Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the Flamingo Hotel by “Bugsy Siegle in 1946.

~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments
Wikipedia image

 

This week marks the 74th anniversary of the Flamingo Hotel opening in Las Vegas by Bugsy Siegle in 1946. Since Bugsy is a colorful character, we will want to go to this grand opening. We need to take our list of things not to do to avoid a tear in the time continuum. We have James’s Oldsmobile all gassed up and ready to go.

James Wainwright’s 1956 Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop. You should read this one on Amazon. Just click the car to go there. Hurry back.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the Flamingo Hotel by Bugsy Siegle in 1946 by John W. Howell © 2020

10 If you go, do not pretend to be a gangster. If you do, at best, you won’t run into one. At worst, you’ll be playing the big shot only to run into George Raft. (A little secret, X. George is an excellent friend of Bugsy’s. Be careful he is reaching into his jacket. It might be for a cigarette case or a .45. Let’s hope for the coffin sticks. Oooh, bad choice of words.)

9 If you go, do not ask Tiny for a complimentary room. If you do, at best, Tiny never heard of that before. At worse, Tiny has skipped his last ten group sessions on customer service. (Don’t look now, X, but Tiny is going to treat you to an all-expense-paid trip to the curb. I hope your landing is softer than the last guy who asked for a complimentary room.)

8 If you go, do not call Bugsy by that name. If you do, at best, he won’t hear you. At worst, he’ll remind you that his name is Benjamin. (You see, X, Bugsy got the nickname for his volatile nature in his old days in Murder Inc with Meyer Lansky. He wants people to believe he is a businessman. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, Bugsy wants to see you in his office. No, I wouldn’t go either.)

7 If you go, do not get chummy with Virginia Hill. If you do, at best, she won’t tell Bugsy. At worst, Bugsy will want to know all about it. (Virginia is Bugsy’s girlfriend, who he nicknamed Flamingo for her red hair and long legs. Does that name ring a bell, X? I would not accept a ride to the airport in Bugsys car if I were you.)

6 If you go, do not take the chair with Charles Luciano’s name card on it. If you do, at best, Charles couldn’t make it. At worst, Charles did make it and is looking at you. (For your information, X Charles’s nickname is Lucky. I think you have heard of Lucky Luciano, who heads the Eastern Mob Syndicate. He’s now wondering how you would like to tread water in Lake Mead wearing cement overshoes)

5 If you go, do not mention that you don’t recognize the headliner for tonight’s show. If you do, at best, people will think you are from the backwoods. At worst, Bugsy will start to get suspicious about where you came from. (Jimmy Durante and Xavier Cugat were among the biggest names in entertainment, X. Bugsy is now thinking you were complaining about the entertainment. Looks like his pals are inviting you out for a car ride. I would take a pass.)

4 If you go, do not complain to Billy Wilkerson, the current owner of record of the Flamingo, about Bugsy’s curt demeanor. If you do, at best, Bugsy doesn’t hear you. At worst, you are complaining while he is standing behind you. (Bugsy is the flamingo’s actual owner, X. It took a little money and some direct talk to persuade Billy to turn over control to Bugsy. There are those two guys again offering you a lift to the airport. I would take Uber. Wait, what am I saying?)

3 If you go, do not ask Bugsy how the grand opening is going. If you do, at best, he will be too busy to answer. At worst, you’ll cause him to look at the books. (In the first week of operation, the casino lost $300,000, X. That would be like $4,235,835.16 today. So no wonder Bugsy has that wild look in his eye. I think he blames you for asking the question.)

2 If you go, do not ask Bugsy what a “square count” is. If you do, at best, he will think you are joking. At worst, Bugsy will think you are working for Lucky Luciano. ( A square count, X is an honest report of actual costs and earnings. You now have Bugsy concerned in that he pretty much overinflated the cost of building the casino. It was supposed to cost $1,600,000 and ended up at over $6,000,000. You can bet Bugsy will want to keep you quiet. You have to wonder why that guy is hauling in that bag of cement.)

