Sin City’s Celebrity Cowboy Lassos Some Rip-Roaring Deals For You…
When I was a child, my mom used to say that people who had money were those who knew how to save it. That meant “spending wisely” as much as it did setting aside a nest egg. Lessons like that tend to stay ingrained, which is why so many of my Vegas-related articles offer value-laden information for visitors and locals alike.
“Money Mike” Foland has a mind that operates in a similar fashion. Foland is a business visionary whom I’ve known for several years. I first became aware of this handsome devil via a television documentary covering the development and launch of Men of the Strip, a saucy male revue he was involved with. The production was co-created by Glenn Douglas Packard and 98 Degrees star Jeff Timmons. Glenn covered the choreography, Jeff uncovered his pecs, and Foland handled the finances.
Mike Foland (rear center), Jeff Timmons, Glenn D Packard and Men of the Strip
What I found interesting about Mike was his wildly-varied background. The macho, mild-mannered gentleman was once a mixed martial artist and a former member of Chippendales. When we met, he was also operating a rehabilitation facility in Florida. So his partnership with Packard and Timmons was definitely unusual….the type of thing that reality shows thrive on.
Somehow the four of us became friends, and we’ve stayed in touch since Men of the Strip debuted at Mandalay Bay in 2014. Along the way, Mike has expanded his Vegas interests with FLO Advertising, which I covered here and here.
Mike, myself, Jeff Timmons and Daniel Kouretas (Lucky’s Lounge)
As a friend, Mike’s encouraged me to become involved in challenges faced by the Nevada NSPCA and has been instrumental in connecting me with influential locals like Jamal Parker (Greenspun Media Group), Jason Egan (SAW Escape Room, Fright Dome), Daniel Kouretas (Lucky’s Lounge) and power journalist Markos Papadatos.
Mike’s passion for animals is evident in his Las Vegas ranch, where he offers riding lessons for skilled enthusiasts and first-timers. Located near Silverton Casino, the Foland Ranch is home to six horses, fifteen chickens, two desert tortoises, dogs, cats, and a rabbit named “Oreo”. And let’s not forget Sanja, his gorgeous lady love.
Now Foland is branching out once more with a new retail enterprise in Las Vegas. Located in Henderson and opening in May, Money Mike’s Liquidations is an innovative outlet concept unlike anything you’ve ever seen:
Welcome to Money Mikes Liquidations! The only place in town where the day of the week determines the price you pay. We’re the first of its kind here in Nevada with our bin-style Liquidation Center. We stock a 15,000 sq. ft. store every Thursday with fresh inventory. Starting Fridays the bins are full of merchandise and open to the public for you to find deals of a lifetime!
As the week goes on the price per item gets cheaper and cheaper. Fridays, all items in the store are ONLY $10 each. That’s right – everything in the store is only $10 on Fridays! But wait, there’s more! As the week goes on our deals get even better! On Saturdays, everything in the store is only $8 per item, Sundays it’s only $6 per item, Mondays it’s only $4 per item, and Tuesdays it’s only $3 per item. On Wednesdays we host a very special CLEARANCE DAY in which everything remaining will be only $1 per item. Every Thursday we’re closed to refill the bins with new merchandise.
At Money Mike’s Liquidations, our inventory comes for Amazon returns, Target returns and overstock items, Walmart liquidations, Home Depot returns, Lowe’s returns, retail store overstock, and so on…. We get semi-truckloads full of product every week so we never know what we’ll get.
Ever the gentleman, Mike doesn’t just view his liquidation store as just a business. He also sees it as a way to help a community shaken to the core by unemployment and the impacts of COVID-19:
“I feel like everyone wants a good deal…especially now. People are trying to save or make a buck any way they can. Due to challenges caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), we’re providing our customers with extra support and resources. We are so excited to bring a one of a kind store where the day of the week determines the price you pay.”
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Money Mike’s Liquidations has a humor-filled Facebook page that gives you an inside peek at the trucks, merchandise, shopping floor, and storefront that await eager shoppers. Check it out, hit the “LIKE” button and keep informed on when Money Mike’s Liquidations opens, sometime in May 2021.
Money Mike’s Liquidations will be located at 574 N. Stephanie St., Henderson, NV 89014. Store hours to be announced.
Film enthusiast achieves lifelong desire to launch a Revival Movie House…
“To sleep, perchance to dream… for in this sleep what dreams may come…” – William Shakespeare
Rallying cries to never give up on your dreams – they’re the essence of nearly every high school graduation speech ever made. Yet when we venture forth into the real world, how many of us forget those goals that shaped our youth? Las Vegas resident John Lohmann never set his dream aside. Now, after the better part of four decades, it’s finally become a reality with The 35 Cinema.
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Mr. Lohmann and I are kindred spirits of a sort. We both have a passion for fantasy, horror and sci-fi films of the 70’s and 80’s. Our career paths somewhat intersected, as we were both movie theater managers who worked on marketing projects for major Hollywood releases. My tenure in the film exhibition industry was short, though, and John continues to pursue his passion.
This week, John took a break from the challenges of running his retro-cool revival movie house to discuss his background with me. The conversation ended when he had to thread up a 35mm print of the 1979 classic ALIEN for a 6 pm showing. In that brief time, John shared some incredible memories, a stunning celebrity encounter, and an unusually difficult path to opening the doors of The 35 Cinema.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
John’s career in movie theater operations began at the age of sixteen. His first recollection of threading a movie onto the massive projection system (an art unto itself) was for the 1987 hit A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. It’s unlikely that the teenager envisioned one day working side by side in his own theater with actress Lisa Wilcox. Ms. Wilcox is The 35 Cinema‘s manager and the “final girl” from both Elm Street Part 4: The Dream Master and Part 5: The Dream Child.
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As a youngster, Lohmann was entranced by the mechanics of movie projection. He had his own projector and used to charge his friend five cents to watch copies of Ken Films, short Super-8 editions sold for home use through the pre-VCR era of the 70’s. The reels were widely available at K-Mart (this writer had his own collection, a rear-projection viewer and an editing station).
In the 90’s, the movie enthusiast covered a lot of ground. He worked in various capacities for AMC Theaters, Regal, Globe, and the Century brand, which operates Cinemark theaters in the Las Vegas valley. He also branched out into attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm and Disney parks.
It’s was John’s passion for the movie-going experience that served him well in marketing. He received the highest levels of recognition and won prestigious accolades (including the Sid Grauman Award), for his promotions of such varied titles as The Peacemaker (with Nicole Kidman and George Clooney), Deep Impact, family films The Rugrats Movie, its sequel Rugrats In Paris, Barnie’s Big Adventure, Disney hits Mulan and Hercules…and a low-profile sleeper called TITANIC.
