House of H2o

THE LIGHT ABOVE THE LAS VEGAS LIGHTS

2011-06-25T17:26:00.001-07:00

Many may associate me with the neon glare of the Las Vegas Strip, and that's cool, after all, I've spent my entire adult life here, writing and promoting Las Vegas shows.

For the past twenty years my nights have been artificially lit, from lounges' candlelight and main rooms' spotlights, by the Las Vegas Boulevard's neon glow and under Fremont Street's millions of blazing LEDs, but my brightest memories are not illuminated by manmade light. From the sun kissed days to moonlit nights, my shiniest moments are the naturally glossy ones.

You might be surprised to learn that as turned on as I am by the electric Crayola colored Strip, it's the things I've seen in the desert sky that have provided my real and lasting glimpses of awareness. I speak of the light above the lights, and that light within all of us.

There's a song that starts out, "I used to lay out in a field under the Milky Way." The first time I heard it I became flushed by the JACKSON BROWNE lyric, so deeply personal to me. How could he have turned a light on my life story, illuminating my doubts and fears, without having met me? That song, 'The Night Inside Me' has come to haunt my nights, in a good way, reminding me that the world is inside my head and not the other way around.

I mention this after a friend remarked via Skype last night how surprised he was to hear me talk about the Shiva Sutras, and that when I said that a certain idea lacked shakti, the feminine creative energy I look for in any new project, he said straight out, "I always thought of you as a casino type materialistic guy," adding, "but tonight, you're blowing me away." (He taped our Skype conference call and wants to use it as part of a discussion: "Getting in touch with your creative energy," making me beam.)

The young magician DARIN DIAMOND gets caught-up in mandalas, fashioning his entire show around the sacred circle in the novel, "The King of Diamonds: The Magical Life of Darin Diamond." I saw Darin as a "strange enchanted boy," you know, "a little shy, and sad of eye" type kid.

As the sun sets and the lights come on (and out), I'm starting to experience real doubts about how long I'm going to be shining around here but I am positively grateful for those who have inspired me, fanning my flame as I made my way through the sometimes dark night.*

As I look up at the night sky, I just know that at the right time, I'll merge into the starlight.

Last night I was asked how I wanted to me remembered and I quickly said, "In light." Sun or stars, but neon's cool, too.

*You guys know who you are.

.

GAUCHO MARKS HIS PLACE IN LAS VEGAS HISTORY

2011-06-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

We at H20 love specialty acts, those front-of-the-curtain entertainers who really put on the charm and show off their skills, often while behind them some major show scenery is being pre-set. If they're good at what they do (funny jokes, clever magic, decent juggling) the audience often doesn't notice the break in the show's action. If the performers are in the Gaucho act starring in Jubilee at Bally's, then they are the real meat and potatoes of that hearty show, and not mere filler. Jubilee has become a mixed spread, tossed full of classically costumed Las Vegas, dancers and showy singers but the sustenance that sticks to the bone and delivers the real bread and circuses comes from the added attraction Los Huincas Gauchos. The act, presented with military precision, pounding percussion and comedic preciseness, is produced by FERNANDO QUEVADO.

I first saw this act when uber- producer GREG THOMPSON brought his electric 'High Voltage' to the stage of the Dunes Hotel. The talented Mr. Thompson, who was on the road doing several shows, busily breaking Guiness World Records for many of his events along the way, had me keep an 8 and 11 o'clock eye on his show, which allowed me to be entertained twelve times a week by this fine speciality act. These exciting gauchos went on to Enter the Night and, once there, they took over the Las Vegas Strip, one neon-lit resort at a time. Back then, FERNANDO QUEVADO was a teenager; today the man runs Q Productions, presenting variety shows here in Las Vegas and custom productions throughout Europe and Asia. I happen to love the guy.

Fernando recently added a new passion to his creative endeavors: film. Que es correcto!! Our talented friend is producing and directing some compelling short films and interesting documentaries. The athletic performer has become one of the real technical experts regarding the new digital cameras on the market. If and when Red Digital's JIM JANNARD (a cool guy and great man) builds a proper soundstage here in Las Vegas, watch for Fernando to be right there with him because talent sticks together. Oh, although I happen to be shy, camera-wise, my gaucho friend recently talked me into walking on (and probably stinking up) a reality show pilot scene he was shooting. With apologies to real pros like MONTI ROCK III, I did my best James Dean. Or Paula, Paula Dean.

