Okay another Thursday post, another chapter in the Bellagio Saga. Say what you will, Steve Wynn really got it right when he designed the fountains to dance to the music played.
And so dear readers, tonight we present a little trip don the Great White Way, as it is sometimes called. 42nd Street, Broadway, New York's Theater district. The avenue I'm taking you to, etc. Anyway, You really can't get much more Broadway than the Musical "Chicago" which also became an Academy Award-winning movie.
Of course, the best sog of the whole musical is probably the best known show-stopper in all of musical theater, becoming the title of the Bob Fosse biopic starring Roy Scheider. I speak of "All That Jazz," this version comes from the moie, with vocals by Catherine Zeta-Jones Douglas, Rene Zellwigger and Taye Diggs.
Next week, we'll ring in the New Year with the Dead..
Enjoy
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post(Christmas Special)
Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese
'Twas the day before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People were shopping and running around.
Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,
Not wanting a moment to go to waste.
And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,
Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.
Dad was busy, getting manny things done,
Making final adjustments for their trip still to come.
And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,
Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.
And Myself, what did I do, you say?
I waited for sundown to come this way.
For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,
Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.
The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,
shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.
The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,
Looking in awe as I made things right.
And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,
"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"
My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,
But what they found was Me singing a song.
They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,
My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.
"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."
Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.
Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,
How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)
When from the spreading ground gave an incredible sound,
As gaggles of geese made landings all around.
We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,
Their wings, opened wide, their calls in tune.
Below them, their cousins answered their call,
As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.
We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,
Watching as Nature played a song of love.
But before long it was time to go inside,
After all, none of us really have a winter-proof hide.
So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,
And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.
And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.
"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."
Merry Christmas everyone, from all of here at the Diablo Sports Page. Enjoy the Yule Logs
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post
Okay, boys and girls. This week's weekly Video post is in honor of a show that I wanted to see for so long but never got the chance to. As they say north and way east of here, C'est la vie.
For the last five years, Celine Dion has entertained countless fans in a phenomenal concert called "A New Day." The show ended its run on Saturday, and was actually rebroadcast at movie threaters on Monday.
I don't have to go over Celine's accomplishments, needless to say she's a Grammy and Oscar winner, she literally rules Canada like Kylie rules the world, and unlike Shania Twain, she never gets on your nerves.
Over the years, I've come to love some of her songs. Her album, "Falling into You," is probably my favorite of her work. Her cover of the song, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now," gives a lot of credence to the song's writer Jim Steinman's contention that it is a song for a woman, which is one of the reasons why he prevented Meat Loaf from recording it originally. (Incidentally, Meat Loaf DID get to record it, but made it a duet with Norweigan singer Marion Raven in 2006)
However, until the end of time, she will always be attached to the song that's now replaced Spandau Ballet's "True" as the big wedding song for the bride and groom to dance to, "My Heart Will Go On." Let's face it, that song is the pop equivalent of the earth's atmosphere, it's here forever.
Today, I'm presenting two songs for Celine. First, I've included a segment that ABC ran about Elvis Presley back in September, jut after the 30th anniversary of his death. Celine finishes the special by singing one of his most famous songs of all time, ironically enough, another popular wedding song, "I can't help falling in Love(with You)" from the movie, "Blue Hawaii."
The second video is a continuation of last week's theme of the Fountains of he Bellagio. This time, the dancing waters present their interpretation of her signature song. So, grab some tissues if you cry easily, or she moves you that much and enjoy two of Celine's performances.
We'll be back a little early next week for a special Christmas Edition. See you then.
"My Heart Will Go On"
For the last five years, Celine Dion has entertained countless fans in a phenomenal concert called "A New Day." The show ended its run on Saturday, and was actually rebroadcast at movie threaters on Monday.
I don't have to go over Celine's accomplishments, needless to say she's a Grammy and Oscar winner, she literally rules Canada like Kylie rules the world, and unlike Shania Twain, she never gets on your nerves.
