Another stupid idea from our friends at Planet Hollywood.

Construction on the new Planet Hollywood Towers is set to begin Thursday afternoon. The Towers will be located on the corner of Harmon and Audrie. The groundbreaking will begin at 1:30 PM Thursday.

The resulting condo tower will be 52 stories high with more than 1,000 units, some as large as 10,000 square feet. Prices for the top floors start at $4 million.

The Planet Hollywood Towers should be finished by late 2007.
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Ok let's review. The Planet Hollywood brand has not been popular since, what, 1998? They went bankrupt in 1999, and again in 2001. The somewhat similar Hard Rock brand has been more successful and has retained it's popularity for much, much longer. And now even the Hard Rock Hotel is considering offers to sell.

How many times does Planet Hollywood have to go bankrupt before they learn?

JDM

Amanda's New Puppy

This is Tobi. All together now, "awwwwwww." :)

JDM

Classy.

Last night was the Employee of the Year Gala at Bellagio. Executives and nominees from each property on the "Mirage Resorts" side of MGM MIRAGE, including Beau Rivage this year as their hotel has not reopened yet in Biloxi, gather at host-property Bellagio for a huge red-carpet-style gala. Each Employee Services department works the first part of the evening, and then we're free to mingle and enjoy the entertainment.

My co-worker Susan and I were distributing seat assignments at the registration desk for the first part of the evening. Things were going quite smoothly, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of familiar faces from my time at Bellagio. Lots of old bosses from Security and the Ticket Office.

One lady, an invited guest from Bellagio, came up and gave Susan her name. She had no seat assignment, but that wasn't unusual. Normally it could be found by looking it up in the computer's RSVP list. She thought it may have been under a different guest's name, and decided to check over at the other registration desk. When she couldn't find it there, she returned to our desk and spoke with one of the Bellagio representatives, Juan. I didn't pay much attention to their exchange until I heard Juan telling her, "Ma'am, this event is for employees only."

Lady: "What? But I worked here when I was invited! I RSVP'd!!"

Juan: "I understand that, ma'am, but you are no longer an employee here."

Lady: "So you took my invitation away? Someone could have told me! I can't believe this. After 7 years, thanks a lot. "

(Making a scene now, as she walks away)

"That's jacked, wow, screw you all..."

Isn't that just classy? All I could think was, if you don't work for the company, why on earth would you think you were still invited to a company event? Especially the biggest company event we have? Apparently that's something she didn't learn during her 7 years at Bellagio, eh?

The event was beautiful, we had lobster and prime rib and a dessert that was shaped funny and looked like styrofoam but entirely edible. And in true MGM MIRAGE fashion, our entertainment was last weekend's Mirage headliner, Brad Garrett, from Everybody Loves Raymond. He was hilariously off-color, and everyone loved it.

We got some great pictures and I plan on posting some here as soon as get them from the digital camera. The event is black-tie optional and everyone looked fabulous. I loved my dress (see right) but wearing it made me remember why I truly despise nylons and heels. But it's nice to get girly every once in a while, I guess...

JDM

Tripsitter: Nice Guys Finish First

Obviously, I've been listening to local band Cherry Hill for a long time and am firmly committed to helping them "make it big". An additional perk to attending their shows has been the exposure to other local artists by watching the opening acts. One such band that opened for Cherry Hill a few years ago, was Tripsitter. While I didn't actually get to see them play, the band had wonderful things to say about them. I did my own research and after hearing some of their stuff on their website, planned on catching them the next time they played.

Fast forward to my time at Lake Las Vegas as an event planner. I was planning the Endless Summer Classic Car Show and needed some entertainment. I immediately remembered hearing "California Son" on Tripsitter's website and set out to hire them.

They were perfect. My crowd loved them, and they were the picture of professional musicians. But more than that, Jeff, Jon, Jared, Rusty & Matt were genuinely nice guys.

Their harmonies are gorgeous and their musicianship is stunning. They played at the Village a few more times during my tenure there, and I plan on hiring them very soon at The Mirage if I have my way.

My favorite song has always been "California Son" and I encourage you to download it (and the rest of the album), but I warn you -- it will be stuck in your head forever.

JDM

The 48 in Daytona's Victory Lane!!!

Yes!!!! Jimmie Johnson wins the Daytona 500!!!

NASCAR's "Superbowl Sunday"

Damn the luck. I'm off for Superbowl Sunday and don't give a damn about football, but I have to work during the goddamn Daytona 500! I didn't watch last year and Jeff won, so, depending on how superstitious I am, maybe it's good luck! Either way, I thank heaven for TiVo.

Go boys!

I got a new toy...

I've finally brought my mother kicking and screaming into the 21st century and am giving her my old (and by old, I mean less than 2 years) iPod. Now she can listen to all of the commercial-free music I've collected over the past couple of years on her long trips to and from L.A. everyday. And me? I get to enjoy this...

Isn't it pretty? I love you Mom!

