"Bartender, I want to buy my new friend a sushi roll and drink. Whatever she wants, just line it up for her and put it on my tab. Jethro, switch me places so I can chat with this nice young lady without yelling over you," every where we go is the same. Jayball sees a gal he likes and I get to play the role of spectator - he then asks her name.
"My name is Darla, and I've been living in Las Vegas for six years now. I'm originally from Charlotte, but moved out here to work as a model for MGM. Nowadays, I am bartending at one of the major resorts on the strip," her look and voice were reminiscent of Daisy Duke...it was eerie. "Darla did you ever go to the horse track in Charlotte when you lived there?" He then adds, "When I lived back east, every once in a while I would find myself there." She then tells him her brother worked at the horse track and she used to hang out there all the time. After hearing this, he says, "I'm going to San Diego next week. And I'm going to spend some time at Del Mar. Do you want to tag along with me?" Whenever he talks Delmar...the kill is in site. Now was no different.
An hour or so goes by and she says - "I have to be going now. Here is my number. Call me and we'll make arrangements for the trip." Jayball is forever the gentlemen, so he offers to walk her to her car, she accepts. "Hold down the fort Jethro. I'll be back in a bit," he says with a smirk on his face. I then proceed to watch him and the Daisy Duke look-a-like leave the bar. Thirty minutes later he walks back in with a smile on his face. I didn't have to ask what happened. I already knew, but I ask anyway - "Do any of the women you hit on ever say no? This is probably the tenth time I've watched you pick a gal up while I sit here like a bump on a log. You must share your secret with me!" He smiles and says - "Jethro, in all my years of being Mr. Las Vegas I have learned one thing about how this town works! If you see something you like, don't hesitate to take it! If you follow that credo Las Vegas will be a lot better place for you."
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas watches a living legend in action...Part 2.
"Hey Joy, have you ever watched Happy Day's?" Joy is the name of my favorite bartender in town. She works at a restaurant around the corner from where I live. The reason I ask if she ever watched Happy Days? Well, I had the one and only Jayball sitting next to me. And the only guy that comes to mind when I'm hanging with a Vegas legend like him? Arthur Fonzarelli, better known as the Fonz! "Joy," I say with four shots of tequila in me, "You see this guy sitting next to me? If Las Vegas had a Fonz! It would be him!" She looks and says, "What makes you say that?"
"I will tell you why Joy," I then go on to add, "This guy sitting next to me is the legendary Jayball of Las Vegas. He's a living legend in this town. He has lived a life most guys will only fantasize about - fast cars, fine dining, horse racing, women...You name it! If it has anything to do with the good life in Las Vegas, he has lived it!" Joy is one of the prettiest little things I have ever seen. I have asked her out a number of times. Unfortunately, it is always the same answer. This time things would be different. I had the legendary Jayball in my corner. Women never say no to him. I was banking that his aura would rub off on me in my pursuit of Joy. As usual - I was wrong.
"Come to think about it, I've heard about Jayball. I thought you were a myth, but damn it's true. This is such an honor to be talking to a living Vegas legend. Do you think I could get a picture for the wall?" So much for Joy not knowing Jayball. And so much for my chances on asking her out again. Whenever the two of us chase women, he ends up with all the cake while I get nothing - not even crumbs! The plan, this time, was for him to watch my back and help me move in on Joy. It was headed down the toilet fast! "OK, let's take the picture, but I have to be captured on my left side. That's my good side. Give the camera to Rob." To hell with me, Jayball moves in again for the kill. I am used to it by now. To this day, I have never seen a women who could resist his charms. Anyways, I grab the camera and take a couple pictures of them together. After I was through I notice her slip him a folded napkin.
"Don't tell me she gave you her number. I have asked her out at least ten times and she won't even respond anymore. How do you do it?" Jayball was supposed to be helping me out in my pursuit, but, as usual, things went awry, "Come On Man! Whenever we go out you always hog all the girls. You need to share the action with your buddy from Kansas!" He answers my rant in a way that only a real Fonz type could, "I tell you what you need to do. Get a decent haircut! Spit the Skoal out of your mouth! Buy some decent clothes! And last but not least, get you one of these!" He then proceeds to pull a wad of bills out of his pocket that was at least five inches thick. He then yells, "Let's get out of this place before Joy and I decide to elope!"
"I will tell you why Joy," I then go on to add, "This guy sitting next to me is the legendary Jayball of Las Vegas. He's a living legend in this town. He has lived a life most guys will only fantasize about - fast cars, fine dining, horse racing, women...You name it! If it has anything to do with the good life in Las Vegas, he has lived it!" Joy is one of the prettiest little things I have ever seen. I have asked her out a number of times. Unfortunately, it is always the same answer. This time things would be different. I had the legendary Jayball in my corner. Women never say no to him. I was banking that his aura would rub off on me in my pursuit of Joy. As usual - I was wrong.
"Come to think about it, I've heard about Jayball. I thought you were a myth, but damn it's true. This is such an honor to be talking to a living Vegas legend. Do you think I could get a picture for the wall?" So much for Joy not knowing Jayball. And so much for my chances on asking her out again. Whenever the two of us chase women, he ends up with all the cake while I get nothing - not even crumbs! The plan, this time, was for him to watch my back and help me move in on Joy. It was headed down the toilet fast! "OK, let's take the picture, but I have to be captured on my left side. That's my good side. Give the camera to Rob." To hell with me, Jayball moves in again for the kill. I am used to it by now. To this day, I have never seen a women who could resist his charms. Anyways, I grab the camera and take a couple pictures of them together. After I was through I notice her slip him a folded napkin.
"Don't tell me she gave you her number. I have asked her out at least ten times and she won't even respond anymore. How do you do it?" Jayball was supposed to be helping me out in my pursuit, but, as usual, things went awry, "Come On Man! Whenever we go out you always hog all the girls. You need to share the action with your buddy from Kansas!" He answers my rant in a way that only a real Fonz type could, "I tell you what you need to do. Get a decent haircut! Spit the Skoal out of your mouth! Buy some decent clothes! And last but not least, get you one of these!" He then proceeds to pull a wad of bills out of his pocket that was at least five inches thick. He then yells, "Let's get out of this place before Joy and I decide to elope!"
