I'd never been in the studio audience for a TV show since I was a 7 year in the bleachers for a local kiddie show back in Chicago. A few weeks ago, I ventured back into showbiz as a member of the studio audience for the Jimmy Kimmel Live. The show was broadcast from the picturesque El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and the tickets were free. Late of The Man Show and Win Ben Steins Money. Kimmel's dry, intelligent sometime perverse humor is remarkably free of pretense, at least the night I was there. Apparently, I missed the show were he was allegedly drunk, and no, Adam Carolla was not a guest. As retired 1980s L.A. rocker girl, I deliberately chose to go the week Slash was co-hosting.
For awhile, I did hook up with one of Slash's more vocal fans who was in attendance. She had a bagful of gifts for him and his Mrs. I never quite figured out why one would buy gifts for the famous -a homemade macramé vest from a doting fan is one thing, but anything else seems extraneous. The audience was primed for the show and seated in an irreverent version of a military drill. Boy, wouldn't you like to be the warm up guy before the show trying to get the audience riled up. Especially when Pepsi is the hardest drink served at the pre-show bar! God forbid that guy should ever get depressed or grouchy, he'd be out of a job. A cute aside - the applause sign says "Clap, you bastards" while the all quiet sign says "Shut the fuck up." A nice, post-modern touch.
For all the glamour and equipment the seats are nothing more than folding chairs, giving the whole scenario a high school auditorium kind of feel. There are screens to either side of the stage for audience members to view taped skits. Jimmy interviewed Thora Birch and Doug Benson, a comedian who gave a hilarious review of The Core.
After the sit down talk segment, the studio audience shuffled to the upstairs bar/concert area in an orderly fashion. An all-star "jam" band called Camp Freddy, consisting of Dave Navarro, Donovan Leitch , Matt Sorum, and Billy Morrison ended the telecast with covers of Ballroom Blitz and Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Slash and a performer named Johnny Fayva joined them for a few numbers. Fayva's flashy outfit and cheesy Vegas rat pack persona added rock 'n' roll comic relief to the evening's festivities.The band stayed and played a few songs after filming ended. All in all, an entertaining and cheap evening in a town where money can disappear as quickly as you can earn it.
Monday, August 11, 2008
RENO by J.P.
"Early morning in downtown Reno. A sight few party animals get to see."
I discovered that Tim Conway and Harvey Korman
are touring together. These guys were part of
the reason the "Carol Burnett Show" lasted for
so long. These guys are funny! So, I order
tickets for the Silver Legacy in Reno.
The Silver Legacy has no vacancy for the show
dates. But, it is downtown and a quick check
on the internet (using the yellow pages at
Infospace) shows 177 hotels in Reno. Being
lazy, I check some of the many sites that can
compare room rates. Woops! One of those sites
charges a $100 fee to book a $79 room. I got a
room at the El Dorado because it is across the
street from the Silver Legacy. I use the hotel
web site to book a room.
How to get there? If I fly I have to spend
two hours to get through security at San
Jose to take a one hour jet ride. And, I
discover the flight leaves at 6am. That
does it, I will drive the 300 miles. Should
take about five hours.
First surprise on the road. Interstate 80
between Sacramento and Reno has a lot of fast
traffic. I am in the slow lane, doing the
maximum speed (65mph) and even the California
Highway Patrol is passing me. I speed up to
match the traffic. Later I need to get into
the fast lane. Some parts of the road in the
Sierra Nevada mountains is rough due to tire
chains. Naturally, the slow lane is rougher
than the fast lane. This is April and the
weather is good for driving. No snowfall on
the road. But plenty in the mountains.
It takes three-quarters of a tank of gas to
get to Reno and half of a tank of gas to get
home. Reno is about 4,400 to 5,000 feet above
sea level. Home is about 100 feet above sea
level.
In Reno, downtown is Virginia Street. I find
all sorts of motels I could have chosen. But
I prefer to have reservations. Good thing.
Several hotels are full this weekend.
In Nevada they call gambling, "gaming." The
games have changed little since my last visit
in 1981. There are still a lot more machines
than card tables or dice tables, and more dice
tables than roulette. The machines are more
electric now. Many have themes. You can gamble
on the "Popeye", "I Dream of Jennie", "Adams Family",
"Munsters", or "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" machines.
