Vegas–Tour of Allegiant Stadium

Looking for a fun Vegas thing to do this holiday weekend from the comfort of your home? Homie, Official Real Estate Partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, announces that its immersive 3D Virtual Tour of Allegiant Stadium is now live. Fans simply need to download the free Homie app, search Vegas and it’s the first listing. It is also available online at https://www.homie.com/raiders.

Developed in partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders and created as a Homie listing, this 3D tour gives fans the unique ability to explore all the state-of-the-art stadium has to offer — from the retractable field tray and stadium seating to the Raider Image store, concourses, and clubs – all from their phone, tablet, or computer.

The 3D tour offers users a behind-the-scenes view of areas not usually accessible to the public, like the post-game press conference room, kitchens, press box, and turf storage space.
Created with high-definition 3D video technology and drone footage, users can easily control their 3D virtual tour to view the stadium as if they were there in person.
Additional features include a measurement tool – a fun way to see just how close a seat is to the field or to the nearest food vendor – and a floor plan that shows where everything is located.
The tour even can be viewed in virtual reality with compatible headsets and controllers.

Thank you to twgpr.com for this story.

“Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You…”

William Natale

“Ask what you can do for your country,” is a portion of a line in JFK’s inaugural address that has the same stature as “Four score and seven years ago,” or “December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy.” In other words, JFK was my Pushkin of America’s nemesis, Russia.

Alexander Pushkin, born in 1799, was a Russian poet, playwright, and novelist of the Romantic era who is considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. Mr. Pushkin gets quoted all the time by Russian politicians, no matter how they lean, although lately they all seem to have legs of PUTIN on the ritz-rubber. And that rare status of one-liners was fairly limited with the exception of Lincoln, TR, JFK, and FDR who often are quoted by politicians sitting on both sides of the aisle.

The question that precedes the line I’ve noted and headlined is, “Ask not what your country can do for you?” So, how do YOU answer that question with the phrase, “Ask what you can do for your country?”

Each of us in our own way can make a difference in battling a pandemic that has had an impact of lost life and liberty as grave as what followed that military attack of December 7, 1941, — a date that somehow did live in infamy. And for some in this world — that date found the road to hell, a.k.a. INFAMY. Who wants a celebrated date if it doesn’t also garner a bit of FAME and celebrity? Seriously!

The response, “Ask what you can do for your country,” is really so, so, so simple for Americans to accomplish, thus making a difference against a worldwide enemy, which only happens in the comics or their manifestations on the silver screen. That collective spirit might have happened in real life once upon a time, but that ship sailed a long, long time ago. Maybe that’s what we need more of — a collective spirit that believes in US rather than only ME.

WEAR A MASK!

Let’s reconsider the politicization of wearing masks for 100 days or so; let’s see if by following that mandate to WEAR A MASK, we might actually find a light at the end of this Coronavirus Rabbit Hole.

If you WEAR A MASK, you can truly be proud that YOU have answered that call, “Ask what you can do for your country.” By donning that mask, we all make it more difficult for Corona to reignite her reign of terror. And if we slow Corona down, we just might buy enough time to have the magic of a novel vaccine creation produced by companies using MRNA Technology – molecules in our cells that pass genetic instructions from our DNA to particles that make proteins, the building blocks of life.

MRNA Technology molecules can be produced rapidly in a lab, programmed with a bit of the virus’s genetic code. The MRNA vaccine teaches the immune system, what the virus looks like so that if the real virus shows up, your soul of immunity goes BALLISTIC all over CORONA. And according to the testing program with all those wonderful Americans who did stand up for their country, the vaccine efficacy rate is 94/95 percent. Even Dr. Fauci, a Faustian figure if I’ve ever seen — and that is said with great devotion, admitted that if a vaccine secured a 70% efficacy rate, that would be a major accomplishment in record time.

So, let’s not forget that the only reason the efficacy ratings could be ascertained so quickly was due in part to an extensive testing program featuring thousands and thousands of volunteers from all different age groups and ethnicities willing to GO DO GOOD and be guinea pigs on behalf of their country and countrymen. Those volunteers heard the call and if JFK were alive today, I’m sure he’d flash that IRISH dimpled smile and flicker those eyes that bewitched so many in his way of sharing a KUDO.

