Dolce & Chianti — Marvelous Dining in Las Vegas

Hottest new spot in Las Vegas. Owner Inga Davidian along with her chef Risson Medina were there to welcome us all and tell us about their fantastic establishment. Inga currently owns two restaurants in the Kirkland area of Washington state.

Dolce & Chianti is the most beautifully decorated restaurant I have seen in a long time. Fresh, bright, beautiful blue colors and a taste of “Lemon” throughout. Yes, lemon is everywhere. On the walls, in photos, in bowls, and it brings such a wonderful feel.

The restaurant was open for only a few months before everyone shut down, but now it is back to life with new dishes. I attended the party, where I got to sample some wonderful bites alongside a terrific band. Regularly on the menu is Summer Tomato with angel hair, fresh summer tomatoes, basil, and herbs; Seafood with mussels, prawns, Calabrian chili butter, garlic, pasta, and light tomato; Gnocchi al Fungi; Eggplant Parmesan; Veal Milanese and Seared Salmon to name a few. The lemon Ricotta cheesecake (pictured), Salted Caramel Budino, and Espresso Panna Cotta are delicious finishing touches.

They have plenty of shareables, including fresh mussels, Calamari Fritto, Marinated Olives & house pickles, or Jumbo Prawns. With salads and pizza, there is no end to the menu. A highly praised selection of liquors and wines are at the round bar. Located on the west side at 4275 S. Durango, please try them out if you are in town. 702-749-6534. #Chianti

R.I.P. to Richard Donner

Ray Schillaci

THE TOY, director Richard Donner, 1982, (c) Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection

R.I.P. Richard Donner

Article by Ray Schillaci

The man most noted for the first two Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve, the Lethal Weapon franchise, The Goonies, the man beloved by many in the industry, producer, director and actor, Richard Donner has passed away leaving an amazing legacy of entertainment. Donner could direct action like few others while giving us characters we would long remember. Of course, no man is an island, especially in this industry, and Richard Donner had a great partner with his wife Lauren Shuler Donner and the many other talents he would associate himself with.

Although known for his blockbuster movies, Donner had a softer side that he often had to fight for. Some of his smaller films were personal projects that the studios did not know how to market. They were great films with a strong cast that did not get the audience they deserved – Inside Moves and Radio Flyer. These were personal films that had a far greater message than his much bigger movies, unfortunately they did not do well at the box office due to the studios lack of faith. Inside Moves is both drama and comedy following a man, John Savage (The Deer Hunter, Hair) who has been left handicapped since his attempted suicide, but finds a commonality with other lost souls in a dive bar. Radio Flyer is a drama/fantasy that has a father, Tom Hanks, relating to his boys the harsh times he and his brother shared and how they escaped them with the aid of a Radio Flyer wagon. To this day, both films hold a special place in my heart.

Richard Donner got his start in the early ’60s with popular television shows such as Zane Grey Theatre, The Loretta Young Show and Wanted: Dead or Alive starring a young Steve McQueen (The Great Escape, Bullitt, Papillion). He was able to get his first break in feature film with a historical drama, X-15, starring Charles Bronson. But, that failed to launch a feature film career. He went back to television with some very impressive credits throughout the ’60s that proved he was as adept with action as he was with drama or comedy with such titles as The Twilight Zone, The Rifleman, Perry Mason, Get Smart, The Wild Wild West and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

It would be about seven years later before he was given the chance for another feature film, Salt and Pepper. This time with two named stars from the “rat pack,” Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford. The comedy crime thriller still did not get him the recognition as a feature director and once again he returned to television with a very odd choice, a children’s show The Banana Splits Adventure Hour. He continued to work in the medium throughout the early and mid-’70s with several shows and TV movies, his most notable being Sarah T. – Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic starring Linda Blair, best remembered from The Exorcist.

