Sayonara March! May April bring warm trade-winds, if such a thing can actually happen up here in Canada…

Hey, last night Mrs that Dan Guy and I attended the Calgary Flames/San Jose Sharks game, virtually guaranteeing that the hometown heroes would fall on their faces. I’m not sure why this is, but whenever we attend a live sporting event, the team we cheer for fails miserably. Although, in this case the dust-up ended as just 2-1 for San Jose, so it’s not like it was a horror show. But with the Canucks hot on our heels for First Place in the Division, this was a game we couldn’t afford to jinx for the locals.

However, we did, with Calgary ending on the short end of the stick twice, only recovering once. The disaster was forged early on, with a 2-man advantage for the Sharks in the first few minutes of the game. If you aren’t terribly familiar with NHL hockey lingo, just know that The Sharks used to have the most popular line of jerseys and such on the market, and maybe they still do.

We’ve joked before about being in the rafters, but last night we were tucked away in part of the Saddledome’s attic. MTDG almost blew a lung walking up the flights of stairs to our seats, and I had to rely on my enhanced sense of touch after the low oxygen levels made us dizzy and disoriented. The gentleman next to me was kind enough not to punch my lights out when I started to eat from HIS popcorn container…

Still no matter how far away you are from the action, there’s no substitute for attending a professional sporting event, live. The action just seems to spring right off of the ice, even if it looks like ants are carrying the hockey sticks.

Maybe next time we’ll be able to see the hometown heroes actually win a match. We snuck out after the last power play of the third period, when it became painfully obvious that our boys were never going to pull ahead. Of course, anything can happen, but knowing what albatrosses we are to the fortunes of the locals, we thought they might stand a better chance if we vamoosed.

Twas all for naught…

Chow for now!!

Well, we’re certainly getting into the home stretch of March, aren’t we? Just a couple of days left. Barely enough time to bake a cake, or defrost a leg of lamb. Where does the time go??

Our time yesterday went to viewing the 2009 Juno Awards, commonly referred to as “Canada’s Grammy Awards”. Technically a stretch, because we do tend to participate in the actual Grammies, and only give out one “international” award throughout the evening’s broadcast (picked up by Coldplay, for their mega-selling 2008 release).

Aside from that one little detour from Canadiana, the balance of the evening is spent deriding any successful Canadian musical acts – something we quite relish. Any artist or group with even moderate success on the global stage is mocked, or dismissed as sell-outs. That’s how we treat our musical royalty here in Canada. Although, long-timers like Loverboy managed to pick up inclusion into the Canadian something-something Hall Of Fame – it may have been “rock and roll” – it could have been “leather and spandex” – I nodded off during the announcement.

It is kind of funny – there are so many Canadian acts topping the charts worldwide right now, but something in our national “hip” make-up just can’t bear to recognize that collectively. Whenever someone Canadian becomes a superstar, we prefer considering that as some sort of blemish on their integrity. Go figure!

But that could just be me, flapping my typing fingers again…

Chow for now!!

Wouldn’t it be fun if we all talked like Donald Duck? What would someone with an accent sound like, talking like Donald Duck? Paying a traffic ticket?

These are sorts of the things that make me go “hmmm?”

Or how about if we all talked in that exaggerated inflection that Bob Dylan uses? That could be fun as well. Try saying “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” in Bob Dylan’s voice, and see what a hoot that can be.

Or how about classic Sean Connery – from his Bond era, to order food from the drive-thru? “I’d like to try your curly fries, Goldfinger…”

I for one can’t see any reason NOT to give any of those options a shot – if for no other reason than to cast aside a bit of the late-winter doldrums. Considering we got another half a foot of snow overnight, our late-winter doldrums could use some casting aside.

Hey, maybe that little Martian character from the old Bugs Bunny cartoons – he has a distinctive voice you could use when you go to buy pillows at Wal-Mart: “This goose down is making me very angry…very angry indeed…” Hee Hee!!

Well, it’s worth a try – don’t cast aspersions before you even give it a try.

Chow for now!