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas talks about Chinatown...
The new job I have is really starting to get interesting. Before I go into much detail, let me give everyone a better understanding of exactly what the job entails; I'm working for a brand new website in Las Vegas called onlinerestaurants.com...I love the name! Anyways, my job is to go into places and sign them up for our service.
The service works like this; If we can sell their food through our website? We're entitled to a percentage of net sales. We'll also provide delivery services in a number of cases. The potential market for a service like this in Las Vegas? Tremendous, and the great thing about a deal like this versus Groupon? Restaurants can sell the product or service past the margins and still make money. Now, I'm going to press things a bit farther and implement what is commonly referred to as 'hyper local'. The Chinatown section of Las Vegas is a prime example of how an area can be hyper localized!
Chinatown is roughly a 3 mile stretch in SW Las Vegas. In that three mile stretch of gold, countless restaurants that don't have our service, our any others like it. The research says an effective strategy could bring a scenario like this; 50 restaurants! All within walking distance of each other! Advertising on our site! One last thing, competition for a service like ours in Chinatown? Nil! Let me break it down a bit more. If our site could sign up 50 restaurants right next to each other, and we've got a foot hold in delivery and online ordering for them? Oh boy, you're starting to talk about some serious potential for gain!
Everyone has asked me this same question. How are you going to crack an area that most traditional marketer's don't have much luck with? The answer is quite simple! Hire people who can speak fluent English and Mandarin! I have that guy! My friend David is one of the smartest guys I've ever met. He's 52 and knows a few things about how the Chinese work. He should! He was raised in the Chinatown section of San Francisco. He's been living in Las Vegas the last 20 years. I call him the 'mayor'. You want to know why? That's how many people he knows in Chinatown. Now, the two of us have come up with an arrangement for the time being. He's going to spread the word about what I'm doing in Chinatown...See what happens.
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I've been talking about China for a long time. Most people don't have a clue about what I'm talking about, so I'll say it like this...The business venture I'm referring to is more a pathway to the Asian market then anything else. My research says if you can give the Asians something they like, or they like you? Possibly you could sell them more down the road. Now, I never know if people are reading the same numbers I am? Honestly, I love the idea of an effective Asian consumer growth strategy...I love it a lot!"
The service works like this; If we can sell their food through our website? We're entitled to a percentage of net sales. We'll also provide delivery services in a number of cases. The potential market for a service like this in Las Vegas? Tremendous, and the great thing about a deal like this versus Groupon? Restaurants can sell the product or service past the margins and still make money. Now, I'm going to press things a bit farther and implement what is commonly referred to as 'hyper local'. The Chinatown section of Las Vegas is a prime example of how an area can be hyper localized!
Chinatown is roughly a 3 mile stretch in SW Las Vegas. In that three mile stretch of gold, countless restaurants that don't have our service, our any others like it. The research says an effective strategy could bring a scenario like this; 50 restaurants! All within walking distance of each other! Advertising on our site! One last thing, competition for a service like ours in Chinatown? Nil! Let me break it down a bit more. If our site could sign up 50 restaurants right next to each other, and we've got a foot hold in delivery and online ordering for them? Oh boy, you're starting to talk about some serious potential for gain!
Everyone has asked me this same question. How are you going to crack an area that most traditional marketer's don't have much luck with? The answer is quite simple! Hire people who can speak fluent English and Mandarin! I have that guy! My friend David is one of the smartest guys I've ever met. He's 52 and knows a few things about how the Chinese work. He should! He was raised in the Chinatown section of San Francisco. He's been living in Las Vegas the last 20 years. I call him the 'mayor'. You want to know why? That's how many people he knows in Chinatown. Now, the two of us have come up with an arrangement for the time being. He's going to spread the word about what I'm doing in Chinatown...See what happens.
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I've been talking about China for a long time. Most people don't have a clue about what I'm talking about, so I'll say it like this...The business venture I'm referring to is more a pathway to the Asian market then anything else. My research says if you can give the Asians something they like, or they like you? Possibly you could sell them more down the road. Now, I never know if people are reading the same numbers I am? Honestly, I love the idea of an effective Asian consumer growth strategy...I love it a lot!"
Monday, January 21, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas gets hit up by another panhandler...
"Excuse me sir - my boyfriend and I are trying to get to work and we don't have any money for the bus. This is embarrassing, but do you have six dollars you can give us for the bus?" I had just walked out of Subway and was on my way to my car when I was accosted by, imagine that, another panhandler in Las Vegas. At first look I would guess she was in her mid-twenties and her boyfriend the same.
"If I give you six dollars you guys are going to use it to get to work, Right?" If they were truly going to use the money to get to work, I was willing to hand it over. "Yes sir, my boyfriend and I got stuck on this side of town last night and we're just trying to find our way back," she confirms. Her boyfriend was standing in the background with a shamed look on his face when he says this, "This is embarrassing, but we spent all of our money last night partying and we just need enough for bus fare to get to work." I am not one to judge, so I told them this. "Look, as long as you're going to use the money to get to work, I'll give it to you," both nodded their heads and promised that was their intention, so I handed over the six dollars.
They told me thanks and then I watched them walk away. I waited a few minutes and then I decided to follow them. I was curious to see if they were telling me the truth. I get in my car and I drive through the parking lot when I see them accosting another guy for money, "Are they really going to use the six dollars I gave them for bus fare?" were my thoughts as I drove by. I then rolled down my window and said this, "Hey, I thought you guys were headed to work. The bus stop is right over there. Are you guys really going to use that money to get to work? Or were you hustling me? Because if you are hustling me, give the money back!" The girl looks at me and says, "I promise sir, we're using the money you gave us for work. My boyfriend is just trying to get us some money so we can get something to eat before we go." I wasn't interested in hearing another hard luck story, so I left things at that.