Then in the mid-’70s, 20th Century Fox took a chance with the prolific director and tapped him to helm what they felt would be a decent thriller that could do moderate success, The Omen. Little did they know. Under Donner’s direction, the David Seltzer script about the birth of the anti-christ would be a runaway success and be known as one of the scariest movies since The Exorcist.

From there, the filmmaker would have us believe a man could really fly with Superman. He thrilled us with the outrageous exploits of two cops, Riggs and Murtaugh, an edgy, brash suicidal cop partnered with one close to retiring, in the Lethal Weapon franchise. And, made us giddy with the beloved adventure of The Goonies, a group of kids hunting for treasure to save their home.

Donner would direct many films that would not have the box office impact as those mentioned, but have become fan favorites over the years – the medieval romance Ladyhawke starring Matthew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer, two other Mel Gibson movies, Conspiracy Theory and Maverick, and the Bill Murray comedy, Scrooged.

Richard Donner the filmmaker managed to thrill us, make us laugh and cry yet he always left his ego at the door. Mel Gibson related that Donner referred to himself as “merely traffic cop” as a director. In remembering the filmmaker, Gibson related, “He was magnanimous of heart and soul, which he liberally gave to all who knew him.”

Richard Donner contributed to the thrill of taking us out of our ordinary lives with extraordinary adventures filled with suspense and humor all the while displaying a big heart and much love for those he worked with. Many of us not only mourn his passing, but are also sad that he did not get the chance to start up his last project… a final installment of the Lethal Weapon franchise that he was looking forward to directing with his two stars, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. His amazing legacy will be long remembered even after the curtains close.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

The Movie Guys live at TheMovieGuys.net, where movies and comedy collide. Follow them @TheMovieGuys, FB.com/TheMovieGuys and Instagram.com/TheMovieGuys. iTunes: https://www.bit.ly/1l0hCpG

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Fear Street Trilogy — Movie Review

Ray Schillaci

Movie Review – Fear Street Trilogy

Review by Ray Schillaci

SOME SPOILERS PRECEDED IN BOLD – jump to the next paragraph

By now, we all know that streaming originals can be a hit or miss. Netflix’s Fear Street Trilogy – Part One: 1994, Part Two: 1978 and Part Three: 1666 is a big hit for the streaming service. On the surface it appears to be just another slasher film with teens in peril. But, going into it with no prior knowledge of the books by R.L. Stine, the author of the hugely popular Goosebumps series, I was thrilled to discover it is so much more under the helm of writer/director Leigh Janiak and her team of writers.

The first two films are full of fun nostalgia of the ’90s and ’70s paying homage to not just the slasher genre, but delivering a fun and edgier cross between The Goonies and Stranger Things while dipping one’s toes into Camp Crystal Lake of Friday the 13th fame. Janiak and her writers have captured the tone of Stine’s Fear Street books that were made for the YA audience rather than the scary children stories he was known for. It helps that Janiak and her writers have all dabbled in the genre successfully. Most notable with the writer/director’s first feature that was quite impressive, Honeymoon starring Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones).

The third feature throws us into the far past and reveals how the horror all began. Not only does the third part become more involving in its mystery, but the characters prove to be richer and the threat level much higher. The trilogy of movies is so cleverly orchestrated delivering thrills, chills and something I don’t recall ever seeing before – a lesbian romance that drives the whole horror story. Leigh Janiak is to be applauded for directing all three features and keeping up with the suspense and surprises.

Fear Street: Part One – 1994 focuses on a tale of two small town: the ever popular Sunnyvale filled with the affluent, winners and referred to as one of the safest communities to live in while just a hop-skip and jump away is Shadyside, where the less fortunate reside, those with low incomes. It’s considered the murder capitol of the United States. ***SPOILER*** We open with Shadyside about to chalk up another grisly homicide, this time in the local mall. A seemingly nice unassuming young man goes on a killing spree leaving no survivors. The sheriff kills him in the process of offing his victim.