1 If you go, do not think you can stay at the Flamingo. If you do, at best there will be a room at another hotel. At worst, there are no rooms available in all of Las Vegas. (When the Casino opened, X, all the rooms were not finished. This was one reason the casino lost so much money. Gamblers who didn’t have a room took their winnings to a hotel on the strip and continued to gamble and mostly losing at another place. Bugsy closed the casino and then reopened in May of 1946, which made the difference.)

 

Views of the Neighborhood – The Opening of the Little Free Library in Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments
Dallas Gorman, General Manager of the Lakeway Activity Center, came up with a unique vehicle for the latest Little Free Library in Lakeway. she located an old popsicle freezer that hadn’t sold at a government auction. With a glass door to protect its contents, she reimagined the freezer repurposed as the library’s base, and the project was born.

The Little Free Library will be accessible in the Activity Center’s driveway at 105 Cross Creek. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was on December 21st, and we were there.

We are back to our old stand-by bus with reclining studio chairs and individual entertainment sections. Today we are serving Maine lobster sliders’ appetizer, followed by your choice of Grilled New York strip or Filet of sole meuniere.  These are being served with twice baked potatoes and broccolini. For dessert, we have rum raisin ice cream on top of warm spice cake. We have the top shelf bar and are serving Mercer Small Lot Petit Verdot 2015 for the red and Pegasus Estate Winery – Grenache 2017 for the white.

The Bangles will be on the tour for your music enjoyment. So let’s get on the bus and go see the dedication of the Little Free Library in Lakeway.

The library is all wrapped for the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Here comes the cutter.

Dallas Gorman (left) has placed an assortment of icy treats on top of the library.

The ribbon cutter was given the honor by being the first to arrive with a donation.

A couple of boys were cajoled into undoing the wrapping.

Ta da. The Reading is Cool Little Library is born.

Close up of the breaking news that the Little Free Library is now open.

Chock full of books.

Time for a frozen treat. The drumsticks went fast.

Last look of the Activity Center and departing guests.

Stay and enjoy more food and listen to the Bangles Manic Monday. I hope you enjoyed the visit to the Activity Center and the Little Free Library grand opening. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Box”

~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

 

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this week’s prompt is “box.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you would like to join this outrageous group of using words any way we want, visit Linda’s blog, and you can read how easy it is. Here is the link.

/https://lindaghill.com/2020/12/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-26-2020/

Box by John W. Howell © 2020

“What are you doing?”

“Merry Christmas to you too.”

“That was yesterday. So what’s up.”

“I’m trying to figure out what to do with this box.”

“It is a big one for sure. Did your present come in this box?”

“I thought it was my present, but when I unwrapped it, there was nothing inside.”

“Not even a piece of coal?”

“Very funny.”

“Who gave you the present?”

“I don’t know it was sitting on my drive Christmas morning.”

“Any note?”

“Nothing. Well, there was one thing.”

“What was that?”

“One of those tags with the “to” and “from” spaces. You know the one with a Santa on it.”

“So who sent the package?”

“There was nothing on the tag.”

“Maybe someone thought they had put a gift in there but didn’t.”

“This is Boxing Day, right?”

“Yeah, in the Commonwealth countries.”

“I think whoever gave me this box intended it as a gift on boxing day.”

“The holiday did start as a way to reward those loyal servants by giving them the day off and a box of goodies.”

“Not just a box.”

“No. In fact, it looks like whoever gave you this was tired of breaking down boxes for recycling. It was easier to move it to your drive.”

“Boy, that’s not nice.”

“You can say that again.”

“Boy, that’s n—”

“Never mind. Well, I guess you’re stuck with it.”

“Unless I regift.”

“Oh please, it’s the middle of the day. How you going to pull it off?”

“I’ll put this label on it.”

“You think a Bentley Turbo label will make the difference.”

“Sure will get the heart rate up.”

“You are a devil.”

“Fo sure.”

 

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy’s Christmas Wish

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. Why so, glum? It’s Christmas Eve.”

“I’m still worried about biting that light on the tree.”

“Why worry? Mom took care of you. She has made it impossible for you to reach the tree.”

“That’s true. Do you think Santa will know? About the bulb, I mean.”

“So even if he does know. You have been good for the rest of the year. Why are you sulking?”

“Before the fence went up, I bit another bulb.”

“Oh, come on. It’s the same offense with two counts. No one cares.”