"If I give you six dollars you guys are going to use it to get to work, Right?" If they were truly going to use the money to get to work, I was willing to hand it over. "Yes sir, my boyfriend and I got stuck on this side of town last night and we're just trying to find our way back," she confirms. Her boyfriend was standing in the background with a shamed look on his face when he says this, "This is embarrassing, but we spent all of our money last night partying and we just need enough for bus fare to get to work." I am not one to judge, so I told them this. "Look, as long as you're going to use the money to get to work, I'll give it to you," both nodded their heads and promised that was their intention, so I handed over the six dollars.
They told me thanks and then I watched them walk away. I waited a few minutes and then I decided to follow them. I was curious to see if they were telling me the truth. I get in my car and I drive through the parking lot when I see them accosting another guy for money, "Are they really going to use the six dollars I gave them for bus fare?" were my thoughts as I drove by. I then rolled down my window and said this, "Hey, I thought you guys were headed to work. The bus stop is right over there. Are you guys really going to use that money to get to work? Or were you hustling me? Because if you are hustling me, give the money back!" The girl looks at me and says, "I promise sir, we're using the money you gave us for work. My boyfriend is just trying to get us some money so we can get something to eat before we go." I wasn't interested in hearing another hard luck story, so I left things at that.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas and the Kosher Kings...
I'm super equipped for the new job I have. The details are as follows: I'm working for a start-up company in Las Vegas called onlinerestaurants.com. My job is to go into as many restaurants as I can and sign them up for our service. Now, the other day I went into a place that was a lot different from the norm. It was a 100% Kosher restaurant. I'd met the proprietors a little while back when I was doing some video work, but this time around? I got to know them a lot better.
"Rob, we liked you the first time we met you." My friend Theo was born in Israel and his parents migrated to Boston when he was young. He owns Sababa's on Desert Inn & Durango. Ten years ago, he decided to move from the cold of Boston and set up shop in Las Vegas. Back East, he owned a Kosher restaurant, so it was only natural that Sababa's was born. "Have a falafel my friend. We are going to do lots of business together." The service I'm selling is a no brainer for restaurants nowadays! If done correctly? A brand new layer of sales revenue is added to the bottom line. "Theo my friend. I want you to know that I'm grateful for your business, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship." I was plenty excited about signing him, and I was even more excited to witness his enthusiasm.
As I'm getting ready to leave, Sheldon--He's the other partner in the restaurant--Tells me this. "I like you! I can tell that you're a business man." From how the food is prepared to when the door is locked, Sheldon's duty is to make sure that Sababa's runs 100% Kosher! "Sheldon, before I leave, I've got to ask you something." It's obvious Sheldon's a wise man. I could tell that the first time I met him. I wanted his opinion on an idea that I've been floating around, so I told him this;
"A while back I was in here and Theo and I made a few videos, just promo stuff. Now, it never went anywhere, but I did come out of it with a certain observation. Theo and Sababa's are unique! That's what lots of people want to see. Now hear me out for just a minute longer. I'm a big time reality guy and I believe I've got the perfect concept for a reality show in Las Vegas. The show would revolve around all the diverse and unique settings Las Vegas has to offer. I'd serve as narrator and host. I believe the uniqueness of your place would play well in a reality format. Basically, I'm stating that sometime in the near future I want to create a reality setting, and Sababa's would make an excellent ensemble for it." Sheldon, being the gentlemen he is, answered my rant eloquently but firmly. "One thing at a time my friend, let's see you bring in some business and then we can talk from there."
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "If I had a mistress? She would be Las Vegas. I love this town like no other! Now, I always write about how women and weather are my two favorite things in Vegas. Well, I need to add another category; Diversity."
"Rob, we liked you the first time we met you." My friend Theo was born in Israel and his parents migrated to Boston when he was young. He owns Sababa's on Desert Inn & Durango. Ten years ago, he decided to move from the cold of Boston and set up shop in Las Vegas. Back East, he owned a Kosher restaurant, so it was only natural that Sababa's was born. "Have a falafel my friend. We are going to do lots of business together." The service I'm selling is a no brainer for restaurants nowadays! If done correctly? A brand new layer of sales revenue is added to the bottom line. "Theo my friend. I want you to know that I'm grateful for your business, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship." I was plenty excited about signing him, and I was even more excited to witness his enthusiasm.
As I'm getting ready to leave, Sheldon--He's the other partner in the restaurant--Tells me this. "I like you! I can tell that you're a business man." From how the food is prepared to when the door is locked, Sheldon's duty is to make sure that Sababa's runs 100% Kosher! "Sheldon, before I leave, I've got to ask you something." It's obvious Sheldon's a wise man. I could tell that the first time I met him. I wanted his opinion on an idea that I've been floating around, so I told him this;
"A while back I was in here and Theo and I made a few videos, just promo stuff. Now, it never went anywhere, but I did come out of it with a certain observation. Theo and Sababa's are unique! That's what lots of people want to see. Now hear me out for just a minute longer. I'm a big time reality guy and I believe I've got the perfect concept for a reality show in Las Vegas. The show would revolve around all the diverse and unique settings Las Vegas has to offer. I'd serve as narrator and host. I believe the uniqueness of your place would play well in a reality format. Basically, I'm stating that sometime in the near future I want to create a reality setting, and Sababa's would make an excellent ensemble for it." Sheldon, being the gentlemen he is, answered my rant eloquently but firmly. "One thing at a time my friend, let's see you bring in some business and then we can talk from there."
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "If I had a mistress? She would be Las Vegas. I love this town like no other! Now, I always write about how women and weather are my two favorite things in Vegas. Well, I need to add another category; Diversity."
Sunday, January 13, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas and his friend Jayball.
My friend Jayball has lived a life that most men could only dream of. Fast cars, women, fine dining, horse racing...anything that has to do with the good life in Las Vegas, he's lived it. The other night he calls me and asks what I was doing. "Not much, just watching a re-run of 'Walker Texas Ranger," I tell him, "What are you doing?" I then ask. "Jethro," he says, "I have not been out in a little while. Why don't you meet me at the Lodge in an hour or so. I'm treating." If he's treating it would be impolite for me to say no. So I throw on a nice shirt, brush my teeth and out the door I go.