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Perhaps John’s most incredible experience was when he attended a pre-release screening of the 1998 fantasy What Dreams May Come. A difficult-to-watch, emotional exploration of death and the afterlife, the film presented a considerable challenge to its marketing team. Lohmann was invited to attend an advance screening in order to serve as a consultant and advisor for marketing.
The humbled guest entered the theater along with the movie’s creative team. He noticed that each seat came supplied with a box of tissues. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll understand why.
When the lights came up, John was dabbing his eyes with tissues when he felt a pair of hands grip his shoulders from behind. Then an unmistakable voice asked “What did you think?”. Spinning around, the sobbing cinephile found himself face to face with the film’s star, Robin Williams.
Robin Williams and costar Annabella Sciorra…
The two gentlemen spent the better part of the next three hours discussing the emotionally-complex feature. As John recounted, Williams was absolutely thrilled by the project. “I love comedy, but acting is what I really want to do” the legendary entertainer proclaimed.
Lohmann came up with a few ideas to promote the drama, which garnered over $75 million at the box office. As for Williams’ dramatic career, it continued to expand with wildly diverse roles in Bicentennial Man, Patch Adams, the frightening One Hour Photo and Christopher Nolan‘s Insomnia.
While immersed in the worlds of film marketing, theme park entertainment, and becoming involved in animation art collecting, the Anaheim native was always looking for the perfect place to open his own revival movie theater. The search stretched through roughly four decades. At one point, Lohmann thought he’d finally found the perfect spot, a four-plex that had been abandoned for a decade. It was in poor shape, smelled badly, and had become a refuge for the homeless.
Abandoned cineplexes await rebirth in a post-pandemic world…
Nevertheless, the cavernous grand lobby of the movie house was too gorgeous to ignore. Lohmann was all set to commit when a second-run (discount) chain swooped in to snatch it. Sadly, their endeavor lasted only a few months, but by that time, John had moved on. Yet he never stopped looking for the perfect venue.
Ira Heiden (left) in Elvira, Mistress of the Dark…
In the years since that first showing of Nightmare On Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors, the horror franchise has become a permanent part of Lohmann’s life. He personally befriended most of the movie’s cast, and even became best buddies with actor Ira Heiden, who played Will Stanton aka “Wizard Master”.
Elm Street 3 cast recreates iconic “Dream Warriors” photo in 2017
Fast forward to the current decade. As of 2017, virtually every theater has switched to digital equipment. Traditional projection systems were being discarded and replaced around the world. John happened upon a working set-up at Long Beach State University that was in jeopardy. After a little back-and-forth with those in charge, he was given a matter of hours to remove it from the campus.
For the next few years, this marvelous monster resided in a breezeway of its new owner’s California home, covered by a tarp and patiently waiting for an eventual return to usefulness. It joined John’s other treasure, a rare stereo 16mm system that came from a defunct Jerry Lewis Cinemas location in Georgia.
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Eventually, John packed up his dreams and possessions (and of course, those two beloved projectors) and relocated to Las Vegas. They can now be found at The 35 Cinema inside The Nerd, a heavily-themed downtown fun spot for adults. You can read all about The 35 Cinema right here in this Vegas Unfiltered Blog companion piece.
It would be a disservice to the efforts of John and his team to close this piece with “they all lived happily ever after”. Getting that first movie onto the screen was anything but easy. The venue should have opened nearly a year ago, but a series of obstacles kept falling into its path. And that’s not even factoring in the pandemic.
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The 35 Cinema debuted in February 2021, and even now, difficulties arise. A highly-anticipated booking of 1977’s original STAR WARS promised to put hundreds of fans into the plush new seats, but a delivery problem forced the owner to remove it from the schedule. Lohmann is working to find a more reliable source for quality vintage titles on 35mm film, and each week provides new opportunities to challenge the boyishly handsome businessman.
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Fortunately, our city is overflowing with enthusiastic moviegoers. Thousands have flocked in the past year to West Wind drive-in for classic hits (albeit in digital form) and William Powell‘s The Sci-Fi Center in historic Commercial Plaza enjoys huge turnouts for drive-in style “Carpool Cinema” screenings of older titles.
Now that Elm Street actress Lisa Wilcox is managing The 35 Cinema, its owner’s immersion into the dream world of Freddy Krueger is complete. And with our supportive community to rally around the newest Las Vegas cinema experience, it’s only a matter of time before ambitious John Lohmann, an honorary member of the Elm Street gang, ascends from “Dream Warrior” to the “Dream Master” of his own realm.
Update 4/28/21 -Hello everyone. First off wanna thank all of our fans and loyal customers. This past Sunday we pulled out of The Nerd so we could move into a more family friendly venue. We’ll be posting soon our new location which will be 5 times larger, more screens, open to all ages, easier to access and so more. We hope The Nerd well but we could not survive at that venue. Stay posted for updates on the new location that we hope to be open as soon as possible. – John Lohmann, The 35 Cinema
Photos: Sam Novak, John Lohmann, The 35 Cinema, The Sci-Fi Center (William Powell). Elm Street 3 cast reunion photo by Rodney Eastman
Just because certain people get paid big bucks to make decisions for the rest of us, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily any smarter. The proof lies within this list of twenty-one dumb-ass laws, decisions, and situations that really make no sense.
T-Mobile Arena (capacity – 20,000) and Allegiant Stadium (capacity – 65,000) were erected on opposite sides of the intersection at Tropicana Avenue and I-15, a pre-existing clusterfuck that already couldn’t handle current daily traffic.
The super-expensive CIRCA luxury resort just opened on the corner of Fremont Street and Main Street, one of the least-luxurious spots in the entire city (aka “Home of the Homeless”). Basic room prices at CIRCA exceed those of Wynn/Encore.
There are two competing dead human-body exhibits on the Strip
It’s not uncommon for Vegas hotels to advertise $18 room rates then tack on mandatory $38 extortion resort fees (the fees are then taxed an additional 12.5%).
Fontainebleau/The Drew is still an unfinished eyesore 13 years after construction began. Latest projected opening date is November 2022
The support columns for abandoned Skyvue Ferris Wheel still stand across from Mandalay Bay nine and a half years after groundbreaking.
The 28-story Harmon Hotel was erected between Aria and Cosmopolitan in 2009, then dismantled floor by floor in 2015 without ever opening.
Criss Angel’s show at LUXOR is considered one of the worst productions in Las Vegas history, yet it managed to run for ten years due to an iron-clad contract with Cirque du Soleil.
The metal skeleton of Venetian‘s unfinished St. Regis Tower was wrapped in a giant canvas photo to make it resemble an actual building.
Hoover Dam began generating electricity in 1936. Due to legal agreements, Las Vegas didn’t start receiving power from the dam until 2017!