Over the years, I've come to love some of her songs. Her album, "Falling into You," is probably my favorite of her work. Her cover of the song, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now," gives a lot of credence to the song's writer Jim Steinman's contention that it is a song for a woman, which is one of the reasons why he prevented Meat Loaf from recording it originally. (Incidentally, Meat Loaf DID get to record it, but made it a duet with Norweigan singer Marion Raven in 2006)
However, until the end of time, she will always be attached to the song that's now replaced Spandau Ballet's "True" as the big wedding song for the bride and groom to dance to, "My Heart Will Go On." Let's face it, that song is the pop equivalent of the earth's atmosphere, it's here forever.
Today, I'm presenting two songs for Celine. First, I've included a segment that ABC ran about Elvis Presley back in September, jut after the 30th anniversary of his death. Celine finishes the special by singing one of his most famous songs of all time, ironically enough, another popular wedding song, "I can't help falling in Love(with You)" from the movie, "Blue Hawaii."
The second video is a continuation of last week's theme of the Fountains of he Bellagio. This time, the dancing waters present their interpretation of her signature song. So, grab some tissues if you cry easily, or she moves you that much and enjoy two of Celine's performances.
We'll be back a little early next week for a special Christmas Edition. See you then.
"My Heart Will Go On"
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Vic The Brick
I just wanted to jump on real quick and send a quick shout out to The Man, the Main Man, The Mac Daddy of Sports Bushido, Vic "The Brick" Jacobs, who's been part of the Los Angeles sports radio scene for a decade. I've know Vic for a long time, going back to the mid-1990's when he was still sports anchor at KCOP TV, where he first grew his unique personality.
Not only is he a sports broadcaster, he's probably the only Samurai sportscaster in all of sports talk radio. Plus as you cn see by his photo above, he's got a look like no other, especially the fur beefeater hats he sports these days (Ironically enough, with the temperatures dropping so far these days in SoCal, those hats are looking mighty warm right now).
He's got some crazy shtick, but he comes as it honestly. And so I say, Happy Birthday Vic, Feeling You!!!
Listen to Vic, Steve Hartman and Mychael Thompson on the Loose Cannons show on KLAC AM570 http://www.570klac.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post
This week, we take a moment to honor the memory of the greatest singer in the history of American Music, The Chairman of the Board himself, Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra.
Today, our dear leader would have been 92 years young and would probably still be making appearnces, although he stopped singing a while back. As everyone who knew and loved him knows, he was born December 12, 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey and made his singing debut on the Major Bowes radio program in the 30's.
Every decade he sang in he was as popular as he always was, from the idol of the "Bobby soxers" to the teensof the 50's, the young swingers of the 60's, the 70's classy folk, the Me generation of the 80's and the retro fans of the 90's all came to love his music.
Frank will always be synonymouos with the time in the 60's when "The Rat Pack" ruled Las Vegas. Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford held court at the Sands hotel for a number of years in the 60's, turning a free-wheeling show into an iconic time where the rules didn't apply.
"The Summit" ruled the roost is the Sand's main showroom. Frank's straight sining, Deano's loveable drunken persona, Sammy's high-stepping passion, Peter Lawford's laconic straight man cameos and Joey Bishop, the man Frank called "The hub that turns the wheel," with his comic wit and uncompromising deadpan humor, built a legend that few have come close to even attempting to replicate.
I met Frank Sinatra in the early 1990's when he performed at the Long Beach Arena on Valentine's Day. I was working security that night, ushering people to their seats in the concourse level, so I have an almost perfect view of the man. But the thrill I wasn't expecting was after the show.
Normally, we leave after the house is cleared, but on this night we were told to stay before we were let go for the night. The head of the company, whom I met once, was working the show as well and let the entire secruity contingent, about 30 of us, to the side entrance, having us form two lines, almost like an honor guard. Next thing I know, Mr. Sinatra comes out and begins to shake hands with each of us, saying "Thank you" for our work tonight. I couldn't believe it was happening and when he got to Me, I took his hand and said, "No, thank You, Mr. Sinatra" He smiled, and moved on. I felt like I touched the Holy Grail.