“You really think so?

“Yes, I do. You need to forget it already.”

“Hey, you two. It’s time for the photo to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.”

“Do we have to be by the tree with the gate?”

“No. You can come over here.”

“We wish you all a very merry Christmas.”

“Lucy, the gate is showing”

“Just smile, and no one will notice.”

“I can feel it.”

“Shush.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments
“I’m telling you Little One. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah but he knows if we’ve been naughty or nice.”
“Still worried about chewing that light on the Christmas tree?”
“Mom put a gate around the whole thing.”
“Still it’s not an offense that Santa will hold against you. I’ve been tempted to snap one of those puppies myself. Besides, the gate will protect you.”
“Thanks, Lucy.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we found out Andre was trying to start a new life. So much for that since he was found dead in the Mercedes when the train got to France. We don’t know much more than that. I see Pricilla is just getting off her cell phone. Maybe she has more information.

 

“My contact tells me the French Police searched every car on the train. Whoever took Carolyn has disappeared.”

“What about the sleeping teen in the backseat?”

“Good question, Larry. Looks like he is gone too.”

“You think there is a connection?”

“It’s almost a certainty. So far, there are no signs of a struggle.”

“Yet Andre is dead.  Any word on what killed him.”

“Um yeah. His throat was cut. Bled out in seconds.”

“So, the back seat comes into play.”

“I haven’t had a chance for a full briefing, but If I were a gambling person, I would say the kid in the back did the foul deed.”

“Where does this leave us—”

“Excuse me, detective, but I can tell you where it leaves me. My daughter has been taken, and she needs to be found.”

“Mr. Popović. We are doing everything we can.”

“Well, Ms. Thomas, this whole thing was botched from the beginning. You people have no idea what you’re dealing with. Cortez is behind this, and you are powerless.”

“I wouldn’t say that so soon, Mr. Popović?”

“Tell you what. If I could talk to Cortez, maybe this whole thing would go away.”

“Sad thing is, sir. We may think that might happen. The truth is Cortez is a cold-blooded killer and has your daughter. Mr. Stannis, could you ask your client to stand down, please. We are doing all we can.”

“I think that is good advice, Lazar. In fact, It’s time for me to go. I’m going to leave you in the care of these people. Do not say or do anything. Am I clear?”

“Yes, you are clear. Sorry for the outburst, but I’m really concerned.”

“Let me just say to both you, Mr. Stennis, and your client. If Mr. Popović would agree to testify right now, we could go and get Cortez.”

“I would, Ms. Thomas, but I know Cortez. If he has Carolyn, he’ll want to make a deal with me. If he is in jail, any deal would be off the table, and one of his cronies would harm my daughter. The only thing I have that will keep her safe is my word to Cortez that I’ll not say anything. Until Carolyn is safe, I have to be quiet.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Let’s hope the French authorities can track her down. Now that gives me an idea. I wonder if she still has her cell phone.”

“Why?”

“All she has to do is turn it on, and there is a possibility that she can be located. I need to make another call.”

“I hope she does, Ms. Thomas.”

“Yeah, Me too.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – More Lights of the Season

~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Since Keith Channing is taking a break, I thought it would be fun to put up some more festive lights. These are all homes in the neighborhood. I wish I could have saved these for another Views tour but next week will be after Christmas and we will have had enough by then. (My guess) We are not taking a bus so you can just sit back and relax. I’ll bring them to you.

Some may recognize this house from Halloween. They do a big job this time of year too.

This display is of Santa’s wagon being pulled by a longhorn cow.

Here is another view. That Merry Christmas sign is special

a quick shot of a couple of houses all decorated.

Here is a house with UT Longhorn and A&M Aggy members.  Their was a big rivalry but the last time the two teams played was in 2011. UT invited the Aggies to play in 2021 but were turned down.

A house with lights and deer.

Looks like the reindeer is taking a header but Frosty and Santa are still with it.

The morning after tells a different tale.

This lighted cactus and candy cane display is in the middle of a lot all by itself.

Trees and shrubs.

The total look here is festive.

Frosty, Snoopy, Woodstock all wishing us a happy holiday.

Major shrub lights and some red wrapped trees.

