The House Always Wins

George and I spent another night out on the town yesterday. We started by having dinner at one of our favorite hangouts, enjoying the best burgers on the “Strip.” It looks like they have new waiters working at the “Dailies.” My favorite eyecandy, young and hot Jose, is not there anymore. And none of the Russian girls. However, the food is still amazing as ever.



Afterwards we just wandered up and down parts of the famed “Strip.” Most locals hate this part of town and will only come to the “Strip” if absolutely necessary. Like when family or friends are visiting town and want to see what all the fuss is about. George and I like coming to the “Strip” and check out what’s going on in all the casinos. Even though we rarely gamble it’s fun to stroll through the casinos and watch people. Or visit one of the countless restaurants to enjoy a great meal. If shopping is your thing there are plenty of malls on this stretch of road alone. Don’t forget all the concerts, shows, clubs, dancing...the list is endless. Why shouldn’t locals join in on the fun as well?



Incidentally, we saw a bunch of German tourists all over the place. I suppose it helps to become attuned to our upcoming trip to Germany in December. Of course, I couldn’t help myself to make fun of them. But just a wee bit. It’s not like I’m that evil. Außerdem kann ich mir das auch erlauben.



The weather was perfect too. The evenings are finally starting to cool off enough to enjoy the outdoors again. During the heat of summer it just stays hot 24/7. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to still linger below the 100º F mark at 2 o’clock in the morning.



And speaking of gambling, we tried our luck on one of the Wheel of Fortune slot machines. At one point we got our money back and more but eventually lost everything again. As if we didn’t know any better. The house always wins. Always!



Here are some impressions from yesterday evening.

Grüß Gott!

Munich's main cathedral, the Frauenkirche

George and I will be spending the holidays in my former neck of the woods. Yes, we’ll be flying to Munich to visit family and some friends and to show George around my old stomping grounds.

I haven’t been back to München since September 2001. Up until then, traveling has always been a very pleasant experience for me. But since the awful events on September 11th, traveling has become a hassle, almost a chore and I’m not necessarily looking forward to the flying part of this trip.

Interestingly enough, I always loved to fly. Flying used to be very special to me back in those days. That was when airline passengers weren’t treated like cattle. When there was still something called customer service and a certain pride to keep passengers happy. When people were still pampered by the airlines and were served complimentary meals and drinks on long-haul flights. Heck, even on shorter routes airlines would at least serve sandwiches. And remember pillows and blankets? Well, not anymore. Not only are passenger being treated like cattle, the airline industry discovered that passengers are cash cows. Now airlines charge for everything. There’s a fee to implement a fee. I wait for the day when they start charging for the usage of lavatories.

Oh wait, that already has been suggested by an Irish airliner. Oh joy!

But for now we’re just happy to have found airfares and a hotel which were reasonable. Even trying to book a trip has become a pain. When did every little pleasure in life become such a hassle?
Anyway, that part is done and we’re just concentrating on having a grand time in the Bavarian capital. Not only have I not been back in over eight years, it’ll be my first winter in almost 20 years.

Uh-oh, what was I thinking?

The Eisbach flowing through a wintery Englischer Garten

Maybe the weather won’t be as cold and there may not even be any snow on the ground. It usually gets really snowy and icy by late January and February. Then again, this may be the winter of all winters and it’ll have full-blown blizzard conditions. Since this would be George’s very first winter experience, why not go out all the way?

Oy!

It’s funny how we ended up going to Germany. First we thought of visiting Bangkok and Hong Kong, maybe Japan. It ended up costing more than we anticipated, despite the really good offers we had found at first. Then we thought about spending a few days in London (my other stomping grounds) or Amsterdam.

They want how much for this dumpy looking place? Uhm...No!

Even staying in the good ol’ US of A is getting way too pricey. Americans can’t even afford their own country anymore. On top of barely getting any vacation time whatsoever and having no money, how are Americans supposed to explore the world if they can’t even make it past their own city limits?

Traffic signals in Munich usually don't stay red as long as they do in Las Vegas

Believe it or not, but Munich is a real bargain in comparison. So why the hell not? George has never been to Germany and is eager to visit. He already knows some basic German phrases. I’m sure that knowing how to say “I’m hungry” and “I love you” will help to get him through any sticky situation that may arise in case I’m not around to translate. Of course, saying “Ich liebe Dich” to the wrong person could prove somewhat perilous.

That’s the stuff of what future memories and great stories are made of.

The Maxmonument on Maximilian Straße. I used to live just around the corner.

So, my fellow bloggers, look forward to more riveting entries and prepare yourselves for breathtaking photography in the coming year. However, fantastic tales of drunken gamblers and sleazy girls must suffice for now. Not that you would ever find us in that kind of milieu. But who knows?