But these machines have five wheels instead of three.
Instead of matching three of a kind (oranges as one
example) you need five of a kind (such as hamburgers
on the Popeye machine). However three of a kind does
get you a small prize on the five wheel machines.
Everyone has some notion on how to win. There
are some facts and lots of myths.
IF THE COINS ARE WARM IT IS GOING TO WIN BIG SOON.
A myth. It means the coinbox is next to a light bulb.
PLAY BEFORE THURSDAY EVENING. THAT IS WHEN THE
CASINO CHANGES THE ODDS FOR THE WEEKEND CROWD.
A Myth. The machine's odds are set at the factory.
The casino does not change the odds on the machines.
But, they do specify what the odds will be. Some
have only a 90% payback and some have up to a 100%
payback. (The 100% payback is used to make change.
You put in a dollar, you get four quarters.)
KEEP PLAYING ON ONE MACHINE UNTIL IT HITS. THEN
MOVE ON TO ANOTHER.
This doesn't change your odds. Each play is
independent. People do win twice in a row. (But
the odds still favor the house.)
The food is great everywhere in Reno. The casinos
want you to stay nearby. Even while eating in the
restaurants in the casinos, you can play keno. The
prices are reasonable. The big discount meal deals
are in Las Vegas. In Reno, the buffet is about
$11 and in the restaurant you pay $5 for a banana
split and maybe $7.50 for a burger and fries.
The show I go to see is funny. I'd forgotten that
the comedies on stage use a different type of humor
than on TV. (More adult themes.) But still
enjoyable.
The casinos/hotels are finding more ways to get their paws
on your hard-earned cash. They have an "energy fee"
added to your bill. They have a fridge full of goodies
and no room for your stuff. If you use the Pepsi from the fridge
your room is billed $1.55 for the 12 ounce can.
Sodas are only fifty cents across the street in the
souvenir shop. There are pay-per-view movies also.
There are plenty of shows, bars, and lounges. You
only need to pick up a local weekly tabloid to find
a listing. Another myth about Reno is that
prostitution is legal. In Nevada, prostitution is
legal in all counties except Washoe County and Clark
County. Reno is in Washoe County. Las Vegas is in
Clark County. I have no information on those houses of
Nevada. (That's another game of chance I do not play.)
Reno is constantly changing. The Flamingo Hotel is
being remodeled and will open as the Golden Phoenix.
There is a railroad through the town. There is a bond
measure on the ballot this year to build a trench with
several overcrossings.
There is a site called WeLoveThisPlace
(http://www.welovethisplace.org/home/ ) that has links to
many places in the Reno area. There is skiing, camping,
airplane races, balloon races, and even opera.
I discovered that Tim Conway and Harvey Korman
are touring together. These guys were part of
the reason the "Carol Burnett Show" lasted for
so long. These guys are funny! So, I order
tickets for the Silver Legacy in Reno.
The Silver Legacy has no vacancy for the show
dates. But, it is downtown and a quick check
on the internet (using the yellow pages at
Infospace) shows 177 hotels in Reno. Being
lazy, I check some of the many sites that can
compare room rates. Woops! One of those sites
charges a $100 fee to book a $79 room. I got a
room at the El Dorado because it is across the
street from the Silver Legacy. I use the hotel
web site to book a room.
How to get there? If I fly I have to spend
two hours to get through security at San
Jose to take a one hour jet ride. And, I
discover the flight leaves at 6am. That
does it, I will drive the 300 miles. Should
take about five hours.
First surprise on the road. Interstate 80
between Sacramento and Reno has a lot of fast
traffic. I am in the slow lane, doing the
maximum speed (65mph) and even the California
Highway Patrol is passing me. I speed up to
match the traffic. Later I need to get into
the fast lane. Some parts of the road in the
Sierra Nevada mountains is rough due to tire
chains. Naturally, the slow lane is rougher
than the fast lane. This is April and the
weather is good for driving. No snowfall on
the road. But plenty in the mountains.