So please, for the love of all that’s good, WEAR A MASK.

William Natale is the author of the children’s book, Woolly Wurm; “1968 – A Story As Relevant Today As It Was Then (based on a true story about two white teens who wind up working in an all-black factory immediately following the assassination of Dr. MLK; and The Resurrection of Boraichee (a story described quirky and clever with a bit of reincarnation as a DOG serves as the narrator about a family suffering from the opioid epidemic). All but the children’s book can be found on Amazon/KINDLE.

How Can I Improve in Sales?

Richard Norton

I have been in direct sales since I was 18 years old, so I guess you can say I know a lot about how to become successful in selling. Sales is a lucrative profession and the potential is unlimited.

In order to have true success, the first step is to have the determination. The desire to have true success will inspire you to make a commitment to work hard at achieving your goals.

Sales certainly can be challenging. To be successful you need to have a particular set of skills and as you evolve, it’s important to keep them updated. Even though I have been in sales for a long time, I certainly have not arrived. I understand that I have to continue to improve and continue to grow.

So, how can one improve their sales skills? How can someone reach a high level of success? As I stated, it’s important to make a commitment and keep growing. It’s also important to keep learning. Below are some ways to improve your sales skills.

1) Sales Training

When It comes to our industry, I receive calls consistently from representatives with other merchant service companies that are begging for training. Unfortunately, most of them feel like they are lone rangers trying to figure it out themselves.

I am extremely grateful and excited for what we are doing at RMS. I have a passion to provide as much motivation, inspiration, and sales training as possible. There is absolutely no excuse for representatives not to succeed. We are doing one on one trainings. We have tons of resources and videos, and we have team leaders that spend hours upon hours training representatives. The amazing part of this, is that it is provided at no cost.

Make a commitment to study and learn. By doing this, your confidence will grow which allows the prospect’s confidence in you to grow.

2) Practice your Presentation and Role-Play

It’s important to learn the presentation and to learn all about your products and services. However, you do not want to make it sound like a pitch.

When presenting a prospect, you are having a conversation in which you are in control. You want to be prepared for every question, objection, or circumstance a prospect throws your way. It’s important to practice the flow of the conversation. When you are asking questions, listening is a must. Selling is not telling. You must convey the message that you genuinely care about the prospect and you are there to help them. It’s also important to ask the right questions. Find out about their pain points along with what their goals are. This way you can truly begin to find a solution and understand how your service can solve their issues.

Learn your presentation. Get together with someone and do some role-playing, video yourself. This is how you improve and grow.

3) Get a Mentor

Find the people who are where you want to be and follow them. Working with a mentor will drastically improve your sales performance.

For example, with RMS, you can see through our sales portal who all the top performers are. If you don’t have their information already, go get it. Give them a call and pick their brain. Find out what makes them tick. You can ask your mentor for advice on sales strategies. You can do some role-playing with them or perhaps even shadow them during their sales calls. This will help you improve several sales skills and allow you to go to a higher level.

Next week we will stay on the same topic, and we’ll share some other tips on how you can improve in the field of selling. Are you ready to go to the next level? If you made a commitment to be in the field of sales, make a commitment to be the very best! Let’s all keep improving!

Have a super successful selling week!

RICH NORTON

Regional Sales Manager RMS

Image by Sue Styles from Pixabay

Tuscan Chicken–Easy to Cook

Shelley Stepanek

It’s cold outside and you’re looking for something easy to cook, delicious to taste, and warming to the body. This is an easy one.

Ingredients

• 6 – 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes, optional

• Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper

• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

• 2 cup Spinach (chopped, packed)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup chicken broth

• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1

Heat oil or butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add garlic and saute for about a minute, until fragrant.

Step 2

Add the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a simmer, then set heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce should thicken nicely.

Step 3

Meanwhile, place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker or roasting pan. Season chicken thighs lightly with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper and the chili flakes. Top chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 4

When the cream sauce is ready, lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, little by little until smooth. Adjust seasoning for the cream sauce if needed.

Step 5

Pour the cream sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Get as much sauce as possible on top of the chicken thighs.

Step 6

Cook for 3-4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW. When cooking time is over, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.

Step 7

Turn the slow cooker on HIGH if it isn’t already. Add the chopped spinach to the cooker and stir for a few minutes, until the spinach wilts.