So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I present two tributes to the Chairman. First, Frank's version of the Lerner and Loeb classic from "Guys and Dolls," the first "unofficial" anthem of Las Vegas, "Luck Be A Lady," performed by that new icon of Vegas, the Foutains at the Bellagio. And if you have it, raise a glass of CHivas in his honor.
"Luck (Be A Lady Tonight)"
Second, since it's only two weeks before Christmas, I wanted to feature one of Frank's favorite Christmas songs. So I picked a track from the "Christmas With The Rat Pack" CD, one of Frank's personal favorites. I'm not sure but I believe that this version comes from Frank's TV series from the 50's.
"I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
Happy Birthday, Mr. Sinatra.
Today, our dear leader would have been 92 years young and would probably still be making appearnces, although he stopped singing a while back. As everyone who knew and loved him knows, he was born December 12, 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey and made his singing debut on the Major Bowes radio program in the 30's.
Every decade he sang in he was as popular as he always was, from the idol of the "Bobby soxers" to the teensof the 50's, the young swingers of the 60's, the 70's classy folk, the Me generation of the 80's and the retro fans of the 90's all came to love his music.
Frank will always be synonymouos with the time in the 60's when "The Rat Pack" ruled Las Vegas. Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford held court at the Sands hotel for a number of years in the 60's, turning a free-wheeling show into an iconic time where the rules didn't apply.
"The Summit" ruled the roost is the Sand's main showroom. Frank's straight sining, Deano's loveable drunken persona, Sammy's high-stepping passion, Peter Lawford's laconic straight man cameos and Joey Bishop, the man Frank called "The hub that turns the wheel," with his comic wit and uncompromising deadpan humor, built a legend that few have come close to even attempting to replicate.
I met Frank Sinatra in the early 1990's when he performed at the Long Beach Arena on Valentine's Day. I was working security that night, ushering people to their seats in the concourse level, so I have an almost perfect view of the man. But the thrill I wasn't expecting was after the show.
Normally, we leave after the house is cleared, but on this night we were told to stay before we were let go for the night. The head of the company, whom I met once, was working the show as well and let the entire secruity contingent, about 30 of us, to the side entrance, having us form two lines, almost like an honor guard. Next thing I know, Mr. Sinatra comes out and begins to shake hands with each of us, saying "Thank you" for our work tonight. I couldn't believe it was happening and when he got to Me, I took his hand and said, "No, thank You, Mr. Sinatra" He smiled, and moved on. I felt like I touched the Holy Grail.
So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I present two tributes to the Chairman. First, Frank's version of the Lerner and Loeb classic from "Guys and Dolls," the first "unofficial" anthem of Las Vegas, "Luck Be A Lady," performed by that new icon of Vegas, the Foutains at the Bellagio. And if you have it, raise a glass of CHivas in his honor.
"Luck (Be A Lady Tonight)"
Second, since it's only two weeks before Christmas, I wanted to feature one of Frank's favorite Christmas songs. So I picked a track from the "Christmas With The Rat Pack" CD, one of Frank's personal favorites. I'm not sure but I believe that this version comes from Frank's TV series from the 50's.
"I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
Happy Birthday, Mr. Sinatra.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Weekly Video Post (Special Memorial Edition)
Last night was a sad anniversary for millions of people worldwide. I'm referring to the 27th anniversary of the tragic murder of the Beatles' John Lennon. December 8th marked the day that Lennon, one-fourth of the Fab Four, was shot to death by a deranged fan named Mark David Chapman. His life ended any hope of the Beatles ever reuniting and elevated th shy Liverpudlian to martyrdom, his message fo peace and love becomig a clarion call to generations to come.
