Vic & Anthony’s Premier Steakhouse

Posted in Food on July 15, 2009 by wveedubbau

Experience the flavor of Landry’s Restaurants

imagesLAS VEGAS – Landry’s Restaurants’ award-winning Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse at the GoldenNugget, like the original restaurant, features a blend of high-quality menu selections and one-of-a-kind hospitality in an intimate atmosphere of hand-crafted mahogany woodwork, plush leather furnishings and luxurious amenities.

Vic & Anthony’s was brought to the famed Golden Nugget Hotel-Casino as part of its 2005 renovation project. The restaurant was the result of collaboration by Fertitta and members of his family. Together, they experienced the best steakhouses in North America, carefully researching and developing a list of key attributes such as a carefully crafted menu, an extensive wine selection,  impeccable service and an elegant, yet cozy, atmosphere. va_horiz

In its first year, Vic & Anthony’s received accolades from such prestigious entities as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Texas Monthly and Food & Wine magazine, and earned the distinction as one of the Top 10 Steakhouses in America.Vic & Anthony’s menu includes an array of appetizers such as Blue Point Oysters, Maple Glazed Quail and Petrosian Caviar to begin the meal; a variety of salads and a superb selection of USDA Prime grain-fed beef including classic selections such as Bone-In Ribeye, New York Strip and Filet Mignon. Additional entrees, such as lamb, veal, live Maine lobster, Australian rock lobster, tuna, sea bass and chicken, round out the eclectic menu.va_talent

Vic & Anthony’s is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Reservations are suggested, (702) 385-7111.

What More Can I Give

Posted in Future, Music, WTF? Moment on July 13, 2009 by wveedubbau

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Michael Jackson’s Charity and Good Works

January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.

April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibroses is invited to Michael’s home. It was David’s last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.

April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Senai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.

July 5, 1984: During the Jackson’s press conference at Tavern On The Green, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations: The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.

July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.

December 13, 1984: Michael visits the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donates all the money he receives from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.

January 28, 1985: Michael and 44 other artists meet to record “We Are The World”, written by Michael and Lionel Ritchie. The proceeds of this record are donated to the starving people in Africa.

1986: Michael set up the “Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund”. This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university.

February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.

September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.

October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.

February 1, 1988: The Song “Man In the Mirror” enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.

March 1, 1988: At a press conference held by his sponsor Pepsi, Michael presents a $600,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.

April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.

May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.

July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince’s Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children’s hospital at Great Ormond Street.

July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.

August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization “Give For Life”. The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.

December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.

January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael’s shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the “Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse”.

January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.

February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school’s playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.

March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.

November 13, 1989: The organization “Wishes Granted” helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.

December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael’s ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.

January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.

July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.

August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.

May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.

July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.

December 1991: Michael’s office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.

February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.

February 3, 1992: At a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, Michael announces that he is planning a new world tour, to raise funds for his new “Heal The World” Foundation. This Foundation will support the fight against AIDS, Juvenile Diabetes and will support the Camp Ronald McDonald and the Make A Wish Foundation.

May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.

June 23, 1992: At a press conference in London, Michael makes an announcement about his Heal The World Foundation.

June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.

June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.

July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children’s charities in Estonia and Latvia.

July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.

July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.

July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince’s Trust.

August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.

September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.

September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.

October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.

November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations.

December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.

December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: “Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education.”

January 19, 1993: Michael is one of the stars to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton. Before he sings “Gone Too Soon” he draws the attention to the plights of the victims of AIDS and mentions his friend Ryan White.

January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of “Heal L.A.” is officially announced.

February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children’s hospitals, children’s homes, and children’s charities throughout the U.K.

March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.

March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.

April 26, 1993: Within his “Heal LA” tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.

May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the “Heal Our Children/Heal The World” initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their “Atlanta Project Immunization Drive”.

June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.

June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.

June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.

June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.

August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.

August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children’s Defense Fund, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.

October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.

October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko (“Free Willy”) is living.

November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children’s party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.

December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children’s vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.

December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports “Operation Christmas Child” delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.

1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS Foundation.

