From the mind of: VegasFran

The reflection in the mirror...is ME!

2010-08-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

If you have ever seen the movie "Goodfellas", there is the part when the wives are all sitting around doing each other’s hair and makeup, they are gossiping and such. Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco) comments on how outsiders are never around, and how everything becomes normal because there is nothing different to ever compare to, everything that happens is just accepted. I can so relate to that.

Kinda like when you’ve lived someplace for a long time, and are always around the same people, things that transpire within your group all become the "normal". When outside people criticize, you write it off saying that they just don’t understand…are ignorant…or jealous. I remember once one of our employees came up to Mike and me and said, "I always thought the two of you fought a lot but until I saw that show ‘Cake Boss’. Now I get it, it's just a Jersey Italian thing" LOL. We are like a young version of Frank & Marie Barone form Everyonbody loves Raymond. Funny, but true.

Since we have always lived in and socialized in tight knit groups, I love it when friends and family visit. It is really nice having people from back in Chicago and NJ visit us here in Vegas. It feels like a reconnection to our past if you will. It's a great time with people who think the way we think and who understand things the way we understand it. When you live away from your hometown, you find yourself explaining things…a lot!

When I moved to NJ from Chicago, I gained a new view of life. People related to each other differently, saw everyday events differently, not wrong, just different. I realized that sometimes to accomplish what you want in life you need to separate yourself from what you know. Break out of your comfort zone. It opens a new perspective on things. Sometimes you realize something you thought to be right for so long turns out to not be the only way to view or deal with a situation.

I have a phrase posted on the wall in our office that says; "To get what we've never had, we must do what we’ve never done". In other words, if you keep doing the same things, you will keep getting the same results. You need to change your actions in order to change the outcome. Seems so basic, yet I never realized it until a couple of years ago.

This has helped me come to the realization that no matter what I do, I have to be ok with the reflection I see in the mirror. I don't have to make other people see what I see...I don’t have to make others think of me in a light that I want to be thought in. As long as I am ok with me, who cares what everyone else thinks!

Now to say that everything said to me isn't an attack would be wrong. Just the other day I had an anonymous person comment on my blog and say some rather negative things. I mean, it takes a very intelligent individual to call me fat LOL. However, I did take a step back and wonder why people have to attack. I tried to see what it was that I had done to make this person so upset & defensive. Then I realized, you can't figure people out. Personally., I would never make anonymous comments. But that’s just me. When I say something, I want people to know where it came from and exactly who said it LOL!

Over the past 18 months I have lost 110#s, gone down over 6 dress sizes and in the last 2 months I've lost over 13”. I changed the way I eat…the way I view food. I am finally able to exercise and be more active. As a result I notice so many aspects of my life improving. Not just my health, but my happiness level, my conformability in public, work, friends….everything!

I may not always be the person other people want or wish me to be, but I am always me! It took me SO long to get to this place in my life, and remarkably once I came to this realization I was able to begin changing things about me for the better. I have learned to view criticism not as a personal attack but rather unsolicited advice. I take in what applies and what doesn't, I let fly away. I was pleasantly surprised that I am ok with me...the good and the bad.

What one thing are you exceptionally good at?

2010-05-03T23:02:00.001-07:00

Giving 100%. I dont 1/2 do anything. If I take something on, I do it 100%.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-05-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/VegasFran

Arizona's new immigration law...

2010-05-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I am really tired of all the complaints about the new AZ law. I don’t care if you are Italian, Irish, Mexican, African, Jewish, Chinese, or Canadian...if you are NOT a LEGAL US citizen, YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS to our country's benefits! If you haven’t paid for something you are not entitled to it! Allowing Illegal’s benefits is like rationalizing theft!

I have nothing against people immigrating to the USA, I do however have a problem with people just sneaking into our country and being allowed the same rights and same benefits as those of us who do pay taxes and who do know the constitution. If they want the American dream, and if they want to live the American life, they can pay for it like American's do! Enough already...illegal immigration is out of control! If you don’t think so, look around.

There is no reason that illegal’s cant study, and pay to become citizen just the same as our ancestors have and just the same as other immigrants have....it's been done for years. There are procedures in place for a reason. Follow the rules. Don't bully your way into our country. Don't assume you have rights. Don't take for granted what is ours!

I am so tired of people crying about Republicans, and bitching that left wing people jump to conclusions....I personally am tired of all the tree hugging attitudes that we should love everyone and welcome everyone and watch what we say and look the other way. NO! Speak up! Look the problems right in their eyes! Stop walking on eggshells and allowing American's tobe the weaker people. WISE UP AMERICA!

When was the last time you gave flowers?

2010-04-10T23:37:00.001-07:00

I sent my Mom flowers on Valentine's day...I ♥ sending flowers to people...but I love getting them too! HINT HINT HINT haha ;)

Ask me anything

What one thing are you exceptionally bad at?

2010-04-10T21:54:00.003-07:00

exercising LOL

Ask me anything

What do you think is the best way to defeat terrorism?