It takes three-quarters of a tank of gas to
get to Reno and half of a tank of gas to get
home. Reno is about 4,400 to 5,000 feet above
sea level. Home is about 100 feet above sea
level.
In Reno, downtown is Virginia Street. I find
all sorts of motels I could have chosen. But
I prefer to have reservations. Good thing.
Several hotels are full this weekend.
In Nevada they call gambling, "gaming." The
games have changed little since my last visit
in 1981. There are still a lot more machines
than card tables or dice tables, and more dice
tables than roulette. The machines are more
electric now. Many have themes. You can gamble
on the "Popeye", "I Dream of Jennie", "Adams Family",
"Munsters", or "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" machines.
But these machines have five wheels instead of three.
Instead of matching three of a kind (oranges as one
example) you need five of a kind (such as hamburgers
on the Popeye machine). However three of a kind does
get you a small prize on the five wheel machines.
Everyone has some notion on how to win. There
are some facts and lots of myths.
IF THE COINS ARE WARM IT IS GOING TO WIN BIG SOON.
A myth. It means the coinbox is next to a light bulb.
PLAY BEFORE THURSDAY EVENING. THAT IS WHEN THE
CASINO CHANGES THE ODDS FOR THE WEEKEND CROWD.
A Myth. The machine's odds are set at the factory.
The casino does not change the odds on the machines.
But, they do specify what the odds will be. Some
have only a 90% payback and some have up to a 100%
payback. (The 100% payback is used to make change.
You put in a dollar, you get four quarters.)
KEEP PLAYING ON ONE MACHINE UNTIL IT HITS. THEN
MOVE ON TO ANOTHER.
This doesn't change your odds. Each play is
independent. People do win twice in a row. (But
the odds still favor the house.)
The food is great everywhere in Reno. The casinos
want you to stay nearby. Even while eating in the
restaurants in the casinos, you can play keno. The
prices are reasonable. The big discount meal deals
are in Las Vegas. In Reno, the buffet is about
$11 and in the restaurant you pay $5 for a banana
split and maybe $7.50 for a burger and fries.
The show I go to see is funny. I'd forgotten that
the comedies on stage use a different type of humor
than on TV. (More adult themes.) But still
enjoyable.
The casinos/hotels are finding more ways to get their paws
on your hard-earned cash. They have an "energy fee"
added to your bill. They have a fridge full of goodies
and no room for your stuff. If you use the Pepsi from the fridge
your room is billed $1.55 for the 12 ounce can.
Sodas are only fifty cents across the street in the
souvenir shop. There are pay-per-view movies also.
There are plenty of shows, bars, and lounges. You
only need to pick up a local weekly tabloid to find
a listing. Another myth about Reno is that
prostitution is legal. In Nevada, prostitution is
legal in all counties except Washoe County and Clark
County. Reno is in Washoe County. Las Vegas is in
Clark County. I have no information on those houses of
Nevada. (That's another game of chance I do not play.)
Reno is constantly changing. The Flamingo Hotel is
being remodeled and will open as the Golden Phoenix.
There is a railroad through the town. There is a bond
measure on the ballot this year to build a trench with
several overcrossings.
There is a site called WeLoveThisPlace
(http://www.welovethisplace.org/home/ ) that has links to
many places in the Reno area. There is skiing, camping,
airplane races, balloon races, and even opera.
SHOP, EAT & DO LONDON
SHOP
The one-stop shopping destination in London is of course Harrods. From high-end clothes to lingerie and an astounding collection of cosmetics - this famous shop has everything to offer. But perhaps the most unique are the "great food halls" where you can pick up anything from a bottle of wine to unique confections, chocolates, pastries, coffees, cheeses, and meats. Anything that is likely to make your palate drool is likely there. Don't miss the gelato bar where instead of sipping martinis, you can enjoy a delicious treat from days-gone-by, complete with a cherry-on-top and yummy whipped cream. Go ahead, indulge. Then burn off those calories by doing some additional shopping on Bond street - you can find pretty much anything there, at any price range. www.harrods.com
EAT
This two Michelin star restaurant is named after one of the most expensive wines - Petrus. So you know it's not going to come cheap. But if you book in advance for lunch, you're in for a treat at a relative bargain by London standards - 35 pounds for a three course meal. Impeccable service, design, ingredients and Gordon Ramsay's standards is what you're bound to get. The kitchen even throws in 2-3 pre-appetizers and a pre-dessert (!). Now, THAT, you don't want to miss. www.gordonramsay.com/petrus
DO
There is no shortage of what to do in London, but there are a few highlights not to miss. Be sure to take a day to visit the British Museum (www.britishmuseum.org)and the Tate Modern (www.tate.org.uk). Finish off your day with some sweeping views from the London Eye (www.londoneye.com).