January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.

February 22, 1994: “The Jackson Family Honors” is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, “Family Caring for Families”.

August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children’s hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.

1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.

March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.

June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of “HIStory” in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.

July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.

September 1996: The first Sports Festival “Hope” was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.

September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children’s unit of a hospital in Prague.

October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.

October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to “The National Solidarity Fund”, a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.

October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children’s hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.

November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.

November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.

November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.

December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children’s hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.

January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.

April 4, 1997: British magazine “OK!” is publishing exclusive photos of Michael’s son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.

June 18, 1997: Michael signed the “Children in Need” book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.

September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction “Star Trek: The Experience” and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.

November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.

September 4, 1999: Michael presented Nelson Mandela with a check for 1,000,000 South African rand for the “Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.”

January 22, 2000: During Christmas last year a violent storm ravaged the park of the Chateau de Versailles and destroyed 10,000 trees in the park. The estimated cost for rebuilding the park is around $20 million. Some celebrities are supporting the restoration of the park. French officials are reporting that Michael Jackson is one of them. He was one of the first people to donate money to this cause.

October 28, 2000:Michael painted a plate to be auctioned for the “Carousel of Hope Ball” benefiting childhood diabetes research.

March 6, 2001: Michael donated a black hat, a birthday phone-call and a jacket worn at the Monaco Music Awards in 2000 to the Movie Action for Children auction, an event being given by UNICEF with all proceeds will going to UNICEF’s efforts to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Africa.

March 26, 2001: Michael handed out books to young people at a Newark, NJ theater. The event, which helped to launch the Michael Jackson International Book Club, part of his new Heal the Kids charity, aims to promote childhood reading and encourage parents to return to reading bedtime stories.

September 15, 2002: Michael donated 16 exclusively autographed items consisting of CD’s, videos and 2 cotton napkins to aid in the support of the victims of a severe flood in Germany. These items were auctioned off for charity and managed to raise 3935 Euro (US$ 3,814).

October 12, 2002: Michael Jackson invited more than 200 Team Vandenberg members, who recently returned from overseas deployments, and their families to his Neverland Ranch. This was to show his appreciation for the sacrifices the military in his community make.

November 19-29, 2002: Michael donated an autographed teddy bear dressed in his likeness to Siegfried & Roy’s celebrity teddy bear auction. This auction benefits Opportunity Village which is a non-profit organization based in Las Vegas (USA) that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Michael’s autographed teddy bear raised $5,000 for the charity.

November 21, 2002: Michael donated a jacket to the The Bambi Charity Event in Berlin which raised $16,000.

April 25, 2002: Michael Jackson performed at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Apollo Theater in Harlem helping to raise nearly $3 million dollars towards voter registration.

June 2003: The Wolf family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during the flood in Saxony, Germany last August, was invited to Berlin by Michael Jackson when he was at the Bambi Awards. On that occasion Michael invited them to Neverland. In June, they spent three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.

Charity Awards

May 14, 1984: At a ceremony in the White House President Reagan presents Michael an award for special efforts; he is honored for his participation in a national ad campaign against drunk driving.

January 1989: The “Say Yes To A Youngsters Future” program honors Michael in recognition of his efforts to encourage children to natural sciences and award him with the “National Urban Coalition Artist/Humanitarian Of The Year Award”.

March 1989: At the Universal Amphitheater in Universal City, California, Michael receives the Black Radio Special Award for his humanitarian efforts.

September 22, 1989: The Capital Children’s Museum awards Michael with the Best Of Washington 1989 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his efforts to raise money for the museum, and for his never-ending support of children.

February 3, 1990: From Japan Michael receives a Role Model Award.

April 5, 1990: During a ceremony, where Michael is awarded as “Entertainer Of The Decade”, Michael meets President George Bush, who honors him with the “Point Of Light” award. Michael receives this award for his philanthropic activities. President Bush explains Michael’s humanitarian commitments to the press.

September 14, 1990: The Council of the American Scouts honors Michael with the first “Good Scout Humanitarian Award”. Michael receives this award for his humanitarian activities by supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, the Prince’s Trust, the United Negro College Fund and Childhelp USA.