New Book – Ghostly Interference by Jan Sikes

~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

Jan Sikes has an exciting new book and a new publisher. Here she is to tell you about her book. Welcome, Jan.

Hi, John! Thank you so much for opening your awesome blog site to me to help spread the word about my new book, Ghostly Interference! Your generosity is much appreciated!

Today, I’m going to share some fun facts about myself that you may or may not know.

10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

  1. I am a fanatical player of word games – all kinds, board games, apps, or TV game shows – I love words. My favorite app is Words With Friends! I’ve played it since 2014. Come join me!
  2. Favorite Color – This is a hard one, because it changes, but generally any shade of Teal.
  3. Coffee or Tea – Coffee! I love a good cold glass of tea on a hot summer day, but coffee year-round. I wrote a song one time called, “You Pour My Coffee And I’ll Pour Your Tea.”
  4. Pie or Cake – That’s a hard one too because I love them both. But, pie or cobbler would most always win out over cake, especially warm with a scoop of ice cream on top.
  5. eBook or Paperback – I read mostly on my Kindle these days, but dearly love holding a paper copy in my hands. I love the way it feels and the way the pages smell.
  6. Water, soda, or juice – WATER! All-day every day!
  7. Favorite Holiday – Definitely Christmas. Once I had grandchildren, it became super important. I love watching their smiles and excitement around Christmas!
  8. Least Favorite Holiday – Fourth of July. Not only is it always blazing hot, but I am NOT a fan of fireworks, and it goes way back to my childhood. I tend to hide indoors on this holiday.
  9. Favorite Genre of Music – If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve been heavily involved in the Texas music scene for many years. What you may not know is that I am a huge fan of the blues. When you hear the term, “Texas Music,” you automatically think, country, and while that is true to an extent, there is an awesome Texas Blues scene! Just think of Stevie Ray Vaughan. I also love classic country. The modern-day country does nothing for me at all. I suppose that shows my age.
  10. If you were exiled on a deserted island and could only take three things, what would they be? First and foremost, writing materials. I’d much prefer to take my computer, but without electricity, it wouldn’t last long. Secondly, I’d want to take a stack of books by my favorite authors. I mostly read on my Kindle, but again, without electricity, it wouldn’t last long. Third, a water purifier.

And just for fun, I’ll throw in one more. I love insane amounts of butter on hot cornbread or pancakes. 🙂

I’m curious. Did any of my answers surprise you? If so, which ones?

BOOK BLURB

Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet, comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she”, a dark-haired beauty.

Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after,” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?

BOOK TRAILER LINK: https://youtu.be/NHaLVSe_flI

BOOK PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Interference-White-Rune-Sikes-ebook/dp/B08KW1KFMW/

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ghostly-interference-jan-sikes/1137871003?

JAN SIKES

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

http://www.jansikes.com

https://jansikesblog.com/

https://www.twitter.com/jansikes3

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanSikesBooks

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CS9K8DK  (Author Page)

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Lighting of the First National Christmas Tree at the White House by Calvin Coolidge in 1923

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

Top Ten Things Not to Do

This post ran last year at this time. Since the history news is pretty light this week, I decided to run it again. Wishing you a terrific Holiday.

This week marks the anniversary of the lighting of the first national Christmas tree on the White House grounds by Calvin Coolidge on Christmas Eve in 1923. The tree was a balsam fir from Vermont and stood 48 feet high. It was also the first time electricity was used to light the green and red bulbs. In the spirit of the season, we need to go there and take part in the ceremony. Don’t forget to pack this list. We don’t want any accidents in the time continuum.

Top Ten Things Not to do at the Lighting of the First National Christmas Tree in 1923.

10 If you go, do not start singing “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” If you do, at best, everyone will believe you were overserved with Wassel. At worst, you’ll raise questions about this thing called “rock.” (Now you’ve done it, Julius. You are singing a song released in 1958, and trust me, brother, you are no Brenda Lee.)

9 If you go, do not ignore the warnings of Tiny, the WWF champ, to stay behind the ropes. If you do, at best, you’ll get a shove that will return you to behind the lines. At worst, Tiny, who missed his last five self-esteem group meetings, will take personal offense that you didn’t listen to him. (Don’t worry, Jamal. Tiny will tire of spinning you above his head and give you a toss. Good thing, there is snow on the ground. Oh, I didn’t see that rock where you landed. That had to have hurt.)