Chicken Scratch

Well, how-dee human beans! Ole Charlie is delighted to announce that we’s done gone and bought a dog! Ain’t he a bright lookin’ little feller??

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Course, he WOULD have a vision problem, but we picked up some used eyeglasses, and now he can at least see his food dish. To be honest, we originally thought he weren’t much brighter than the mast er of the house here. Master in his own mind – we all know who really runs the roost in THIS joint!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

So, we’re callin’ him “Grey Poupon”, cause he’s grey, and he’s still a pup. Cool, eh? You bet your cluckin’ pinfeathers it’s cool! Now I got me someone I can actually rely on, to fetch my mornin’ paper. The three stooges were too hyper to handle that chore, and ole Cornelius, well, let’s just say that I’ve seen balloons with more between their ears…

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Aw, crap! Poupon, NOT ON THE CARPET!!!

Cluckin’ shucks-a-roonie – that ain’t no litter box, ya addle-headed canine!! Better, get Hen Rietta to fetch the broom, or mebbe a mop. And mebbe I should switch his diet over to something better than chilli and enchiladas…

YUK!!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Come on, Poupon, let’s go for a walk – yer name may be more practical than I actually even considered…

Cluck for now, humans!!

A month or so ago, we had noticed a wee delight in the seafood section of our neighborhood supermarket – they actually carry Dungeness crab!

When we were in San Francisco a few months ago, we lived on Dungeness crab. We often had it for lunch, dinner and breakfast. We had it for late-nite snacks. We used it to floss with before going to bed at night. We couldn’t get enough of the stuff.

Knowing we could have another tantalizing taste of it here at home prompted us to plan a night where we would bring home a few of the little beggars. Along with some melted butter. Last night was that night.

On our way home, we stopped at the supermarket, and asked the helpful seafood clerk to steam up one of the culinary delights, while we did some other shopping (looking at how big the one we chose happened to be, we decided one claw-clacker to share would be plenty). That took about 25 minutes, of drooling anticipation. Which reminded us that we needed to pick up a couple of bibs.

After we raced home with our freshly-steamed dinner, we changed hastily into clothes that we could afford to spatter onto, and buttered up a couple of mini-bagels, to go along with our crab. Which to be honest, we never should have named.

Chester looked almost as lively as when we had initially chosen him from the tank, even though he was clearly beyond feeling anything, let alone lively. Mrs. That Dan Guy immediately felt pangs of guilt, for subjecting him to a fatal hot shower.

That guilt notwithstanding, I began the process of splitting his riches for consumption. I yanked off each of his little legs, and started to use a can opener to break up his shell, body-proper. That was when we discovered that unless we are really unobservant, there’s nothing edible on the body-proper of a Dungeness crab… Which left us just a few scrawny little legs, to try and glean a meal from.

By the time we had cracked open everything we could find with meat on it, our dinner plates had more bagel than crab meat on it – a less than drool-inspiring proposition. However, by this time, we were too hungry to care – we made short order of our short friend, and noted not to bother trying THAT idea again.

Oh yeah, the icing on this crab cake was the cost – Thank God we only decided to have one! It was just over thirty dollars, for a hint of crab!!

Clearly we need to think things through more, before we rush out to treat ourselves…

Chow for now!!

This would REALLY be one of those mornings where I should have a handy list beside the computer, filled with topic ticklers or items of interest to discuss. A little groggy this morning, all I can think of is “how do the sheets of paper actually work their way through the tiny little lines leading to and from the fax machine?”

This, you see, is the curse of flying by the seat of your pants. Every once in awhile, you get lucky and something jumps out of thin air – and you have something to write about.

Then, on barren mornings like this, you wish Charlie ran 5 days a week, or that you could remember what the international symbol for “I surrender” might be. Or the international symbol for cinnamon, for that matter…

As much as I desperately glance around my office, nothing is coming to me. I realize that I have written more than enough silliness about snowfall, and the coldness of a Canadian winter. Can’t do that again (at least not yet – there’s still April & May to get through…).

