This story, for me, begins with a text message on my iphone that read “Michael Jackson has passed away,” which I received thirty minutes before other media sources. I decided not to break the story. It’s just not the type of blogging I personally aspire to.

After several days of friends and readers asking me to write something about the death of Michael Jackson, I acquiesced and did so. I chose to define the thru line that the media would take, given the enormous amounts of money that would inevitably be at stake. I said that the King of Pop’s personal life would be faded and his music both rediscovered and celebrated. Good business and frankly the preference of the public.

As I sat in Jerry Olivarez’s beautiful suite on the 32^nd floor of the Palms Hotel’s Fantasy Tower, Michael Jackson “This Is It” was the furthest thing from my mind. Jerry is the Executive Director of PR for Brenden Theatres and I was there to discuss blogsincity business. But as things go Jerry, Joe and I began to discuss the premiere of  “This Is It”, which was being held at the Brenden Theatre just off the casino in the Palms. Because this particular theatre is home base to Johnny Brenden himself it is by definition the company’s flagship. And although it had nothing to do with what I was there to discuss I accepted Jerry’ s gracious offer to attend the premiere.

The event began as anyone would expect, there was lots of press on hand to witness—Johnny Brenden presenting Joe Jackson with a star on the Brenden Theatre walk of fame. And while Johnny himself could be a Vegas reality show, which I’d gladly produce, this blog really takes a turn in a different direction—the movie.

AEG who put up the money for the “This Is It” tour and myself have butted heads on a couple of issues regarding their LA Live project in Los Angeles in the past. The fact that they sold the rehearsal footage to be used for the movie to Sony for sixty million dollars, well added to my discomfort given AEG’s claim of having no financial interest in holding a Michael Jackson funeral event at Staple’s Center. But all of that being said it’s a great thing that Kenny Ortega was given the opportunity to put the footage together into “This Is It” because it answers a lot of questions.

The media, especially Fox and CNN owe an apology to all of their viewers for getting their facts so wrong. Both reported that the tour wasn’t going to happen as promised and on Fox they stated that a choreographer hadn’t been hired and so on and so on.

What “This Is It” absolutely makes clear is that Michael Jackson and company were completely ready to put on a show, and not only a show, but what would have been the most incredible concert experience to date. Mind this fact, I’ve produced a few shows considered to have moved the bar, I’m saying this as a professional—I’ve never seen anything on the level of what Michael and Kenny were going to pull off.

Also, what “This Is It” makes absolutely clear is that Michael Jackson was at that the height of his powers. This isn’t a story that can be compared to the last years of Elvis, Michael appeared to be absolutely at the top of his game. Media asked what he still had left in the tank at 50-years-old, the movie is definitive—more than all of the great talent, which surrounded him. As he rehearsed at half speed to conserve his energy, he still was absolutely in step with dancers half his age. When he was feeling it on one occasion and decided to sing all out—he never sounded better.

Because his personal life and the tragedy of his death have been so reported on, his musical genius had faded from the front of most of our thoughts. “This Is It” changes that. As Michael tells the best musicians in the world how he wants every note played and in one routine tells Kenny that he doesn’t need to be cued—he’ll just feel it…Chilling. And at this point something else comes across, the Michael Jackson “Peter Pan” nonsense that was always being sold to the media, and I’ve always rejected as nonsense—was indeed nonsense. Michael Jackson as demonstrated in “This Is It” was in absolute control and his personality was forceful to the point of being dominant.