Rumor is it that all the misgivings in Shadyside are due to the curse laid upon the town by Sarah Fier from the 1600s. A supposed witch, Sarah was hung after she cut off her own hand to sell her soul to the devil. Deena Johnson, her brother, and their friends will be swept away in the frights that follow as past killers from Shadyside appear to be resurrected to continue a murder spree while Deena’s ex-girlfriend becomes possessed by the witch and seeks to kill as well.

***SPOILER*** Through his investigation, Deena’s brother discovers only one person, C. Berman, survived the 1978 massacre because she had died and then was revived. The kids surmise the only way to save Sam is to have her die, bring her back and end the curse. But, all does not go as planned when C. Berman contacts Deena and tells her there is no way of escaping the curse. Yes, it sounds a bit convoluted, but I’m leaving a lot out so as not to ruin all the fun surprises.

Fear Street: Part 2 – 1978 has C.Berman relaying her story of her and her sister and how she survived the Nightwing camp massacre. And yes, nostalgia runs rampant with this campfire horror story and how one young person seemingly turned horribly violent taking out his wrath on counselors and campers. After Part One it was hard to believe the filmmakers would be able to top themselves, but they do by delving far into the supernatural and making it all the more suspenseful and exciting. It helps that we become engrossed in this backstory and what will come out of it as well.

Fear Street: Part 3 – 1666 is the topper, delving into the mystery that started it all and placing us in an age of superstition and persecution. An age where women had to mind their men and the only thing possibly worse than being accused of witchcraft was being branded as a homosexual. Deena is thrusted into the eyes of Sarah Fier and witnesses her secret love – a teenage girl. Soon, she is accused of all the bad things that have taken place in the village including a slaughter of innocents. But, all is revealed when Deena catches sight of the real culprit and she attempts to use her vision to right all the wrongs.

As mentioned before, I’ve left a lot out so as to not spoil all the fun. Production values are top notch and you may find yourself wondering why this never played theatrically. Well, Chernin Entertainment began development of the Fear Street trilogy at 20th Century Studios back in 2015. Writer/director Janiak was brought on in 2017 and filming began back-to-back March – September 2019 intending to release the first film in 2020. But, COVID hit and Disney purchased Fox with Chernin Entertainment deciding to end their distribution deal and instead selling it to Netflix which has been a blessing for horror hounds.

What makes the Fear Street trilogy so entertaining is the mystery, the magic the director and writers have weaved, and a very engaging cast. Warning: the trilogy does have its surprise splatter moments, but it’s also peppered with dark humor. Somehow, writer/director Janiak has developed an ode to slasher films while bringing overwhelming suspense with this tale of mystery and the supernatural all the while giving us a touching love story that we cannot help but embrace.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

The Movie Guys live at TheMovieGuys.net, where movies and comedy collide. Follow them @TheMovieGuys, FB.com/TheMovieGuys and Instagram.com/TheMovieGuys. iTunes: https://www.bit.ly/1l0hCpG

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What Can You Buy With Cryptocurrency?

Jane Hill

If you are new to the world of cryptocurrency you might have heard that there’s big money to be made. Cryptocurrency is making headlines these days, and for good reason too – the newest form of currency is growing rapidly- but still, many are left wondering what exactly is cryptocurrency, and what can you buy with it? Cryptocurrencies have become a hot topic recently as they have appreciated tremendously within a very short period of time. They’ve also spurred controversy, due to their popularity and the relative uncertainty of how the whole system works. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

What is cryptocurrency?

The word cryptocurrency is a fusion of “crypto” and “currency.” As you might have guessed, it’s a currency that’s encrypted, and it’s also decentralized. This means that the cryptocurrency is not controlled by any central government or bank; instead, it is controlled by the people who use it.

Cryptocurrencies are generated through a process called mining. This is where computers solve complex mathematical problems in order to generate new coins. In order to mine cryptocurrency, you must have a powerful computer working nonstop. This is because it takes a lot of work to solve these complex mathematical problems. Once they’ve been solved, the coin can be added to the public ledger. The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin. It was created to be decentralized, peer to peer, and to solve the problem of double-spending. There are now over 1000 different types of cryptocurrency. Some of the more popular ones are Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, and Litecoin.