I was only 11 years old when he died, I learned of his death as I sat in the kitchen of my family's house in the City Terrace section of East L.A., listening to the radio as I did my homework. My mother was finishing the dishes as word came over the the radio of his shooting and by the time I went to bed, I could hear the TV in my parents' bedroom relaying the story that he was gone. It was only the third time I had ver heard my father cry, the first two times coming just three year eariler when my grnafather and great uncle died within a span of three months.
For years, people have wondered how would Lennon's legacy would be written. Granted, he was never one to adhere to convention, especially when it meant going gainst what was acceptable to ociety. In fact, many people still hadn't forgiven him for breaking up the Beatles after marrying Yoko Ono but as I said, he never set policy by what others thought.
So last night, as I checked out the latest from the progressive/liberal news blog, Crooks and Liars (www.crooksandliars.com) there was a special entry from Yoko Onoasking fans of Lennon to take a moment to remembr him at the time of his death, 11:15 pm, across the globe, in an effort to have his memory burn brightly throughout the world one time zone at a time.
Of course, it wouldn't truly be a Diablo blog entry without a little snarkiness. So in his memory and honor, I present an update to the lyrics of his famous Peace Song, with the best way to achieve world peace... "All We are Saying... Is Imeach Geogr Bush..."
So, somewhat belatedly, I present John's seminal composition, "Imagine." No backstory, no commentary, just his music and a prayer for peace throughout to world. His body may be gone but his spirit thrives through his music and the love e shared with the universe.
I was only 11 years old when he died, I learned of his death as I sat in the kitchen of my family's house in the City Terrace section of East L.A., listening to the radio as I did my homework. My mother was finishing the dishes as word came over the the radio of his shooting and by the time I went to bed, I could hear the TV in my parents' bedroom relaying the story that he was gone. It was only the third time I had ver heard my father cry, the first two times coming just three year eariler when my grnafather and great uncle died within a span of three months.
For years, people have wondered how would Lennon's legacy would be written. Granted, he was never one to adhere to convention, especially when it meant going gainst what was acceptable to ociety. In fact, many people still hadn't forgiven him for breaking up the Beatles after marrying Yoko Ono but as I said, he never set policy by what others thought.
So last night, as I checked out the latest from the progressive/liberal news blog, Crooks and Liars (www.crooksandliars.com) there was a special entry from Yoko Onoasking fans of Lennon to take a moment to remembr him at the time of his death, 11:15 pm, across the globe, in an effort to have his memory burn brightly throughout the world one time zone at a time.
Of course, it wouldn't truly be a Diablo blog entry without a little snarkiness. So in his memory and honor, I present an update to the lyrics of his famous Peace Song, with the best way to achieve world peace... "All We are Saying... Is Imeach Geogr Bush..."
So, somewhat belatedly, I present John's seminal composition, "Imagine." No backstory, no commentary, just his music and a prayer for peace throughout to world. His body may be gone but his spirit thrives through his music and the love e shared with the universe.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Invitational Title goes to Bulldogs
Last night I witnessed something that hasn't happened in over 25 years. I watch my alma mater, Garfield High School, claim just its second football title in the school's history with a 28-23 win over the University Wildcats at the LA Coliseum.
This would have been written as I watched the game but unfortunately, the chuckle-heads that sit on the Coliseum Commission didn't have enough sense to turn on the wireless internet for the press box, forcing the various members of the local media, who were there to watch Birmingham steamroll Carson in the second game, to use dial-up and air cards to access the net.
So let me recap everything that happened last night as only I can. In the first quarter, the Bulldogs took an early 6-0 lead on a 27-yard rush by Sergio Macedo, completing a 99-yard drive. However, a penalty on the point after forced a replay and the two-point conversion failed. University responded on the ensuing kickoff, as Senior running back Trayone Harris, part of the Wildcats' three-option backfield, took the kickoff 64 yards for a touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 7-6 lead.