October 23, 1990: Michael Jackson and Elton John will be the first recipients of the award in memory of Ryan White, which will be handed over in 1991.

May 1, 1992: President George Bush presents Michael with the “Point of Light” award for his continuing support of deprived children. During his stay, Michael visits little Raynal Pope, who had been injured very badly by dogs.

June 3, 1992: The organization “One To One”, who is caring for better living conditions of young people, honors Michael with an award for his commitment to deprived youngsters.

July 1993: The American Friends of Hebrew University honors Michael with the Scopus Award 1993.

August 1993: The Jack The Rapper Awards are presented and Michael is honored with the “Our Children, Our Hope Of Tomorrow” award.

November 17, 1993: Michael rejects the Scopus Award. He was nominated for this award, which was planned to be given him on January 29th, 1994.

April 12, 1994: On occasion of the 2nd Children’s Choice Award ceremony at Cit Center in New York, Michael is presented with the “Caring For Kids” award. This award is to honor celebrities, who take time for young people. 100,000 children and young people from 8 to 18 years old gave Michael their vote of confidence. The Children’s Choice Awards are sponsored by Body Sculpt, a charity organization, that offers drug-prevention programs for young people.

November 2, 1995: Michael receives the award “Diamont of Africa”.

March, 30, 1996: The Ark Trust-Foundation, who wants to draw the attention of the public eye on animal’s problems, presents the 10th Genesis Award. Michael is presented with the 1995 Doris Day Award. He gets this award for the “Earth Song” video, which draws attention to the plight of the animals.

May 1, 1999: At the Bollywood awards in New York, Michael is presented with an award for his humanitarian activities. The award is signed: “Though he comes from the young American tradition, Michael is the embodiment of an old indian soul. His actions are an expression of the philosophy of Weda, which asked to work for the people – not for one’s own interests.”

Organizations

The Millennium-Issue of the “Guinness Book Of Records” names Michael as the Pop Star who supports the most charity organizations. The following projects are supported by Michael Jackson:

AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children’s Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Heal The World Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make A Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center’s Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund
United Negro College Fund Ladder’s of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA – 28th Street/Crenshaw
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America

This is the oldest mentoring organization serving youth in the USA.
BBBSA has provided one-to-one mentoring relationships between adult volunteers and children at risk since 1904. BBBSA currently serves over 100,000 children and youth in more than 500 agencies throughout all of the United States.

BMI Foundation

From jazz to musical theater, from music education for gifted youngsters to support for the work of accomplished concert music composers, the BMI Foundation seeks out the best and most promising of today’s and tomorrow’s musical creators and offers a platform of support that fosters their growth and ensures the continuation of the heritage of American musical ingenuity for generations to come.

Childhelp USA

Childhelp USA is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational, und spiritual needs of abused and neglected children focusing efforts and resources upon treatment, prevention.

Children’s Institute International

This is a private, non-profit organization specializing in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Over the past 90 years, CII has evolved from a shelter for single mothers and their babies to an internationally recognized model of comprehensive care and assistance for at-risk children and their families.
CII assistance includes child and family assessment supported by 24-hour emergency residential shelter care, family treatment services, therapeutic day care, child health clinic, long-term foster family care, and substance abuse treatment and prevention services.

Make A Wish Foundation fulfills the favorite wish of any child between the age of 2 and 18 who has a diagnosed life-threatening illness.Camp Ronald McDonald
Camp for children with cancer.

More great stats at http://jacksonaction.com

Vassup with Bruno

Posted in Film on July 8, 2009 by wveedubbau
Are you ready to challenge your preconceived notions of what is P.C. and who is displaying prejudice. Sacha Baron Cohen’s Bruno is not as much as a movie as it’s a series of sketches that put Bruno in situations; Israelis and radical Palestinians, adoption of a black African baby; his attempt to undergo a “gay cure” through counseling, blue-collar swingers’ party,talking penis, an anal bleaching, wrestling cage match, and Ron Paul to name a few that are Hilarious. Whether they’re real or staged I bought into it just like the poor saps who are the victims of this very funny film.