Step 8

Return chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the liquid, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes on top, or just pour them over the Tuscan chicken when serving. Serve as-is or over noodles or rice!

Beyond The Mat: The Many Health Benefits of Yoga

Jane Hill

There are plenty of reasons why more than 300 million people across the globe are into yoga. In the US alone, 36.7 million practice the activity. Yoga attracts people for different motivations, including stress relief, flexibility, and physical and mental health. The good news is that studies suggest that it is a safe and effective way of increasing physical activity, strength, and balance. Evidence also points to the benefits of yoga in relieving pain, improving heart health, managing stress levels, and promoting positive feelings.

Taking Care Of Your Body

Yoga has real health benefits, and one of the major advantages is that it can increase your flexibility and improve your balance. When you practice tree pose, for example (a pose involving balancing on one foot while holding your other foot to your calf at a right angle), you learn how to breathe properly, focus, and balance. Good flexibility and balance are important, not only in day-to-day living, but also in sports, allowing you to work through easier and deeper movements while building strength and stability. For example, if you’re into surfing, yoga can improve your focus, breath control, and strength and flexibility.

Yoga can even help in lowering your cholesterol levels by helping you lose weight and decreasing your blood pressure.

In fact, there is a growing body of research that suggests that yoga can play an important role in improving physical health. It can help with chronic pain because when you stretch, you ease pain and improve your mobility. What’s more, the American College of Physicians recommends the activity as a ‘first-line treatment’ for persistent low back pain. Yoga also relieves the symptoms of arthritis, easing some of the discomfort of swollen joints. On a physical level alone, yoga comes with many health benefits.

Improving Your Mental Health And Wellbeing

There’s more to yoga than its physical benefits, however. According to a John Hopkins research study, a regular bedtime yoga routine can make you sleep better. Yoga can also increase your levels of mental and physical energy, boosting alertness and creating fewer negative feelings. In addition, it helps you to manage stress, mindfulness, and healthy eating habits, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Another positive benefit of yoga is its ability to protect the brain from shrinking as you age, as suggested by a May 2015 study on the ‘Neuroprotective effects of yoga practice: age, experience, and frequency-dependent plasticity’ by Villemure et al. Gray matter volume, which is found in the left side of your brain, is associated with positive emotions, including responses to relaxation. In another study, brain changes were found showing growth in the regions that oversee learning, memory, and emotions. On the other hand, the areas of the brain responsible for stress, fear, and anxiety were found to shrink.

Yoga is an activity that promotes many physical and mental advantages, including improvement in balance, strength, flexibility, moods and sleep, as well as being important in the prevention of certain diseases. By practicing yoga, you reap the benefits in all areas, resulting in an improved overall wellbeing.

Photo by Elly Fairytale from Pexels

Cafe Hollywood in Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Cafe Hollywood in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, is a combination of marvelous Hollywood memorabilia. With a fun, hip atmosphere along with an incredible menu, great wine bar, and “The Counter” which is filled with fresh pastries, coffee, and gelato (all for take-out), you’ll have a great time here.

All-day desserts are served where you will find classic hand-dipped malts to candy-coated Supernova Shakes, pink box donuts and may I say once again, the creamy gelato. Guests can see a roster of iconic Planet Hollywood moments featuring highlights of its storied 25-year history including legendary grand opening celebrations. Videos and photography montages of the company’s most exciting events and gatherings are onscreen on Café Hollywood’s 35 monitors, along with a gallery of incredible entertainment moments.

Open 24 hours, the Café Hollywood menu is huge with every kind of taste delights available. Breakfast is served all day right into the late night dinner hour. The sleek wine bar and lounge offers over 40 different wine varietals, 24 of them by-the-glass as well as a full bar and small plates.

Café Hollywood also has a private dining room, located off the main dining room which I rented for a 50-person meeting a few years back. This space features bi-fold doors for complete privacy and the ability to accommodate up to 65 people for any special occasion.

Along with an expertly curated wine selection, cocktail menu and full bar, they offer delectable small bites, elevated bar fare and a high energy happy hour that will make you feel like you’re getting the celebrity treatment.

