Like so many others your  columnist has been glued to television.  The Democratic Convention filled with star power along with Hillary and Bill Clinton who offered what seemed to be their luke warm support for Obama.  I know not everyone approved of Hillary's costume but I thought she made a fine looking pumpkin the night she gave her speech.  I do admire her and Chelsea has become quite the eye candy.  It looked as if those attending the Convention were having great fun.  I loved the gaudy hats so much that I'm seriously considering making an effort in the future to be part of that scene,
It's been a long political season but it's provided material for columnists, comedians and analysts that will carry on for a considerable time.  Wonder what all those political analysts on television will do after the election?  Find a new career no doubt.
 
Labor Day has come and gone. The traditional end of summer has brought yet another  killer hurricane. We pray for the Gulf Coast and all it's people.
 
Back to the Las Vegas scene the annual Labor Day Telethon with our one and only Jerry Lewis hosting was held at the South Point Hotel and Casino.  The Las Vegas Fire Department made their contributions again with their "boot" drive and as usual a job well done.  Many local celebrities and corporate sponsors were on board to help raise money to meet the goal set 2008.  The Muscular Dystrophy  Association has become known for the great work they do and Jerry Lewis will always be known as an important drive behind this force.   
 
With Donny and Marie Osmond covering the entire face of the Flamingo on Las Vegas Boulevard the time draws near for their debut.  Even though Toni Braxton made a hasty exit from the Flamingo due to health issues, it seems she's made a full recovery.  Don Marrandino, President of the Flamingo, has been very gracious about Toni Braxton and her scheduled appearance on Dancing With The Stars.   "You gotta have heart"Recently I was on thephone with Johnny Thompson, who seems to.many to be the master magician of the world.  Johnny has been a mentor to Las Vegas star Lance Burton and Criss Angel who is scheduled to debut his new show sometime in September.  Johnny was called to the Luxor in order to fine tune the bird act set for the latest Cirque show, Believe,  with Criss Angel.  It must have been a serious talk with those birds because there's been no change in the expected opening.  
 
Attn Salseros:  The Fiesta (W Lake Mead), will be holding Sunday evening salsa dancing from 5:00pm -10:pm beginning Sunday 9/21/08.  The big Michito Sanchex band now has an additinal venue to keep you moving those hips, etc.
 
As if we don't have enough drama in Las Vegas, well-known rap producer Suge Knight was recently arrested on charges of battery.  Seems Suge and his lady friend left one of our local nightclubs at 6:30 in the morning and got into a tiff.  I call it a tiff, she calls it a beating and the police call it battery.  Get the picture?  Suge is a big dude in more ways than one.  He shelled out $19,000 and walked out the door, or so I'm told.  
 
Last week the local Las Vegas theaters had their version of the Tony Awards.  I was confused because I thought the Tony Awards were a product of New York City's Broadway theater.  
 
Everyone would like to think the economy is getting better across the country with the gas prices going down and the political season near its climax but here in Las Vegas many of our local residents are finding new changes to their casino outings.  Changes that somewhat diminish the over-all enjoyment, especially for our retired friends or those on fixed incomes.  More than ten years ago the casinos came up with the idea of "players cards" which earns points for the players.  Over time the casino guests have become familiar with the players cards and most casinos offer specials for using the cards, such as complimentary buffets or dinners, even show room tickets.  Unfortunately the current economic atmosphere has caused several of the casinos to discontinue or decrease the value of the points earned by players.  In other words, no comps.  The high rollers aren't affected by this but they probably don't play the nickle or quarter machines like so many ofour local players.  Maybe it's true, maybe Las Vegas runs on nickles.      
 
Among this weeks openings were The Eastside Cannery, which boasts a "tableside buffet", a very novel approach. A ballroom, sports book, bingo hall, are among some of the other features. Rok at New York-New York offers rocckand roll, hip hop, anjd top[ 40's for the different types of people coming stos this property.  
On the other side of the coin, "Ooh La La' has closed (Paris). Rumor has it that more closings are on the horizon
 
Beginng Sept 21, The Fiesta  (W. Lake Mead)  will be featuring the best in salsa dancing on Sundays from 5:00pm-!0.00pm. The big Michito Sanchez band will be heating up the room as they do on Thursdays at The  South Point.
 
 
On the reality television rundown American Idol has added a fourth judge.  No, Paula Abdul is not out.  America Has Talent is a big snore except for Jerry Springer and Sharon Osborne.  Pamela Anderson should get off television altogether.  It was just announced that Donald Trump's latest version of Apprentice will feature Joe Francis who was recently busted for his part in Girls Gone Wild.  Donald Trump, sometimes down but never out.  He goes on and on and on........
 
The Rev Monti will see you again next time.