This is Sin City after all.

Domestic Partnership

George and I took another official step yesterday evening to apply for Domestic Partnership. There was a forum at the LGTB Center in Las Vegas regarding this very issue and many questions and concerns were addressed. Lots of helpful information was provided by Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller; Senator David Parks, who sponsored the new bill; and a panel consisting of people who work for the ACLU, a lawyer’s firm and a hospice. Right after the Q&A session many couples had their registration form notarized, like George and I did.

The law goes in effect in Nevada on October 1st, 2009.

Click here and here for links to Las Vegas’ two main newspaper sites and their articles and photos about yesterday’s forum.

Yup, we’re famous. Below is a screen shot taken from the Las Vegas Sun article, showing George and me watching our registration form being notarized. Of course, in the other photo I have my eyes closed and am hidden behind another person.

So much for my 15 minutes of fame.

Who cares. More importantly, we’re about to enter our Domestic Partnership and a new exciting chapter in our life. We know it’s not the same as marriage but it’s still quite a milestone. Especially for the Sate of Nevada, a bastion of Republicans and conservatives. This new law was vetoed by our vile governor Jim Gibbons, stating that he simply doesn’t believe in it. Luckily, there were enough votes in the Assembly and the Senate to override his veto.

Not all is bad in America. Eventually, true equality for all will come. Also on a federal level. But like I said before, in this country it takes small baby steps to achieve progress.

Very...small...baby...steps.

Vernissage

George and I went to a art reception in the Las Vegas downtown area yesterday. It was supposed to be held at the Brett Wesley Contemporary Art Gallery but extensive renovation work at their original location took longer than anticipated. Therefore the reception, called “The Power of Seduction,” was moved to the 21st floor of the Newport Lofts high-rise.

We know Kevin, one of the three artist featured. His wife Andrea and I worked together for many years when we were both still with the advertising agency. We also saw other familiar faces we haven’t seen in quite a while. Amazing how time flies. We love Kevin’s paintings and his work called “Iron Curtain” is our favorite.

Iron Curtain by Kevin Chupik, oil on panel 30x36

Here are some photos from the reception and the views of the city from atop the Newport Lofts, where the reception was held.

We wouldn’t want to live in that building but the views sure are pretty.

George und ich gingen gestern abend zu einer Vernissage im einem der älteren Vierteln von Las Vegas. Eigentlich hätte die Ausstellung in der Brett Wesley Gallerie stattfinden sollen, aber die musste wegen angehenden Renovierungsarbeiten in der besagten Gallerie kurzfristig umziehen. Also wurde die Vernissage, unter dem Titel “The Power of Seduction” (Die Macht der Verführung), im 21. Stockwerk des Newport Lofts Gebäudes abgehalten.

Wir kennen Kevin, einer der drei vorgestellten Künstler des Abends. Seine Ehefrau und ich haben viele Jahre zusammen in der Werbeagentur gearbeitet. Wir haben auch viele ander Bekannte getroffen, die wir seit Jahren nicht mehr gesehen hatten. Wie die Zeit vergeht. Wir finden Kevins Gemälde ausgezeichnet und sein Werk “Iron Curtain” finden wir am besten.

Hier sind ein paar Bilder von der Austellung und der Aussicht auf die Stadt vom 21., bzw. 24. Stockwerk des Gebäudes.

Wir würden nicht hier in diesem Hochhaus wohnen wollen, aber die Aussicht war doch besonders schön.

True Blood

O...M...G !!!

One of my favorite bands, Depeche Mode, and our currently favorite series, "True Blood," together. Eric, have mercy! I think I'm going to faint. And it's not caused by blood loss.

I know the final episode of the second season is upon us but check out the second season trailer for HBO's "True Blood." Bloody yummy.

Day of Arbeit

The long Labor Day weekend came and went and of course it has been way too short. As usual. But George and I managed to make it a very relaxed and enjoyable one.

We saw one hilarious comedy show with a very potty-mouthed and no-holds-barred Joan Rivers at the Venetian Showroom, met friends for a nice Italian dinner at Brio at Town Square and caught up on movies and specials which we’ve recorded on our DVR over the last few weeks. Good thing too because we ran out of recording space.

In-between we just tinkered around the house and backyard, worked out, took nice walks in our park, bought some groceries for the week and cooked some delicious food.

Needless to say that we’ve packed an additional pound or two on the scale, despite our working out and walks in the park. These holidays, as few and far between as they seem, do come with a price. But it’s a price we’re happy to pay.