2010-04-10T21:47:00.001-07:00

To close out borders, and fully enforce our Constitution down to the letter! We must be a united front or we will be overthrown again and again!

Ask me anything

Do you want to be buried or cremated?

2010-04-10T21:42:00.001-07:00

Buried...my Step-father was creamated and I touched the Urn when it was still warm...freaked me out. I still get chills to this day thinking about it!

Ask me anything

What's your dream car?

2010-04-10T21:39:00.001-07:00

I already had it - it was Nissan 300 ZX...1991 metallic pearl grey 2+2 :) ♥'ed that car!

Ask me anything

What did you dream about last night?

2010-04-10T21:35:00.001-07:00

Everyone was at our new house and we were swimmin and BBQing & the pool was one big lemon drop shot - think it might have somethign to do with the 10 drinks I had before goign tobed LMAO Just sayin'

Ask me anything

What's the origin of your name?

2010-04-10T21:04:00.001-07:00

Actual origin is: Latin girl's name from Italian heritage. The meaning of the name is `Free`.

Personal oragin is: I was named after my father's mother.

I also have my Mother's morher's middle name, and my Mom's maiden name.

I do seriously have the LONGEST name if I were to have to use eacha nd every one of them!

Ask me anything

Do you enjoy getting really drunk????? LOL

2010-04-10T14:01:00.001-07:00

I dont do it too often, but when I do - I have a blast! Last night was a night filled with that BOOM BOOM BOOM!

Ask me anything

If you had to lose one or the other which would you chose, tour sight or your hearing....hmmmmm?

2010-04-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

If I had to pick on...Id lose my sight I think. Because I can remember how things looked, but losing my hearing I think loses too much from life. Think about when you watch a scary movie...if you mute the scary music, its not so scary anymore, but if you close you eyes and can still hear, it can still be scary - get it? LOL

Ask me anything

Who's the most talented person you know?

2010-04-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

Thats a very tricky question...talented in what way? Different people for different things...oh and a lil pleading the 5th on the grounds my answers could incriminate me LOL

Ask me anything

Would you rather be rich or famous?

2010-04-09T16:51:00.003-07:00

Id have to say Rich...when you're famous people will just come crawling out of the woodwork.

Ask me anything

If you could be a star athlete in any sport, which sport would you pick?

2010-04-09T16:51:00.001-07:00

I would have to say either swimming or gymnastics because they have the best bodies...then again baseball stars make some killer bank...but I do love me some football - haha :)

Ask me anything

What was the best job you've ever had?

2010-04-09T16:50:00.001-07:00

Id have to say this one...I started as a receptionist, then Admin Asst then bookkeeper, then owner - not too shabby!

Ask me anything

The Holidays

2009-11-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are a time of year that are packed with emotions for me. Beginning on my Moms birthday,(Oct 13th) and continuing through my birthday (Jan 24th) I go through every possible emotion.

Today I am longing for the holidays of when I was a child. I can close my eyes and smell my Father's cooking, my Mother's baking, hear my Grandfather's voice and Bing singing in the background. I can remember my Grandmother's house, filled with people and joy. I remember the smell of everygreen in a can LOL and the little angel ornaments she had on her small tree that was in her front window every year. I can remember anxiously waiting for the day after Thanksgiving so my Mom would let me decorate outside. Trying to make sure the lights were even on the bushes and the big plastic red bows were secured to anything and everythig I could wrap them around.

I will never forget the last holiday we were all together...1987. Nobody knew it would be our last. Nobody didn anything special to preserve it, everything was the same that year as it had been all the years before it. However, nothing would ever be the same again. Little did I know that it would be our last year at my Grand,a's house. No more big family gatherings. It made her too sad. No more Daddy's cooking, Mom didnt bake like she did in previous years. Ever out house decorations werent the same. I would still decorate outside, but some years that would be all there was. Sad to say, but a part of Christmas inside all of us died that year with my Father.

Now being an only child, I longed for those holidays. So many people. Everyone smiling, everyone getting along. At least in a child's eyes. As an adult I have tried to hard to recreate what I had as a child, without much success. Tonight I realized that my love for Christmas may not be so much for the Holiday itself as much as a love of my memories of Christmas' past.

They say you can Google anyone and find them...so I tried tonight with my Dad. John M Lupo. Nothing on him obviously, but seeing other people with his name made me cry. Dont kow why I did it but it made me wish that it was possible to reconnect with people from the other side. Imagine a Facebook for Heaven! When we missed someone we could "poke" them so they know we were thinking of them.

I realize that I go overboard at Christmas. I buy presents and cook like a mad woman. I just want to touch peoples lives who have touched mine. I want people to know that they are cared for and appreciated. Christmas is the perfect time to do that. I have always been nieve and easy to fool. Often my good gestures are taken advantage of and I get used so I tend to refrain from overt acts of kindness to avoid being hurt. At Christmas time though, its ok to be nice. Its ok to give. Its ok to let others know how you feel.

So I hope that this Christmas is filled with love for you and yours. I wish you happiness and memories to look back on without regret. Take the time this Holiday to spread the joy and love. Make sure you let those know you appreciate them and care for them...you may not get another change to make it special!