Thousands of homeless “mole people” live in sewage tunnels under the city.
Guests of the non-smoking Cabana Suites have to check in at adjacent El Cortez Hotel Casino, known for it’s notoriously smoky air quality.
Harrah’s Corporation once had a vendetta against boats. In 1997, the company stripped a riverboat theme from its hotel on the Strip. The following year, Harrah’s purchased Showboat Hotel, sold it two years later but refused to let the new buyers keep the “Showboat” name.
The Las Vegas Strip is not actually in Las Vegas. Neither is the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The city limits end near STRAT Hotel Casino.
Unconventional theater chain favors quirky gems over mainstream hits…
With so little live entertainment currently available in Las Vegas, some of us who yearn for something to do have been rediscovering the cinemas. Alas, the only apparent winner from a business perspective has been West Wind Las Vegas drive-in, which I’ve reported on several times. But a gorgeous new indoor multiplex on the north side is shaking things up. And it’s definitely worth a visit.
As an avid movie buff (and former manager for AMC Theaters) who attends film screenings at least three times per week, it pains me to admit that the expansion of MAYA Cinemas to Las Vegas escaped me. The high-tech complex began operations in early 2019, but was apparently overshadowed by the hype surrounding downtown’s ECLIPSE Theaters. That pricey restaurant/bar/cinema hybrid reportedly failed to connect with movie-goers, and remains dark for the eight month. Expensive $18 movie tickets certainly didn’t help.
MAYA Cinemas, on the other hand, is a more economical alternative. While their ticket prices are in line with bigger brands like Regal and Cinemark, snack prices are remarkably reasonable. For instance, a large drink/popcorn combo runs $10 at MAYA, compared to over $16 at AMC Town Square. And before you complain about snack prices, keep in mind that food and beverage sales are what keep your local movie house in business, not ticket sales. The vast percentage of your admission price goes back to the studios who make the movies. So…no concession sales equals no movie theater. Period.
MAYA Cinemas is based in California. The Las Vegas location is their first in Nevada. It’s only a few minutes from the NEON Museum, and next to old-time locals casinos Silver Nugget and Jerry’s Nugget. While the location might seem puzzling to some, it was deliberately chosen in keeping with the company’s mission statement.
Maya Cinemas was chartered in 2000 with a mission to develop, build, own and operate modern, first-run, megaplex movie theaters in under-served, family oriented, Latino-dominant communities. In January 2019, Maya Cinemas North Las Vegas opened its doors bringing state-of-the-art movie-going to an area of Las Vegas seeing rapid growth of new business.
Maya Cinemas offers first-run Hollywood movies in high-end theaters focused on quality of design, state-of-the-art film presentation technology, and superior customer service.
It’s hard to downplay the visual appeal of MAYA Cinemas N. Las Vegas. The massive modern structure features a spacious parking lot that’s landscaped beautifully with thoughtful accent lighting. Inside, touchscreen podiums allow you to reserve your tickets, or you can pre-order them online. All seats are assigned, and physical distancing protocols are automatically implemented.
An enormous lobby houses Energi Gaming arcade, a dining area, and Maya Cantina, which serves alcoholic beverages that you can take into the auditorium. Snacks, meals, and drinks can be ordered via the MAYA Cinemas App, which also includes MAYA Rewards loyalty program. Sign up to receive a free small popcorn and accrue points towards future discounts. You’ll be eligible for periodic email deals, too.
Throughout the week, you can take advantage of discounts like “Date Night Mondays”, “Family Day Tuesdays”, and “Senior Day Wednesdays”. Specially-scheduled presentations are targeted towards guests with sensory sensitivities, and the theater is available for private rentals and birthday parties.
The wonderful design of MAYA Cinemas continues into the corridors and auditoriums, which are decorated with mellow earth tones and vibrant yellows. Plush electronic recliner seats are equipped with dining tables that easily swing into position and back out of the way. There is ample spacing between rows, once again ideal for physical distancing. Auditoriums are thoroughly sanitized between each showtime, and extra precautions are regularly implemented by the staff to protect your health.
If you’re a techie, you’ll appreciate the presence of DOLBY ATMOS sound systems, D-BOX motion seats (in select auditoriums), and MPX, Maya’s own large-screen premium format.
MPX is the most immersive movie experience yet! Be engulfed in our large silver screen with the clearest and brightest 2D and 3D images from our projection technology. And hear every detail in amazing clarity with a true 360-degree sound! MPX clarity of sound effects is phenomenal and delivers total immersion into the film.
Attention to detail is even evident in MAYA Cinemas restroom facilities. Family restrooms are ideal for those with small children or special needs. There are environmentally-friendly waterless fixtures for the gentlemen, and all-in-one sinks have high-speed blade dryers that instantly dry hands without paper towel waste or mess.
The best thing about MAYA Cinemas, aside from the unbelievably-delicious popcorn, is their unique approach to programming. As I mentioned in yesterday’s article on the release of STEALING CHAPLAIN, theaters have been impacted by a drought of Hollywood product. Of course, this was caused by the pandemic that shut down all film and television production this year. In place of new titles, theaters have been relying on classics, mostly from the 80s, with a few major studio releases peppered in.
MAYA Cinemas has taken that business model one step further. They’re featuring low-budget indies, urban-appeal thrillers, film festival favs, and genre-busters that might have otherwise gone straight to video. But let’s face facts…no matter how high-end your home system is, nothing beats the massive screens, booming sound, delicious smells, mouth-watering tastes, and captivating atmosphere of a real movie house.
My first visit to MAYA Las Vegas was for LOVE AND MONSTERS, a critically-acclaimed (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) post-apocalyptic romantic adventure starring Dylan O’Brien of the MAZE RUNNER trilogy. Also showing were SPELL, a voodoo chiller featuring an African-American cast, JUNGLELAND, a boxing drama with SONS OF ANARCHY‘s Charlie Hunnam, and THE INFORMER with Joel Kinnaman. None of these titles are playing anywhere else in the city.
Previous discoveries include SAVE YOURSELVES, a riotous comedy of two city-slickers stranded in a rustic cabin during an alien invasion. Horror film favorites Tobin Bell (SAW) and Lin Shaye (INSIDIOUS) teamed up for THE CALL, a nail-biter from the creator of FINAL DESTINATION. Coming soon are SPIRAL, the latest in the SAW franchise, and MURDER IN THE WOODS with Danny Trejo (MACHETE).
Of course, with over a dozen auditoriums to fill, major Hollywood releases like HONEST THIEF and older classics get their fair share of screen time. Ongoing series include family favorites like THE WIZARD OF OZ and BACK TO THE FUTURE, musicals like GREASE and FOOTLOOSE, and the entire HARRY POTTER series.
