and particularly in this emotionally challenging economy.
My rules for "Drinkin' Good" are on the frig for easy reference. If you're into thinkin' and drinkin' - visualizing the worst scenario and writing act three before you live act one...
Ground rules: never drink and drive.
never drink alone.
never drink depressed.
6 Steps to being a "Good Drinker."
1. Prepare to drink by drinking water before and after to avoid dehydration.
2. Know how you're going to get home.
3. Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know.
3. Sip...don't guzzle.
4. Don't allow people to refill your glass=you won't know how-much you're consuming.
5. Avoid salty foods but, be sure to eat.
Only 5 rules when I know I have 6??? Was I drinkin' while I was thinkin'?
The answers to doing the "right thing" are fuzzy enough without a drink. With a drink, I remember reading that a cat made a miracle: survived five weeks buried under fallen concrete. I imagine that if a cat survived five weeks and solved it's problems, I can find a way to surface too.
Living alone makes it too easy to drink alone. There are many reasons why - young or old - that's not a good idea. So, after my basic tenet, never drive when drinking, is my promise to me to think sober and drink with company.
Into correcting a bad habit, solving problems before I create them and thinkin' safe, now I'm on a roll with safety nets for drinkin' in general and particularly in this emotionally challenging economy.
My rules for "Drinkin' Good" are on the frig for easy reference. If you're into thinkin' and drinkin' - visualizing the worst scenario and writing act three before you live act one...
Ground rules: never drink and drive.
never drink alone.
never drink depressed.
6 Steps to being a "Good Drinker."
1. Prepare to drink by drinking water before and after to avoid dehydration.
2. Know how you're going to get home.
3. Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know.
3. Sip...don't guzzle.
4. Don't allow people to refill your glass=you won't know how-much you're consuming.
5. Avoid salty foods but, be sure to eat.
Only 5 rules when I know I have 6??? Was I drinkin' while I was thinkin'?
Monday, April 6, 2009
MEDITATING ENERGY-SUCKING STRESS AWAY WITH THE BEATLES METHODMANIA
So good to know that Paul Mccartney and Ringo Starr, the Fab Two - with good humor, upstage each other today just as they did when they were two of the 'Fab Four." The two remaining Beatles performed at a Radio City Music Hall concert to fund their Transcendental Meditation charity for teaching the TM relaxation techniques to school children and if their youthful, enthusiastic, abilities are enhanced by their thirty plus years of TM practice, I'm off to learn to relax stressful tensions at will, and buy a meditation rug.
Back in the 1960's, only the wealthy or those who cared little for money went to India to study as did the Beatles. In the 60's and 70's the enlightened were meditating four times a day for twenty-five minutes and positioned, following the rotation of the earth. Since the Beatles embraced TM, their encouragement and the changing times have brought many forms of meditation into conventional use.
TM is one form of relaxation technique based in the joyful attitude of the Yogi founder of The International Meditation Society. He found the Beatles or the Beatle found him...no matter. The Beatles opened the door for Tai Chi learning and practice to ease Parkinson's. "Mommy Meditation" for stressful juggling as taught by Dr. Malika Marshall. Learning and practicing all forms of relaxation techniques - meditation techniques that focus on beautiful, colorful Indian mandalas, intricate, all over beige, Native American sand paintings and Silva Mind Control's mentally visualizing a peaceful place of relaxation and counting from ten to one backwards repeating Emile Coue's, "Every day, in every way, feeling better and better." to return to face activity without stress, in the hectic pace of the material world.
Even Barack Obama visited Fairfield, Iowa when electioneering...a town that drew 30,000 TM followers years ago and made his speech facing the sun - to the chagrin of media photographers - in keeping with the TM practice of following the earth's rotation. Today, positive motivators abound. Be it sitting still with TM or listening to Louise Hay's 'How to Heal Your Life" tapes or checking your alpha rhythms with biorhythm machines in doctor's offices...there's a method that can be comfortable for everyone.
In these times of dwindling savings, home foreclosures and job loss - worry can put the best of genes to the test - you might want to investigate meditation as the tool that sends your emotionally-induced, energy-sucking stress away and increases your ability to sort priorities appropriately and as a result, make practical choices.