The one-stop shopping destination in London is of course Harrods. From high-end clothes to lingerie and an astounding collection of cosmetics - this famous shop has everything to offer. But perhaps the most unique are the "great food halls" where you can pick up anything from a bottle of wine to unique confections, chocolates, pastries, coffees, cheeses, and meats. Anything that is likely to make your palate drool is likely there. Don't miss the gelato bar where instead of sipping martinis, you can enjoy a delicious treat from days-gone-by, complete with a cherry-on-top and yummy whipped cream. Go ahead, indulge. Then burn off those calories by doing some additional shopping on Bond street - you can find pretty much anything there, at any price range. www.harrods.com
EAT
This two Michelin star restaurant is named after one of the most expensive wines - Petrus. So you know it's not going to come cheap. But if you book in advance for lunch, you're in for a treat at a relative bargain by London standards - 35 pounds for a three course meal. Impeccable service, design, ingredients and Gordon Ramsay's standards is what you're bound to get. The kitchen even throws in 2-3 pre-appetizers and a pre-dessert (!). Now, THAT, you don't want to miss. www.gordonramsay.com/petrus
DO
There is no shortage of what to do in London, but there are a few highlights not to miss. Be sure to take a day to visit the British Museum (www.britishmuseum.org)and the Tate Modern (www.tate.org.uk). Finish off your day with some sweeping views from the London Eye (www.londoneye.com).
THE LEVIN HOTEL - LONDON, UK (review)
You can be sure to get a good night's sleep on the ultra comfortable bed at The Levin (worth some 20,000 pounds). Everything in this boutique hotel is well thought out and luxurious, including a champagne bar (with cocktail recipe books), flat screen TV, iPod docking station, Bose sound system, a marble bathroom and a choice between Molton Brown or Miller Harris toiletries. There's even a collection of classic novels to enjoy. The design is contemporary, chic and welcoming - same goes for the staff. A stunning, unique 18 metre chandelier plunges from the ceiling. This little gem of a hotel is situated in Knightsbridge and just around the corner from Harrods. Only 2 minutes away from the tube.
Breakfast (or a meal at any time of the day) can be enjoyed at The Levin's quaint brasserie, Le Metro.
Rates start from £225 for a double room (with continental breakfast) and a special guaranteed USD rate package for two nights is $949, including breakfast, luxury chauffeur driven car pick-up, and a 2 course dinner for two.
For more information, visit: www.thelevinhotel.co.uk/
Breakfast (or a meal at any time of the day) can be enjoyed at The Levin's quaint brasserie, Le Metro.
Rates start from £225 for a double room (with continental breakfast) and a special guaranteed USD rate package for two nights is $949, including breakfast, luxury chauffeur driven car pick-up, and a 2 course dinner for two.
For more information, visit: www.thelevinhotel.co.uk/
HOTEL LONDRA PALACE - VENICE, ITALY (review)
Arguably, much of the hotel's charm is owed to its location, a few steps off Saint Mark's Square, right next to the lagoon. If you're lucky enough to be in one of the suites with terraces that overlook it, you're in for pure magic. There's no feeling guilty about staying in and missing Venice's finest offerings here. You can enjoy a leisurely (and perhaps, romantic) breakfast on the terrace taking in the stunning views and following the hustle & bustle of the city as it unfolds beneath you. With such inspiring surroundings, it's no wonder that Tchaikovsky composed much of his Fourth Symphony here (in room #108, if you want to be specific).