Retro titles are only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children, so pack up the kids and allow them to experience TOY STORY,CHRISTMAS VACATION and more on the big screen for the first time. It’s time to get out of the house and rediscover the pleasures of going to the movies.
MAYA Cinemas Las Vegas is located at 2195 North Las Vegas Boulevard North Las Vegas, NV 89030. Click here for showtimes, ticket prices and more information.
Locally-produced comedy benefits from sHortage of Hollywood theatrical releases…
“Keep digging. Otherwise the next grave we’re digging is our own”. So says ‘Cal’, a con man desperate to stay alive while embroiled in a daring Las Vegas scam. That’s the premise of STEALING CHAPLAIN, a brand-new comedy filmed on location in Sin City.
STEALING CHAPLAIN is an independent production that’s about to hit big screens across the country. It’s being released at a time when theater chains are starving for new titles. For local producer Ken Bressers of Dystopian Films, this came as a stroke of luck, one that he swiftly pounced upon.
After the relative failure of director Christopher Nolan’s expensive (and downright awful, IMHO) TENET on U.S. screens, tentpole features like Pixar’s SOUL, Disney’s MULAN remake, WONDER WOMAN 84 and the latest James Bond film have either been postponed or diverted to streaming services. As a result, chains like AMC, Cinemark and Regal have relied on running retro classic titles…or have shut down altogether.
“Knowing we’ve got a quality movie ready to deliver and that theaters are drying up, we approached several theater chains directly, and they loved the idea” said Bressers. “Beginning November 13, we will be opening in over a hundred movie theaters across six major chains, and we’re still in talks with several others.” Stealing Chaplain is currently in theatrical release in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Stealing Chaplin is a comic caper focused on two British con men who dig up and ransom the corpse of legendary comic actor Charlie Chaplin. It’s inspired by the true story of a pair of crooks actually exhuming and stealing the body of the silent comedy star. Ken oversaw a production also starring The Sopranos star Al Sapienza and The Patriot actor Peter Woodward.
Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize a number of local performers who are featured in Stealing Chaplain. It even includes a cameo appearance from “Mr. Las Vegas” himself, Wayne Newton. Dani Elizabeth, fiance of comedic magician Murray SawChuck, is the popular emcee of CRAZY GIRLS at Planet Hollywood. Handsome Brent Barret of PHANTOM – The Las Vegas Spectacular (and former entertainment director for THE VEGAS ROOM) is on hand, as is sultry Cheryl Prater, a frequent host and guest at ROCKING COMEDY SHOW with Jay Bird.
Cheryl Praterhas been in numerous Vegas-centric films and TV series
It was at a Halloween day private screening of the 1984 classic Nightmare on Elm Street (hosted by Jay) that Cheryl Prater first told me the STEALING CHAPLAIN news. She was undoubtedly excited by the chance to reach a large-scale audience in her latest role. In a year filled with endless bad news, this was a solid reason for cast, crew and friends to celebrate.
Bressers echoed those sentiments: “If Charlie Chaplin taught us anything; it was that laughing in times of difficulty sometimes is the best medicine. In light of everything going on in the world at the moment, we are very pleased to be partnering with Cinemark Theatres, Marcus Theatres, Malco, Starlights, and more to deliver Stealing Chaplin to an audience in need of an escape!”
Escaping to movie theaters has long been a popular Las Vegas pastime. Fremont Street’s historic El Portal Theater, built in the 1920s, was the city’s very first air-conditioned structure. Casinos throughout the valley have multi-screen theaters under their roofs, and the West Wind 6 Drive-in is filled with hundreds of cars every evening.
Several local movie producers and directors have turned Las Vegas into their own private Hollywood. Directors Joe Lujan and brothers Sonny and Michael Mahal use local talent and locations for outrageous cult horror films like Art of the Dead, Bus Party to Hell and the Immortal Wars franchise. Along with Sharknado actress Tara Reid, their films feature handsome future stars like Mark Justice, Ben Stobber, and burlesque performer Ronnie Nanos.
Even Gregory Popovich of David Saxe‘s POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER got bit by the movie-making bug. His endearing “Popovich and the Voice of the Fabled American West” had an exclusive run at Brenden Theaters at The Palms Casino Hotel. So, it’s no surprise that Stealing Chaplain benefits from the talent of many Las Vegas entertainers.
With all of the new precautions that have been standardized to make your movie-going experience safe and enjoyable, there’s no better time to head out and experience a new film. Enjoy this trailer for STEALING CHAPLAIN and see it on theater screens beginning November 13th. Visit the official Facebook page for more information and showtimes.
The Sin City you knew and loved has gone a little bit “Mad Max” and a whole lotta “Resident Evil: Extinction”…
Updated 10/5/20:
Wynn Las Vegas is putting new security measures in place on weekends, requiring customers to be screened for metal objects and putting more uniformed officers in place.
The moves follow a fight on Labor Day Weekend that prompted an aggressive lawsuit by Wynn, and problems at other properties on the Las Vegas Strip that included shootings recently. Metro Police say they have noticed an uptick in violence at or near Las Vegas Strip properties since August, which has already led to more than 1,100 arrests.
Back in October 2018, I penned a piece announcing my transition from “Vegas visitor” to “Sin City local”. In that article, I promised to continue writing from the perspective of a tourist, while peppering in the additional tips I’d absorb as a resident along the way.
Since then, a lot has changed. You’re about to read what may be the final entry in this blog. Only time will tell. Keep in mind that the name of this site is “Vegas Unfiltered”. You might not like what you’re about to read, but quite often, the truth is ugly. And that’s the state of Las Vegas right now. Very ugly.
apocalypse now
It’s often said that art imitates life….and vice versa. So when I looked towards the entertainment world for a representation of Las Vegas circa “summer 2020”, I found myself inside the dystopian setting of “Resident Evil: Extinction“. You’re probably familiar with that particular film, and if you aren’t, the description might seem uncomfortably familiar.
Based on popular video games and third in a series of movie adaptations, “Resident Evil: Extinction” depicts a post-pandemic Las Vegas in which our iconic hotels and casinos are overrun with hoards of the infected. The Strip is a wasteland, and those who survived the global pandemic become victims of bloody violence.
Factor in “Mad Max”-style high speed police chases along with the new phenomenon of ¨scooter gangs¨ in place of outlaw bikers…and you’ve got an post-apocalypse double feature that none of us could have imagined witnessing during our lifetime.
Does that seem dramatic and exaggerated? Well, perhaps you should follow Vegas news more often. Sin City has indeed become a seedy, violent place to visit. Since the shaky reopening of the Strip, downtown and surrounding areas, the shootings, muggings, murders, suicides, protests, riots and brawls have become rather routine. Sounds like the perfect vacation spot, doesn’t it? Just bring your bulletproof vest and join in on the fun.