Back in the 1960's, only the wealthy or those who cared little for money went to India to study as did the Beatles. In the 60's and 70's the enlightened were meditating four times a day for twenty-five minutes and positioned, following the rotation of the earth. Since the Beatles embraced TM, their encouragement and the changing times have brought many forms of meditation into conventional use.
TM is one form of relaxation technique based in the joyful attitude of the Yogi founder of The International Meditation Society. He found the Beatles or the Beatle found him...no matter. The Beatles opened the door for Tai Chi learning and practice to ease Parkinson's. "Mommy Meditation" for stressful juggling as taught by Dr. Malika Marshall. Learning and practicing all forms of relaxation techniques - meditation techniques that focus on beautiful, colorful Indian mandalas, intricate, all over beige, Native American sand paintings and Silva Mind Control's mentally visualizing a peaceful place of relaxation and counting from ten to one backwards repeating Emile Coue's, "Every day, in every way, feeling better and better." to return to face activity without stress, in the hectic pace of the material world.
Even Barack Obama visited Fairfield, Iowa when electioneering...a town that drew 30,000 TM followers years ago and made his speech facing the sun - to the chagrin of media photographers - in keeping with the TM practice of following the earth's rotation. Today, positive motivators abound. Be it sitting still with TM or listening to Louise Hay's 'How to Heal Your Life" tapes or checking your alpha rhythms with biorhythm machines in doctor's offices...there's a method that can be comfortable for everyone.
In these times of dwindling savings, home foreclosures and job loss - worry can put the best of genes to the test - you might want to investigate meditation as the tool that sends your emotionally-induced, energy-sucking stress away and increases your ability to sort priorities appropriately and as a result, make practical choices.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
IS OBAMA'S "TRUTH-SPEAK" BRASH?
Following President Obama's G20 London appearance and speeches, I thought back to my days as Great Britain's Mirror Group newspapers "American Numerologist" introducing the national lottery. Months of daily articles and pictures and TV, radio and super market openings...I spoke to media and audiences off-the-cuff" a lot. My appearances weren't scripted by the newspaper pundits. They let me have a go at it, create a stir and bashed my "truth-speak" appearances later. I made news. What I said and how i said it was deemed "brash" and "so American." Everyone I met was friendly and approving. Assuming in the American-way, what I saw was what I was getting. I never got it. I never imagined. "What are they really thinking?"
All I did was look people in the eye, be natural and tell the truth. Did I touch anyone? I'm not a "get-into-your-space" type. Neither is Obama as witnessed by his recoiling when being introduced to French President Sarkozy's wife, she leaned in and tried to kiss him. Should Obama have known that that's the way of the French and accepted the smooch and "done the right thing?" The diplomatic way is to make the other guy comfortable...no matter what blunder they commit! Was he rude or brash when he commented he was a married man and didn't do that.
Obama's "truth-speak" of problems between USA and European countries must have caused more reaction than met they eye. That the Queen not only allowed Michelle Obama to put her arm around her waist but reciprocated is proof of the European training and ability to publicly appear pleased when in reality, they are often disdainful of the naivete and lack of veils when with Americans. However, everyone wanted a picture with Obama - he makes news.
Overtly complimentary worldwide dignitaries may be thinking he's naive, brash...rushing change. Europeans have diplomatic layers of showing one face to the world and another in their home office. The new kid on the block, Obama, deserves points for trying to "truth-speak" and save time. Obama wants to bypass the fur boa fluff and get to the solutions. In "truth-speak", Obama got a feather. I wonder, what are they're really thinking?
All I did was look people in the eye, be natural and tell the truth. Did I touch anyone? I'm not a "get-into-your-space" type. Neither is Obama as witnessed by his recoiling when being introduced to French President Sarkozy's wife, she leaned in and tried to kiss him. Should Obama have known that that's the way of the French and accepted the smooch and "done the right thing?" The diplomatic way is to make the other guy comfortable...no matter what blunder they commit! Was he rude or brash when he commented he was a married man and didn't do that.
Obama's "truth-speak" of problems between USA and European countries must have caused more reaction than met they eye. That the Queen not only allowed Michelle Obama to put her arm around her waist but reciprocated is proof of the European training and ability to publicly appear pleased when in reality, they are often disdainful of the naivete and lack of veils when with Americans. However, everyone wanted a picture with Obama - he makes news.