So, I will simply throw in the towel, and a few dirty socks as well for good measure. Why a person would measure ANYTHING by dirty socks is beyond me, but that’s exactly why I’m having such a struggle this morning – I got nothin’…

Respectfully yours,

Chow for now!!

I’ve got to be very, very quiet. Mrs. That Dan Guy is getting ready, and I’m trying to have a healthy breakfast (Bran Flakes, covered in Bran Seeds, with just a smattering of 100% skimmed milk). She thinks I only eat unhealthy food products for breakfast, which is part of the fun.

Historically, even since my toddler years, I have started my mornings with two pieces of toast, day after day after day. Two pieces of toast, with peanut butter, and either honey or jam. One morning, after DECADES of this relentless breakfast offering, I began to get bored. I needed something new.

So, I started to make it appear to MTDG that I was eating terribly unhealthy things, while all the while I was REALLY eating things like fresh apple slices, and Bran by the bowlful. There’s a potentially crude comment I could tie in with that last statement, but just in case you haven’t had YOUR own breakfast yet, I will behave myself and not expand that train of thought… You’re welcome.

So, while I have truthfully been eating twigs and berries every morning, I’ve had to parade a parade of horribly unhealthy products, to get the crazy lady off the trail. I’ve pretended to eat Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Chocolate Chip Eggo’s with strawberry syrup, and butter sticks. I’ve put forth the illusion that I’ve been eating sautéed bacon and deep-fried sausage links. I once tried to create the illusion that I was dining on homemade Egg McMuffins, covered in peanut butter and honey. That one actually sounds pretty good..

Is there any particular reason for this behaviour? When it comes to the way MY mind works, there really isn’t a proper answer for that question. All I can say is that I am compelled to action, and then the chips (chocolate) will just have to fall where they may.

Chow for now!!

It was fun while it lasted. But like all good things, it had to come to an end. I knew it couldn’t last forever, as good as it was. And believe me, I tried to extend it as long as humanly possible…

My period of “immunity” is over.

For almost a week, I was like a foreign diplomat – I could do pretty much any darn thing I wanted to, then claim “IMMUNITY”, and get off Scot-free, which incidentally is not just restricted to foreign diplomats from Scotland.

This came about thanks to a particular soft-spot Mrs. That Dan Guy has for when I become vulnerable, or ill. I had a bad cold after our recent holiday, so the stage was set for those very favourable diplomatic conditions.

I tested the waters several nights ago, by waving a napkin full of crumbs over the floor, hollering “IMMUNITY” whilst doing so!! As flabbergasted as she may have been, the power of immunity is so great that all MTDG could do was drop her jaw, blink profusely, and then surrender to the power of the over-riding diplomatic magic wand.

From that point on, until yesterday when my ragged cough was the last grasp I had on the shield remaining at my disposal, I was able to pretty much get away with murder, if by murder you mean shooting elastic bands at her, among a number of other questionable ways to behave for an adult almost ready for the nursing home.

This morning, my runny nose likely won’t be cutting it anymore. If I hope to pester the lady, there may be actual repercussions to my actions.

Like the kid that pokes a beehive, I guess we’ll just have to find out how much that might sting…

Chow for now!!

The above video does a rather lousy job of illustrating just how much a foot of snow looks like when it falls abruptly, I will admit. But it does seem to illustrate that we won’t be mowing the lawn anytime soon…

Hey, there are bright sides to winter returning, right in the midst of spring’s arrival:

1) For one thing, the neighbourhood cats won’t be digging up our garden anytime soon. That reminds me, I need to replace our buckshot supply…

2) This new fluffy layer of white frosting on the ground may buy me a little more time to replenish our suntan lotion inventory – I used the coconut butter one when I ran out of ingredients for a cake mix a few weeks ago…

3) If Mrs. That Dan Guy sees her shadow, we get another week of Vegas this year…

4) There’s a whole new natural cushion surrounding the house, for when I go up on the roof to take down our “Happy 2007” signage.

5) PETA members, I know we haven’t corresponded in some time, but I was just joking in Point #1…

6) With all that snow on the ground, it’s like the clouds are looking in a mirror!