They’re ba-ack to put in your Ear Hole

Posted in Music, WTF? Moment on July 6, 2009 by wveedubbau

LIMP BIZKIT KICKS OFF FIRST U.S. SHOW IN 8 YEARS BY PLAYING FREE IN VEGAS!

GRATIS CONCERT IN GRATITUDE TO FANS AT THE PEARL CONCERT THEATER AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT JULY 18.

(Santa Monica, CA) June 29, 2009 — They’re ba-ack! Hard-hitting hell-raising heroes Limp Bizkit return to wreak havoc in the U.S. with their first stateside show in eight years! The band will perform a FREE concert at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on July 18th.First come, First serve – you know the drill – Limp Bizkit fans will have to get in gear!

Limp Bizkit are in the middle off their 2009 “Unicorns N Rainbows” tour, which has so far rolled across Europe and Eastern Europe, wowing Bizkit-starved fans in 20 countries. Of their explosive June 12th show at the UK’s Download Festival, one reviewer noted: “Within seconds, the staccato riff of ‘Break Stuff’ had regressed everyone to a screaming teen” and that “every song provoked roars of approval, every line of ‘Nookie’ belted out as if the crowd had written it.” Heavy-music bible Kerrang! anointed Limp Bizkit with their April cover.

Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and DJ Lethal are gearing up to record their first new studio album with the original line-up since 2000’s worldwide 12x-platinum Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.

As Durst recently told the NME: “I’m having a great feeling about going in and doing our record, more than I have about any of our albums before. It’s not going to be a watered-down version of Limp Bizkit, it’s going to be a more explosive, more addictive, more driven version of Limp Bizkit.” Flip/Interscope Records will announce more details and a release date in the coming months.

The band’s first three albums have sold more than 20 million copies in the U.S. alone, and another 13 million in the rest of the world. For more on Limp Bizkit, please visit their official website at www.limpbizkit.com.

Public Enemies Revisted

Posted in Film with tags , , , , on July 1, 2009 by wveedubbau

publicenemies-21John Dillinger has already been featured in four official biopics. Folk hero or public enemy number one – Dillinger was larger-than-life, as were his associates Homer Van Meter and Baby Face Nelson, and his arch-rival Melvin Purvis, a G-man hired by none other than FBI chief J Edgar Hoover.

Public Enemies stars Johnny Depp who plays it straight (maybe too straight) for once as John Dillinger. Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover and  Christian Bale on stoic autotune as Agent Melvin Purvis. A surprisingly tough Giovanni Ribisi and a unhinged Stephen Graham as Babyface Nelson and Billy Crudup as J Edgar Hoover. Marion Cotillard deserves acclaim for her performance as Billie Frechette.

Sometimes Director Micheal Mann seems only interested in showing us how creative he is. Every close up is exercise in the execution of intensity, just because you can stick a camera up Christian Bale’s nose does not mean it’s compelling no matter how long he glares. Public Enemies is both captivating and incredibly frustrating.

There is lot going on here but in the end it was loud and soulless: multiple jail breaks, frequent bank robberies, deadly shootouts with G-men, characters introduced only to lose track of.

The entrepreneurial Dillinger was put out of business not just by organized cops but by organized crime, sounds like an indictment of modern day America and this movie. He winds up being just a guy who robs banks, which probably is all he ever was and Public Enemies unfortunately ends up being  just another a movie about a guy who robs banks.

No Paparazzi in the Afterlife Thank God

Posted in Fun with tags , , , , on June 27, 2009 by wveedubbau

jacko1

In Rex Torids world almost everyone goes through the pearly gates. This was a heavy two days with the death of three show biz icons. This is my way of venting and facing my own mortality. I hope I capture some of the essence and characteristics of these people that have given us so much joy. Some how as of late, I think God is a Great Promoter. Maybe the second coming is going to be one hell of a show. He has called back all of the best talent there ever was… Carson, Lennon, Elvis, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Sinatra, to name a few. You might hear the shout from high heaven as the clouds part: “Here we go…ONE MORE TIME!!!!!!!. and by the way, after the party if any one asks…be sure to pass on the  “Hot Tub” invitation.
Rex Torid

Lisa Marie Presley

Posted in WTF? Moment on June 26, 2009 by wveedubbau


He knew

Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general.

