Dancing With The Stars

Sunday night, we went to see the live tour from the
immensely popular TV show


The Orleans Arena was absolutely packed with fans,
but the only way you could actually see the dancers was via
the huge video screen.


Unfortunately, the sound was cranked up to literally
sick-making levels and we left after one number
with our ears ringing and our stomachs churning,
the fight-or-flight mechanism at work from the
audio assault.

But that didn't stop this little girl in the row in front of us from enjoying every moment!

The final Fronter

Yesterday we had to go to the Apple Store at Fashion Show Mall
and got some great views of the remaining rubble.

Final Fronter

Christmas Day at the Four Seasons

We spent a long afternoon enjoying a five course dinner
at the Veranda restaurant, and admired the amazing work
of the pastry chef's Christmas Village.

Xmas Day

Marty's

For the past three years,we've gone to Marty's for Christmas Eve,

As always, it is a special delight

Xmas Eve

Christmas Cat

 
Slick gets into the spirit.

Xmas in LV @ home

We had a little gathering to decorate the tree.

There's Tim, Aileen, Dave, Josh, Marty and Bambi


Of course, Elvis is always with us...

Christmas in Las Vegas

We actually went shopping at the "Fashion Show Mall" today. Where they usually have the fashion show, there were showgirls backing up Santa. Again the iPhone.

Aluminium Deer

I talked to the driver of this truck towing a trailer of cast aluminum deer down Isabella Blvd. He called them "poor man's bronzes" and sold 'em for three hundred and fifty bucks. I liked the sleigh-like array and took the photo with my iPhone.

Seasonal Scenic Sampler

And Slideshow!

Scenic Sampler

"Christmas in Kernville"

(Josh posted the following on his wikipedia page)

And in another world: last week I was in my tiny adopted California hometown, and it was time for Christmas in Kernville. In the pouring rain (it turned to snow the following night), the local vocal ensemble had us all singing carols. When it came to "Silent Night", one of the women jokingly suggested we do it in German. I foolishly piped up in agreement, and Cheryl (the ringleader) exclaimed, "OK, we'll do three verses in English and then Josh will sing one in German." So all of a sudden, here I am with a bunch of mostly pretty serious Christians, with a live-action creche scene being enacted next to us, singing Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht solo. Luckily for me (and the listeners) Cheryl had picked a good key. Apparently it went well; several of the ladies got all weepy. My wife said to our neighbor, "Nothing demonstrates Christmas in Kernville better than a Jew singing Silent Night in German." First time I'd soloed that song since before my voice changed in 1966... --jpgordon ∇∆∇∆ 22:35, 24 December 2007

Of course, there's much more to Christmas in K'ville,
like the annual White Elephant Party (aka wrap-your-crap)

where the gang gets together and draws lots for the best of the worst. Hilarity ALWAYS ensues...

White Elephant Party

(click the image then click slideshow!)

This breaking news from the Californian:

Captured from the webcam this AM

Two Worlds

 
 

Found Doggie

 
We found this lovely girl wandering at the end of Burlando Road. We've tried and tried to find her owner,but no luck. I'd love to keep her, but Stella won't allow.

Possible merger rumors

 

We would like to comment on the rumors regarding an impending merger of the Bull Run Bridge & Tunnel Authority with the Bodfish Feral Cat Association.

We would like to, but we can't.

Hanukkah

 
This is what happens if you light the candles and then take the dog out for a walk and forget about them. Not recommended.

Bird list

Check out the Bull Run Bird List link over on the left. We'll keep this updated.

Bald Eagle!

We saw a Bald Eagle flying over the house today. Woohoo!

Canyon Color

 
I took this picture out the window as we drove down the canyon to Bakersfield yesterday. It was just a little
later at the Costco parking lot that our usually well mannered Lexus manifested what turned out to be a major transmission problem. At least we made it to town...

Out the window

 

Kernville Nov 2007

Here's a slideshow of yesterday's snaps. The light is so wonderful
this time of year!

The Kern River in all it's autumnal glory.

 
(click for the giant version)

Then it's time to cross Death Valley

from Las Vegas to Kernville
 
Aileen takes a walk in the Panamint Valley.

World Market Center

 
Twice a year they open the furniture mart to the public.
There were amazing bargains, plenty of interesting stuff.

The buildings themselves, finished and under construction
are plenty interesting too...

World Market

Night of 1001 Stars

Bambi, Josh and I went to the Hilton for a show.
 
We loved the cigarette girl who also sold flashing do-dads and earrings.
 
The production was a Harold Arlen Tribute, but
 
calling it "A Night of 1001 Stars" was perhaps hyperbole. The best by far was a vocal harmony group called "The Crooners"
 
And the sassy girl singer in the bustier was cute.

New Frontier Implosion

Two AM Tuesday morning, and it's time for the New Frontier to bite the dust. We rented a room on the 56th floor of the Wynn Hotel to watch the festivities.
 
Many just set up tailgate parties on the roof of the Wynn parking garage.

 
The photos don't do justice to the sensation of watching fireworks go off at eye level.
 
And them the big explosion that sent a massive cloud of concrete dust.
 

Richard Cheese

Sunday night, at the AJ's Steak House at Hard Rock, we saw the lounge-a-licious Mr. Cheese.

 

Here's he is doing "Gin and Juice", our favorite song.

Masters Dinner

A food and art extravaganza at a ballroom at Treasure Island.
 
Chefs from many major Strip restaurants showed off for the guests,

 
and each other.

 
the event was to raise money for scholarships fore future chefs.
They created a ten course meal for 200 people...the first item was a Tuna Martini. Yum!
 
The table was lovely, and so was the company.
 
We went with our friends John and Teri Daly. John was the MC. He's wearing Josh's fedora here.