by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

I always like to keep my readers informed on my comings and goings, which I think you all appreciate. So last week I spent a few wonderful days (again) in Dana Point, California. Did my dip in the Pacific Ocean, rode a few waves (thinking I was a teenager again, and discovered I wasn't) and naturally caught a cold the minute the car crossed the Nevada line. What else is new, huh?

Now let me tell you about Cox service on the internet, etc. I like them for the quick way they cure any problems I have with the television. But, when it comes to being my server for the computer, I am now searching for a new one. Let me tell you what happened upon my return from California.

First thing I wanted to do was get my column out to you readers (last Tuesday) from my personal list (more than 1,000) that get the column every week freely and with no strings attached. I have been doing this now for five or six years. Well I went through the normal procedure and guess what? Cox had arbitrarily decided my column was SPAM - nobody sends things out by the thousands without it being SPAM. I was sure this was some mistake on their part. Nope, they said I had to submit my column to the Cox panel for approval. I did find a way to get it out, but then that is my secret. I was told by a Cox representative that it would take 24 hours to approve or disapprove my column for mass mailing. This was last Wednesday, June 27. Guess what? I have not heard a peep from them. Not even an e-mail. And today is July 2nd which equates to 100 hours. Now I ask you, is that good service? I will keep you posted on this situation and meanwhile you will get it via the link, with certain people I know receiving it one-at-a-time via normal delivery.

The Las Vegas Monorail is celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event this week. Of course that is 7/7/07! So, for local residents only, we (those of us who can prove we live in the village) can enjoy access to the Monorail free all day - well honestly from 1 to 4 p.m. But during that time the Monorail will offer free wedding vow renewals led by "Elvis" and a seven-station poker run, in addition to a variety of other free activities, including live entertainment and try - your luck games of chance.

Yeah, gang, you read it right. "The King" will perform free vow renewal ceremonies, complete with Las Vegas showgirl bridesmaids. Couples that "can't help falling in love al over again" will receive a free photo and commemorative renewal certificate of this just-for-fun event. There will be all kinds of games going on with some great prizes. The one I like is the poker run, where you ride the monorail to all seven stations, collecting a card at each stop. At the end, you present your seven cards to determine a poker hand. You can win from two (2) nights at the Las Vegas Hilton to two (2) tickets to see "Menopause The Musical" at the Hilton.

You read about them in my column a couple of week's back, when they were at the Bootlegger Bistro. Now you can see and hear them on the big stage at the Suncoast. Of course I'm talking about the "Shades of Sinatra," tribute show, starring Carmine Mandia, Larry Liso, Ryan Baker and the dynamic Lisa Smith. The four will be performing every First Mondays in July, with the first gig being July 9th at 7:30 p.m.

"Shades of Sinatra," has been getting rave reviews from every writer who has stopped by to see them, be it at the Bootlegger or wherever. The show is produced by a talented young lady, who knows how to pick'em, Kelly Clinton. Clinton has carefully moved them along, giving them good places to work out any kinks along the way before taking them to the big rooms of our little village. And, now gang, they are ready! Their first show, by the way, was in the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place in Las Vegas in 2005.

Originally created in early 2005, Kelly assembled the three male singers that were already heavily influenced by and who loved to sing Frank Sinatra songs. The three male leads have been singing for years at restaurants, lounges, and corporate events, with many highlights. When Ms. Smith joined the show in 2006, she was a welcome female element, allowing the guys to have a real live foil to tease - but also one that can sing with the best of them! The "Shades of Sinatra" show you'll see this time at the Suncoast will have added musicians and the sound will be perfect with fabulous lighting. Oh, yeah, not to forget - you'll enjoy some 33 plus songs!

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: Was looking forward to attending the opening of Dick's Last Resort, as Pure Management Group unveiled its newest restaurant at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. But as previously mentioned, the flu bug had gotten to me and I stayed in that evening. But from what I heard, this is going to be a great place for the young at heart... Also that same bug kept me from enjoying the Mexican food at the new Cabo Cantina Mexican Restaurant inside the Palace Station on W. Sahara. Some friends attended and were greatly impressed with the service and food. Perhaps I can get a rain check on the above? Hint, hint!...

Well, gang, that's about it for right now. Believe it or not that darn bug continues to hang around

I'm outa here!

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