I can’t recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death.

At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, “I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did.”

I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that.

14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears.

A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn’t predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened. The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy.

All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted.

I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once.

Our relationship was not “a sham” as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a “Normal life” found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.

I wanted to “save him” I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened.

His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn’t know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then.

At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself.

He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.

When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad.

Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson’s being or actions.

I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him.

I was in over my head while trying.

I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision.

The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.

After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret.

Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation.

At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now.

As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted.

Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him.

He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together.

I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.

He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be.

I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is.

The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right.

I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.

~LMP

“PREY”

Posted in Film on June 21, 2009 by wveedubbau

prey-indexNorth American Premiere of Australian Horror film “Prey” to be presented at Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort

The movie stars Aussie superstar Natalie Bassingthwaighte (So You Think You Can Dance Australia), Jesse Johnson (Redline) and featuring 2005 World Poker Champion Joe Hachem

“Prey” is inspired by the disappearance in the late 80’s of a North American couple who disappeared in the West Australian desert on a 4WD holiday. They were never seen alive again. Their abandoned vehicles and totally unused supplies were found in sand dunes near an Aboriginal sacred site–less than an hour away from the closest town. Two years later, the two men were both found dead of natural causes, on the same day, 1000 miles apart back in North America. Twenty years after the original incident, TOP CAT FILMS and iconic director George Miller commence production of the story of 3 couples who set out into the same desert and unluckily end up in the same area, at the same time of year, with disastrous results. The previously unrevealed psychological and sexual liaisons the couple’s had secretly shared come to light as their lives end one-by-one. Who will survive?

This Is It

Posted in Music with tags , , , , , , , on June 20, 2009 by wveedubbau

This Is It Tour Rehearsals & Auditions for the O2 Arena concerts

(Michael Jackson & his dancers)


UFC 100

Posted in Fights on June 17, 2009 by wveedubbau

THE ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP®

It’s the biggest event in mixed martial arts history, and for UFC 100, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is bringing out the big guns. Two championships will be on the line when UFC heavyweight title holder Brock Lesnar defends his crown against rival Frank Mir in their long-awaited grudge match, and UFC welterweight champion Georges “Rush” St-Pierre puts his belt up for grabs against Brazilian knockout artist Thiago “Pitbull” Alves. Also, The Ultimate Fighter coaches collide as Dan Henderson takes on Michael “The Count” Bisping in a pivotal middleweight showdown.

Brock Lesnar Vs. Frank Mir

Georges St-Pierre Vs. Thiago Alves

Dan Henderson Vs. Michael Bisping

JON FITCH vs. PAULO THIAGO

YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA vs. ALAN BELCHER

MARK COLEMAN vs. STEPHAN BONNAR

MAC DANZIG vs. JIM MILLER

JON JONES vs. JAKE O’BRIEN

DONG HYUN KIM vs. JONATHAN GOULET

CB DOLLAWAY vs. TOM LAWLOR

MATT GRICE vs. SHANNON GUGERTY

ufc100

SATURDAY, JULY 11 – LIVE FROM MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

Las Vegas, NV (USA) – Title contenders, a former UFC® champion and a handful of rising stars – and that’s just on the undercard. With the undisputed heavyweight title on the line, one of the UFC’s greatest welterweights ever facing his greatest challenge ever and a mixed martial arts legend facing the United Kingdom’s biggest star, the UFC has already secured three main-event-caliber matches for UFC 100. The fight card has the exciting names – now it’s time to watch the exciting fights.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship® today confirmed the remaining fights for the historic UFC® 100 event on Saturday, July 11th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. With an already stacked fight card, including two championship fights, the UFC has added Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago, Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher, Mark Coleman vs. Stephan Bonnar, Mac Danzig vs. Jim Miller, Jon Jones vs. Jake O’Brien, Dong Hyun Kim vs. Jonathan Goulet, CB Dollaway vs. Tom Lawlor and Matt Grice vs. Shannon Gugerty.
UFC 100 is sold out and will be available live and only on Pay-Per-View on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network,