In the second, the Bulldogs retook the lead after another time-consuming drive, this time 72 yards, as Eddie Valencia plunged into the end zone from a yard out , then Frankie Diaz, who's been the Bulldogs' workhorse throughout the playoffs, scored on the two-point conversion to make the lead 14-7. But the Wildcats answered back with another big play, this time from Travis Rawls, who scored from 28 yards out to tie the score 14-14 as the half ended. In the second half, the Bulldogs continued their ground pounding. The first series of the third quarter saw the Bulldogs march 45 yards on the ground before Garfield's answer to Doug Flutie, junior quarterback Patrick Vargas, hit Javier Alcantar with a 10-yard pass with 6:50 left in the quarter to take a 21-14 lead.
But the Wildcats weren't done yet. You can just guess what happened on the kick off, again. Harris got the ball at the 29-yard line and ran for daylight, scoring again and tying the game 21-21 with six minutes left to go in the quarter. That was it for the Bulldogs, who took the lead for good on the next series, this time Frankie Diaz breaking free for a 48-yard run and the 28-21 lead with less than five minutes left.
From that point on, it was a defensive stand by the Bulldogs as the fourth quarter began. The Wildcats drove to the Bulldogs' 8-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. After going six-and-out, the Bulldogs got a big stop when Harris, who had been Mr. Automatic for the Wildcats, fumbled the hand-off at the 31-yard line and the Bulldogs recovered.
The Wildcats kept the Bulldogs from gaining any more ground and spent the next six minutes pushing down the field deep into the Bulldogs' red zone. However, with just over a minute left in the game, Lanny Delgado broke up a fourth-down pass attempt into the corner of the end zone to keep the Bulldogs' lead.
The final play of the game gave the Wildcats one last score as Vargas, with five seconds left in the game, took the snap at the 20-yard line and ran back to his own end zone as time ran out to give the Wildcats a safety at the end of the game. And the celebration started at the final gun. Twenty-six years of waiting, and redemption for two heartbreaking Finals losses to Franklin in 1989 and last year's to Eagle Rock were swept away as Coach Lorenzo Hernandez hoisted the Championship Trophy over his head to end the most amazing season in Bulldog history.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post(End of Finals Edition)
The last blue book has been turned in and all of the reports have been graded. The fall quarter is finally a memory and it's time to focus on the next item on the agenda, Christmas. I've almost got all of My shopping done, save for a couple of things that are getting hard to find.
Meanwhile, as it is the holiday season (That includes Hanukah and Kwanzaa, BillO!) I wanted to post for this week's video, the opening of My favoite Christmas special of all time.
Since the mid-1960's, A Charlie Brown Christmas has become the epitome of Christmas specials that are such a big part of American TV. Only "It's a Wonderful Life" is seen more often than everyone's favorite blockhead in his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The show, the first of what became a series of beloved holiday specials, still resonates in its sincerity about how a child like Charlie Brown views Christmas. Ironically enough, the show took a very overt swipe at the commercialization of the Christmas season, with the shots at lighting contests and the then-trendy aluminum tree.
The most important thing anyone can come away with after seeing this beloved holiday special is that there's always hope for christmas as long as you keep it in your heart.
So I present to you the opening segment of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" not only as a holiday treat but as an homage to the crator of the Peanuts characters, the late Charles Schultz.
Meanwhile, as it is the holiday season (That includes Hanukah and Kwanzaa, BillO!) I wanted to post for this week's video, the opening of My favoite Christmas special of all time.
Since the mid-1960's, A Charlie Brown Christmas has become the epitome of Christmas specials that are such a big part of American TV. Only "It's a Wonderful Life" is seen more often than everyone's favorite blockhead in his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The show, the first of what became a series of beloved holiday specials, still resonates in its sincerity about how a child like Charlie Brown views Christmas. Ironically enough, the show took a very overt swipe at the commercialization of the Christmas season, with the shots at lighting contests and the then-trendy aluminum tree.
The most important thing anyone can come away with after seeing this beloved holiday special is that there's always hope for christmas as long as you keep it in your heart.
So I present to you the opening segment of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" not only as a holiday treat but as an homage to the crator of the Peanuts characters, the late Charles Schultz.
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