8 If you go, do not mess with the extension cord running from the White House to the tree. If you do, at best only the tree lights will go out. At worst, you will be the cause of the East Coast grid going down. (How embarrassing for Mr. Coolidge. Here he wanted to do something beautiful for the country, and instead, the population is shivering in their dark hovels on Christmas. I couldn’t have invented a more “Grinch stole Christmas” story if I tried, Jon. Thanks.)

7 If you go, do not take more than one sugar cookie. If you do, at best, some others will not want theirs. At worst, you will have eaten a cookie that would have marked the difference between a joyous Christmas and a dismal one for a sweet child. Wow another story, Joey. You are some muse.)

6 If you go, do not think you can join the Epiphany Church choir in singing Christmas carols. If you do, at best, the members will drown you out. At worst, you’ll take a solo part causing multiple shatterings of the White House Waterford crystal. (Talk about not being invited back next year, Jermaine. Mrs. Coolidge is in tears, and Calvin looks like he is going to explode.)

5 If you go, do not forget to take a gift. If you do, at best, no one will notice. At worse, Calvin will let you know that all the presents received are being given to the orphanage. (You might want to run down to the five and dime and pick something up, Jax. No, taking one from the plie just won’t cut it.)

4 If you go, do not remove one of the 2500 bulbs on the tree, thinking it would make a great souvenir. If you do, at best, no one will miss it. At worst, once you remove the bulb, the rest go dark. (This is 1923, Jeffery. Way before the invention of the parallel circuit light string where the others stay lit. )

3 If you go, do not forget to take off your wet boots before traipsing through the White House. If you do, at best, others will too. At worst, the head custodian of the White House will make sure you clean up the mess. (Also, Jefferson, the head custodian, is Tiny’s brother, Bigen. It looks like you will be mopping floors for a very long time.)

2 If you go, do not think you can take an ornament off the inside tree. If you do, at best security will let you put it back. At worst, you will be charged with attempting to steal government property. (Benjamin Harrison was the first to set up a tree in the White House in 1889. You just managed to grab one of the original ornaments, Jarrod. This just may be a capital crime. At least Calvin thinks so.)

1 If you go, do not bring out your “Save the Trees” protest sign. If you do, at best, you’ll get raised eyebrows. At worst, Calvin will ask the Marine Band to play some traveling music while the secret service escorts you to Pennsylvania Avenue. (Nothing like a grand exit, Jules. You certainly will be talked about, especially since you caught your trousers on the iron fence after being tossed over. The hit song Moon over Pennsylvania captured the moment.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Trail of Lights

~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

The bus is ready, and tonight, we are serving to start sourdough crostini with sundried tomato, garlic, and fresh basil aioli. We have assorted seafood for an entree, including blue crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay, Fresh seared Ahi Tuna, and Nova Scotia Salmon. Our meat course is applewood fire-grilled lamb loin chops. Both come with Yukon gold and yam potato casserole, and French cut green beans almondine. For dessert, there are assorted cheesecakes, including chocolate chunk, turtle, and vanilla with raspberry drizzle. The top shelf bar is open, and we are featuring Austin Hope 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles and La Pelle 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley.

We will be entertained by Aprilann and Taylor Swift. Are you ready? Let’s get on board.

There is the signpost up ahead. Welcome to the trail of lights. This is a walking trail set up by City Hall.

The Wal-Mart greeter.

A shot of a tree surrounded by toys

Footbridge to fantasy.

Santa on his motorcycle.

What would a Texas light show be without a stage coach?

Santa on a snowmobile surrounded by a heron and sailboat.

Butterfly and Eagle.

Santa taking off with a tree backdrop.

Another tree and toys.

Another Texas symbol, the Longhorn.

Here is the tunnel of lights. It is an undulating display of lights set to music, so I had to grab a shot where I could.

I wish I could show you all the lights, but I don’t think there is enough memory in WP land for that. Please stay for more food and to listen to the music.

Here is Aprilann with Taylor Swift’s Santa Baby.