Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour

Many people are too young to know, or have forgotten, how brilliant a performer Michael Jackson was in the 70's and 80's.  There was a time when he was the best in the world.  His singing, stage performance, and artistic creativity were brilliant.  Jackson collaborated with the some of the greatest musicians and guitarists to enhance his music.  I, like most people, never saw him perform live.

Over the years, much has tarnished Jackson's legacy.  There are also places where the greatness of Michael Jackson are highlighted and preserved.  I had the opportunity to experience one of those last night.

I went to Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour at Mandalay Bay Event Center.  The show opened recently, in Montreal, and will be in various cities before taking up residency at Mandalay Bay in 2013.  I purchased tickets a month ago because I was really excited to see the show.  Since, I have emails for discounted tickets.  My expectations for the show were very high.

Spoiler Alert:  This post contains information and opinions about the performance, as well as a video courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.  I try not to reveal too much.

What's New

My life is pretty boring, and I like it to be routine.  For a while I wasn't sleeping well at night, not eating well, and keeping inconsistent hours.  It's my own fault and now I think I've fixed the problem.  I'm back to sleeping better at night and eating more regular meals.  That's not to say I won't stay out late some night playing cards, but I'd prefer to be sleeping at night.

1.  Going to try to get tickets to Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour while I'm at MGM later, or else I'll buy online.  I bet it is an interesting show.

2.  Going to San Diego in December.  Will spend a day or two at the zoo and don't know what else.

3.  There is an Occupy Las Vegas.  They are camped out, on a 30 day permit, about a mile from my house.  Haven't heard anything good or bad.  I know they are not on the strip because it's all private property.  I think they plan to protest at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Paris Casino (represents G20 Summit in Paris, France).  I'm interested to see if these "Occupy" movements accomplish anything, aside from stating the obvious; that people feel taken advantage of by corporations and their government.

4. May take my camera out one night this weekend.  Halloween, Occupy Vegas, and the bull riding championships all going on.

5.  Spent yesterday chasing back my money courtesy of this unfortunate hand:  I raise on the button with AK and get two callers.  Flop is KK2.  Unfortunately, one of my opponents had 22.  Got my money back and more, but it was a longer day than I would have preferred.  Actually, I got to watch Game 6 of the World Series while I was playing, so it wasn't all that bad.

6.  Dear Texas Rangers Fans:  

Welcome to our world.  

Signed: Any Red Sox Fan over 30. 

Random Thoughts

Haven't written anything in a few weeks, so here are some random thoughts.

1.  Cirque du Soliel - Saw Ka and Viva Elvis recently, got a discount for purchasing two shows.  KA, I liked.  Had low expectations from speaking with different people who have seen it, but I thought it was good.  I remember being surprised when I first heard that Cirque du Soleil was going to present an Elvis themed show.  Viva Elvis was less like a Cirque du Soliel show and more like Elvis the Musical.  Perhaps that is why it is being shut down and changed around January.  I enjoyed much of it, but there were times I was puzzled by the performance.  My thought is more cirque, less musical.  Seems like I'm not alone.

2.  Las Vegas Scams - I'm sure there are a bunch.  Four I have been hearing about are taxi drivers driving off with tourists bags, "free promotional cds" that aren't free, club admissions (that don't work), and $1 bottled water (water bottles refilled with tap water and caps glued back on to appear that they're sealed).  Wouldn't interact with any of these sorts.  I had a panhandler ask for change at the 7-11 the other day, but the odd thing was that he named his price, which was $0.15.  Sad in many regards.  No confrontations with street people, although a day doesn't pass when I'm not asked for money.

3.  Seen enough disgusting tattoos to last a lifetime.  Playboy bunny on the back of the head; "You Don't Like Me" tattooed across neckline; stars on face; hello kitty on back of hand, just to name a few.  

4.  Aria sportsbook was a good place to hide out before Viva Elvis.  Other places I like to lay low at are UNLV Student Union (a couple minutes walk), In N Out Burger (ditto), Village Eateries at NY, NY, 2nd floor of World of Coca Cola on the strip (have good rootbeer floats), Tropicana sportsbook, Marilyn's Cafe at Tuscany Casino (cheap eats).

5.  Poker is going well.  Still need to avoid the ups and downs (at least the down part).  I'm adjusting a few things that should make a difference in that regard, specifically being more aggressive so people don't chase and catch cards against me.  Nothing is more frustrating than letting a chaser catch their hand, then paying them off.  

6.  Patriots played terribly yesterday, but that's ok.  It's just the preseason.  They'll still win 12-13 games, make the playoffs and be a Super Bowl contender.  I am interested in seeing the cuts and roster moves they make before Week 1 (and after, when a veteran contract is no longer guaranteed).  

7.  It's still hot here.  About 105 every day.  But no earthquakes, hurricanes and flooding, so I guess that's alright.

8.  Will post some new pictures soon.