The menu has plenty of appetizers, every kind of breakfast imaginable and great salads, including citrus kale, spinach and berries, or seared chicken. Sandwiches include Reubens and chicken and avocado. There is an Asian menu including Singapore noodles, crisp beef, kung pao trio, six different kinds of burgers, and a full blown pasta menu. I love the blackened chicken pasta and the six cheese chicken macaroni. On the higher end, there is a great strip steak and a sesame ginger salmon.

Open 7 days a week, Monday-Wednesday 11-9, Thursday 11-midnight, Friday and Saturday 7-midnight, and Sunday 10 to 9 p.m. Have a great time walking thru the casino and the renowned Planet Hollywood shops.

Fatman — Movie Review

Ray Schillaci

FATMAN TEETERS

Movie Review – Fatman

Review by Ray Schillaci

After being sorely disappointed with both Dragged Across Concrete and Force of Nature as Mel Gibson star vehicles, I finally get a slight reprieve with his latest, Fatman. Now, whatever you do, do not judge this film by its trailer. I did, and it prepared me for the worst. But, lo and behold, something strange happened during my viewing. This ill-conceived idea of a real life Chris Kringle disenchanted with the world, falling on hard times, getting subsidized by the military all the while having a disgruntled evil kid sending out a hitman after him actually is amusing at times and has Mel returning to his charming self which almost redeems the film.

Writer/director brothers Eshom and Ian Nelm get the chance to springboard from their independent roots with a high concept dark comedy with two perfect stars, Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins. The material doesn’t always match the talents of these two actors, but some of the lines they are given will elicit chuckles now and then. The Nelm brothers try a high wire act and some of the alleged dark comedy does cross the line of unfunny.

Billy, a neglected 12 year-old bad seed, is prepared to win the science fair as he has in the past, taking top prize. He’s obnoxious from the very beginning, treating everyone as if they are beneath him unless he can get something from them. His invalid grandmother is one he takes advantage of, secretly stealing money out of her account and the other is a hitman that will do his bidding for the right amount.

Yes, already this sounds like the movie is going off the rails. But, Walton Goggins as the “Skinny Man”, the bizarre hired killer with an obsession for authentic toys from Santa’s workshop, makes the antics watchable. When Billy does enough bad, he eventually gets a lump of coal for Christmas. This sets him off and he literally wants Santa’s head.

In the meantime, Chris Kringle is having a rough go. More kids are being bad than good, that means less toy production and that puts the pinch on Santa’s business making him not so jolly. His government checks have been cut in half and he’s been urged to work a part time gig for the military. Of course, if you have not suspended belief by now you will probably chalk this exercise up to a demented adult fantasy replete with all the things Santa does not approve of – naughty words and bloodshed.

But, as I said, Gibson and Goggins nearly save the day. Mel as Kringle is a perfect curmudgeon with a glint of mischief in his heart. His interaction with the residents of the small town he lives in is so much fun along with his loving interaction with his wife, Ruth, played with plenty of moxie and charm by Marianne Jean-Baptiste. Walton Goggins could be the next Jack Nicholson with his weird nearly out-of-bounds performance. One scene in particular with a little girl is creepy as hell and is barely pulled off without innuendo.

All in all, the brothers Nelms will most likely end up on the naughty list for this piece of coal passing off as Christmas spirit. On the other hand, who knows if over the years viewing audiences, having been hardened by pandemic, unemployment, and food lines, may look at this movie in a different light and put it up as a Christmas classic alongside Bill Murray’s Scrooged which was also maligned upon its opening eventually becoming endearing to many. Even though Fatman is being flayed by the critics, audiences are overlooking the mean spiritedness of it all and enjoying Mel as Santa giving them a jolly ho ho.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

Directed by: Eshom and Ian Nelm
Release Date: November 24, 2020
Run Time: 100 min.
Rated: R
Country: USA/UK/Canada
Distributor: Saban Films

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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Youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuys
@TheMovieGuys
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The Rental — Movie Review

Ray Schillaci

NOT WORTH A RENTAL

Movie Review – The Rental

Review by Ray Schillaci

I’m very ambivalent about Dave Franco’s faux thriller, The Rental, a good idea riddled with unlikeable characters leaving me with an ugly feeling reminiscent of better films, The Collector and Blood Simple. The later films were horribly suspenseful with players that we actually cared about. You cannot fault the actors in Franco’s film, they do an admirable job. But, sadly, thriller tropes and a story that feels as if it runs out of steam halfway through guide this rental rather than character development.