So as I watched this movie a sense of profound loss crept over me and my usually cheerful Vegas mood vanished. “The world and all of us who inhabit it have been deprived of something great,” I thought to myself. I thought of all of the books, movies, and shows I myself still want to give…

“Michael, well a lot of people around the world liked Michael, I just happened to be his dad,” said an emotional Joe Jackson as I spoke to Don King, whom I hadn’t seen for years. It was good to see Don, he always makes me smile. I don’t know Joe Jackson, but I’m pretty good at reading people and I can tell you this, he’s nothing like he’s portrayed in the media. Yeah, I can imagine him being pretty tough, but he wanted his kids to have a better life than he had and he saw that they had the talent so he did what he had to. I can’t imagine what it was like being poor and black in pre civil rights America. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to spend some time with Joe while I’m in Vegas…Interviews don’t interest me all that much, but when I feel the story has been told wrong, I think it’s important to make things right.

The after party was at moon on top of the Palms Fantasy Tower—I wasn’t in the mood to party and even Maria, a girl I had sex with in a club a night earlier unexpectedly showing up and throwing her arms around my neck couldn’t shake off the effect of the movie. I’ll tell you about the sex in the club later. I tried to talk to Johnny Brenden, and I hope he doesn’t mind me saying this, but like me I think he was too moved by the film to really want to get into a discussion about it. Johnny and Michael had a close relationship.

2:00 a.m. I decided to call it an early night, I didn’t even take Maria home with me. And then as I drove up Flamingo my phone rang Jessie “James Super VIP Host” was on the line. Jessie, knows I’m sensitive so he figured I’d be in a state after the movie.

“I’m at Red Rock with Alicia we’re decorating Cherry for Halloween. Come by and have a drink or two or three or…”

“I’m on my way.”

It would have been a normal drive, but since getting bit by the zombie girl I had sex with in the bathroom at Mickie Finnz I’d been feeling weird—like I can see all of the veins in my arms and I’m cold all of the time weird.

“Come on people can’t really turn into a zombies,” I said out loud to myself.

“Sure they can,” said Howard Hughes, the ghost of whom was now sitting next to me in my car.

“Please go away. I’m okay with being a delusional writer, but this is even too bizarre for me.”

“You had sex with a zombie and now you don’t believe in ghosts?”

“I didn’t say that…Have you had sex with a zombie by the way?”

He smiled a ghoulish knowing grin. “There’s no vagina like zombie vagina.”

“Is that what happened to you?” I asked terrified.

“Don’t worry son, you can save yourself, but you have to act before it’s too late.”

“What should I do?”

“You need to seduce a married woman.”

“Oh boy, that’s not my thing.”

“And she must be a midget,” he added.

“What? I have to have sex with a married midget or I’m going to turn into a zombie.”

He nodded. And we drove the rest of the way to Red Rock in silence…I was going to need Jessie “James Super VIP Host” Gibson’s help for sure.

NWA and Vanilla Ice will be at ROK Vegas on Labor day weekend.

Prive’ …a Las Vegas Pheonix? After the removal of Key management employees Greg Jarmolowich and Frank Tucker, by department of business license director Jacqueline Holloway and managing partner Justin Levine stepped down and transferred his assets to Opium Group honcho Roman Jones Prive’ Nightclub may just be making a comeback. The venue has been renamed Privé Vegas Investors, LLC. Levine and Jarmolowich have since been spotted together in Miami, possibly working on a new project, the purchase and revamping of Cameo nightclub; a reps says “Opium Group has not confirmed purchase of Cameo.” Greg Jarmolowich was the primary whistle blower in the Pure Nightclub IRS scandal a few years ago sending  sealed letter out to the IRS after a heated disagreement with one of the owners. This latest development in Prive’ Nightclubs short history takes them back to the beginning and allows them the opportunity to start over fresh. With a current temporary liquor license the lights could be back on at Privé in a matter of weeks.

Of course AEG denies Geraldo’s allegations…And I know for a fact that AEG President Tim Leiweke has said that this story is going away today—I assume he’s pulling some of those power strings AEG has paid for or threatening Fox with legal action; take your pick. But what everyone has to be asking right now is why did this very same person said that AEG had no financial interest in Michael Jackson’s funeral event held at Staple’s Center? This lack of financial interest is how Mr. Leiweke justified sticking the city with a 1.4 million dollar bill for event related city services. Trying to dissuade ticket holders from cashing in 50 million dollars worth of tickets + 17 million in insurance money (according to Geraldo) + 60 million dollar movie deal = 127 million dollars of financial interest, if Rivera is right.