How does cryptocurrency work?

Cryptocurrencies are controlled by code and are decentralized. This basically means that there is no single person or entity in charge and that there is no central bank. However, cryptocurrency is just as much controlled by code as the money in your bank account is. The transactions are also anonymous, and they are done without any third parties involved. The users are in charge of making and recording transactions between one another, using a public ledger called a blockchain. The blockchain records all transactions, and it’s constantly growing. Think of it as a growing list of transaction records.

What can you buy with cryptocurrency?

You can buy almost anything with cryptocurrency. The first thing you’ll notice is that there are a lot of different cryptocurrencies, so the first thing you need to do is to find a currency that is accepted by the seller. In addition, there are numerous sellers on the market. Most of them use Coinbase to accept cryptocurrency, but there are also a number of sellers that are in-person. Online marketplaces are your best bet if you want to buy something with cryptocurrency. A lot of retailers are beginning to accept cryptocurrency, as well.

The truth is, you can buy all kinds of stuff with cryptocurrency, including cars, computers, houses, and even coffee. Sounds pretty neat, right? Tons of businesses, restaurants and entertainment services accept cryptocurrencies as payment. They are becoming extremely popular and for good reasons. It’s also worth noting that if the particular business you’re wanting to buy from doesn’t accept your cryptocurrency, you can have it exchanged for gift cards and use those. However, it’s important to be aware of how cryptocurrency is taxed. Bitcoin taxation is the process of reporting, paying, and withholding taxes on bitcoins. The way the IRS handles bitcoin taxation is different because bitcoin is viewed as property rather than currency.

Cryptocurrency has exploded in popularity recently. An increasing number of commodities are being offered for sale on the internet using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dash. This can lead to some confusion regarding what you can buy with cryptocurrency and what you can’t. The truth is that it depends on where you’re looking. Certain businesses accept these currencies, and if they don’t, you can always exchange your crypto for gift cards.

Photo by Worldspectrum from Pexels

Las Vegas Updates on Shows Courtesy of AEG

Shelley Stepanek

UPCOMING ON SALES

Friday July 30 @ 10am: The Rolling Stones – No Filter Tour 2021 at Allegiant Stadium November 6

Now: Daughtry – The Dearly Beloved Tour with special guests Sevendust, Tremonti and Travis Bracht at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas December 5

Now: Pink Martini featuring China Forbes at Wynn Las Vegas December 15

Friday at 12pm: 2Cellos – The Dedicated Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas April 14, 2022

UPCOMING SHOWS

2021

Jul 30: Tom Papa – Family Reunion Tour at Wynn Las Vegas

Aug 6-7: Jim Gaffigan – We Deserve This at Wynn Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Aug 13-14: Jo Koy – Just Kidding World Tour at Wynn Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Aug 20-21: Sebastian Maniscalco – Nobody Does This Tour at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 3-4: Rebelution – Good Vibes Summer Tour 2021 with The Green, Keznamdi and DJ Mackle at Mandalay Bay Beach at Mandalay Bay Resort

Sep 3-5: Jo Koy – Just Kidding World Tour at Wynn Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Sep 10-Nov 6: Lionel Richie – Back To Las Vegas! at Wynn Las Vegas – Limited Tickets September 24-October 2 & October 27!