"Hey Jethro, what the hell is going on?" When I arrived at the club he was already nestled up to the bar sipping Jack. "You see those two girls over there?" He then points very discreetly at a few beauties on the other side of the bar, "They've been giving me the eyeball since I first walked in. I haven't had a new girl in a while, so I'm going to make the move on them." Whenever Jayball sees Vegas cuties sitting all by their lonesome. Watch out! It's like a shark smelling blood in the water. "Go over to their table and tell them I want to buy them a drink," he instructs me, "See what they say." This isn't the first time he has honed in on some trim and used me as his errand boy. But since he's paying for the drinks. It was impossible to say no.
I mosey on over to their table and tell them this, "My friend over at the bar wants to buy you ladies a drink." I then point to Jayball. He's leaning against the bar with a wide smile on his face. The two cuties smile back and then wave at him to come join us. He makes his way over to the table and one of the girls says this, "We'd love to have a drink with you. You're Jayball, right?" Turns out he had dated this girls sister a few years back, "Guilty as charged, what's your name darling?" Jayball has more lines than Carter has liver pills, and I think I have heard them all. "I'm Greta and this is my friend Eve, pull up a chair and join us," she tells him. I immediately grab two chairs from the neighboring table and pull them over. "Honey, you can wait at the bar. My friend and I want to talk with your friend in private," Greta tells me. At first I was a little taken aback by her statement...but hey, it's Las Vegas. So I make my way back to the bar and perch myself while Jayball works out the details.
An hour or so passes and I notice Jayball and the two gals preparing to leave. I yell this at him, "What's going on buddy? Where are we headed to now?" He then looks over at me and says, "I know where I'm headed. I don't know where you are going. On second thought, you better make your way home. It's probably too late for you as it is. I'll call you in a week or so." He then proceeds to walk out of the club with a women on each arm. Leaving me standing there gawking.
"Hey Jethro, what the hell is going on?" When I arrived at the club he was already nestled up to the bar sipping Jack. "You see those two girls over there?" He then points very discreetly at a few beauties on the other side of the bar, "They've been giving me the eyeball since I first walked in. I haven't had a new girl in a while, so I'm going to make the move on them." Whenever Jayball sees Vegas cuties sitting all by their lonesome. Watch out! It's like a shark smelling blood in the water. "Go over to their table and tell them I want to buy them a drink," he instructs me, "See what they say." This isn't the first time he has honed in on some trim and used me as his errand boy. But since he's paying for the drinks. It was impossible to say no.
I mosey on over to their table and tell them this, "My friend over at the bar wants to buy you ladies a drink." I then point to Jayball. He's leaning against the bar with a wide smile on his face. The two cuties smile back and then wave at him to come join us. He makes his way over to the table and one of the girls says this, "We'd love to have a drink with you. You're Jayball, right?" Turns out he had dated this girls sister a few years back, "Guilty as charged, what's your name darling?" Jayball has more lines than Carter has liver pills, and I think I have heard them all. "I'm Greta and this is my friend Eve, pull up a chair and join us," she tells him. I immediately grab two chairs from the neighboring table and pull them over. "Honey, you can wait at the bar. My friend and I want to talk with your friend in private," Greta tells me. At first I was a little taken aback by her statement...but hey, it's Las Vegas. So I make my way back to the bar and perch myself while Jayball works out the details.
An hour or so passes and I notice Jayball and the two gals preparing to leave. I yell this at him, "What's going on buddy? Where are we headed to now?" He then looks over at me and says, "I know where I'm headed. I don't know where you are going. On second thought, you better make your way home. It's probably too late for you as it is. I'll call you in a week or so." He then proceeds to walk out of the club with a women on each arm. Leaving me standing there gawking.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas explains a China idea to his cousin Joel....
My cousin Joel lives in Las Vegas, he's my first cousin on my mother's side. Anyways, I don't see him a whole lot, but every once in a while we check in with each other, just to make sure we're both still alive. Now, I've been chatting with him off and on for the last couple of years about some Las Vegas ideas. The thing that I like most about sharing my ideas with him? He lives in Las Vegas, so he's much more able to relate to some of the things I'm spewing.
"Hey boy, what's going on?" I called Joel the other day. I wanted to let him know that my father and a couple of other people would be in town soon. I also had to bring him up to speed on what I was thinking. Judging by the tone in his voice, I think I might have woken him up? "Just working, same shit different day." Joel is not a guy who gets real descriptive when you ask him a question, short and sweet, that's how I like it. "I need to bring you up to speed on an idea I'm going to be pushing when the contingency comes into town. You've been paying attention to the online gaming laws in the State of Nevada?" I'm not sure exactly what he pays attention to, but this is Las Vegas and if anyone can process what I'm talking about, it would be him.
"I've been paying a little attention to it. Not a whole lot, but some." It was time to bring the cuz up to speed on a few things, so I told him this; "Online gambling is projected to be a 100 billion dollar business by 2020. The Asians dominate, in terms of total gaming revenue, the land based part of gaming and I expect that trend to continue online. Now think about this for a moment. When they legalize online gambling in Nevada, other States are bound to follow!" Now, when I first called Joel, I could tell that he was half asleep. When I told him this. I think he woke up?
"We are living in the gambling mecca of the world, soon we will be living in the online gaming capital of the world. Now, the most important thing we must do if we want to get in on the new action coming down the pike? Data base creation! When my group comes to town, we're going to head straight to Chinatown and discuss how the Asian market might be cracked. Imagine this for a minute, 10,000 Asians in a data base controlled by us, constantly gambling! The normal hold on a set-up like that is 4%! You know your fair share about the gambling industry. Do the math! One last thing, the Asian market is wide open for an effective growth strategy, not nearly as crowded as the traditional markets! So be ready to make a trip to Chinatown when my father and the rest of them show up in February." Like I said earlier, Joel isn't a man of many words, but I knew I had his attention when he told me this. "You better bet your blue boots! I'll be there!"
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "The projected growth of online gaming in the coming years is astronomical! How could someone get in on the growth? To me, that answer is simple! A whole lot of China!"