For many years now, I've wanted to work with FERNANDO QUEVADO and while I now see that dream growing dim, I will always be proud to have known this accomplished young man, a kid who left his Argentinean home at a mere two years of age, who now stands today near the top of the entertainment world.

De gaucho para el rey del mundo

!

LIFE AFTER DEATH VALLEY

2011-06-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

LADY BLUE EYES SINGS HER WAY

2011-05-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm writing some promotional material to be used next month when Barnes & Noble at The Grove welcomes author BARBARA SINATRA and her love letter to her late husband, 'Lady Blue Eyes: My Life with Frank.'

BARBARA SINATRA (the only Mrs. Sinatra I knew) accompanied Ol' Blue Eyes to Las Vegas on many occasions, always kind, ever classy. She once went out of her way to tell me, "Frank likes it when you talk music with him." Wow- that meant the world to me.

I've yet to receive my copy but am happily helping put together background information to assist in the promotion of her new book. Frank's daughter NANCY SINATRA, author of two fine books and producer of many great music and DVD packages, including the sensational 'Sinatra in Vegas,' always sees to it that we receive advance copies of her projects.

Here's hoping Barbara is treated with the respect show business royalty rightly deserves.

JUSTIN KREDIBLE CAN TEST YOUR WILL, MAN

2011-05-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

There are certain performers who are so talented, so successful, so lucky that they can test your will, man.

JUSTIN (KREDIBLE) WILLMAN set out to take-over the country and, over the past few years, campus-by-campus (many times six per week!) he's done just that. A national TV commercial led to an appearance on the chipper chef RACHAEL RAY show where the buoyant boyish close-up comic conjurer really started cooking, leading to TV appearances on the regular. Now, he's the "First Call" guy for television producers who like his likable personality. Me? I love the guy. (Justin's gorgeous girlfriend is cool with that; we're all in love with her, her beautiful voice.)

I've been in Justin's corner for some time now, fondly remembering the 'Music, Magic & Makepeace Tour,' where the magician joined friends JASON MRAZ and THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS in a shamanistic tour that rightly left the country starry eyed.

I see that Justin will be back at the World Famous Magic Castle June 13-19.

The artist who designs Justin's posters is nothing short of brilliant* but, it's worth noting that, now, the 'World Famous' tag line rightfully belongs prior to JUSTIN WILLMAN as well, man.

If you're near Hollywood and haven't been put off by the mental image of guys with birds in their pants (see: brainy, beautiful and, my new favorite writer LAURENNE SALA) well then you Must See JUSTIN WILLMAN. He's just incredible.

*JON MARRO is beautiful.

.

FRANK SINATRA'S INDIAN SUMMER

2011-05-20T06:54:00.000-07:00

It just happened again, late last night. I was catching up on emails when this one caught my eye: "What is Sinatra's best record?"

I often think what qualifies as best is whatever I'm listening to at the moment, but when it comes to a recording career that started in 1939 and continued into the 90's, well, it is not that simple.

FRANK SINATRA was America's first teen idol, singing with Tommy Dorsey's band, and then later, on his own. By the late 40's, the big bands were over and, as good as young Sinatra was, he had yet to record great records.

IN 1953, after nearly fifteen years of singing, something happened, and it was magical. Joining Capitol Records surrounded the now- struggling singer with the best studio musicians in the world, and an arranger-conductor named NELSON RIDDLE. Sinatra was born again and with him, a confidant sound and smooth style punctuated by an all-new rhythm that, even today, sounds fresh. Sometimes I'd swear there's new versions playing but no, the tracks are the same, yet somehow still surprising. It is almost impossible to sing along.

Throughout the 60's, he'd turn out hit-after hit, including 'My Way,' a song everyone covered, all haunted by the sound of Sinatra. He'd sing a perfect duet with his daughter Nancy ("'Somethin' Stupid") after cutting the most beautiful Bossa Nova songs with Jobim.

There is little doubt that the most creative decade in the musical life of FRANK SINATRA came when Ol' Blue Eyes hired a young classically trained pianist, VINNIE FALCONE, and toured every corner of the the world, sparkling in deserts from the Springs to the Sphinx, in casinos from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo, in Rio: bravo, even dominante the Dominican Republic, their sound preserved on studio recordings like 'Trilogy,' featuring 'Theme from New York, New York,' an anthem that will live forever.