So, I’ve gone after AEG for a number of issues ranging from taking 300 million in tax credits from the public and not giving the community of Los Angeles the events in the public space it promised to being a bad corporate citizen to being in the blogging business and not properly disclosing the obvious conflict of interest when making Tammy Billings the director of marketing for LA Live also the LA Live Examiner. But turning an enormous profit on the apparent murder of Michael Jackson? I write a pretty good novel every now and then and even I couldn’t dream this one up.

I hate the corrupt corporate culture that AEG has brought Los Angeles. They’ve taken tax credits, involved themselves in city politics, brought nothing but outsiders to manage a project meant to vacuum money back to the Big Boss Phil Anschutz in Denver—and now everyone in Los Angeles has to suffer through the embarrassment of a report that accuses AEG of being in some way responsible for the death of Michael Jackson.

In the first blog I wrote critical of AEG LA Live I made it clear that I had been a supporter of the project and had hoped to have a business relationship with the project that would allow independent blogging 24 / 7 – this did not happen. And I went on to say that putting downtownster / blogsincity’s own financial interest aside it was a very bad business decision by AEG not to have a media presence that demanded transparency and couldn’t be bought—a bad business decision and a major red flag. However, when I consider all of the aforementioned, I’ve met and spoken to Tim Leiwke on several occasions and I can’t imagine AEG / his involvement in this Michael Jackson fiasco being anything close to Geraldo Rivera’s sensational allegations; and they are allegations even if couched in innuendo.

Even I, AEG’s harshest critic, can’t get on board with the report I watched last weekend. But I’ve been calling AEG out for months and they should have been listening. Tim Leiweke and gang need to seriously rethink how they do business and what their responsibilities are to the local community. That includes not getting involved in situations that are so murky Geraldo comes to town.

Twenty years ago the rag known as the LA Times did a hit job on me. So make no mistake about it, I know what a hit job is and downtownster / blogsincity will never be involved in this kind of storytelling. But because downtownster / blogsincity has never been given the access we’ve asked for I cannot defend LA Live from what’s being alleged, but I can say this—Geraldo Rivera and the Jackson Family need to clarify their allegations and put some real proof on the table.

And then let the chips fall where they may.

The Gaming Nazis are at it again dropping heavy fines on the Sapphire Pool venue.

They have also denied Prive’ Nightclub its appeal.

With all the fear going on Caesars Palace has decided not to renew Poetry Nightclub’s lease.

I think this is all just the beginning of a whole lot of can’t do’s in Las Vegas. You can’t get a lap dance in a nightclub even if it is your own wife. All drug issues are a code blue in the clubs and “suspects” are turned over to Metro. Code reds are any form of prostitution related solicitation and are turned over to Metro. There are a group of covert agents called SCAM who assess the clubs undercover.

Security hosts can no longer tell clients at a table that they will ask a group of hot girls over to the table for them because it borders on solicitation. Patrons can no longer unbutton their shirts and girls can’t expose themselves in anyway. And worst of all…all the clubs are worried that the gaming “boggieman” is going to get them so they are all acting out in too many ways to describe in a local news piece.  But fear does terrible things to the industry and I’m afraid we’re all going to pay the price.

Hopefully this will all just go away, but the word on the street is that it may just be the start of a whole lot of regulations handed down from both the Feds and State.

Happy Partying,

Sir Heath

I just don’t believe we should allow our city to be turned into something other than what it was meant to be—a playground for adults!

We all know about Las Vegas’ most popular attractions: the fountains of the Balagio, Caesars Palace, The Gondolas at the Venetian, but what I am looking for is a real experience. Places nobody really knows about, but are too good to pass up. Like Indiana Jones, I venture forth trusting in my instincts and local guides to find those unique treasure spots the make for lasting memories.