7) A foot of snow?? OMIGOD, MTDG will have to buy taller boots! Fire up the toboggan!!

8) The prairie tumbleweeds are covered for another month…

9) The Canadian snow shovel industry is saved!

10) While not entirely related to snowfall, how about that season finale of “Big Love” last night??

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Chow for now!!

Well, our brief waltz with warm weather has certainly vamoosed. It started to snow before we went to bed last night, and continues to do so (profusely) even at this late stage of the morning.

Up until this snowy reminder that we do indeed live in Canada, we had been enjoying a very temperate thaw for the past few days. Which had actually given us a recurring unique daily phenomenon related to the thaw and freeze. Or, more work for poor, ailing Mr. That Dan Guy…

As each day brought sun and warm weather, the snow packed on our yards in the neighborhood would begin to melt. For some inexplicable reason (Dan’s Inescapable Attraction Of Murphy’s Law), snow between our yard and our neighbor’s formed a bit of a glacial icefield, pouring slowly but surely across the lawns, and cascading over the public sidewalk, which we are required via by-law regulations to keep clear and safe. This icefield would eventually cover about 12 yards of concrete in ice as thick as a steel plate, at least to my poor old plastic snow shovel.

This occurrence had me routinely out applying driveway salt to the sidewalk, even though I was almost completely hobbled by a cold that did everything in its power to hobble my iron will. Over the course of a week, I began to feel like I was salting a 10-mile meatloaf, a couple of times a day.

No more worry about that now, I’m happy to report. Any ice lurking on the sidewalk is now comfortably resting beneath a foot of snow. These are the times I’m truly happy that I bought Mrs. That Dan Guy her brand-new top-of-the-line Acme Wide Scoop snow shovel. I think I feel faint – must have overdone my cold meds last night…

Chow for now!!

Chicken Scratch

Mother of Goose!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

He’s gone too far this time, I swear by all that clucks and waddles!!

Just because he got a bad cold, and some heartless reader out there suggested chicken soup, Banjo Boy actually decided to listen to that advice!! He bought some broth, and now us chickens has gotta skitter-skatter, pronto!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

It’s every man woman an poultry for hisself now – a real-life Survivor of the feather-wearers in this joint. I always thought he was close to the edge, but now he’s done scrambled his last egg, and we’re all up for the soup! Not if I can help it, you moustachioed meat-eater!!

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Sure, ya probably think ole Charlie’s over-reactin’. Well, lemme tell ya what I found in the garbage last night – take out containers from A & W – WITH CHUBBY CHICKEN DINNERS!!! He was previewin’ what we’d taste like!! Holy Torpedo!!

BUK-AAAAWK!! I say, I say boy…

Well, I ain’t standin’ for it. He’s gotta fall asleep at some point, and when he does…heh heh heh…we’ll see whose goose gets cooked first…

Cluck for now!!

I am pleased to report that after just three days, thanks in no small part to my iron will and superhuman constitution, I have pretty much licked this cold/flu bug. Oh sure, I still have a few minor lingering side effects, like tightness in my chest, a raspy cough, phlegm build-up that sounds gross whenever I cough, post nasal drip that isn’t always caught on time, and as of this morning, soreness in my lower back. Buy hey, other than that, I have sent that holiday cold packin’!!

Happily, Mrs. That Dan Guy hasn’t caught it (yet). I’ve had to keep her at arm’s length through this test of my inner strength – she’s got a Florence Nightingale complex, and still believes that I’m sick. Bah Humbug!!

I strong, like bull!!

Chow for now…

If there is one consistency in our lives, here in the Such Is Life household, it is that following a vacation either myself or Mrs. That Dan Guy will get a brutal cold. This time around, it was myself. Starting off as a dry cough on the last day of our holidays, it became obvious that I wasn’t allergic to poker chips by the time we got on the plane home. By yesterday, my chest had become congested, and my nose was running like a Kenyan marathoner.