JDM

Top 5 continued...

Since my first blog began with an idea taken directly from the movie, High Fidelity, I thought my next Top 5 list should be, appropriately, my all-time favorite movies. Here they are, in no particular order:

Ferris Bueller's Day Off
I saw this in the movie theater! My dad kept me home from school, (an homage to the movie itself, perhaps?) we spent the day together, and he took me to see this movie. At least, I think that's when I saw it. I was 7 years old, so who knows.

"I asked for a car, I got a computer. How's that for being born under a bad sign."

"I do have a test today, that wasn't bullsh*t. It's on European Socialism. I mean, really, what's the point? I'm not European. I don't plan on being European. So, who gives a crap if they're Socialists? They could be fascist anarchists, it still wouldn't change the fact that I don't own a car."

Mallrats
Ah, Mallrats. I have my friend Josh Miller to thank for introducing me to Kevin Smith. And to Jason Lee, who was funny as hell WAY before he became Earl.

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned for Sega."

T.S. Quint: I was going to propose to her.
Brodie Bruce: Where?
T.S. Quint: Universal tour.
Brodie Bruce: You're kidding, what part?!
T.S. Quint: When Jaws pops out of the water.
Brodie Bruce: That's the most romantic thing I've ever heard.

Romeo and Juliet
A "movie theater" movie. I worked at the theater when this came out and had this exact poster in my room (which I got from work, of course.) Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Shakespeare took some getting used to. In fact, I didn't like this movie the first time I saw it. The second time, LOVE.

The soundtrack and the score are equally amazing, too.



Out Cold
I could never get sick of watching this movie. I ran across it on a movie channel one day and noticed it had Jeremy London from Mallrats in it. This movie has some of the best and most memorable quotes you could ever want out of a comedy.

"He's had a crush on that bench for a long time."

"No regrets, that's my motto. Well... that and everyone Wang Chung tonight. "




The Ring
It's not that scary. It's just that good.

Made me jump out of my chair and yell at the movie screen the first time I saw it. No movie has ever prompted such a reaction. For that reason alone it makes the cut.

I couldn't stand to be near my television at night for quite some time, however...


JDM

Ow. (Part 2)

Hamstring \Ham"string`\, n. (Anat.) One of the great tendons situated in each side of the ham, or space back of the knee, and connected with the muscles of the back of the thigh.

New trainer... better trainer... still ow.

JDM

Stability: Not In My Horoscope

Last night, I was grocery shopping when I received a phone call from Kevin, my former boss. He told me that Jim from the ad company we used to work with out at Lake Las Vegas had called looking for my phone number, and to expect a call from him. This was intriguing, because a short time after I left the Village, Kevin had told me that Jim had said that he would love to hire me if he ever had a position available. By the time I got home, I had a message waiting for me. When I called him back, he told me that his company was looking for a media buyer. They had me interview on the phone right then!

This could be a great opportunity, but I think my experience at Aladdin has made me somewhat gun-shy. I left a job I didn't hate for more money, and ended up miserable. Now I've finally found another job I think I could be happy at for a while, and this comes along. More money, same hours, a chance to learn something new and to do something besides events.

So that I am able to tell everyone that I thought this decision out thoroughly, I'm doing a pros and cons list in case I get it. Just in case...

JDM

I agree with the Alligator.

Ugh...

I hate being sick. This is the one and only time I long to be a salaried employee again. We have this rule in my office that says if you're sick, you better not come to work and give it to everyone else. To that I say: if it means paying my mortgage and car payment, I'll come to work and take all of you down with me!

Our new show!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL, APPLE CORPS LTD. AND THE MIRAGE PARTNER TO CREATE AN UNPRECEDENTED LIVE THEATRE PRODUCTION

Cirque du Soleil, Apple Corps Ltd. and The Mirage announce a partnership in which they will celebrate the musical legacy and extraordinary experience of The Beatles in an unprecedented live theatre production opening in 2006. This joint artistic venture marks the first time that The Beatles' company, Apple Corps, has agreed to a major theatrical partnership.

The production will be Cirque du Soleil's fifth resident show in Las Vegas and will be presented at The Mirage, the resort that changed the face of Las Vegas when it opened in 1989.

The project was born out of a personal friendship and professional admiration between the late George Harrison and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté. "This show is about living The Beatles experience," said Guy Laliberté. "We want to bring the magic of Cirque du Soleil together with the spirit and passion behind the most beloved rock band of all time to create a single, simple statement of delight."

Neil Aspinall, Managing Director of Apple Corps, said, "In the past The Beatles have been approached with theatrical proposals which never promised much beyond a traditional presentation. However, in Cirque du Soleil, Apple is fortunate to have found a creative partner with the same passion for innovation and excellence."

Robert H. Baldwin, President and CEO of Mirage Resorts, said, "This partnership builds on the solid relationship that already exists between MGM MIRAGE and Cirque du Soleil. We too are thrilled that the union between two premier entertainment icons, The Beatles and Cirque, will come together at The Mirage."