Dan Stevens, so memorable in the independent thriller The Guest, has the unfortunate role of Charlie, unsatisfied in his personal life and consumed with his work, which is unmemorable. From the start we believe that Charlie and Mina are a couple, but quickly find out they are business partners. Before The Rental gets going, we already know where it is heading. Mina is actually Charlie’s brother’s girlfriend. Early on, Charlie relays to his wife how perfect his partner is and can’t see how his loser brother ended up with her. Warning flags, people!

But, Charlie’s wife, Michelle, laughs it off and is happy for Charlie’s brother. Much later in the film, Michelle relays why she is not jealous of her husband’s relationship with his partner. This explanation makes her sound naive and dumb. So, we have two successful people unsatisfied in their relationships, drawn to each other with two dimwit partners tagging along to spend the weekend in an Airbnb where the dalliances are being spied on. Oh, and the guy renting it is a creepy, misogynistic, racist. Wow, is it any wonder why we would want to spend over an hour with any of them?

Writers Dave Franco and Joe Swanberg (from a story written by the two and Mike Demski) have a kernel of an idea that never really pops. Some have commended Franco on the idea that the film starts as a “character drama” and halfway switches into thriller mode. But, the problem here is that there is very little drama or characters we even care about.

Franco does display a creepy eye for some uncomfortable moments. Aside from that, The Rental feels like a connect the dots thriller with watered down thrills beside a cabin in the woods vibe that doesn’t even get us excited about who the final girl (or guy) will be. To sum this all up, this film is barely worth the rental.

Available on Amazon Prime, Vudu or just about anywhere else you can rent online. But, Redbox has the lowest price, although it is only offered as a DVD. Available for purchase (if you must) – $14.99 – Best Buy & Amazon

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

Directed by: Dave Franco
Release Date: July 24, 2020
Run Time: 88 min.
Rated: R
Country: USA
Distributor: IFC Films

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

www.themovieguys.net
Youtube.com/user/TheMovieGuys
@TheMovieGuys
Vimeo.com/themovieguys
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Christmas Catering in Las Vegas

Shelley Stepanek

Planning on being in Las Vegas for Christmas or New Year’s? A little shy about joining other people in one of the big hotels for dinner? Why not have your meal catered by a great company in Las Vegas. Yes, I have given them a shout out once before, but I am so impressed with their food and their delivery service, I want to recommend them again. And if you are a local, why not have your whole dinner catered?

Call Diamond Events if you have a party of eight or more. And yes, if it is only six or seven you can still place an order, just pay for eight and have a few leftovers.

For Christmas they are offering the meal featured above.

Sissy at 702-625-0789 can set you up. Avoid the hassle of a noisy restaurant and eat in your room or at a friend’s home.

Call in plenty of time to order. And don’t forget them for any time you are in Las Vegas or even for a small convention. Really the best service and food around! Delivery or you can pick up.

**includes plates, utensils and toppings**

Minimum of 8 people plus delivery fee for $25 if you order by the 23rd.

Sissy – Sales 702 625-0709

Diamonds Events & Productions 3185 S. Highland Dr. Suite 1 Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Sissy@diamondevents.com or sales@diamondevents.com

Order Number 702-793-1461

Executive Chef- Maurice – 702-210-9715

www.diamondevents.com

They can cater breakfast, lunch, or dinner year round including Mexican, Asian or Italian or do casual meals, including Black Angus Burgers, Fried Chicken and waffles, a baked potato bar with toppings to list a few. I couldn’t be happier and highly recommend them.

Vegas Has Four New Shows

Shelley Stepanek

While most shows are closed in Las Vegas, there are four shows at the Alexis Park Casino and Hotel. Visit buy.ticketkite.com. I’ve seen Tommy Wind and Motown Extreme in their former homes. Hope you all enjoy yourselves.

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1) Sales Training

2) Practice your Presentation and Role-Play

3) Get a Mentor

Taking Care Of Your Body

Improving Your Mental Health And Wellbeing

FATMAN TEETERS

Movie Review – Fatman

Review by Ray Schillaci

NOT WORTH A RENTAL

Movie Review – The Rental

Review by Ray Schillaci

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