Sep 11: Gary Clark Jr. at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 25: Lady A – What A Song Can Do Tour with special guests Carly Pearce, Niko Moon and Tenille Arts at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 6-16: John Fogerty – Travelin’ Band at Wynn Las Vegas

Oct 8: Russ – Tour Before The Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 9: Flogging Molly & Violent Femmes with special guests Me First and the Gimme Gimmes & THICK at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 15: Dropkick Murphys & Rancid – Boston to Berkley II with special guest The Bronx at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 16: Machine Gun Kelly – Tickets To My Downfall Fall 2021 Tour with JXDN and KennyHoopla at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Oct 24: Primus – A Tribute To Kings with special guest Black Mountain at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 5-20: Celine Dion at Resorts World Las Vegas

Nov 6: Karol G – Bichota Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Nov 10-20: Bryan Adams at Wynn Las Vegas

Nov 11: Porter Robinson – Nurture Live North America Tour with special guest Jai Wolf & James Ivy at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 20: Koe Wetzel at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Dec 1-11: Carrie Underwood – Reflection at Resorts World Las Vegas

Dec 3-4: Little Big Town – Nightfall Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Dec 15: Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get Tour with Ashley McBryde & Ray Fulcher at T-Mobile Arena – Limited Tickets! Rescheduled from September 25!

Dec 29-Jan 15: Katy Perry – Play at Resorts World Las Vegas

2022

Jan 19-Feb 5: Celine Dion at Resorts World Las Vegas

Jan 21: An Intimate Evening with David Foster – HITMAN TOUR at Wynn Las Vegas

Feb 6: Kane Brown – Blessed & Free Tour with Chase Rice & Restless Road at T-Mobile Arena – Rescheduled from February 4!

Feb 11-26: Luke Bryan at Resorts World Las Vegas

Feb 12: AFI – The Bodies Tour with special guest Cold Cave at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Feb 20: Justin Bieber – Justice World Tour at T-Mobile Arena

Mar 2-19: Katy Perry – Play at Resorts World Las Vegas

Mar 23-Apr 2: Carrie Underwood – Reflection at Resorts World Las Vegas

May 7: An Evening With Lea Salonga at Wynn Las Vegas

Jul 8-9: Trevor Noah – Loud & Clear Tour at Wynn Las Vegas – Rescheduled from July 9 & 10, 2021!

Oct 1: Roger Waters – This Is Not A Drill at T-Mobile Arena

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

New Mexican Taqueria on Its Way to Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Opening soon in the Summerlin area is a high-end Taqueria called La Neta Cocina Y Lounge. This upscale eatery has the great team of Lanny Chin and Jordan Mendez, along with Ryan Labbe manning the place.

With premium tequilas, mezcals, and plenty of top shelf liquor, the food will be amazing. I can’t wait to try the Paella!

More to come on this establishment located at 1770 Festival Plaza Drive when I attend the media night.

Wayne Newton’s Nightmare in Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Once again we have another great podcast from the Las Vegas Review Journal, sponsored by El Cortez, the Golden Steer steakhouse, and the Mob Museum.

This episode is 37 minutes and well worth the listen. I remember this well with Wayne Newton as I knew him and everyone in Las Vegas loved him. Visit the venues above if you visit Las Vegas to get some real mob history.

https://mobbedup.podbean.com/e/wayne-newton-s-nightmare-s2e6/

Vegas Threats and Bombing in Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Continue to follow the series presented by the Review Journal, Mob Museum, El Cortez, and Golden Steer to follow all the threats and bombings from years ago.

Visit the Mob Museum if you visit Las Vegas and don’t forget to eat at the Golden Steer. Every booth and table has been visited by celebrities, mobsters, and plenty of famous people. Years ago I dined there with Jimmy Hoffa Jr., and his family—great steak house.

The El Cortez has plenty of history to see. Approx. 45 minutes in length

https://mobbedup.podbean.com/e/threats-bombs-and-stings-s2e5/

Mobbed Up Wayne Newton vs. Johnny Carson

Shelley Stepanek

Thanks to the Review Journal, the Mob Museum, Pro Group Management, El Cortez and the Golden Steer, this great series of the history of Las Vegas continues to bring back old memories.

45 minutes long, this podcast will bring you into the fight between Wayne Newton and Johnny Carson for the purchase of the Aladdin.

Once again, I was lucky enough to have met Johnny Carson and Wayne, who still lives in Las Vegas.

https://mobbedup.podbean.com/e/wayne-newton-vs-johnny-carson-s2e4/