Hilarious Audio Clip - NJ Italian Mom Loses It...I laughed so hard I cried!

2009-11-14T13:40:00.001-08:00

Download now or listen on posterous

Italian_Mom_Losing_It.mp3.mp3 (2737 KB)

Posted via email from From the Mind of...VegasFran

Today is Cleaning day because tonight I start decorating for Christmas! :) Here's a pic from last year.

2009-11-14T12:18:00.001-08:00

Posted via email from From the Mind of...VegasFran

Untitled

2009-11-14T11:52:00.001-08:00

Today is house cleaning because I'm feelin the need to start decorating!

Posted via email from From the Mind of...VegasFran

Trying to regain what we lost as children...

2009-09-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Some days I wish there was a way to pick and choose things in life. Kinda like hand picking those things to relive...certain feelings...bring people back into your life who left...stuff like that. I wish there was a crystal ball to show you how things will end up based on certain decisions you made. A way to show how things could have been different if it would have played out the other way. I sit back and wonder how life would have been different if my father would have still been alive, or at least not died when I was so young. If my Gramps would have been around longer...how would my life have been if I wasn’t an only child. Would I have learned more about relationships? Would I know more about how to be me and let things go? Who knows.

Obviously we will never know those things but I have always been a "what if" kinda gal. Always wondering what will happen if this does, or what an outcome should or shouldn’t be. It gets pretty exhausting to be honest. Sometimes I wish I knew how to just live. Just say fuck it....who cares what others think...who cares what they say...but I’m not like that. I mean, for the most part I’m not a crowd follower, but I am a people pleaser...to a fault.

And since we are on the honest thing, I have become quite the bitch lately. I mean, I am not into the games...the idle talk to just be friends. I don’t wanna hear your bullshit and your lies. I think that the majority of people have become extremely fake to the point that with the exception of a few friends I grew up with...I have a very small social circle....that I trust! See that's the key...that I trust.

I don’t trust many people. I don’t open up, like really open up to many. Most of the time I keep it in. I notice that I cry a lot. I talk to myself and cry. Pretty pathetic I know...but one of my dogs will come over sensing that something is wrong and I sit there petting them wondering why humans can’t be more like dogs!

Why can’t people genuinely care for others regardless of how they look...how much money they have...etc? Why can’t humans forgive like dogs do? Ever notice how much they missed you when you get home, even if you yelled at them before you left? Ever notice that they are always willing to play ball, or snuggle on the sofa?

As I grow up I realize that it’s the very things that we either missed out on or feel we lost when we were young that we spend out adult lives fighting to get back. It doesn’t matter how old we get I believe that we all want the same things even if it’s in different forms.

And I’ve always realized that even as adults, when we can’t get those things we want and need...it throws us right back to those childhood feelings all over again...but worse. Worse because as an adult we feel the need to remain composed. We want to feel a part of something...and rejection hurts so much more as an adult because resilience is something I have come to accept diminishes with age.

List of Places to go on 4th of July in Las Vegas

2009-07-03T23:14:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July in Las Vegas is filled with great events. Listed below are only a few of what’s happening in Vegas this holiday weekend.

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Station Casinos 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Nine fireworks shows will go off simultaneously on the 4th of July from nine different Station Casinos’ properties throughout the valley including Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, neighboring properties Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho will be a shared location, Fiesta Henderson, Aliante Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station. Just look up in the sky and enjoy the sights and sounds of Independence Day!

ALL STATION CASINO PROPERTIES:
Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Texas Station/Fiesta Rancho Fiesta Henderson, Aliante Station, Santa Fe Station and Sunset Station.

11011 W Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89135
Phone Number (Local): (702) 797-7777
Phone Number (Toll-free): (866) 767-7773
Fax: (702) 797-7771
Jul 04, 2009
Show Time: Please call venues for times.

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Henderson’s Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
Celebrate Independence Day with great live entertainment on three different stages and the time honored traditional fireworks display. Musical performers include the Henderson Symphone Orchestra, country entertainer Randy Anderson and more. For the kids, families can enjoy a rock wall, dunk tank, bounce house and more. The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display from atop City Hall.

Henderson Events Plaza Southeast & Henderson Special Event Free admission
200 S Water St
Phone Number (Local): (702) 267-2171
Jul 04, 2009
Show Time: 6pm - 9pm

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Mystic Roots at Mandalay Bay (July 4)
Enjoy a Fourth of July concert ocean-side. That’s right. Mystic Roots is playing an outdoor concert by the sea at Mandalay Bay. Mystic Roots Band (MRB) is known for its original style of reggae, hip-hop and dance music with overtones of rock, funk and ska. Fireworks begin at 9pm; followed by the concert.

Special Event $20
Mandalay Beach
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas NV 89119
Phone Number (Local): (702) 632-7777
Phone Number (Toll-free): (877) 632-7000
Jul 04, 2009
Show Time: Please call venue for times.