And here we’re off again to another work week. But luckily it’s a short one. The next weekend can’t come soon enough.

Some things will never change.

Below are a few random photographic slivers from the last few days. I also took a picture of the birthday cards I’ve received. Can you spot the one you’ve sent me? Once again thanks to all.

Hier nun schnell wieder etwas auf Deutsch. Damit meine Familie und Freunde in Deutschland (...und in Kanada?!) nicht denken daß ich sie total vernachlässige. Gestern feierten die U.S.A. den Labor Day Feiertag, was man in etwa mit dem Tag der Arbeit am jeweiligen 1. Mai vergleichen kann. Natürlich geht es hier weniger politisch ernst zu wie z.B. in Europa. Das wäre nun doch ein wenig zu sozialistisch und daher absolut unamerikanisch. Wo kämen wir da auch sonst hin?! Ich konnte mir an dieser Stelle ein bischen Zynismus einfach nicht verkneifen.

Dafür ist hier an solchen Tagen das Grillen draußen im Garten angesagt. Oder man sieht sich zuhause oder in irgendeiner Bar mit einen Haufen anderen Leuten Footballspiele im Fernsehen an. Oder ärgert sich wieder einmal insbesondere über den alljährlichen Chaos auf den verstopften Autobahnen und überfüllten Flughäfen. Dieser Feiertag kündigt auch gleichzeitig das offizielle Ende der Sommer Saison an und natürlich “freuen” sich alle Kinder das sie wieder zurück in die Schule dürfen.

Wie auch immer, für George und mich war es nur wichtig das wir wieder ein langes Wochenende geniesen konnten. Wir werden hier in den Vereinigten Staaten nicht unbedingt mit freien Tagen überschüttet. Also machen wir aus jeden einzelnen Feiertag das allerbeste daraus.

Wir sahen eine recht ausgelassene und lustige Show mit der bekannten Komödiantin Joan Rivers in einem der vielen Las Vegas Casinos, traffen uns mit Freunden zu einem italienischen Abendessen und sahen uns viele der Spielfilme und Fernsehspecials an, die wir im laufe der letzten Wochen auf unseren Digitalrecoder aufgenohmen hatten. War auch höchste Zeit, da uns mittlerweile der Platz auf dem Recorder ausging.

Zwischendurch pfuschten wir im Haus und im Garten herum, machten Sportübungen und sind viel im unserem Park gelaufen, haben unsere Wocheneinkäufe erledigt und haben viele leckere Gerichte gekocht.

Trotz aller sportlichen Tätigkeiten haben wir es geschafft ein oder zwei zusätzliche Pfunde auf die Waage zu legen. Es scheint als ob man für diese Feiertage, so selten sie auch vorkommen mögen, immer ein Preis zu zahlen ist. Aber mit diesen Preis können wir ohne weiteres leben.

Nun hat uns allerdings der Alltag wieder zurück. Immerhin wird es eine kurze Arbeitswoche werden. Und das ist schließlich auch etwas wert. Aber das nächste Wochenende kann nicht schnell genug kommen.

Einige Dinge, so scheint es, werden sich wohl niemals ändern. Egal, in welchen Land man lebt.

Anbei sind ein paar Bilder die wir in den letzten Tagen gemacht haben. Under anderem sieht man einige der Geburtstagskarten die ich bekommen habe. Könnt Ihr Eure Karte erkennen, die Ihr mir geschickt habt? Nochmals nachträglich viele herzlichen Dank.

Birthday Cards...which one is from you?
Geburtstagskarten...welche kam von Dir?

One even came with glittery things
Eine Karte enthielt sogar Glitzerdinger

Labor Day Relaxation
Entspannen am Feiertag

The new Westgate Tower at the Planet Hollywood Resort on the Strip
Der neue Westgate Hotelturm des Planet Hollywood Resorts am Strip

I'm just intrigued by any kind of light reflections and shadow play
Mich fasziniert einfach jegliche Art von Lichtreflektionen oder Schattenspiele

Labor’s Sweet Fruits

That’s what we’re going to be tasting this weekend. In form of a long weekend due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. Even though George and I just enjoyed a wonderful long weekend, we’re already in desperate need for another one. Work this past week has been rather exhausting.

Today also marks George’s first official day as a teacher’s assistant. He’s going to be thrown to a pack of wolves...I mean...a class of third graders. I hope these little wolf cubs are gentle with him. And the teacher too.

Let’s also hope that the little rascals don’t tear him up too badly because right after work tonight we’re off to see Joan Rivers at the Venetian Showroom. We got the tickets a while ago and are really looking forward to some “bleeping” fun. She’s hilarious. We love how she’s making fun of everything and everyone and especially of her greedy self and the millions of plastic surgeries she’s been through already. We saw her comedy special on Logo TV the other day which was taped in London. I was laughing so hard that I almost peed in my pants.