The rooms themselves are luxurious and elegant, decorated in the gorgeous Neo-lombary/Biedermeier style, filled with 19th century antiques, original paintings and cushy furnishings that feel particularly Venetian. They are immaculately clean and exceptionally comfortable. The size is modest, but comfortable. A definite highlight, the pink marble bathroom, is a place to be pampered. True to form, there are generous bottles of a rather foamy bubble bath gel stocked, along with the usual amenities. You're bound to feel like Venetian royalty here!
The reception staff are a bit reserved, but very helpful.
For a great dinner or lunch experience, try the hotel's "Do Leoni" restaurant. With its outdoor terrace it is a great place to enjoy a meal - and soak in the jaw-dropping views, of course.
The water vaporetto from the airport stops right next to the hotel.
For more information, visit: www.hotelondra.it/
The rooms themselves are luxurious and elegant, decorated in the gorgeous Neo-lombary/Biedermeier style, filled with 19th century antiques, original paintings and cushy furnishings that feel particularly Venetian. They are immaculately clean and exceptionally comfortable. The size is modest, but comfortable. A definite highlight, the pink marble bathroom, is a place to be pampered. True to form, there are generous bottles of a rather foamy bubble bath gel stocked, along with the usual amenities. You're bound to feel like Venetian royalty here!
The reception staff are a bit reserved, but very helpful.
For a great dinner or lunch experience, try the hotel's "Do Leoni" restaurant. With its outdoor terrace it is a great place to enjoy a meal - and soak in the jaw-dropping views, of course.
The water vaporetto from the airport stops right next to the hotel.
For more information, visit: www.hotelondra.it/
THE DYLAN HOTEL - DUBLIN, IRELAND (review)
The Dylan is a rather eccentric property with a design that echoes somewhat of an old-fashioned charm, while fusing it with a decidedly modern approach. With its youthful, friendly and helpful staff, The Dylan feels more like a luxurious private mansion than a hotel. The five-star boutique hotel manages to feel very discreet, yet welcoming and personable.
The hotel is all about personality and subtle little touches such as the incredibly delicious brownies that await you on arrival, and the special goodies that you can find after the nightly turn-down. In addition to the traditional minty chocolate left on your pillow, you can expect to find complimentary bottles of VOSS water and a unique aromatherapy "sleep well" spray.
The rooms are not exceedingly large, but comfortable, made to feel even larger due to the placement of mirrors across one wall. Some rooms come with terraces, which is a nice thing to have, although there is no real view to enjoy. The amenities in the room are very well thought out though, including a flat screen TV, very large bottles of fine shampoos, conditioners and bath salts, heated towel rack, vanity kits, slippers, wi-fi, an overpriced mini-bar (sadly, a staple in nearly all hotels), and an ipod with Bose speakers. The ipod, thoughtfully, comes loaded with some music and Dublin city audio guides, so you can take it with you on walks around the city. Unfortunately though, with all these great amenities, one very important thing was overlooked: the bed. The bed & pillows are on the harder side, and not as cozy as expected - although some people swear that sleeping on a hard bed is the better choice for your back.
On sleepless nights, the hotel also has a library for guests to borrow books and a plush bar. In the morning, they can awake to some delicious treats served in the hotel's breakfast room - buffet or a la carte, the breakfast there is well worth having.
Located in an affluent suburb, The Dylan's surroundings are without a shortage of nice pubs and restaurants, but it is definitely a bit removed from the more "happening" parts of the city and the major tourist attractions. However, they are all within a short bus or taxi ride and a 15 minute walk to Grafton St and St. Stephens Green.
Chic, charming, elegant and bursting with personality, The Dylan is sure to host a memorable stay. Definitely one of the more unique hotels - a special place.
Visit online at: www.dylan.ie
The hotel is all about personality and subtle little touches such as the incredibly delicious brownies that await you on arrival, and the special goodies that you can find after the nightly turn-down. In addition to the traditional minty chocolate left on your pillow, you can expect to find complimentary bottles of VOSS water and a unique aromatherapy "sleep well" spray.