First and foremost, I am a big man. I enjoy a good meal and I can think of no better place to start than the Steak-out at 4800 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. Quite possibly the best Philly Cheese Steak sandwich inVegas with a side of breaded mushrooms or their babyback ribs that melt right off the bone. This little pub offers a great atmosphere, to die for food, and an upstairs pool hall with a couple of tables.

What’s a great meal without a great smoke…and for this there is only ONE place! Don Vicente’s Cigar Shop located at 624 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV. It just doesn’t get any better folks. Real hand rolled cigars, occasionally traditional Cuban musicians, real Cuban coffee and a whole lot of attitude and atmosphere without breaking the bank. This is truly my second home and secret getaway. You really never know who you will bump in to, from Bestselling Author Stan Lerner to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman to the average Joe. They are all at Don Vicente’s.

 I really do enjoy fine works of art. I have always enjoyed and worn traditional Native American jewelry. After all it is part of my heritage. Native American Jewelry is a part of the Las Vegas experience. I often see tourists frequenting the little souvenir shops spread along the Las Vegas Strip. There is one place though that you just must not miss and that is the Turquoise Chief located at 1616 Las Vegas Blvd Suite 140, Las Vegas NV. Rob, a long time friend, is the owner and operator. A master silversmith and trader, Rob makes you think you are back in the olden trader shops of the pioneer days from the time you walk in. Slow of speech with enough character for ten men, Rob and his store are an experience you just can’t pass up. Best of all is his professional motto, “If you can dream it then I’ll build it for you,” and he can!

On to a little evening meal and it’s UK night. The Crown and Anchor located at 1350 E. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas NV serves up all your traditional UK favorites. Listed as one of the top ten restaurants in Vegas it is a little piece of home if you’re from the UK.  Regular UK sporting events abound such as football (soccer) and rugby, it is one of the few places in town where you can watch a game, drink imported drinks from the UK and have a traditional meal.

I hope I have wetted your appetite to get out there and explore your own little neighborhood for those unique little treasures that make for lifelong experiences. I will be bringing you more form off the beaten path in Las Vegas in future blogs.

Goodnight and good living!

The story begins with a call from my life long friend Fat Andy. “You’re coming this weekend?”

“I don’t have reservations anywhere,” I replied, feeling a little sorry for myself.

“Stay at Dave The Jew’s,” suggested Andy.

“I don’t know…” Dave is a bad influence on me. And I thought I recalled him mentioning that five or ten attractive young ladies were going to be staying at the house for the weekend…Not easy to explain to my girlfriend.

“Come on.”

“Okay…I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

THE NEXT DAY

I pulled up to Dave The Jew’s sprawling single story—I’ve stayed there so many times, it actually feels like home. Fat Andy greeted me at the door and with the help of a couple of servants that Dave apparently traded an ipod for, I was settled in—in no time.

“My boy!” shouted Dave upon entering the living room. “Let’s go smoke some cigars.”

I nodded toward the sliding glass windows, thinking that we’d be smoking poolside.

“No…we’re going to Don Vicente’s,” insisted Dave before I could get a word out.

“Is he related to Gambino?” I asked.

“Not that kind of Don. He opened a cigar factory on Las Vegas Blvd.—Downtown.” You’re going to love this place. It’s the best cigar for the money I’ve ever had and I’ve smoked the best.”

Now Dave The Jew may not work much, but when it comes to the finer things in life, he knows what he’s talking about.

We hopped into the SL and headed for the Strip.

When you walk into Don Vicente’s Cigar Co., a quaint storefront on the Strip, the first thing you will notice is that there are several Cuban fellows off to the left rolling cigars. The Don sits at his own counter a few feet beyond. To the right is comfortable seating filled with some of the most interesting people you will ever meet—all there to smoke the Don’s handcrafted to perfection cigars.