A friend and former colleague I used to work with when I was still living in Germany is going to visit us next February. It’ll be so much fun. She will be staying with us for a few days with a friend of hers and then rent a car to drive either to California or Arizona or both. Either way, I’m happy to see her again. The last time I saw her was when I was visiting Germany back in 2001.

Have you noticed that I didn’t unleash a ton of political rants this time? And boy...is there a ton to rant about! But I’m going to restrain myself. There’s nothing to be done about mass insanity and that’s that. George and I just keep to our circle of friends and family whom are sane, intelligent and compassionate.

Yes, believe it or not. There are actual Americans who are really sane, intelligent and compassionate. A handful out of millions of idiots. Better than nothing I suppose. We take that.

Oops! Well, there it was. A little political rant. But it was just an itsy-bitsy one.

Happy Labor Day, y’all!

Wait a minute...isn’t that also some communist, socialist holiday? The wingnuts will find some crazy way to blame Barack Obama for the atrocity of having a holiday too.

Dang it! I just can’t help myself, can I?

I shut up now.

Another California Adventure

George and I spent another wonderful long weekend in Southern California. Everything was perfect, the weather (even though it could have been a little less hot), the food (we tried not to overstuff ourselves even though it was more than tempting) and of course Disneyland Resort (the very definition of perfect!).

Friday was my birthday and we spent the whole day at Disney’s California Adventure, the smaller sister theme park adjacent to the Magic Kingdom itself. We haven’t been to California Adventure in a long while and it was great to be back. Even though this park doesn’t seem to be very popular for whatever reason, George and I love it. We also wanted to see it one more time before Disney is completely tearing up the whole place to re-theme it to give it the look of the 1930’s era Los Angeles, when Walt Disney himself first came to California. Some areas of the park were already big construction sites but most of the rides and shows are up and running. Sometime in 2012, California Adventure will have completed its transformation with individual new or updated attractions opening between now and then. It’ll start with a spectacular aquatic light show next spring and topping it off with a brand new land based on the Disney-Pixar movie “Cars.” We know it will be amazing.

Most of Saturday was spent at the Corona del Mar State Beach, just on the other side of Newport Bay surrounding the Balboa peninsula in Newport Beach. It’s a peculiar little place with whimsical architecture with a hint of a Mediterranean feel. This beach was filled with people, the busiest we’ve ever seen a beach to be in the greater Los Angeles area.

Far in the distance, however, one could see the gigantic plumes of smoke coming from the La Cañada Flintridge wildfires, which now seem to burn out of control and ravaging in all directions. It’s right next to where our friends Rover and Cal live and they too had to evacuate. Luckily, they’re fine and were able to return to their home in the meantime. It’s weird to see people having fun in the ocean waves while just tens of miles away thousands of people are fleeing a destructive blaze consuming hundreds of homes. Tragicly, two firefighters have already lost their lives battling the flames.

Yet life goes on. Despite the constant threats of wildfires during the summer months, mudslides in winter and occasional earthquakes, we understand why people would never leave California. It’s one of the most amazing places on this planet. We would live there if we could.

Later that Saturday we celebrated both George’s brother’s and my birthday with an absolutely scrumptious dinner at the Blue Agave, a Mexican restaurant in Yorba Linda not too far away from the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. This restaurant looks fairly unassuming from the outside but has an inviting and festive atmosphere inside and their food is extraordinary. We ended the evening at Downtown Disney where we strolled around and enjoyed window shopping, people watching and got a glimpse of the nightly firework show at Disneyland.

On Sunday we made our way back home to Las Vegas. The strong winds carried the smoky air from the wildfires over the Mojave Desert and it started to settle in the Las Vegas valley. We can’t even imagine what it’s like being right smack in the middle of this fiery hell. We stopped at the recently opened M Resort & Casino which we’ve never visited before. A very cool and trendy place. We had an early but delectable dinner at the Red Cup Café coffee shop and also ran into some acquaintances. Las Vegas can be such a small town sometimes.

And with that another weekend in the Los Angeles area came to a close. Below are some pictures taken at the California Adventure theme park, Newport Beach, the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda and the M Resort in Las Vegas.



Birthday boy

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, CA

The Army One Helicopter at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

Richard Nixon's birthplace

Corona del Mar Beach in Newport Beach, California

The gigantic clouds of smoke from the wildfires in the distance

George and our host's cat Isis

The new M Resort & Casino at the outskirts of Las Vegas

The pool area of the new M Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV