First off I really want to wish everyone, everywhere who reads this column a very Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday and of course a wonderful New Year. The year 2004 has been very good to a lot of people and has also brought a lot of sadness to some 1000 plus families who have lost loved ones in Iraq.
I was talking to a friend not to long ago about this crazy thing they are calling a "police action" (or actually a war) in Iraq. I was once involved in a police action too - Korea from 1950 to 1953. I was not in a direct fire zone, but the Air Force base I was stationed at was a major support area out of Japan. But, then the subject went to another topic. We were remembering back when we were both kids and how on Memorial Day (the Saturday nearest the day) huge parades would be held in cities across the nation. I mean "Huge!"
As a kid my folks would take me along to downtown Los Angeles (we would ride the red car) to see the parade. There would be tanks, trucks, armored vehicles of all type and literally thousands of soldiers marching on the street - for what seemed to be miles. There were the veterans of World War I and the soldiers of the second great war that was still going on (I was really young then, gang). But I remember how we would crowd the sidewalk, straining to see some celebrity or a war hero (there were always a lot of celebrities and many heroes). It made one feel good.
At the end of that first combat against Iraq, when we went into Kuwait, the troops came home quickly. They held great parades in New York and the troops were welcomed home by huge crowds waving those little red, white and blue flags. You were proud to be an American. The destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001 brought out the best in all of us, once again. The flag was everywhere. What has happened to change that feeling? I see very few flags on cars, porches or front yards anymore. Yet we are losing our men and women every day in an endless war that seem to be going nowhere. What kind of reception will they receive when they do finally get to come home? I pray that it happens soon!
Sorry if I have offended anyone with my thoughts. I have no close relative serving in the various war zones, but I have a few friends who do. And they'll not be together this weekend. And every time the phone rings their hearts jump an extra beat or two. I pray for them!
|
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: I might as well tell you now, the Kevin Spacey Show at the Stardust this Sunday and Monday is sold out both nights. So, you'll just have to wait for my review of the show. I knew Bobby Darin and had the privilege of watching him perform here in our little village. I have purposely not seen the movie, "Beyond The Sea" as I want to keep a completely open mind when I watch Mr. Spacey...
A movie I do plan on seeing is "The Aviator," however. I remember when he crashed in Los Angeles and was almost killed. A whole bunch of us kids used to play sandlot tackle football near the old Pepperdine College campus. So we all signed one of our helmets (it was an old helmet we got from the college) and sent it to him at the hospital, with of course a note telling him (as kids would do) to get well and to wear this helmet next time. Well, about six months later a bunch of boxes arrived at my friends house (we used his address) filled with shoulder pads, helmets, footballs and jerseys. It was from him. We sent a thank you letter but never heard another word. I thought you might like this little trivia about Mr. Howard Hughes...
The cast of "Forbidden Vegas" at The Westin Hotel, spent today (Friday) entertaining patients at the Nathan Adelson Hospice...
Bob Anderson will be returning to Las Vegas, from his gig in Branson, for a special four night engagement at the Summerlin Library Feb. 17-20, with my friend Vince Falcone conducting. More info as the time nears...
Tickets for the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March are moving out fast. So if you want to see our local lad, Kurt Busch begin to defend his 2004 Cup Championship call (702) 644-4444 to order your tickets...
La Femme celebrated its 2,000th show at the MGM Grand Wednesday (22nd), after a two-week vacation...
Jamie Fox, not the real famous one, is singing up a storm at the new Club Zingers on East Sahara. I understand this is the newest trendy alternative lifestyle club in town...
"Tropical Passions," the 50's hit parade of hot songs from Cuba will come alive at the Las Vegas Hilton Dec. 29-Jan. 1. More than 50 artists will recreate music from a period of time that evokes an era of glamour and elegance with the great Benny More music a vital part of the show...
"The Grant Griffin Concert" has been set for March 8th at The Orleans Hotel with a 28 piece orchestra and starring three fabulous "divas" in Jeneane Marie, Michaelina Bellamy and Patricia Welch. Gang, this is one fantastic show and I urge you all to think hard about purchasing a ticket. It's for a good cause too...
Well, gang that's it for this week. I'm outa here!
CONTINUE ON TO...:
>It's The Norm Article Archives
>Las Vegas News - "Heard Around Town"
>Las Vegas Leisure Guide
|