"Hey boy, what's going on?" I called Joel the other day. I wanted to let him know that my father and a couple of other people would be in town soon. I also had to bring him up to speed on what I was thinking. Judging by the tone in his voice, I think I might have woken him up? "Just working, same shit different day." Joel is not a guy who gets real descriptive when you ask him a question, short and sweet, that's how I like it. "I need to bring you up to speed on an idea I'm going to be pushing when the contingency comes into town. You've been paying attention to the online gaming laws in the State of Nevada?" I'm not sure exactly what he pays attention to, but this is Las Vegas and if anyone can process what I'm talking about, it would be him.
"I've been paying a little attention to it. Not a whole lot, but some." It was time to bring the cuz up to speed on a few things, so I told him this; "Online gambling is projected to be a 100 billion dollar business by 2020. The Asians dominate, in terms of total gaming revenue, the land based part of gaming and I expect that trend to continue online. Now think about this for a moment. When they legalize online gambling in Nevada, other States are bound to follow!" Now, when I first called Joel, I could tell that he was half asleep. When I told him this. I think he woke up?
"We are living in the gambling mecca of the world, soon we will be living in the online gaming capital of the world. Now, the most important thing we must do if we want to get in on the new action coming down the pike? Data base creation! When my group comes to town, we're going to head straight to Chinatown and discuss how the Asian market might be cracked. Imagine this for a minute, 10,000 Asians in a data base controlled by us, constantly gambling! The normal hold on a set-up like that is 4%! You know your fair share about the gambling industry. Do the math! One last thing, the Asian market is wide open for an effective growth strategy, not nearly as crowded as the traditional markets! So be ready to make a trip to Chinatown when my father and the rest of them show up in February." Like I said earlier, Joel isn't a man of many words, but I knew I had his attention when he told me this. "You better bet your blue boots! I'll be there!"
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "The projected growth of online gaming in the coming years is astronomical! How could someone get in on the growth? To me, that answer is simple! A whole lot of China!"
Thursday, January 10, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas has a chat with his father..
I've been in my dad's ear for quite a while. He's not the only ear that I've been in, but he's the ear getting the most attention nowadays. Well, he finally told me that he was ready to make a trip out to Las Vegas and visit me. That made me happy:) Now, my goal is to bring a group of other people to visit when he comes. Thinking the 2nd weekend in February? I will have a definitive date for those interested, soon! Anyways, my dad asked me what we were going to do in Las Vegas. I told him that I had some ideas and places that I wanted to show him. He wanted me to be more specific, so I told him this:
"The first thing we're going to do? That's easy, I'm going to pick you up at the airport. Then you know what we're going to do after that? That's another easy one! We're going to drive directly to Chinatown. No Stop! No passing Go! Once we arrive at our destiny, we're going to have lunch/dinner with a couple of my Asian friends. After lunch is over, we're going to discuss possible growth strategies for Asian consumers. Now all of this is going to happen before we bother checking you into a resort. So don't worry about being entertained. I've got that covered." When he asked me what the plan was, I thought it best to be as descriptive, yet decisive as possible. "OK, sounds like it could be fun. I'll check my schedule and will find a time that works." When he told me he was finally game for a visit? It made me smile:)
Once I've got a time locked-up with the old man, I'm going to contact a number of people I know and see if they're interested in traveling to Las Vegas. In a perfect world, I'd have my father and about four or five other groups sitting at the table with me discussing how a solid consumer strategy for Asians might be ascertained. For those of you I've contacted already? The correct itinerary will be coming soon. For those of you I haven't called? Well, get ready to hear from me...Again!
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I was chatting with my best buddy from Texas today. He told me how much he enjoyed reading the blog. Now, he's heard my pitch about about a number of ideas, and I didn't think he was quite getting it, but today? Well, we both agreed that I was on the right track to launching something. Not quite sure what that something is, but the genuine belief is I'm getting closer to figuring it out!"
"The first thing we're going to do? That's easy, I'm going to pick you up at the airport. Then you know what we're going to do after that? That's another easy one! We're going to drive directly to Chinatown. No Stop! No passing Go! Once we arrive at our destiny, we're going to have lunch/dinner with a couple of my Asian friends. After lunch is over, we're going to discuss possible growth strategies for Asian consumers. Now all of this is going to happen before we bother checking you into a resort. So don't worry about being entertained. I've got that covered." When he asked me what the plan was, I thought it best to be as descriptive, yet decisive as possible. "OK, sounds like it could be fun. I'll check my schedule and will find a time that works." When he told me he was finally game for a visit? It made me smile:)
Once I've got a time locked-up with the old man, I'm going to contact a number of people I know and see if they're interested in traveling to Las Vegas. In a perfect world, I'd have my father and about four or five other groups sitting at the table with me discussing how a solid consumer strategy for Asians might be ascertained. For those of you I've contacted already? The correct itinerary will be coming soon. For those of you I haven't called? Well, get ready to hear from me...Again!
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having...Call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I was chatting with my best buddy from Texas today. He told me how much he enjoyed reading the blog. Now, he's heard my pitch about about a number of ideas, and I didn't think he was quite getting it, but today? Well, we both agreed that I was on the right track to launching something. Not quite sure what that something is, but the genuine belief is I'm getting closer to figuring it out!"
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas and his Uncle Charlie in NYC..
Back when I used to play the role of big-shot, the ex and I used to hang out in New York City! Man, did the ex and I love that place! What's not to love about the Big Apple? I could pick a million things...fine dining, nice ladies, Time's Square...the list is long! What really brought the ex and I back? That's simple! It was are Uncle Charlie from the West village.
The first time the ex and I came to NYC, we stayed at the this fleabag hotel on 85th..Lodging in NYC is not cheap, unless you know someone, and that was our first trip to NYC:) We didn't know a soul. Well, after we got back to Kansas I told her this.."Melissa, we got to go back. Without Uncle Ned...Do the town right. The only thing we were missing in our maiden voyage? Proper lodging. My best buddy K.B.'s uncle, he knows a guy who has a place in the West village that he can hook us up with. It's a friend of the friend kind of deal. Anyways, he gave me the number, I called him, and he said his spot was open this weekend. I booked it, and the two of us our checking it out this weekend." Judging by the smile on my ex's face, I knew I had done right. "Honey back your bags! We're going to do NYC right this time!"