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Summer of ‘69 At Fremont Street Experience (July 4th Weekend)
“American Pie 4th of July” commemorates Independence Day weekend from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5 and highlights Fremont Street Experience’s Viva Vision show, “Don McLean’s American Pie.” Headline concerts will feature Janis Joplin’s Original Band Big Brother & The Holding Company on Friday, July 3 and The Grass Roots on Saturday, July 4. The evening of the 4th of July will also showcase a brilliant virtual fireworks show on the Viva Vision canopy.

Fremont Street Experience Downtown Special Event Free
Phone Number (Local): (702) 678-5600
Jul 03, 2009 - Jul 05, 2009
Show Time: Please call venue for times.

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Beer Bash on the Bridge (July 4th Weekend)
It’s a weekend of fun at the Brooklyn Bridge in front of New York New York Hotel Casino. Enjoy unlimited beer and entertainment each day, all weekend long. Guests can expect special performances by Boogie Nights, The Spazmatics, and Phoenix.

3790 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas NV 89109
Phone Number (Local): (702) 740-6969
Phone Number (Toll-free): (800) 693-6763

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Eldorado Casino 4th of July Viewing Party
Don’t miss a spectacular view of the fireworks on 4th of July from the top of the Eldorado Parking Garage. The event will feature All-American food, drink and music!

140 Water St
Henderson NV 89015
Phone Number (Local): (702) 564-1811

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Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub 4th of July for Ladies
Fourth of July weekend will be rockin’ at The Rockhouse Bar & Nightclub. They will reward all ladies showing their patriotic spirit by wearing red on Friday, July 3, white on Saturday, July 4 and blue on Sunday, July 5 with complimentary drinks all night long. If that’s not enough, anyone who shows military ID will enjoy free admission and a complimentary first drink.

3535 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas NV 89109
Phone Number (Local): (702) 731-3311
Phone Number (Toll-free): (866) 523-2762

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Death Drop by Magician Steve Wyrick
At 8:30 p.m., members of the public are encouraged to head to the Miracle Mile Shops’ southern Las Vegas Boulevard entrance (by Hawaiian Tropic Zone) to witness a “Death Drop” escape performed by Daredevil Magician Steve Wyrick. Bennington, assisted by members of his new side project Dead by Sunrise, will lock and shackle Wyrick into one of the band’s equipment boxes. Connected to a crane by only a few thin ropes, the box will be dangled over a bed of 500 flaming spikes 80 feet below. The ropes will then be set on fire, forcing Wyrick to make his escape before the last rope breaks and sends him plummeting to a fiery death. Wyrick will have to jump 20 feet off a burning box to a safety rope and rappel down while avoiding the spikes and tremendous heat. This type of escape has never been attempted by an illusionist anywhere in the world.

Special Event FREE
Oustide by Hawaiian Tropic Zone Entrance
3667 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas NV 89109
Phone Number (Local): (702) 785-5555
Phone Number (Toll-free): (877) 333-9474
Jul 04, 2009
Show Time: 8:00pm

Front Row at Andrew Dice Clay

2009-07-03T22:03:00.000-07:00

So last night Mike and I had front row seats and back stage passes to see Andrew Dice Clay. We caught his show a couple months back when he was at the Palazzo and it was pretty good. This shwo was held at the Steve Warwick theater inside Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile Shops. Nice place!

The show started about half an hour late, but it was well worth the wait! Dice's kids have a band and did a few songs...they were pretty good as a matter of fact. His one son plays drums and he is excellent...and Mike and I got a laugh because he actually looks a lot like Mike's friend Kenny from back in NJ. His other son was the singer and plays guitar and he is pretty good too.

Dice came out in all black and a black leather shirt. He still carries his cigs and sucks on em and tosses 'em even though he isn’t smokin them. His skit started out with him zeroing in on a few audience members and he was hilarious...then he went into his bit about retards...and then onto names. He was half way through his skit about why would a parent name their kid "Dick" when some drunk lady stands up and starts screaming "DICE YOU AREN’T FUNNY". He had some fun with her before throwing her out and then realized that 2 skits later, she was yelling about the retard bit. He then says "hey lady relax, if I did half the shit I say I do in real life, Id be doin 20 right now".

I mean seriously, don’t you know who you are going to see? Getting offended at a Dice show for his routine is like goin to see Lisa Lampenelli and being shocked that she talks about black dick lol. I mean c'mon now...if you don’t like to hear it, don’t spend the money and go see it! lol

Anyway, the show continued and he actually did some hilarious impressions and then actually called his kids back on stage and sang some Elvis songs. I had no idea he was a good singer...but he really is! Oh and his John Travolta and Sammy Davis Jr. had us laughing til we couldn’t breathe!

The show finished up with his old school nursery rhymes and the crowd was finishing them as he said them. It was awesome!

After the show we got to go back stage and meet him and take a picture. I actually got a chance to talk with his manager and give him a business card...who knows maybe we will be doing some business with the Diceman in the future!

I absolutely love raw comedy, and the only thing that can top this show would be seeing Dice and Lisa Lampenelli together on stage! What a show that would be!