Are you getting the sense that I like this place?

Dave The Jew made the appropriate introduction. And a minute later there was a Torpedo, cut, and in my hand.

“I don’t use a torch,” I said, rejecting the light Dave was offering. Call me old fashioned, but frankly I’m afraid that given my fondness for libations that I may burn my face off by accident.

Don Vicente smiled and reached into the case in front of him. He handed me a nice lighter. “My gift to you…You like old flame…”

“I do…” I think that he liked this about me.

Dave The Jew and I took our seats and joined the conversation. By the way, this is when and where I met Sir Heath Burkhalter, but that’s another story.

“I hope there’s no liberals here,” said Dave The Jew.

“Do I look like a liberal?” Sir Heath.

“I can’t wait to pay higher taxes.” Phil sarcastically.

“I’m thinking of leaving the country.” Steve. Everyone kind of agreed on this one.

And so on…Then the conversation drifted to nuclear power…One of the Cubans made the bunch of us Cuban espresso served in demi-tasse cups. This is what inspired my 45-degree, slow pull espresso, which I allude to in my blog Special Guest Barista…And I recommend trying when I’m appearing at Hygge (1106 Hope, Downtown LA).

Don Vicente handed Dave a Churchill to hand to me. I lighted it with my new lighter. Like the Torpedo it was rich and smooth AND PACKED A PUNCH. I had doubts about being able to get off of the couch. I should mention that the draw, meaning the ease with which the smoke is pulled through the leaves into the mouth, was the easiest I’ve ever experienced. This is what separates a great cigar from a good cigar—the draw.

Four hours of smoking later Dave The Jew and I reluctantly departed. But I promised everyone that I would be back on Monday. And I promised myself that I’d be back every day that I was in Vegas.

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” True. But I recommend stopping by the factory and picking up a few boxes to go—

Nightclub and night venues inside casinos are joint ventures. In this joint venture both are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of guests. Tao Nightclub for example: employs Medic West to see any nightclub client that may have had too much to drink. All nightclubs require their staff to have alcohol awareness cards and Pure Nightclub takes this precaution a step further with regular alcohol seminars for its staff. As a Nightclub Security Host, I know the importance of not just dumping off clients into the casino. At New York New York we work closely with hotel security staff and onsite Las Vegas Metro Officers.

As far as sexual assault…well there is just no excuse for this in any type of venue whatsoever. ROK Vegas, Pure, Tao and several other venues employ both male and female security staff to deal with such issues.

As for employing people with criminal records…this is nobody’s business, but the owner of the nightclub. Security is not law enforcement. We do not work with children and in some cases, Clark County and Nevada regulatory organizations just need to mind their own business and stop trying to get a “piece of the pie.”

As far as assault, there is a right way and a wrong way to extract “problem” patrons from a venue. The trouble is, every patron that creates a ruckus and gets ejected thinks they were assaulted. Several weeks ago we had to restrain a violent patron and escort him from the venue where I work. He was released to Las Vegas Metro and immediately exclaimed that I had hurt his shoulder with the restraint I had put on him. When he showed the officer which shoulder, it wasn’t even the shoulder I had a hold on, and the officer just shook his head and took the patron away.

As to the charges of underage patrons in a venue, that is purely the responsibility of the venue itself and the venue should pay all fees and fines associated with such violations. Casinos are not responsible for all that goes on inside the venues. Casinos do have responsibilities to patrons once they have been escorted from a venue back to the casino. And sometimes nightclub staff does make mistakes. Overall, I know that the majority of patrons coming to nightclubs enjoy a safe and pleasant experience here in Las Vegas and that there will always be a few who will try and mess things up for everyone else.

I wish Prive’ well. It is a wonderful nightclub with some truly great staff. I hope that whatever its current shortfalls, it is able to make changes and comeback to provide the quality and customer service that its clients are looking for. And the rest of us have come to expect from a top tier venue.