I remember the first time the ex and I met my Uncle Charlie, It was love at first site! When the cab first pulled us up to his brownstone in the West village? That's all it took. 79 Jane Street was a magical place for the ex and I. Now, I knew Charlie was a gentlemen the first time I met him.."Charlie my name is Rob Astle and this is my wife Melissa. I know that we are going to enjoy this place. We would also like to take you out for dinner tonight. The Palm!" My future Uncle Charlie looked at me said.."My pleasure, Steve told me that you were a nice guy, and that I would enjoy meeting you. What time shall I be ready for dinner?" After a little more get to know you. Charlie gave us the grand tour of our lodging. Oh my God, this place was marvelous!
Lodging in the West village is as pricey as it gets! So when he first showed us the loft we would be staying in. My jaw hit the fucking floor..It was beautiful! Re-modeled everything, but not so much that it lost its charm. Full kitchen, living, dining....After Charlie was through with the tour, I looked at my wife and asked her this. "What do you think? It's a little better then the last place we stayed at." When I looked at my ex at that moment, I could tell one thing was certain! She was happy! And when she was happy? So was I! "We got us a deal here Charlie! Dinner at seven."
The ex and I unpacked, made ourselves something to drink, read a little, and then got ready for our first big night on the town. We walk out the brownstone and meet Charlie at the curb. He has a cab already hailed, it was the Palm we were headed to, and everyone was excited..."Charlie you ever eat at the Palm?" Our new friend is NYC born and raised. Knows the streets and the people like a true New Yorker...So when he told me that he was unfamiliar with the establishment, I was a bit surprised, but when he told me this, I understood a lot better.."They're are a million restaurants in this town, and I don't get out as much as I used too, but I'm sure they're nice. Trust me my friend they're are a number of great restaurants in my wonderful city. You're going to enjoy your time in town." Charlie's manners are impeccable! He's one of those guys who can put anyone at ease, and the ex and I were loving every bit of it.
The Palm restaurant on 44th is a magical place for the ex and I. It didn't matter what kind of mood we were in that time, dining at the Palm was happy time! "So Charlie tell me a little bit about yourself?" Charlie is a lot different than the crew I was brought up with. Village his whole entire life, with a stop over in Santa Fe. He was smart, well heeled, and Charlie had class. To top it off, he told me that he was a writer. "I've been a writer most of my career with some other jobs mixed in, but my passion is writing." At the time he first told me this, I wasn't mature enough to realize a lot of things. Now I am!
Fast forward to present time. I got an e-mail from my Uncle Charlie the other day. Turns out, he's a big fan of the blog. His one complaint? My sometimes abuse of the English language, but hey, he offered to work as my editor/writer/copyright guy. You know what! I gladly excepted his offer...Bottom line...I'm going to keep putting things out, and Charlie is going to tweak it here and there.
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having... Call it the village idiot thought of the day."Thank you Uncle Charlie for your help! I am 100% positive that I can start something special if the right person will help! I've done enough legwork! My friend Big Ugly in Kansas told me that I would run into the right guy sooner or later. I'm starting to think that guy might be Charlie?"
The first time the ex and I came to NYC, we stayed at the this fleabag hotel on 85th..Lodging in NYC is not cheap, unless you know someone, and that was our first trip to NYC:) We didn't know a soul. Well, after we got back to Kansas I told her this.."Melissa, we got to go back. Without Uncle Ned...Do the town right. The only thing we were missing in our maiden voyage? Proper lodging. My best buddy K.B.'s uncle, he knows a guy who has a place in the West village that he can hook us up with. It's a friend of the friend kind of deal. Anyways, he gave me the number, I called him, and he said his spot was open this weekend. I booked it, and the two of us our checking it out this weekend." Judging by the smile on my ex's face, I knew I had done right. "Honey back your bags! We're going to do NYC right this time!"
I remember the first time the ex and I met my Uncle Charlie, It was love at first site! When the cab first pulled us up to his brownstone in the West village? That's all it took. 79 Jane Street was a magical place for the ex and I. Now, I knew Charlie was a gentlemen the first time I met him.."Charlie my name is Rob Astle and this is my wife Melissa. I know that we are going to enjoy this place. We would also like to take you out for dinner tonight. The Palm!" My future Uncle Charlie looked at me said.."My pleasure, Steve told me that you were a nice guy, and that I would enjoy meeting you. What time shall I be ready for dinner?" After a little more get to know you. Charlie gave us the grand tour of our lodging. Oh my God, this place was marvelous!
Lodging in the West village is as pricey as it gets! So when he first showed us the loft we would be staying in. My jaw hit the fucking floor..It was beautiful! Re-modeled everything, but not so much that it lost its charm. Full kitchen, living, dining....After Charlie was through with the tour, I looked at my wife and asked her this. "What do you think? It's a little better then the last place we stayed at." When I looked at my ex at that moment, I could tell one thing was certain! She was happy! And when she was happy? So was I! "We got us a deal here Charlie! Dinner at seven."
The ex and I unpacked, made ourselves something to drink, read a little, and then got ready for our first big night on the town. We walk out the brownstone and meet Charlie at the curb. He has a cab already hailed, it was the Palm we were headed to, and everyone was excited..."Charlie you ever eat at the Palm?" Our new friend is NYC born and raised. Knows the streets and the people like a true New Yorker...So when he told me that he was unfamiliar with the establishment, I was a bit surprised, but when he told me this, I understood a lot better.."They're are a million restaurants in this town, and I don't get out as much as I used too, but I'm sure they're nice. Trust me my friend they're are a number of great restaurants in my wonderful city. You're going to enjoy your time in town." Charlie's manners are impeccable! He's one of those guys who can put anyone at ease, and the ex and I were loving every bit of it.
The Palm restaurant on 44th is a magical place for the ex and I. It didn't matter what kind of mood we were in that time, dining at the Palm was happy time! "So Charlie tell me a little bit about yourself?" Charlie is a lot different than the crew I was brought up with. Village his whole entire life, with a stop over in Santa Fe. He was smart, well heeled, and Charlie had class. To top it off, he told me that he was a writer. "I've been a writer most of my career with some other jobs mixed in, but my passion is writing." At the time he first told me this, I wasn't mature enough to realize a lot of things. Now I am!