Heidi Fleiss and Dennis Hof to Marry?

2009-06-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations?!

Heidi Fleiss, who is best known as the country’s most infamous (retired) madam, is reportedly going to marry Dennis Hof, who owns Nevada’s Moonlite Bunny Ranch and who has been nicknamed as the Brothel King. Hof is most known for the HBO series, Cathouse.

The Bunny Ranch is the world’s most well known brothel, and, in her heyday, Fleiss was considered one of the sex trade’s most brilliant businesswomen who in her own admissions claims to have serviced Charlie Sheen and Jim Belushi back in the day. Most recently, Fleiss was on a reality show that she says made her become straight and sober.

If this marriage-to-be is true, it’s my opinion that it is more of a publicity stunt or business transaction rather than a decision made of true love.

12 Year Reunion

2009-06-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

The last time I saw Katy was 12 years ago. Now we have kept in sporadic contact via email and phone calls, but it was nothing like it was when we were growing up together.

I was an only child, and Katy came from a family of 3 brothers and 2 sisters, of which she is the youngest. Each sibling married and had a least 2 children. Needless to say, even the smallest of family get together’s at her house were a minimum of 30 people. I was always jealous of that. I remember thinking how totally awesome it was to have such a close tight knit family.

When growing up, Katy and I spent a lot of time together. See my father and her parents went to grammar school and high school together. When the adult would go out, I would go over to their house for the night. Weekends, family vacations, birthdays etc, it was as if I was a part of their family. I even grew up calling her parents Aunt and Uncle.

I smoked my first cig with her, (one of her Dad's Pall Malls) lol. I remember being fascinated with her (I am 3 years younger than Katy) and wanting to emulate everything she did. She would wear heels and makeup, then I wanted to wear heels and makeup.

Over the years, especially after my father died in '88, I took things to the extreme. I tried growing up too fast, did stuff that no person should ever do, let alone a child, and started to drift away. I got married at 22, divorced at 25, moved to NJ at 26 and started a whole new life.

When I heard from Katy that she was coming to Vegas, I was sooo excited I could hardly stand it. When so many things have left my life, and changed over the years, Katy has always been a staple. She’s kind of like the rock I can always lean on and the friend who is always straight with me no matter what, good bad or indifferent. Mixed with the excitement was some fear. What if I changed and it would be one of those awkward reunions? Oh man, I so didn’t want it to me like that, not with Katy.

So Tuesday night, Katy called me up to see what I was doing. Now every Tuesday night is what we have nicknamed “Tata Tuesdays” and we go to Little Darlings, which is a local strip club here in Vegas. Katy without missing a beat said to me, "I always knew if I was going to do something new and outrageous and take a chance getting in trouble, it was always with you" lol

We had a blast! We went to Tata Tuesdays and I joked that even at our old age it was nice to being able to still do "firsts" together lol. We went to our store at Carnaval Court and took pics on the bike, and we also went to dinner and talked and reminisced. I was so happy to see her and Mike get along so well. It was kinda like him meeting part of the family, and them getting along was important to me.

I had no idea how much I missed her and how desperately I needed to connect with something or someone from my past. I realized something really important by seeing Katy...its ok to reinvent yourself, its ok to make new starts, but never forget where you come from or the things and people who have sculpted you into who you are today. Without these key pieces from your past, you would not be who you are today.

The goodbye was bitter sweet, I didnt want to see her go and have to admit I got teary eyed, but we have plans to stop and see Katy in August on our road trip back to Vegas from NJ.

Authentic Chicago food in Vegas??? Oh yea!!!!

2009-06-08T21:18:00.001-07:00

Born and raised in Chicago, I grew up on beef sandwiches, stuffed pizza, good sausage, and breaded steak sandwiches. Having lived out of the city since 2000, I have longed for those comfort foods that reminded me of days gone by.

NJ has italian hot dogs, huge sliced pizza pies...but nothing I was familiar with. Las Vegas has many places that claim to be authentic, whether it is NYC pizza, or Chicago beef sandwiches. To spite the many places we have tried, and although some with very tasty food, none compare to the originals....until now!

About a month or so ago, Mike and I were driving home from an appointment when we decided to stop for some food. Mike noticed this place on Durango between Flamingo and Twain that said TASTE OF CHICAGO in the window. He knew he'd regret it, but still (purely out of love I am sure) pointed it out to me.

When entering the place, I was immediately warmed by the Chicago based memorabilia covered walls. I found the Las Vegas decorated tables were a nice marriage between the two. Rosemary was our waitress. Ask for her if you go - she's awesome!

She handed us the menus and I thought I was back in my hometown. They had it all! cannoli, breaded steak sandwiches, beef sandwiches, combos, cheesy combos, stuffed pizza, thin crust pizza (cut into squares of course) , green river soda, cheesecake, everything! And they make it all right there...from the sausage to the cannoli!

The food is fantastic...and the beef compares to Johnny's on North Avenue. I have yet to try the ribs, but I think they will give Carson's a run for the money! Took my Mom here for her annual Mother’s day excursion to Vegas and she still jokes about having to travel to Vegas for good Chicago food.