Gilles Ste-Croix, Vice President of Creation and New Project Development at Cirque du Soleil, revealed key members of the artistic team will include Cirque du Soleil writer-director Dominic Champagne and The Beatles producer Sir George Martin.

Sir George, who will oversee the music element of the show, said today, "After spending more than 40 years of my life working with The Beatles and their wonderful music, I am thrilled to be working with them once again, on this exciting project with Cirque du Soleil. The show will be a unique and magical experience."

While the project has the approval of Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison, Paul and Ringo will not appear in the production. " It is a fantastic project for us and I personally am excited to collaborate with such a great creative team," Paul McCartney said.

"How excited can I get -- The Beatles, Cirque du Soleil, an incredible venue in Las Vegas - what could be better," said Ringo. "I'm looking forward to the first show cause I'm going to be there and I hope you are too." "The Beatles and Cirque. I think it's a great combination: The Beatles' agile mind and Cirque's agile body," said Yoko Ono.

"George and Guy shared the same vision. They planned to utilize the extraordinary creativity of the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil to produce an uplifting moment in time. We are all very happy to see this project come to fruition," said Olivia Harrison.

Additional details of the content of the show, which aims to revisit the excitement of the remarkable era when Beatlemania ignited the world, are in creative incubation.

"The music was the obvious starting point so we approached it with great respect," said Gilles Ste-Croix, "We consider the music of The Beatles to be as significant and influential as any of the great works of art in history. We intend to not only explore their artistic contribution but to tap into their exuberance and irreverence by harnessing, to the heart of this production, the astonishing energy that they generated."

Do not try this at home.

One time, I accidentally left Casey in the downstairs bathroom with the door shut. She must have followed me in without me knowing. This is precisely what happened:

I guess I had it coming. JDM

Chess

I'm in love! We went to see Ali in this musical last night and it was fabulous. Once we got over the shock of what she was wearing (her part required an open jacket and a scandalously short skirt) it was so much fun to watch her as she was by far the best dancer. And the rest of the cast was amazing. In another example of Las Vegas being a very, very, small world, I happened to know one of the leads, Jared, from when I used to hire his band, Tripsitter, out at the Village. My favorite song from a musical has always been "Someone Else's Story" and it was wonderful to finally learn the story of where it came from. I definitely plan on downloading the rest of the soundtrack.

Inspiring.

An accidental landing on a London art magazine's website led me to the discovery of some amazing and talented artists. Following are some of my favorites:

K.K. Kozik
"K.K. Kozik paints a series of personal havens where people create private retreats out of already existing rooms or work with what they've got. A woman paints a bucolic scene on the outside wall of her downtown apartment, a fella creates a personal space out of a leafy bower in an urban backyard. Another woman's world is her wall of books, while a quiet city couple have a polar bear for company. A window seat is created by putting up a plank between two trees, a stump for a handy table and a young woman takes a moonbath on the roof of her building. Kozik nails the feeling every time."

Kelly Tunstall

"Kelly Tunstall’s paintings and illustrations of tall thin young women are almost like fashion design sketches. Tunstall’s heroines (based on friends, family, stylish women she sees walking down the street) are all beautiful, sexy and ladylike, to better show off their glamour dresses, ballet wear or lingerie. Yet some do sport quirks as well, maybe two heads here or a pair of antlers or bunny ears there, just to keep things interesting."

Beatriz Milhazes
"The canvases of Brazilian Beatriz Milhazes are almost psychedelic in nature, masses of swirls and spirals and layers of tendrils and flora. The movement in Milhazes’ work is sometimes reminiscent of Spirograph drawings all grown up. Her technique is of note: Milhazes applies her shapes on thin plastic sheets from which she then transfers the images onto a prepared background of canvas, creating a transparent effect where some elements may be totally obscured. Concentric circles and vivid stripes add to the carnival of colours that make for an explosive festival of painting."

Gorgeous. JDM

Not-so-raging waters for Baker-area locals.

I'd passed it so many times on my way home or back to Vegas, never once having seen it functioning in the last 5 years... I simply used it to explain to my mother how far along I was on the drive! Well, a fellow blogger explained the Rock-a-Hoola waterpark. JDM

The power of the iPod.

It's frightening the power this thing has on my life. I didn't discover it until yesterday, when I thought I had lost it. It was if I was in mourning! My whole day was ruined, I was in a horrible mood, and it cast a black cloud over everything. Not only was I mad at myself for being so scatterbrained, but I was devastated at the thought of flying to California this weekend without access to my music, or having to drive anywhere and actually listen to the radio! Which actually would be a travesty considering the non-existant variety of stations here in Vegas (but that's whole other blog entirely). Still, I was simply amazed at the impact that losing this one piece of technology had on me. Thankfully, I did wind up finding it. And suddenly, everything looked brighter. JDM