Sights like this were common just a few short months ago…
The seeds of chaos were planted in May
Las Vegas Metropolitan Captain James LaRochelle told ABC News on 6/24/20 that the department saw an increase in crime starting late the previous month.
“Three weeks ago, we had a really bad week, with 11 murders in 10 days. Some of those were domestic violence-related. Our gang murders are about 22% of our homicides, and our rate of solving those is a bit lower. At one point in April we had solved 100% of our murders, and now we’re at about 80%,” LaRochelle told the outlet. “We’re still slightly down in violent crime year-to-date, but lately we are seeing an uptick and it is a concern.”
Police chase on Las Vegas Boulevard, Labor Day weekend 9/5/20
When the first restrictions were rolled back and chains were cut from casino doors, I penned a series of articles detailing the efforts to lure tourists back. From new sanitation protocols to removal of parking fees, I assured readers that Vegas was ready and waiting for you. In retrospect, that was a foolishly optimistic stance.
If you plan on visiting in the coming weeks or months, prepare for a very nerve-wracking experience. It begins at your local airport, where restrictions and measures will make everything from going through security to sitting at the gate and your actual flight anything but pleasant.
Chances are that you already had a rough time booking your trip, as airlines are bleeding cash and have slashed the number of daily flights into and out of the city. Along with limited options, expect an increased likelihood of delays and cancellations, too.
You’ll be required to wear a mask from the time you enter your departure point until you actually breathe Nevada air…it’s not a negotiable matter. You can say goodbye to having an in-flight cocktail to set the mood, and forget about even having a soft drink unless you buy a bottle at the pricey terminal newsstand. In an effort to minimize contact, flight attendants will mostly remain at the front and rear of the plane. You’ll get a cup of water and perhaps a bag of crackers…also known as “prison rations”.
You won’t know if the flight attendants and gate agents are smiling behind those masks. They certainly don’t want to be in an enclosed space with potentially infected passengers, but they’ve got to make a living. So shut up, avoid your neighbors, follow the lengthy list of rules, deal with the lack of in-flight amenities and sit still until the plane comes to a complete stop.
It may be a long time before McCarran International Airport is thriving again…
Things are beginning to look bleak
Once you disembark, the airport will provide a depressing first impression, with closed restaurants and bars, darkened slot machines and minimal available services. Due do decreased demand, you may deplane in a different terminal than usual, requiring a shuttle bus, tram or lengthy walk to pick up your baggage.
Most local UBER and LYFT drivers have given up servicing the airport, so anticipate a wait time of 30 minutes or so for a pickup. Tempers are short and I’ve witnessed multiple arguments in the terminals and at pick-up areas. Are you happy to be here yet?
When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll have your body temperature scanned by one of a variety of different methods, walk through a maze of stanchions to get to the few human beings behind the reception desk, or opt to check yourself in via an automated kiosk. The goal once again is to limit human contact in a city once known for its heightened hospitality. And keep that mask on at all times…unless you’re smoking, of course. Then it’s okay.
First class service is a thing of the past
After standing in line to pick up your room key, you’ll most likely stand in another line to use the elevator. Most resorts are restricting the number of persons allowed on each trip, yet they’ve closed off certain areas of the hotel to maximize efficiency during decreased occupancy. So you’re all going to the same floors in the same tower while being instructed to practice social distancing and not crowd into the elevators together. Did you follow that?
Take note that, just like the airlines, Vegas hotels and casinos are operating at a loss. They’ve cut their workforce tremendously, so services are minimal and not always offered in a pleasant manner. Those who remain employed are severely overworked and under a great deal of stress.
South Point Casino 8/30/20
Are you the kind of person who likes to have your hotel room serviced on a daily basis? Most travelers do…it’s nice to have someone else fix the bed, replace the towels and wipe down sinks and countertops. Well, not in today’s Vegas. It’s now standard for housekeeping to only do their tasks when you completely check out.
Need towels or supplies? Leave a message with housekeeping, and if you’re lucky, what you requested may eventually be hanging from the knob outside your door. Is your trash can full? Bag it up and leave it in the hallway with everyone else’s. There’s no room service if you wish to have breakfast in bed or splurge on a midnight snack. Doesn’t this all sound lovely?
MGM Resorts recently announced the layoff of an additional 18,000 workers. That’s on top of the thousands that they’ve already let go. So yes, that associate you’re engaging with is happy to have a job, but that’s the extent of their joy. Don’t hint for an upgrade…they aren’t in the mood to hear about your birthday while they’re wondering if or when they’ll get the ax.
Popular hotels like The Palms, Rio, The Cromwell, Planet Hollywood, The Linq, Tropicana, Main Street Station, and Park MGM continue to remain dark. Others have reduced operating hours, closed restaurants and buffets (Wynn already shut down their buffet after re-opening it in June), scaled back gaming options, eliminated valet service, and closed pools, spas, salons, fitness facilities, player’s club lounges, and more. You’re still on the hook for the full price of resort fees, despite the removal of most amenities.
The once-popular Wynn Buffet during peak lunch period on Saturday 8/16/20
Low down and dirty
Maintenance at most Strip hotels, with the notable exceptions of Wynn and Westgate, has been downright disheartening. Common areas and guestrooms are receiving poor to indifferent upkeep, despite the PR crap they’ve been shoveling. Hotels may be promising “Clean and Safe” but the puddles of dried urine/vomit, dirty rooms, grungy common areas and filthy parking garages tell a different story. Once again, cost-cutting and workforce reduction are to blame.
Guests returning to Flamingo Hotel Casino during reopening week were greeted with filth and disarray…
Glitz and glamour have been replaced with crime, decay and neglect.
If you decide to venture out, know that Las Vegas Boulevard is a mess. As usual, outdoor escalators are out of commission despite months of opportunity to repair them during the shutdown. Sidewalks and overhead walkways are filthy, too. The homeless problem has grown, so you’ll be dodging a lot more beggars than in the past.
One place that doesn’t seem to be suffering economic loss is Fremont Street. Nevertheless, the nightly street party is a COVID-friendly petri dish of overcrowding, gang bangers, hot heads, and anti-maskers. Going there on a weekend evening is literally taking your life into your own hands.
Labor day Anarchy as crowds go “Mad Max”
Check out this shocking video from Friday night, 9/4/20 (Labor Day Weekend). Take note of the pair of Las Vegas Metro police officers at 00:11 to 00:17, strolling through the crowd without masks. Apparently it’s optional for them to wear face coverings but not for you. So why aren’t they stopping the violators they see in every direction?
Public video posted to Facebook by Martin Laursen has gone viral…
After a Labor Day weekend filled with violence and brawls, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Captain Patricia Spencer held a press conference at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign on Tuesday 9/8/20. She declared “We understand that our neighboring states all have COVID restrictions and the residents are looking for places to go and be entertained and get out. However, we cannot tolerate the violence.”