It has become a weekly event of ours to either go or order from there, and although my thighs may not appreciate this magnificent find...my taste buds definitely do!

July 8th 2009 Twitterscope

2009-06-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 8, 2009

Anything you keep to yourself now can carry even more weight than something you reveal. But this is not a call to tell everything to everybody; there are many things that are best left unsaid. Just think through your own motives for sharing and then choose the best time to talk. If you have a purpose for expressing what's in your heart, then your current communication will ideally bring an important feeling into the open.

Studio 39 Famous Rides

2009-06-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Studio 39 is a retail video production studio that utilizes video special effects and computerized motion control to produce personalized DVD movies where the general public take a scenic tour of Las Vegas. It takes only a few minutes and is the most fun you will have on any vacation or day on the town. Our Famous Rides has been featured on America's Funniest Home Videos as well as the Travel Channel.Experience this exciting ride for free at any of our locations. Watch your movie before deciding if you want to purchase your movie and photos. Take your movie debut home to enjoy with family & friends over and over again. Currently we feature our Famous Vegas Carpet ride at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, and our Famous Vegas Bike Ride at Harrah's Carnaval Court.

Our signature production is a hilarious magic carpet ride located inside of the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Here, customers ride on a motion stage and combined with computerized camera movements we produce three-minute DVD of them superimposed onto a moving video background that makes them look like they are flying a magic carpet over Las Vegas.

We also have the Famous Vegas Bike Ride at Harrah’s Carnaval Court. This movie simulates stealing a motorcycle from Elvis, getting in a high speed chace throughout Las Vegas while being chased by the police.

Our customers have shown us that humor and interaction with the video is the key to our successful production. We follow this motto at all of our locations.

The custom movie package is available with 5 X 7 framed portraits as well as wallets and key chains and is available to take with them immediately.

Interested in have a studio near you? Click HERE to get our franchise information sheet. You can email the required info or fax it to the number on the form.

TONIGHT'S DINNER: Grilled coconut/sesame/teriyaki filet mignon steaks

2009-06-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

Grilled coconut/sesame/teriyaki filet mignon steaks, steamed broccoli & corn on the cob-even grilled pineapple slices-I have to say that it was delicious!

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I wrapped the corn in foil with some butter and placed on the grill's top rack.

I had a sesame teriyaki jar glaze and I poured half of it into a gallon ziploc, added the steaks and made sure they were fully coated, and then sprinkled some shredded coconut on top of the steaks and let sit for an hour.

I had some pineapple slices that I also poured about 3tbl spoons of glaze on and also sprinkled some coconut on.

I got a cake pan and filled the bottom with some water and orange juice and then put a strainer on top with the broccoli crowns...sprikled with lemon pepper and then foiled the top. Put on the grill for about 25 mins until tender.

I grilled the steaks untl medium, and toook them off the grllto settle.

Next came off the broccoli.

Then I lowered the corn and added the pineapple slices.

The pineapple only takes a flash..just long enough on each side to get the grill marks.

I took the pineapple off at the same time as the corn.

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OMG it was SOOOOOOOO delicious! I love grilling and have to say that I come up with the best marinades! :)

Hope you try it out sometime...if you do, let me know what you think!

2 yr. old Dolphin dies at Mirage

2009-06-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

2 yr.old dolphin, Sgt. Pepper died at Mirage's Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. I remember when he was born and going to see him. He died due to complications of a lung infection. You can read the full artcle as posted by the Las Vegas Sun by clicking this posts title.

I am a huge dolphin lover and dream of swimming with them one day. I think that they are so peaceful. I can remember the first timeI ever saw a dolphin. My Mom took me to Florida for my 8th grade graduation. We went to Disney and to Sea World. I remember when we were at Sea World, all I wanted to do was sit at the dolphin pool and watch them. Same thing when I went back to Sea World in 1999. I sat there for hours! As a matter of fact, the only time I left the tank was when my Momand Step-Dad said they were going to the dolphin show! lol So needless to say, when we movedto Vegas, and I found out about the dolphin habitat, I go as often as possible.

Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat currently has 5 dolphins, including 9 month old Bella.

I took picture posted above while at the habitat back in 2007 when we took my Mom there for her first Vegas visit.

Chicago loses historic family spot

2009-06-04T23:00:00.000-07:00

CLICK ABOVE TO WATCH THE ORIGINAL KIDDIELAND COMMERCIAL FROM 1986

At the end of this summer's season, Kiddieland will close for good. You can read the details by clicking the blog title.