The rooms are not exceedingly large, but comfortable, made to feel even larger due to the placement of mirrors across one wall. Some rooms come with terraces, which is a nice thing to have, although there is no real view to enjoy. The amenities in the room are very well thought out though, including a flat screen TV, very large bottles of fine shampoos, conditioners and bath salts, heated towel rack, vanity kits, slippers, wi-fi, an overpriced mini-bar (sadly, a staple in nearly all hotels), and an ipod with Bose speakers. The ipod, thoughtfully, comes loaded with some music and Dublin city audio guides, so you can take it with you on walks around the city. Unfortunately though, with all these great amenities, one very important thing was overlooked: the bed. The bed & pillows are on the harder side, and not as cozy as expected - although some people swear that sleeping on a hard bed is the better choice for your back.
On sleepless nights, the hotel also has a library for guests to borrow books and a plush bar. In the morning, they can awake to some delicious treats served in the hotel's breakfast room - buffet or a la carte, the breakfast there is well worth having.
Located in an affluent suburb, The Dylan's surroundings are without a shortage of nice pubs and restaurants, but it is definitely a bit removed from the more "happening" parts of the city and the major tourist attractions. However, they are all within a short bus or taxi ride and a 15 minute walk to Grafton St and St. Stephens Green.
Chic, charming, elegant and bursting with personality, The Dylan is sure to host a memorable stay. Definitely one of the more unique hotels - a special place.
Visit online at: www.dylan.ie
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Pacific Palisades Hotel in Vancouver - REVIEW
There is something very comforting and home-like about the Pacific Palisades, even though it doesn’t resemble home at all. Instead, it’s filled with lively colors splashed across the walls, with South Beach inspired decor. And there are even balconies, which are very nice to sit on at night when the city begins to sparkle.
Rooms are specious and there are many affordable suites to be found. These also feature a kitchenette and a mini-bar that for the first time doesn’t make you feel like someone’s reaching into your pockets and stealing all your cash. A bag of morning cereal, is only $1. If more hotels offered reasonably priced mini-bar, not only would they sell more product, but they would also make their guests very happy.
And this is what the Pacific Palisades seems to care about – guest satisfaction. This is not a luxury hotel, but a very hip, cozy hotel where the staff are very welcoming and will go out of their way, whether you’re a guest or just a visitor.
It’s no wonder that many film productions host their out of town crew and talent for extended stays at the Pacific Palisades.
Should you get thirsty for a drink at the bar or a craving for a snack, the hotel’s Zin Lounge is happy to oblige. It’s not particularly full on most nights, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. It’s worth stopping by for a drink or a snack, though for meals there are much better options nearby. Nonetheless, it’s actually a very neat spot and it’s surprising that it’s not more popular than it is. For breakfast, try the authentic French crepes across the street.
Situated on Robson Street, the Pacific Palisades Hotel is convenient to shopping, dining and for exploring the Downtown core. On top of that, the hotel is dog friendly – so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home. And at prices starting at just $140 (deals can be found for even less), it’s a great value.
Definitely one of the best hotels in Vancouver.
For more information, visit:
www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com
Rooms are specious and there are many affordable suites to be found. These also feature a kitchenette and a mini-bar that for the first time doesn’t make you feel like someone’s reaching into your pockets and stealing all your cash. A bag of morning cereal, is only $1. If more hotels offered reasonably priced mini-bar, not only would they sell more product, but they would also make their guests very happy.
And this is what the Pacific Palisades seems to care about – guest satisfaction. This is not a luxury hotel, but a very hip, cozy hotel where the staff are very welcoming and will go out of their way, whether you’re a guest or just a visitor.
It’s no wonder that many film productions host their out of town crew and talent for extended stays at the Pacific Palisades.
Should you get thirsty for a drink at the bar or a craving for a snack, the hotel’s Zin Lounge is happy to oblige. It’s not particularly full on most nights, but that’s not entirely a bad thing. It’s worth stopping by for a drink or a snack, though for meals there are much better options nearby. Nonetheless, it’s actually a very neat spot and it’s surprising that it’s not more popular than it is. For breakfast, try the authentic French crepes across the street.
Situated on Robson Street, the Pacific Palisades Hotel is convenient to shopping, dining and for exploring the Downtown core. On top of that, the hotel is dog friendly – so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home. And at prices starting at just $140 (deals can be found for even less), it’s a great value.
Definitely one of the best hotels in Vancouver.
For more information, visit:
www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com
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