Now, unlike MTDG when she gets sick, I am a pillar of strength when stricken with ill health. I remain upbeat and positive, knowing that this bug will just have to pass through in its own time, whilst I bravely fight off the unpleasant effects. I did pruently cancel a few obligations for yesterday and today, so as not to test any other pillars out in the community...

Of course, I have also (simply as a defensive measure to keep MTDG happy) undertaken a minor self-treatment regimen, which includes (but is hardly limited to) the manufacturer’s recommended three-day dosage of COLD-FX, Benylin All-In-One Cold & Flu Medication, Neo-Citron Lemon Mix, Tylenol, Midol, whiskey, jelly beans, and liberal eye of newt, whenever I pass through the kitchen.

I know what you’re thinking – this guy is a rock, how does he do it?

I have a deep well of inner strength to draw from. And flannel pyjamas to crawl back into bed in…

Chow for now!!

There’s always good and bad about returning home after a great vacation – the bad part is that it’s over – the good part is that we have access to a 21st Century internet connection again, which is pretty sweet.

The only complaint we have about our whole getaway was the spotty-to-fleeting internet in our hotel room. Otherwise, it was a blast, filled as usual with the customary Such Is Life tomfoolery. Not ones to typically lie on sunny beaches for a week or two at a time, we try and cram in as much as humanly possible on vacation, often going on to add just a bit more kibbitzing, to tax our endurance. I am personally filled with endurance, it’s that ole Mrs. That Dan Guy that has to scramble to keep up…

Or maybe it’s gas that I’m filled with...

Regardless, a good time had by all. Plus, we had a celebrity sighting in our own hotel (The Mirage – first time we’ve ever stayed there). Walking back from some sort of tomfoolery one night, we passed by a crowd gathered around a couple of recognizable TV faces, from NBC’s “The Office”. Actress Kate Flannery, who plays Meredith, and Oscar Nunez who plays…ummm…Oscar were in our casino hotel – graciously posing with fans for a few photos. I was too star-struck to take out the camera I had been carrying around all day to snap pictures of flippin’ buildings and marquee signs, to record the moment. Brilliant.

We also caught Ms. Flannery while she was waiting for a cab to get to the airport a day later, but had no camera at that time. Such is life, as they say.

Better run. We got to bed last night around 1:30 AM, which is something we can’t be doing now if we want to get through our days. May be filling my cereal bowl with Red Bull this morning…

Chow for now!!

And so it ends - with about as appropriate an image as we could find – “Big Elvis” a surprisingly popular attraction direct from the Vegas Strip. Playing three shows a day five days a week at Wild Bill’s Saloon, this hefty impersonator draws the crowds – young and old. When he describes himself as “big”, he ain’t kidding. He’s the only Elvis tribute artist I’ve ever seen who performs primarily while sitting down.

What a crazy trip! We’ve visited casinos and sights we haven’t seen in years. We caught a news item about the hotel chain we are staying at, and how much financial hot water they are in right now. Which you might find hard to believe, judging by the massive crowds here this past week. However, it just so happens that we wound up here the very same time as American spring break – so that could be part of the reason for the crowds.

What can I say – we’ve had a ball, we’ve done our part to help the U.S. economy (Canada just needs to find a few more beaver pelts and we’ll be back on track), and caught about 4 shows that we might likely never see back home. We do love our live shows. We must have walked about 2 hours a day, each day – at least. Our dogs are totally barking right now.

We had a nice meal last night, the first crab we’ve had since San Francisco. A delicious treat. Plus having it down here guarantees you actually have a leg or two with a sliver of meat. In Canada, any crab legs you get look like the “before” picture on those old comic book bodybuilder ads – pretty anemic. This crab looked like he was seriously on steroids. But tasty steroids.

Now, we must pack. Though tears will surely stain our luggage.

Until next time, Las Vegas!!

Chow for now!!

Chicken Scratch

OK, Mr. That Bald Boy,

Take off to Vegas, an leave ole Charlie behind...see if I care...

BUK-AAAAWK!!!!

Maybe if I use this Barry Manilow box CD set as a litter box, you won't forget to bring me NEXT time!!

BUK-AAAWK!!!

Cluck for now, you heartless beast!!