Overtly complimentary worldwide dignitaries may be thinking he's naive, brash...rushing change. Europeans have diplomatic layers of showing one face to the world and another in their home office. The new kid on the block, Obama, deserves points for trying to "truth-speak" and save time. Obama wants to bypass the fur boa fluff and get to the solutions. In "truth-speak", Obama got a feather. I wonder, what are they're really thinking?
Friday, April 3, 2009
NUMEROLOGIST STRESSES COOPERATION AND DIPLOMACY
President Obama's trip to the G20 Summit, is living true to the #2 Universal Year of forming partnerships, diplomatic communication, cooperation, shows of humility and petty issues causing stressful delays. To see France's President Sarkozy get chummy with our Pres was a numerologists #2 Universal Year idea of heaven. Had France's Pres chose to balk at forming a personal relationship with Obama, - and there was a good chance he would - Obama would have had delaying setbacks.
In April, numerology's #6 Universal Month, the focus is on balancing relationships, home improvement and family-neighborhood concerns. Middle income families, with solid jobs, are buying up foreclosed bargains. Although it's sad to know that others suffered the loss of a home prior to the purchase, let's hope banks recognize the frugal middle class that saved money to put down 20%, realize the $8000. tax benefit and are building their secure foundation for a dreamed-about, happier future.
Combining 2009's #2 Universal Year influence with April's #6 Universal Month's vibrations we're diplomatically, detailing plans and forming one-to-one relationships that require time and polite familiarity in order to gel with trust and grow to optimism.
In April, numerology's #6 Universal Month, the focus is on balancing relationships, home improvement and family-neighborhood concerns. Middle income families, with solid jobs, are buying up foreclosed bargains. Although it's sad to know that others suffered the loss of a home prior to the purchase, let's hope banks recognize the frugal middle class that saved money to put down 20%, realize the $8000. tax benefit and are building their secure foundation for a dreamed-about, happier future.
Combining 2009's #2 Universal Year influence with April's #6 Universal Month's vibrations we're diplomatically, detailing plans and forming one-to-one relationships that require time and polite familiarity in order to gel with trust and grow to optimism.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
LET'S CAPITOLIZE ON MICHELLE'S COMMITMENT TO "MADE IN AMERICA" FASHIONS
So she touched the Queen...uh...uh...the Queen touched her first! Now that we know protocol was not breached and our First Lady can do no wrong...
...and her brand of fashion is as big a topic in London today as the world economic G-20 summit. Don't we need to capitolize and start "Made for Michelle in the USA" fashion outlets in London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Berlin?
Interesting that the Brits have just opened a four floor, block square TOPSHOP retail clothing and accessory outlet in New York City's SOHO district. The Brits have joined the hoard of popular Japanese boutiques that dot Soho's winding streets.
TOPSHOP features lots of feathered skirts, $80. affordable blue jeans and $200. bloused tops. jewelry, purses, scarves, belts -= all Impulse-purchase items intermixed with dresses and pants. Although, American manufacturers feature Michelle's sleeveless dress and cardigan-over-tube skirt styles, the Brits are blending easy, cute, high fashion at medium prices and selling them here.
With Isaac Mizrahi designing and updating the fuddy-duddy, medium-priced Liz Claiborne label...power-suit, Talbots copying last season's Prada style at mass-market prices and tailored, Ann Taylor in the mix, since, the world is watching and copying the mix and match colorful, jeweled,cardigan over straight,slit skirt "Michelle-O" look, maybe we need to be opening "Michelle-Wear", sleeveless shops and selling our American-made, First Lady style worldwide too.
...and her brand of fashion is as big a topic in London today as the world economic G-20 summit. Don't we need to capitolize and start "Made for Michelle in the USA" fashion outlets in London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Berlin?
Interesting that the Brits have just opened a four floor, block square TOPSHOP retail clothing and accessory outlet in New York City's SOHO district. The Brits have joined the hoard of popular Japanese boutiques that dot Soho's winding streets.
TOPSHOP features lots of feathered skirts, $80. affordable blue jeans and $200. bloused tops. jewelry, purses, scarves, belts -= all Impulse-purchase items intermixed with dresses and pants. Although, American manufacturers feature Michelle's sleeveless dress and cardigan-over-tube skirt styles, the Brits are blending easy, cute, high fashion at medium prices and selling them here.