“There were numerous fights that took place with large amounts of people in various Strip properties,” Spencer continued. “For those people who are coming here to have fun and take part in the festivities and the entertainment here, we welcome you. For those of you who are coming here to prey on the tourists or residents of this community, it will not be tolerated.”
Here’s another video from Labor Day weekend on Fremont Street, capturing the tail end of a confrontation between the crowd and law enforcement. Why would you subject yourself to this kind of atmosphere?
Public video posted to Facebook by Martin Laursen…
Tourism has plummeted – let’s continue building!
Massive construction projects like Resorts World, the Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, MSG Sphere, Downtown Arch and Circa Hotel have created lane closures, traffic back-ups, and annoying detours all over the tourist corridor. It’s an absolute cluster-fuck out there. We’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic…so let’s build-build-build!
Despite thousands of empty hotel rooms, abandoned hotel towers, and a vacant new stadium, massive construction projects continue…
Room rates have been slashed, so people who couldn’t normally afford high-end hotels are taking advantage of once-in-a-lifetime bargains. What does that mean to you? The luxurious experience you may have once enjoyed has now gone “ghetto”.
Wynn Resorts Ltd. spokesman Michael Weaver said the company is increasing its room rates and investment in its security workforce and procedures after a fight broke out at Encore over the weekend. The company has no record of injuries from the incident.
Weaver said the changes are being made to ensure Wynn’s two Las Vegas properties, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, “maintain the guest experience standards for which (they) are known.” Las Vegas Review-Journal 9/8/20
Brawling at Wynn/Encore 9/6/20 (public photo posted to Facebook by Martin Laursen)
Vulgar, obnoxious, and violent behavior are prevalent around the clock. Both the police force and private security officers have their hands full dealing with anti-maskers, fights, street racing, protests, on-property marijuana use (prohibited by law) and additional crimes.
Downtown and the Strip saw their share of protests and riots this spring…
Why bother coming when there’s nothing to do but brawl?
If you can look past all of the above in hopes of “getting your Vegas on”, what’s left to do? Well, right now there are no nightclubs, day clubs or casino bars. There are a few scattered deejays, no karaoke and minimal live entertainment. Dancing is strictly prohibited (I’m not sure if you’re allowed to quietly hum the theme from “Footloose”, though). You might catch a lounge singer here and there, or perhaps some “Streetmosphere” performers at Venetian/Palazzo. That’s about it.
On and around Las Vegas Blvd 10 am on Tuesday 9/22/20. It’s a ghost town.
There are no production shows, no headliners, no topless revues, no singing gondoliers, and no magicians or comedians. Cirque du Soleil has gone bankrupt, Human Nature and Blue Man Group have left the building, and Wynn’sLe Reve has sunk to the bottom of the pool. Every single stripper joint is out of commission, and prostitution is still illegal here, too. I’ll ask again….are you having fun yet?
Update 9/23/20 – Nevada’s governor lifted restrictions on bars effective Monday 9/21/20. I ventured out the following evening for happy hour at a Palazzo eatery, then a nearby local tavern during the first Raiders home game. I was expecting a healthy turnout, yet both places were nearly empty. See below.
Entertainers bite the wrong hand
If you’ve followed this column for any length of time, you know that I have a soft spot for the entertainment community. I’ve hyped individual performers, new shows, revisions, special events, and pop-up appearances. Charity efforts, openings, profiles pieces, sexy celebrities, and passion projects have made up the bulk of Vegas Unfiltered Blog.
In an effort to assist the return of live entertainment, last week I contacted dozens of entertainers and requested that they record a 30-second video plea to Governor Sisolak to eliminate restrictions on live performances. I volunteered to gather and forward them to the Governor. After all, if movie theaters and water parks can reopen, why not production shows? But it would seem that many entertainers would rather eat their own tails than use their voices to make a difference.
In this age of selfies and TikTok videos, turning one’s phone into a tool for self-preservation should seem like a no-brainer. What I got instead was an avalanche of negativity, mockery, apathy and downright hostility from a number of entertainers. To say that I was shocked would be mild, especially after years of selflessly supporting them. I’m still reeling from the pain.
“You aren’t an entertainer…stay out of it”. “Are you crazy, suggesting that I go back to work? You’re telling me to put my life at risk!”. “I’m busy right now, let me think about it”. “I don’t appreciate being put in this position”. “I can’t take a political stance…it might jeopardize my job”. Oh, you mean the job that left you high and dry without unemployment compensation? The one that might never actually return while you sit on your ass getting fat? Yeah, that one.
Where am I going with this particular tangent? Well, the response I got was a punch to the throat, and quite indicative of the ugliness that has pervaded Sin City…and the nation as a whole. The amount of negativity around us is off the charts, but especially here, where there is little hope of things returning to normal anytime soon.
Considering all of the lost jobs, closed businesses and violence in the streets and neighborhoods, it’s completely understandable for people to feel this way. But would I recommended coming here for a vacation at this time? Absolutely not.
After recovering from the 10/1 mass shooting, 9/11 attacks, and 2008’s economic crisis, COVID-19 may be what finally causes Las Vegas to topple…
Consider sitting out the next couple of rounds
This city can no longer deliver any of the excesses that it’s famous for. Carefree revelry doesn’t have a place in a COVID-impacted society, and today’s Vegas offers nothing that you can’t get somewhere else. After spending the better part of a decade encouraging you to come here, I can no longer do that in good conscience.
Las Vegas isn’t worth your time, the inconvenience, the expense, or the risk to your health and safety. For now, it’s better for you to just stay home and wait it out.
Update 9/11/11 – in an effort to reduce the amount of violence on their properties, Wynn Resorts has filed an agressive and daring lawsuit. They’ve also vowed to increase their security force and have committed to raising room rates to discourage bad apples.
In a 9/9/20 interview with Las Vegas Review-Journal, CDC Consulting Vice-president Greg Mullen stated “Several of our higher-end profile clients say their high-end guests are done coming until this is under control. They’re scared to walk outside their rooms, and don’t feel safe on elevators or on the casino floors themselves. It’s a bad look. … You can really, severely, put a tarnish on Las Vegas.”
Vegas Unfiltered Blog will be taking an indefinite break. If and when there is a reason to put Sin City back on your to-do list, you might see this site return. Until then…stay safe, stay smart and be well.
In the era of COVID-19, a burgeoning Vegas company promises “You won’t have to be afraid of what you can’t see. We have eliminated it”.
All of us are hearing about “the new normal”…a post-pandemic reality where our behaviors, sensibilities, and concerns will have to be re-established. More than anything else, we’re concerned about sanitary procedures and the transmission of contaminants, both airborne and on objects and surfaces.