Yesterday we had to arise before the birds to rush clear across the Vegas Strip to attend a gospel brunch, at the House Of Blues in Mandalay Bay. We’ve talked about doing this for years, but after the many trips we’ve taken here, we have learned that there is no such thing as pre-noon in Las Vegas. For a couple of old birds that go to bed early at home, it is ridiculous how late we stay up here…

At any rate, are we ever glad we made it to this gig – what a hoot! First off, the brunch is held in a groovy theatre in the basement of the HOB – the décor alone is almost worth the price of admission. Then there was the food – literally a spread spanning all three meals of the day: breakfast fare, lunch, and dinner, plus the fourth and most important meal of the day – dessert. Absolutely mind-boggling choices – so much for any diet plan we may have been on.

Finally, there was the entertainment. From the moment the curtain opened, to the time it closed 90 minutes later, these guys blew the roof off the joint – just like a musical performance scene from The Blues Brothers. This group of brothers sons cousins and uncles smoked the joint – we were up dancing and waving napkins with every hearty Hallelujah – and trying to sneak in the odd spoonful of scrambled eggs in between. Unforgettable.

We ended up beside a really nice family from Minneapolis that had spent time in Calgary, and are about to head up to Jasper/Banff in a few weeks, both of which are right out our back door – it is a small, small world indeed.

Later in the day, we were walking by the lake in front of The Bellagio, and just at that moment, the dancing water show began, with a song from our wedding! My God, talk about harmony, and being attuned with this city!! It just speaks to us.

Better load this puppy, before the frickin’ tin can and string internet service crashes again…

Chow for now!

The Sunday Evening “frickin’ unreliable hotel internet” “Nobody-Asked-Me-To, But-Here-I-Go-Anyway” Concert Review – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

(or, Why I Will Never Be A Professional Concert Reviewer…)

NOTE: Charlie Chicken may be back as early as Monday morning – we’ll see…

OK, so the second reason we came back to Vegas so soon after the last time we were here was the chance to see the legendary leader of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Sweetening the pot was that he was appearing along with the aforementioned Four Seasons. However, when you view that short video clip above(video unavailable - thank you, turderrific hotel internet connection!), it becomes pretty obvious that the four gentlemen singing background are anything but seasoned. They’re barely even ripe, for Pete’s sake. However, after realizing he’s grooming a new generation of seasoning, Valli’s backup gang turned out to be a pretty talented foursome. Just not the original gang.

That didn’t prevent last night’s show from being a killer – there were people around us that had driven in from California, Arizona, and Texas to see this show last night. Not that California and Arizona are all that far, but Texas – those guys deserved a door prize for their efforts.

Mr. Valli was in exceptional from last night, chewing through his extensive Four Seasons and solo hits (of which there are just too many to perform). His voice was right on the money, and with about 40 years of experience under his belt, he knew how to keep the crowd in the palm of his hands. Come on, the guy oozes charisma – he was a recurring guest star on The Sopranos! I don’t know if he got whacked in the last season of that show or not, but there was more whacking going on then than in a Black & Decker test lab – who could keep track??

This was one terrific show, and a highlight was a few samples from his brand- new album – which I will have to track down in my travels.

Speaking of travels, this concert was NOT in Vegas proper – we had to get out to Laughlin Nevada to catch this in the lush outdoor Rio Vista Amphitheater – an amazing venue to see a show like this under the stars.

By the way, here’s a handy travel tip:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip. Pirates have more class…

We thought (from prior research) that there were shuttle services to Laughlin from Vegas, but it turned out they only ran Monday to Friday. So we had to end up renting a car. By the way, here’s a handy travel trip on that subject:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip! The Vikings were more pleasant while they were pillaging.

The drive is about 90 minutes out of Vegas, through what is essentially a buffet of desert, not desserts. If you’re into mesas, buttes, and cactus, you’ll love the drive. Keep your eyes peeled, there may even be a wily old coyote chasing a roadrunner…

Hey, if you do decide to make the trip, here’s a small piece of advice for you:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip. Uninsured elective surgery in the U.S. is considerably more cost effective.