Fast forward to present time. I got an e-mail from my Uncle Charlie the other day. Turns out, he's a big fan of the blog. His one complaint? My sometimes abuse of the English language, but hey, he offered to work as my editor/writer/copyright guy. You know what! I gladly excepted his offer...Bottom line...I'm going to keep putting things out, and Charlie is going to tweak it here and there.
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having... Call it the village idiot thought of the day."Thank you Uncle Charlie for your help! I am 100% positive that I can start something special if the right person will help! I've done enough legwork! My friend Big Ugly in Kansas told me that I would run into the right guy sooner or later. I'm starting to think that guy might be Charlie?"
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas meets a guitar playing bum..
If you are going for a walk in Las Vegas be prepared to pay because you never know when you're going to come across a panhandler. Well, the other day I decided to walk down to my neighborhood Walgreen's. And directly in my path stood a homeless man with his guitar. I thought about crossing the street early to avoid him. But what fun would that be?
"Would you like me to play a few chords for you?" the homeless man says as I am walking by him. "What the hell buddy, let's hear what you got," I respond. I figure if I was going to give this guy a few bucks, he might as well earn it. He then looks at me and says, "I bet you're too young for this one, but let me know what you think anyways." He then breaks into a cappella rendition of Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue. As I watch him sing and play his guitar, a warm feeling comes over me. It was obvious he was happy, if just for the brief time he was singing for me. He was happy- not to mention the excellent job he was doing on the number.
After finishing, he asks what I thought of his performance. I tell him this, "Not bad brother. I can tell you have skills. For a minute, I thought I was standing next to Buddy Holly in the flesh." After I say that, a big smile comes across his face. "You are far too kind sir, there will only be one Buddy Holly, but thank-you for being so gracious." Judging by his manners and the twang in his voice. I was guessing he hailed from Texas. I then told him to keep up the good work and that I had to be on my way. As I'm leaving, he yells this, "Friend, this is my corner, next week I'll be playing Roy Orbison! So be sure to stop by and take a listen!"
"Would you like me to play a few chords for you?" the homeless man says as I am walking by him. "What the hell buddy, let's hear what you got," I respond. I figure if I was going to give this guy a few bucks, he might as well earn it. He then looks at me and says, "I bet you're too young for this one, but let me know what you think anyways." He then breaks into a cappella rendition of Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue. As I watch him sing and play his guitar, a warm feeling comes over me. It was obvious he was happy, if just for the brief time he was singing for me. He was happy- not to mention the excellent job he was doing on the number.
After finishing, he asks what I thought of his performance. I tell him this, "Not bad brother. I can tell you have skills. For a minute, I thought I was standing next to Buddy Holly in the flesh." After I say that, a big smile comes across his face. "You are far too kind sir, there will only be one Buddy Holly, but thank-you for being so gracious." Judging by his manners and the twang in his voice. I was guessing he hailed from Texas. I then told him to keep up the good work and that I had to be on my way. As I'm leaving, he yells this, "Friend, this is my corner, next week I'll be playing Roy Orbison! So be sure to stop by and take a listen!"
Friday, January 4, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas spouts off about the 1st & 2nd Amendments..
For the most part, I've got three things I like to talk about when it comes to Las Vegas. Women, that's by far and away my favorite subject. Weather, the mild climate of the Las Vegas Valley is hard to complain about, except in the summer, but you can jump in a pool to solve that problem. And the last thing, well it's new to my list; Politics.."Jesus boy, when are you going to get it through your thick skull? Know one! And I mean not a fucking soul care about your political views! Please spare people the rhetoric! Boring!" Uncle Ned is by far and away the biggest critic of my blog. He tells me in no uncertain terms what he likes about it and what he doesn't. Sometimes I heed his advice, sometimes I don't.
The other day I noticed a friend of mine on Face Book was taking some good natured razzing about his beliefs on the Second Amendment. Before I get going, let me prefix myself by saying.."I don't even own a gun, but I'm a firm believer in the Constitution. Does this country have a gun problem? Maybe? What's the solution? Their isn't one!" With that said, If a guy wants to own a thousand guns, as long as they're all legal and registered, he should be allowed that privilege. The other day I was watching Piers Morgan and he was ranting about how England and a number of other countries in Europe only had a handful of gun deaths because of the strict laws they've enacted. Well, I have some news for Mr. Morgan and others like him. It's the First Amendment in this country that allows you the freedom to speak against the Second Amendment, and it's the Second Amendment that plays the major role in protecting our First Amendment..My friend and I who are both law abiding citizens of this country are thankful for both!!!
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having..Call it the village idiot thought of the day.."They're a number of things I would like to change about this country, but I can't. I accept them for what they are! Acceptance is a big part of living free! I've got a simple solution for people who don't want to accept this country for what it is. You can always leave. That's another good thing about being an American! You've got the freedom to make that choice!"
The other day I noticed a friend of mine on Face Book was taking some good natured razzing about his beliefs on the Second Amendment. Before I get going, let me prefix myself by saying.."I don't even own a gun, but I'm a firm believer in the Constitution. Does this country have a gun problem? Maybe? What's the solution? Their isn't one!" With that said, If a guy wants to own a thousand guns, as long as they're all legal and registered, he should be allowed that privilege. The other day I was watching Piers Morgan and he was ranting about how England and a number of other countries in Europe only had a handful of gun deaths because of the strict laws they've enacted. Well, I have some news for Mr. Morgan and others like him. It's the First Amendment in this country that allows you the freedom to speak against the Second Amendment, and it's the Second Amendment that plays the major role in protecting our First Amendment..My friend and I who are both law abiding citizens of this country are thankful for both!!!
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having..Call it the village idiot thought of the day.."They're a number of things I would like to change about this country, but I can't. I accept them for what they are! Acceptance is a big part of living free! I've got a simple solution for people who don't want to accept this country for what it is. You can always leave. That's another good thing about being an American! You've got the freedom to make that choice!"
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas and a Naomi Campbell look-a-like..