My forward-thinking friend, businessman Mel Cole, founded a new company just as the pandemic was sweeping our country, and his timing couldn’t have been better. Ozon3 eliminates your worries by completely destroying the threat, whether it’s from smoking (cigarettes, cigars, marijuana), pet odors, mold, allergens, volatile organic compounds, all viruses (including seasonal flu), and even the dreaded COVID-19.
You may have read my articles here and here about the various measures being taken by Sin City resorts to help keep our guests COVID-free. Their protocols include the use of UV light, low-pressure fogging systems, and the application of disinfectants. Ozon3 is a different approach, one that guarantees 100 percent coverage of every area, even into the air ducts. And there’s no residue or damaging effects to surfaces or objects.
As you’ve probably surmised, ozone is the magic ingredient at Ozon3. You may remember from science class that ozone’s chemical formula is ’03’, which represents “trioxygen”. The distinctive odor of ozone is present whenever lightning strikes, and its rapid degradation allows it to become pure oxygen very quickly.
When introduced into an area, ozone gas causes rapid oxidation of contaminants, which makes it incredibly useful in a variety of industries:
Disinfecting air and laundry in hospitals, office, and hotels
Disinfecting water instead of with chlorine
Deodorizing air and objects, such as after a fire
Killing bacteria on food or on contact surfaces
Controlling legionella (Legionnaire’s disease)
Sanitizing swimming pools and spas
Scrubbing yeast and mold spores from the air
Chemically attacking contaminants and eradicating water-borne parasites
Mel told me that the process is very simple and completely effective. Once pets and people are removed, his certified professional team enters, outfitted in protective gear. Then they use trusted, highly-rated equipment that converts oxygen into concentrated ozone. Within an hour, the area is “surgically sterile” and can be reoccupied soon after.
Since its launch this spring, Ozon3 has been used extensively in lounges, bars, medical and retail offices, apartment complexes, and private homes. Some of their most satisfied customers are those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and want to have the virus completely eradicated from their living spaces. If that doesn’t give you peace of mind about your own home’s cleanliness, I doubt that anything will.
Airborne diseases are caused by pathogenic microbes small enough to be discharged from an infected person via coughing, sneezing, laughing, and close personal contact or aerosolization of the microbe. The discharged microbes remain suspended in the air on dust particles, respiratory and water droplets.
Our Ozon3 treatments are powerful enough to deodorize and sterilize your space from any odors, mold, bacteria, viruses, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). With today’s pathogens, it is highly recommended to eliminate threatening pathogens in large rooms, offices, hotels, restaurants, labs, pet zones, basements, garages, hospitals, schools, water and fire damaged areas, and more!
Ozon3 is offering a special price for readers of Vegas Unfiltered. Mention this article to get a rate of $165 per 1,000 square feet of space.
You should know that I am not receiving any financial compensation for this endorsement. I respect this business and its founder, therefore I recommend it as a service to my readers.
Ozon3 is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm. Call 702.906.0320 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You can also visit their official Facebook page or website.
Sin City’s resident super-hunk on quarantine, creativity and some very pesky buttons…
Boy bands. Every decade has its share. Some, like The Beatles, create a lasting legacy while others yield punchlines or are forgotten. Resilient members re-invent themselves, branching off in new directions until the inevitable reunion tour. Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees has experienced most of the above. And, like the boy band he founded, Jeff still keeps temperatures rising.
Timmons is a smart businessman as well as a seasoned entertainer. He’s weathered the ups-and-downs of fame and focused on personal growth when boy bands fell out of favor. While he was keeping busy behind the scenes in the music industry, the male revue Chippendales invited him to be a celebrity guest host.
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Uncertain of how it would impact his career, the Canton Ohio native was reluctant to accept. His wife Amanda, however, realized that it was a great opportunity and urged him to give it a try. A few weeks turned several successful months, and Jeff was suddenly everywhere in Las Vegas…pool parties, nightclub gigs, and even a protest march down the Strip with dozens of Jubilee showgirls (that’s a whole other story).
While pop singers often quickly fade away, Jeff Timmons’ lasting image is tailor-made for the Sin City scene. He boldly embraces his sex appeal, which isn’t as common for male performers as you might think. With open shirts (sometimes even bare-chested) and sensual body language, the always-shredded hunk knows how to make hearts race and body heat soar.
Timmons is also the rare musician who celebrated his LGBTQ fan base long before it was common to do so. He recognizes everyone as equals and was ahead of the times by performing at gay clubs, participating in Las Vegas Pride, and promoting the NOH8 Campaign for marriage, gender, and human equality.
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After the Chippendales stint, Jeff settled here permanently with Amanda and the kids. Then he created his very own male revue called Men of the Strip. The sexy production was daring and cutting-edge, with a focus on live singing and one or two controversial sequences (like this one). MOTS toured the country, had a limited run at Hard Rock Live, and was covered in a documentary event for E! Network.
98 Degrees was headed to the Philippines as part of their latest tour when COVID-19 struck, so now Jeff is hunkered down in Las Vegas with the family. I was able to get ahold of the hard-working stud and talk about his motivations, latest activities and long-term plans. I also tried to get to the bottom of all those unbuttoned shirts.
You’ve dabbled in many facets of entertainment, like reality television, recording studio engineering, and mentoring new acts. What’s left to conquer?
When I think of things I’d like to “conquer” or from an accomplishment standpoint, I feel like I’ve got a LONG way to go.I’m working hard to make a mark in the TV space in a number of different areas. I’ve got a few non-scripted things in the works finally, an entertainment news magazine show, a holiday special, and some other things going. I eventually want to get some scripted things happening as well.I’m launching a podcast very soon, so there is some new news on the horizon.I’ve got a lot of things left to do!
The Vegas entertainment community is crippled right now. Do you have any encouraging words or suggestions?
I think the entertainment business as a whole has really suffered, not just in Vegas. I’m fortunate enough to have a very loyal and dedicated fanbase.98 Degrees has the luxury to reschedule shows, create new music, etc.Not everyone has that luxury. I know I’m very lucky.I like to look at things from a positive perspective.
Although this pandemic has been devastating to everyone, there are some good things that have emerged. There are tons of new and developing technologies that allow artists and entertainers to produce high-quality productions from their homes. The pause has really given me the opportunity to learn more about music and TV production, and get better in the studio. Artists just have to be creative on how to keep fans engaged.
Another plus is that because folks have so much time on their hands, entertainment is being consumed more than ever. You really only need a handful of loyal fans that believe in you and what you’re creating to make a living. You just have to be creative. And, although things can be depressing, find a way to stay positive and use the time to get better at your craft.