The best part – having to return to the strip hotel where we had rented the car from (not the one we’re staying in), and ending up driving on the Vegas strip – which I cannot recommend highly enough- avoiding!! What a circus act, and not de Soleil…

However, we made it back, and now after we auction one of my spleens we can pay for the rental car.

All in all, yet another Such Is Life household adventure!!

Chow for now!!

(Look for Charlie, coming back soon)

The Saturday Morning “Nobody-Asked-Me-To, But-Here-I-Go-Anyway” concert review: Dr. John & The Neville Brothers

(or, “Why I Will Never Be A Professional Concert Reviewer”…)

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Charlie will be MIA until Monday or Tuesday morning, due to a few of these upcoming reviews. Don’t get your pinfeathers ruffled.

_________________________________________

Well, the reason we ended up back here in Vegas so soon after our most recent trip (and with such short notice) was the chance to see these two acts, both New Orleans legends, and both headliners of this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. After checking out the lineup for that show, we desperately wanted to attend, but with an upcoming trip to California, just couldn’t swing it. This show was a best-case scenario to get a flavour of the fest, AND see these two personal NOLA favourites.

Of course, if you scroll back a couple of years here in the archives, you will discover that we have already seen The Neville Brothers, a couple of years ago – they opened the show for Linda Ronstadt, and did a superb job back then. More on them later – I should probably start this review at some point…

The co-headlining tour started last night with the ultra-cool Dr. John. You may have heard “Iko Iko”, or his big 70’s hit “I Was In The Right Place (But It Must Have Been The Wrong Time)”, or his terrific duet with Rickie Lee Jones on “Making Whoopee”, from the “Sleepless In Seattle” soundtrack. He’s much better known for his New Orleans music, which is just a delightful blend of jazz, blues, funk, gospel, and styles I can’t even begin to describe. His latest album, “The City That Care Forgot” is an outstanding example of his sound, and we got to hear a few tracks from that recording last night. Highlights? Too many – he had the crowd going insane right from his strut onstage – of all the cool cats we’ve seen to date, this dude personifies cool. His gruff voice, his raw musicianship - just amazing. And, he plays a mean guitar, which I did not know. As an ambassador for New Orleans, this fellow brings that feeling right into the concert hall. I could almost taste the crawfish etouffé…

What can you say about the Neville Brothers? As headliners, they were free for this how to jam out, and jam out they did. They kicked some serious buttockal area up there, and had us old farts up dancing in the aisles several times. There were several solo moments for the four brothers to shine, which they did profusely (OMIGOD, am I gushing? I think I’m gushing…) – over and over again. When Aaron Neville did a virtual acapella version of “Amazing Grace”, you could have heard a pin drop – hell, you could’ve heard a cloud breaking apart.

For the first of our concert events this trip, the bar is pretty high now for the balance…

Chow for now!!

Assuming this blog actually posts, I’ll be having a better start to my day than I did yesterday, with respect to the god-forsaken in-room internet service.

Just sayin’…

Well, our “free” days are behind us now, here in the City of Neon and Poker Chips. From this point on, we have shows and other events pre-purchased, so stay tuned kiddies- there should be lots to read about here over the next few days! Should you have a desire to live vicariously through our misadventures…

So, far, this has been a really astounding visit, in terms of general kibitzing – even all around kibitzing. The casinos have been kind to us so far, and we have been hitting them rather hard, all things considered. Yesterday we walked all the way from The Mirage to Mandalay Bay, a two-hour round trip if you were wondering. Of course, there were a few rest stops along the way – Mrs. That Dan Guy is like a moth to a flame where slots are concerned… I just sit nearby and watch.

You know, it dawns on me that we are doing what WE can to help the economy recover. It feels good, to give CPR to the economy, even if it could have quit smoking earlier, or tried a bit of light exercise once in a while…

Well, I won’t push my luck, better see if this posts. By the way, just to warn you, Charlie may be bumped to Monday of Tuesday, we’ll see…

Especially for you, col.sanders!!

Chow for now!!