With Isaac Mizrahi designing and updating the fuddy-duddy, medium-priced Liz Claiborne label...power-suit, Talbots copying last season's Prada style at mass-market prices and tailored, Ann Taylor in the mix, since, the world is watching and copying the mix and match colorful, jeweled,cardigan over straight,slit skirt "Michelle-O" look, maybe we need to be opening "Michelle-Wear", sleeveless shops and selling our American-made, First Lady style worldwide too.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
NO JOKE - HAD A VISIT FROM A WORM
The Dow Jones went up 50%...HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY! That's a joke! It wasn't funny when I couldn't stop a pop-up that screamed my computed was infected with worms and viruses, that I picked up on my daily visit to myspace.com the other day.
Warnings abound - "this could happen to you " when it happened, at first i didn't get it. The pop-up was a security system warning report that showed that I had multiple viruses and worms. It had a Microsoft page top - it seemed to be a Microsoft product. I thought it was legit. It asked me if I wanted to erase or quarantine the nasty critters, I clicked the button and was sent to a MasterCard-Visa screen to pay for the security program.
Then I realized that I was a victim. So, found the program in my "programs" on "My Computer", and deleted it. Then I deleted the icon it had put on my desktop. And figured, that was that. Wrong! It continued the pop-ups indicating multiple viruses and worms infected my computer. The little icon on the right-bottom of my desktop would not go away.
Now I am starting to panic...so, I went to the Cox Free McAfee spy-ware program and set it to the "big" scan...and should have gone to sleep 'cause this process took over six hours and it was worth every minute. McAfee indicated that I was"clean" and since I'm a bit paranoid, I set my Ad-Aware program scanning till that showed I was virus free.
After a while, the bad-guy-security-system-small icon - on the bottom right of my desktop screen disappeared and I vowed never to travel the Internet carelessly. I will read the http:// address atop the page top be sure it's the address i entered. That was the problem with myspace.com.
I realized that I had myspace.com in my "favorites" and did an automatic click and didn't pay attention when I noted the different address - just goofed it off. What a blunder! The address I was sent to wasn't myspace.com - It was ca.myspace.com.
Under the impression that my computer would let me know I had serious problems by crashing, I wasn't on top of watching for slowdowns, pop-ups that won't go away, being sent to sites I did not intend to visit and noting search results that were not normal. Well, it's APRIL FOOL'S DAY and although every one's playing tricks today - this is for-real - and , I'm not laughing.
Warnings abound - "this could happen to you " when it happened, at first i didn't get it. The pop-up was a security system warning report that showed that I had multiple viruses and worms. It had a Microsoft page top - it seemed to be a Microsoft product. I thought it was legit. It asked me if I wanted to erase or quarantine the nasty critters, I clicked the button and was sent to a MasterCard-Visa screen to pay for the security program.
Then I realized that I was a victim. So, found the program in my "programs" on "My Computer", and deleted it. Then I deleted the icon it had put on my desktop. And figured, that was that. Wrong! It continued the pop-ups indicating multiple viruses and worms infected my computer. The little icon on the right-bottom of my desktop would not go away.
Now I am starting to panic...so, I went to the Cox Free McAfee spy-ware program and set it to the "big" scan...and should have gone to sleep 'cause this process took over six hours and it was worth every minute. McAfee indicated that I was"clean" and since I'm a bit paranoid, I set my Ad-Aware program scanning till that showed I was virus free.
After a while, the bad-guy-security-system-small icon - on the bottom right of my desktop screen disappeared and I vowed never to travel the Internet carelessly. I will read the http:// address atop the page top be sure it's the address i entered. That was the problem with myspace.com.
I realized that I had myspace.com in my "favorites" and did an automatic click and didn't pay attention when I noted the different address - just goofed it off. What a blunder! The address I was sent to wasn't myspace.com - It was ca.myspace.com.
Under the impression that my computer would let me know I had serious problems by crashing, I wasn't on top of watching for slowdowns, pop-ups that won't go away, being sent to sites I did not intend to visit and noting search results that were not normal. Well, it's APRIL FOOL'S DAY and although every one's playing tricks today - this is for-real - and , I'm not laughing.
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