I promised Uncle Ned that I would try to curtail the non stop women talk on my blog. Call it a Resolution for 2013. Sorry Uncle Ned, I'm sure if you lived in Las Vegas, you would understand? It's hard being a single, heterosexual, red-blooded, corn fed, and whatever else you want to call it kind of male in Las Vegas. Maybe I should say it like this? If your a straight single guy living in Las Vegas? Just looking at all the pretty girls in town can turn into a part time job rather easily. "It's not like any of them are going to give you the time of day. Lets face it boy, your a Loossserrr." It's hard for me to get upset with Ned's assessment of me. Lets face it, he's about 95% correct. With that said, I've got another story about a Vegas 10 that I want to share.
A friend of mine in Las Vegas is a dead ringer for Naomi Campbell, I kid you not! She looks exactly like one of the girls you see in a Victoria Secrets catalog. Long, lean, mocha skin, goddess like face, a smile that would stop any guy in his tracks! I could go on and on about how beautiful she is! No reason to! By now everyone gets the picture! If not? Let me draw it for you! This girl is an absolute 10! I first met her when I was working at 7-11, God I miss that place! Anyways, she would always come in and buy the same things; Djarno's and bottled water. As expected, whenever she came into the store? Everyone, including myself, stopped and stared. You would to if you saw her! Well, I used to right a blog about 7-11 when I worked there (Talesfrom711), and I remember her coming in and me telling her about it. She asked me when I was going to right a post about her. Believe me! She was on my mind big-time! But this girl? Classie, way out of my league, so creating a proper post about her wasn't as simple as seems.
Now, I ran across her the other day on Face Book, and I started thinking about how I still owed her the proper respect in a blog post. Usually, I'm pretty aggressive and confident when I see something I want to blog about. This time around? I'm keeping a very respectful tone to my writing. Let me just cut to the quick. If I had to sum this girl up in a sentence or two. I would say this.."She is nice! Very nice!"
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having..Call it the village idiot thought of the day.."A friend of mine told me that I'm coming on to strong when I blog about the women in Las Vegas. He says that it makes me look like an online stalker or some kind of weirdo. Now, I've blogged about a bunch of them, and I've told a number of them that they were the subject of the posts. A few of them have even read it..And to this day, I've never had complaint one from any of them."
A friend of mine in Las Vegas is a dead ringer for Naomi Campbell, I kid you not! She looks exactly like one of the girls you see in a Victoria Secrets catalog. Long, lean, mocha skin, goddess like face, a smile that would stop any guy in his tracks! I could go on and on about how beautiful she is! No reason to! By now everyone gets the picture! If not? Let me draw it for you! This girl is an absolute 10! I first met her when I was working at 7-11, God I miss that place! Anyways, she would always come in and buy the same things; Djarno's and bottled water. As expected, whenever she came into the store? Everyone, including myself, stopped and stared. You would to if you saw her! Well, I used to right a blog about 7-11 when I worked there (Talesfrom711), and I remember her coming in and me telling her about it. She asked me when I was going to right a post about her. Believe me! She was on my mind big-time! But this girl? Classie, way out of my league, so creating a proper post about her wasn't as simple as seems.
Now, I ran across her the other day on Face Book, and I started thinking about how I still owed her the proper respect in a blog post. Usually, I'm pretty aggressive and confident when I see something I want to blog about. This time around? I'm keeping a very respectful tone to my writing. Let me just cut to the quick. If I had to sum this girl up in a sentence or two. I would say this.."She is nice! Very nice!"
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having..Call it the village idiot thought of the day.."A friend of mine told me that I'm coming on to strong when I blog about the women in Las Vegas. He says that it makes me look like an online stalker or some kind of weirdo. Now, I've blogged about a bunch of them, and I've told a number of them that they were the subject of the posts. A few of them have even read it..And to this day, I've never had complaint one from any of them."
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The village idiot of Las Vegas watches a couple argue at McDonald's..
I was sitting in my booth at McDonald's enjoying my Extra Value Meal # 5 when I hear someone yell from a few booths away, "You are such a fucking loser! My mom was right about you! I hope you die!" I glance over to see exactly what is happening. Turns out a couple were having a nasty fight. And she was proceeding to tear him a new asshole - "Fuck you! We are done! I never want to see your worthless ass again!"
At the juncture - everyone in the place is staring at them. The guy gets up out of the booth and says, "I am going to break your jaw bitch!" He then stands up and begins to hover over her with a clenched fist, "Someone please help me! He's going to break my jaw!" She yells frantically. The guy looks at me after she yells. I shake my head at him. He then sits down. After that, the lady gets up and leaves. As she's leaving, she turns and yells, "Fuck you! I'm not going to ever be with a man who threatens to break my jaw. We are through!" The guy yells back, "You are nothing but a lousy crack whore! Why don't you go kill yourself!" They trade a couple of other insults and the manager finally says, "I am going to call the police if you two don't leave right this moment!" The threat of Metro showing up and hauling them to jail was enough to get their attention. They both left.
I am going to end this post with a thought I am having...call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I wouldn't be surprised one bit if I opened up the paper and saw the lady dead and the guy in jail for killing her. That's how unhealthy these two looked."
At the juncture - everyone in the place is staring at them. The guy gets up out of the booth and says, "I am going to break your jaw bitch!" He then stands up and begins to hover over her with a clenched fist, "Someone please help me! He's going to break my jaw!" She yells frantically. The guy looks at me after she yells. I shake my head at him. He then sits down. After that, the lady gets up and leaves. As she's leaving, she turns and yells, "Fuck you! I'm not going to ever be with a man who threatens to break my jaw. We are through!" The guy yells back, "You are nothing but a lousy crack whore! Why don't you go kill yourself!" They trade a couple of other insults and the manager finally says, "I am going to call the police if you two don't leave right this moment!" The threat of Metro showing up and hauling them to jail was enough to get their attention. They both left.
I am going to end this post with a thought I am having...call it the village idiot thought of the day. "I wouldn't be surprised one bit if I opened up the paper and saw the lady dead and the guy in jail for killing her. That's how unhealthy these two looked."
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