With an outstanding 9-1 record in the UFC (22-3, 1 NC overall) and coming off an impressive win against Akihiro Gono in his last fight, Jon Fitch (fighting out of San Jose, Calif.) is one of the toughest fighters the welterweight division has to offer. With wins over Thiago Alves, Diego Sanchez, Brock Larson and Luigi Fioravanti, the Ft. Wayne, Indiana native has dominated the competition and looks to one day hold that UFC welterweight strap. Standing in his way is the undefeated Paulo Thiago (fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil). The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt improved his professional mixed martial arts record to 11-0 when he defeated Josh Koscheck by TKO in the first round of their February match. He gets another true test when he faces Koscheck’s teammate at UFC 100.

A middleweight superstar who made his name overseas, Yoshihiro Akiyama (fighting out of Osaka, Japan) is a decorated judo black belt with dangerous knockout power and a 12-1, 2 NC mixed martial arts record. He’ll make his long-awaited UFC debut against MMA veteran Alan Belcher (fighting out of Biloxi, Mississippi). A Jonesboro, Arkansas native, “The Talent” is riding a two-fight win streak with a submission victory against Denis Kang in his last fight at UFC 93.

A UFC Hall of Famer, former UFC heavyweight champion and 1988 NCAA national wrestling champion for Ohio State, Mark Coleman (fighting out of Columbus, Ohio) has the credentials and the talent to make a great fight every time out. With seven career UFC wins, the 44-year-old looks to stir things up in the light heavyweight division, and if there’s another fighter that knows how to put on a great show it’s Stephan Bonnar (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.). A fighter that will be remembered forever for his epic battle with Forrest Griffin in the original The Ultimate Fighter® finale, The Munster, Indiana born fighter has notable wins over Keith Jardine, Eric Schafer and James Irvin.

Season six winner of The Ultimate Fighter, Mac Danzig (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) has two submission victories as a UFC fighter and the Cleveland, Ohio native will have his greatest test to date when he faces Sparta, New Jersey native Jim Miller (fighting out of Whippany, N.J.). The Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt has two UFC wins, including a submission victory over David Baron in his lightweight debut.

If one wanted to watch a rising star in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, look no further than Rochester, New York born Jon Jones (fighting out of Endicott, N.Y.). The undefeated 21-year-old earned an exciting unanimous decision victory against UFC veteran Stephan Bonnar in his last fight, winning his second UFC match and keeping his professional record perfect at 8-0. Now Jones turns his attention to former heavyweight Jake O’Brien (fighting out of Indianapolis, Ind.). The former Purdue wrestler and three-time high school state champion earned a split decision victory against Christian Wellisch in his last fight.

With two UFC wins already on his resume, Dong Hyun Kim (fighting out of Busan, Korea) brings plenty of excitement to the UFC welterweight division. With a memorable match against Karo Parisyan and wins over Matt Brown and Jason Tan, the 27-year-old judo black belt will be an interesting matchup for Canadian striker Jonathan Goulet (Victoriaville, Quebec, Canada). The 29-year-old has four wins in the UFC, including two TKOs and one submission.

Currently on a two-fight win streak, former The Ultimate Fighter Season 7 finalist CB Dollaway (fighting out of Tempe, Ariz.) has finished his last two fights within one round. Now the Mt. Gilead, Ohio native and former NCAA All-American wrestler from Arizona State University faces Fall River, Massachusetts product Tom Lawlor (fighting out of Orlando, Fla.). The 26-year-old with the 5-1, 1 NC record earned a unanimous decision victory against Kyle Kingsbury in his UFC debut.

A former wrestler from Oklahoma University, Matt Grice (fighting out of Harrah, Okla.) holds a 10-2 professional MMA record and an impressive split decision victory over Jason Black. Grice will have to be on his game when he faces the well-rounded Shannon Gugerty (fighting out of San Diego, Calif.). The 27-year-old brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu also has a background in Muay Thai and already holds a UFC win over Dale Hartt.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com,