There’s a joke going around that men will come out of the pandemic as either a “hunk”, “chunk” or “drunk”. Which one will Jeff Timmons be?
WELL… I started out working out like a fanatic (wannabe hunk), then slipped for a bit (put on some chunk), and now I’m back in obsessive mode (trying to get to hunk again).One thing has been consistent: the DRUNK part, lol…
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A lot of artists are saying that the shutdown’s isolation has allowed them to create new and better pieces of work. Have you experienced that?
I definitely have utilized the time to try to get better. After the initial shock of having to postpone 40+ shows, I rolled up my sleeves and have been using this time to learn more about the recording studio, reading a ton of inspirational and motivational material, and pitching a number of ideas to strategic partners that will go into production when things open back up.I’m trying to make lemonade out of lemons.
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What one Sin City guilty pleasure do you miss having at your fingertips right now?
I’m not much of a sleeper, so I loved how at any time of the night I could find something to do on the strip.I miss that.
Choose one new favorite: A) catching up on sleep B) binge-watching movies/shows C) spending more time with family
I think it’s a toss-up between B and C.We crafted our touring schedule to be home with our families during the week, but the quarantine has really allowed for much more quality time.I’ve also binged-watched about everything there is to watch on all of the streaming services. There isn’t much left but foreign language series, and I’ve fallen in love with a lot of those!
Have you formed any new habits that will remain when things return to normal?
I’ve always been a reader, but I make it a point to dive into at least one new book a week. That habit is going to stick for sure.
Do you foresee yourself staying closer to home now instead of touring? Is there a possible Vegas residency in the works?
I LOVE being at home with my family. That being said, the demand for live concerts is at an all-time high. I think 98 Degrees has at least one or two more big tours in us. We are DEFINITELY exploring opportunities for a Vegas residency. The chance to be in one place and have the fans come to us is a dream come true. It allows us to stay with our families.
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You’re known to your fans, friends, colleagues, and locals as a kind, genuine person. What keeps you grounded?
I hope that’s true. I think it’s all about how you’re raised. My parents made sure we always stayed grounded and treated others with the utmost respect. Part of staying focused and keeping things real with yourself is having a constant inner dialogue about what your truth is and taking an inventory daily of what you’re thankful for. Grattude is the attitude!
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I often call you the “Sexiest Man Alive”. You embrace your physical appeal in a way that few male artists do. Have you always been that confident?
You’re always so kind when it comes to that.I’m so very flattered. I try to embrace it because it’s part of the business. Unfortunately, talent is always further down the list when it comes to success in the entertainment business. We learned that as a group early on. We know that fans are expecting us to look good. Anyhow, it gives us an excuse to stay healthy and in shape. Hopefully, it makes our wives happy!
Will we see more of ‘Men of the Strip‘, or is that chapter closed for good?
I never want to close the chapter on ‘Men of the Strip.’It was such a success from a touring standpoint and so much fun.It was quite a different experience from anything else I’ve ever done.There is always a demand for that show, so never say ‘never!’
After covering new territory, Jeff and I revisited a series of questions that I first asked him back in 2013. As is the case with ever-changing Vegas, only two reponses remained the same. I’ll leave you to guess which ones they are.
So excited to have been today’s guest on SUMMER SPOTLIGHT 2020 with Gayle Nicholson, discussing the pandemic’s effects on Sin City…and the awesome way that Westgate Las Vegas welcomed everyone back.
Hearts Alive Village has a stockpile of cat and dog foods to aid our ravaged community…
A while back I did this feature on Hearts Alive Village, a shelter and charitable foundation for cats and dogs. The wonderful sanctuary is an all-volunteer organization to assist animals with an extra focus on those with special needs.
I was given a tour of the facility by Sheryl Greenblatt, who serves as Director of Commubnity Engagement. Sheryl allowed me to visit the longtime “residents” of Hearts Alive Village and showed me their retail side, which sells high-quality pet foods at great tax-exempt prices to help fund their services. She also introduced me to Kendall’s Kupboard, a food bank/pantry created to assist pet parents suffering from financial difficulties.
This weekend, Sheryl reached out to let me know that the Kendall’s Kupboard is filled to the brim with donations, and she asked if I could help spread the word that resources are available for those in need:
We have a ton of food to help people who are facing financial difficulty during these crazy times and we need some help spreading the word. In the last two months we have served over 670 families, which equates to 1,415 dogs and 743 cats, We have seen the need for pet food increase 10x due to COVID-19. – Sheryl Greenblatt
With the rampant unemployment that’s crippled our valley, it would be unthinkable for families to have to abandon their pets because of the inability to purchase food. That’s why awareness of Kendall’s Kupboard is so vital.
Despite many businesses reopening, the unemployment rate in Las Vegas is over 33% and our community is hurting. Many of our neighbors don’t know how they will make their bills in the coming months. Sadly, this means that some people will think they have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their furry family members.
If you need some extra support right now, it’s not your fault and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Hearts Alive Village has expanded Kendall’s Kupboard to feed community pets impacted by these difficult financial circumstances.
Please, if you or someone you know needs help feeding your animals, we are here for you. Visit Kendall’s Kupboard for more information and to fill out an application. No fur baby should ever go to sleep with an empty belly. – Hearts Alive Village
The reason that the food pantry is bursting at the seams is that it recently grew in scope and purpose. In April, Kendall’s Kupboard became the Pet Food Disaster Distribution Center for the State of Nevada, thanks to food donations from GreaterGood.org and a grant for space and equipment from the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
All of this is great news for the people of our state, now more than ever:
This local distribution of pet food is part of a multi-million dollar nationwide donation effort that GreaterGood.org is executing to help the pet communities across the U.S. impacted most by the coronavirus outbreak. “The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unprecedented animal sheltering crisis, while also affecting pet parents,” said Liz Baker, CEO for GreaterGood.org. “It is our duty to step in and offer assistance on a national level by creating a network of relief distribution centers with our local animal shelter partners while also supporting them.”
Be assured that social distancing protocols and limited-contact distribution are already in place. You can feel safe knowing that your health is as important as that of your pets.
Individuals can enroll to receive pet food through the program at www.HeartsAliveVillage.org. An appointment will be scheduled and “drive thru” distribution will protect staff, volunteers, and recipients. The website will also include information for those individuals and businesses that would like to support the program with a food or monetary donation.
So if you, friends, family members, or neighbors can benefit from this effort to keep pets with their loved ones, be sure to reach out to Hearts Alive Village and make arrangements. The Vegas community is truly resilient, and this is another wonderful example of how we pull together in times of crisis.
For more information, to make a donation, adopt a pet, or volunteer, please call 702-595-0644, visit HeartsAliveVillage.org. Follow on Instagram at @heartsaliveanimalrescue and Facebook at Hearts Alive Village Las Vegas.
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 