Personally, I am not concerned with the details. I am concerned with the memories kids and families are going to be missing out on once Kiddieland closes. When I first heard this, I actually had tears coming down my face. My Grandpa (my Mom's dad) who passed away when I was 19, would take me here all the time in the summers. There were certain things in my childhood that presented certain obstacles, some of which were emotionally damaging. My grandfather was like a knight in chining armor. He always knew when I needed an escape. Being an only child, I had a rough time making friends...true friends. I never realized that you could get into a fight with someone and then makeup. I didn’t have siblings who picked on me or who fought with me, so when I fought with a friend or when something happened that made me uncomfortable, I moved on. If I wasn’t moving on...I was changing my likes or dislikes to be the same as the friends I was with. I thought this would eliminate the icky feelings of disagreeing, and thus make the friendship last longer...well I’m sure you can imagine how that turned out. lol

I, however, never had to worry about being anyone, or doing anything, except having fun when I was with my Grandpa. He would pick me up early around 9am and off we would go to Kiddieland. I was lucky enough to live only 2 miles away which was a good thing because I don’t think I could have stood a minute longer car ride!

Once I went through the turnstile, all my cares, all my problems, everything was left at the gate. I can remember like it was yesterday riding the train all around with him...getting sick on the tilt-a-whirl...OH that green octopus looking ride thingy...that was always fun! This is where I rode my first roller coaster. I swear Id wait in line, do the coaster, get off, get back in line and do this at least 5-7 times before he would pull me away by the hand and tell me the other rides needed some attention too! I remember driving the old cars and thinking I was actually driving on my own. Ohhhh and the bumper cars were one of my favorites! When I was in that park I never had a care in the world...everything was smiles and cotton candy!

WOW, I can’t believe how sad I am by this...my eyes are filling with tears as I type. Kiddieland is one of the best memories that I have with my Grandfather...I loved being there with him. My grandfather passed away when I was 19 years old. This was especially hard for me because after my father's death only a few years earlier, he became even more prominent in my life. Sometimes going to a place where memories were made, can ease the pain even if the person who you made the memories with is long around. As irrational as it may sound, but seeing this place that is filled with so many memories, almost feels like I'm losing him all over again.

It is just so sad to me.

During times like these, we need places that bring families together, where everyday worries can be forgotten even if only for a day. I hope that this will pass like it has in the past and this landmark will remain in our city for years to come!

My Twittascope: Aquarius: Thursday, June 4, 2009

2009-06-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

You are very loyal, especially when it comes to defending the underdog. Your sympathies extend to those who are sick, disenfranchised or spiritually adrift. However, you are so charged up by your beliefs that even your co-workers can receive an extra boost of energy from you today. Don't be afraid to take a stand on an issue that's important to you, for your actions can impact more people than you realize.

Who is VegasFran

2009-06-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have always been an outspoken person...if I think it, I tend to say it. I started this website as a way to express myself. It consists of my random thoughts, ideas, reactions, rants, and opinions. I make no apologies for what I write in my blog. Often my views are funny, occasionally I am sarcastic, sometimes my writings are heartfelt...but one thing you can always count on is 100% honesty 100% of the time. I speak on what I believe in and stand behind my convictions. I have lived an interesting life and still feel that I am experiencing new things daily. I welcome you inside my mind...you may like my views, you may despise them. Either way...I invite your comments on my blog whether in agreement or debate. My mind is often a scary place to be, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

BRIEF HISTORY:

I was born on January 24, 1973 & raised in Chicago, Illinois. I am an only child. My Father passed away when I was 15 and my Mother lives in Illinois. I am common-law married. His name is Mike and we have been together for 9 years. We have 2 dogs, Bella (Golden Retriever mix) and Rocco (a pure bred German Shepherd).

In November of 2000, we moved to the Jersey Shore, (where he is originally from) so he could be closer to his family. In the 6 years I lived in NJ, I worked a few office jobs but first and foremost worked as a Realtor specializing in 1st time homebuyers. After the house market started to crash in 2006, we were ready for a change, so we decided to move to Las Vegas!

Here in Vegas, we both work for the same company which I recently 100% ownership of, in addition to having a side business/hobby that we have operated together since 2004. I love clubs and hanging out with the friends...and of course spending time with Mike and the dogs. I'm up for pretty much anything that will give me a good laugh or that sounds like fun.

I hope that you come back often and post your thoughts as often as you like.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Obama Rant

2009-06-04T02:32:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion that there are 2 types of people currently in the world...
#1 Those who feel that Obama is the new Christ
#2 Those who feel that Obama is the Anti-Christ

Personally, I have never been a fan. Recently I think I am heading the committee of ObamaHaters. Below is a letter that I sent out to every news venue I could find an email address for.

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My name is Fran and I am part owner of a retail company in Las Vegas that relies 98% on tourism for our income. We produce a 2 minute DVD where customers can “Star in their own movie” depicting them all around Las Vegas either on a “Magic Carpet” or on a Motorcycle.

Our company is down 61% this month, 54% last month, and 32% in March immediately following what was a record breaking Jan & Feb. To what do I attribute this downslide? I understand that some blame lies on the economy; however, we were in a recession in January and Feb. I ask myself, what changed in Feb to cause this? My answer? OBAMA!

Our President made his comment about this not being the time to go to Las Vegas. Yes, I fully understand that this comment was geared towards companies who received Gov bailout monies; however, I believe that the public as well as hundreds of companies took this quite literally! This town has lost 400+ conventions and hotel occupancy is down 86% since his comments. Immediately following his comments, 30,000 hotel room nights booked for conferences have been canceled at an estimated loss of $20 million to the city, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Some of those rooms were reserved for a Goldman Sachs technology conference, which moved to San Francisco, a city with even pricier hotel rooms and higher average airfares and even included a $600,000 cancellation fee. The figures do not include over 17,000 people who were expected to attend a State Farm agents’ convention this October, leaving over 11k rooms open. That conference was canceled days after the President’s comments. Another conference cancellation came from the Automotive Market Research Council, which was supposed to meet at the Planet Hollywood resort in March. Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar Goodman insists that they have heard from companies who said Mr. Obama’s remarks scared them away. Mr. Goodman has written to the President, requesting an apology, or at least a clarification of this comments. NV Governor Gibbons sent many a request to meet with the President during his stay these past few days and was blatantly told no. Governor Gibbons turned down the White House’s invitation to greet President Obama at the airport when he arrived in Vegas yesterday….gee I wonder why! In Las Vegas alone, there are more than 22,000 meetings annually that directly sustain about 43,000 jobs and generate an estimated $8.5 billion for the local economy.

Why is it that the President can criticize how companies spend bailout money when he shows complete disregard to how he spends our money! My opinion is this…Las Vegas is the city of lights. A place where most come and feel lucky, invincible, motivated. What better atmosphere to conduct corporate retreats, meetings and such. Who is he to determine what will motivate employees to increase the bottom line…isn’t that why we gave the bailout money? Wasn’t it for them to use and save the business and get out of debt and begin creating profits and make money so American’s didn’t lose their jobs? As I remember $170 million was spent on Barack Obama's inauguration and when he was questioned on the dollar amount, his reply was…AMERICA NEEDED A BIG PARTY! A big party? Are you kidding me?!?!? What a hypocrite! What about the money spent to “take a ride” around the Statue of Liberty? How about the money he spent to fly out to Las Vegas to help raise money and campaign for Harry Reid???

Speaking of his flight to Las Vegas, They shut down the entire strip when his plane landed! SHUT DOWN THE STRIP!!!! No public transportation, no vehicles, nothing. Thank you Mr. President for once again taking money away from my stores. Now that you are in my state, where is our Apology for what you said? Where is the retraction, the correction, the damage control for ruining tourism here? Does he have any idea how many jobs are in jeopardy? Does he not understand the benefits Las Vegas offers? As for the strip being closed...it makes no sense to me at all...over the strip is a no fly zone anyway, and McCarran is south of the strip so closing the entire strip for close to 4 hours was uncalled for! He is hurting small businesses day after day.

I’d also like to say that I have zero confidence in his overseas ability. He apologizes for American's, refers to us as arrogant to other nations, bows to the King of Saudi Arabia (which an American President has NEVER done) Never have we shown inferiority towards any leader, let alone one who is not an ally.

Allow me to apologize for our arrogance, but first please let me point out the following:

1. The American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne, France. A total of 2289 of our military dead.
2. The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium. A total of 5329 of our dead.
3. The American Cemetery at Brittany, France. A total of 4410 of our military dead.
4. Brookwood, England American Cemetery. A total of 468 of our dead.
5. Cambridge, England. 3812 of our military dead.
6. Epical, France American Cemetery. A total of 5525 of our Military dead.
7. Flanders Field, Belgium. A total of 368 of our military.
8. Florence, Italy. A total of 4402 of our military dead.
9. Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. A total of 7992 of our military dead.
10. Lorraine, France. A total of 10,489 of our military dead.
11. Luxembourg, Luxembourg. A total of 5076 of our military dead.
12. Meuse-Argonne. A total of 14246 of our military dead.
13. Netherlands, Netherlands. A total of 8301 of our military dead.
14. Normandy, France. A total of 9387 of our military dead.
15. Oise-Aisne, France. A total of 6012 of our military dead.
16. Rhone, France. A total of 861 of our military dead.
17. Sicily, Italy. A total of 7861 of our military dead.
18. Somme, France. A total of 1844 of our military dead.
19. St. Mihiel, France. A total of 4153 of our military dead.
20. Suresnes, France. A total of 1541 of our military dead.

IF I ADDED CORRECTLY, THAT COUNT IS 104,366! Why doesn’t he fix US soil and forget about bowing to King Abdullah…or speaking to Muslims in Egypt on June 3rd…or inviting Palestinians to our home?? He apologizes to foreigners about America's arrogance...when we have saved them repeatedly, yet he continues to make off the cuff remarks that tear down the economy even more on his own soil. Does nobody remember 9/11? Whose side is he on anyway?

I just don’t trust the guy...I don’t support him and I don’t like so much of what I read and hear. I think with the crisis situations we are in now; overlooking details could be detrimental in the long run! HE IS A HYPOCRITE, A PHONEY, A LOOSE CANNON AND WE ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE WITH THIS GUY IN CHARGE! America needs to wake up and remember…Even Hitler was elected!

I thank you for taking the time to hear my rant and invite any feedback or comments you might have on my views.

Sincerely,
Fran