Okay, back to the best record thing. Here it is: 'Indian Summer.' Yup. The Duke Ellington Band made it into the studio to back Sinatra, playing BILLY MAY arrangements, sometimes poorly, once or twice, heavenly. 'Indian Summer' has it all: it is big band, jazz, pop all rolled into one song, and Sinatra sings simple and straight, soft and surreal, the sound of a brilliant actor letting his audience do all the thinking. 'Indian Summer' includes a saxophone solo that catches you off guard, pulling you way out into the deep water and then, gently, floating you back onto shore. MATT WALLACE and others tell me JOHNNY HODGES was a genius and NELSON RIDDLE, in an interview on my radio show, in the 80's, told me that this arrangement is the one he always wished he'd written. Man!

The seasons change, and so do popular tastes but, amazingly, this song, now over forty years old still shines. I'm told you can hear it on YouTube; I know you can buy it on iTunes.

WE'RE WATCHING YOU, R.J. CANTU

2011-05-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

House of H2o has been keeping an eye on actor-magician R.J. CANTU and keeping you updated on this young performer's career. A few years back, prior to his successful, heart-warming debut at Hollywood's MAGIC CASTLE , we proudly pointed out that R.J. "has the goods," and now, his goods are getting great.

'Death Valley,' MTV's new supernatural series, premiering August 29th, right after the Video Music Awards, looks to be a good bet. A strong cast makes this seriously spooky yet lighthearted series perfect for the twenty-something crowd. R.J. is cast as a likable yet lecherous cad, getting young girls off on the taste of his vampiric saliva. When we described Cantu as "the badboy next door," a while back, we nailed it.

Now, there's another-darker-vampire script he's working on called 'Vampires in Vegas.' But not to worry, R.J. CANTU won't soon be typecast. You see, in addition to his acting career (and a recent string of national commercials), the guy is pursuing his magic career like no other young magician I have ever seen.

MAGIC SPACE EXTREME, a site dedicated to what's hip and happening in the world of magic has been web home to Cantu & Co. And talk about magic:

There have been sightings of this exciting magician performing impromptu shows- lit by lasers and backed by house music and high energy dancers-all around Los Angeles. H20 just got word of an upcoming show, in Santa Monica at the trendy V LOUNGE on Friday, May 27th. And, we hear loads of celebrities plan to hit the V on Fridays on the regular.

House of H2o has long been enchanted by magicians who are original and authentic. JUSTIN (KREDIBLE) WILLMAN owns college campuses all over the country and cable airwaves up and down the dial. JASON LATIMER is in an indescribable class by himself and JAMES GALEA is the best close-up magician to ever play Las Vegas. Ever!

R.J. CANTU is right up there, and in damn good company.

Keep an eye out for this monster of a magician, will ya?

V

MAY I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH?

2011-05-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting outside a Coffee Bean on Sunset in West Hollywood, sipping an iced coffee and talking to a friend. He and I have some of the same addictions and, a common dealer. In fact, "our guy" does business down an alley just across from us.

So he's telling me a great story about a dancer we both knew when, for the third time in three minutes we're interrupted. This time, there wasn't even an apology, just giggling girls holding out a pen and paper. He politely signed and then said, "Hey, Will? You wanna see something? I mean, really something?"

When that's put to me, the answer is always "Yes," and so, we split, me following this talented guy to his house. We made it up there in less than four minutes but it took him ten to get the safe open, eventually remembering his birthday, (his real birthday).

I peeked-in, expecting, like in so many movies (some starring him, by the way) to see dope, bearer bonds,maybe photos of him with a dead girl (or a live boy) but no, besides a stack of cash that he called "mad money," there was just one file. He handed it to me, saying, "You'll wanna sit down," nodding to a leather chair next to a lamp that was now burning brightly.

I looked down and then right away up. "Are you fucking kidding me?

A familiar smile and then that famous laugh. "I warned you."

According to the so-called experts, the most valuable autograph is: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. Now I was told, years ago by a very nice lady who raises money for foundations that there were only six such signatures in existence, however, our friend (and dealer) HARVEY JASON at MYSTERY PIER BOOKS knows of more. In fact, here I am, holding one in my hot hands.

If you like your Nook, or Kindle or iPad or other such shit, good for you, and I mean that, I do.

If you like books-real books, first editions in mint condition or "slightly foxed" versions, then you're my kinda guy, doll.

.

A MID-SPRING NIGHT'S DREAM

2011-05-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've been looking out at the glowing Las Vegas Strip with the moon shining up in the dark sky. From my poolside view, it's like a dream, an electric hallucination. My eyes grow heavy and I'm half-certain that I could flip a switch and turn the whole thing off. In my mind's eye, the neon sputters out as my bella luna dims and the whole scene fades to black.

Lights Out.

I blink open and the light returns, slowly refracting into colors once again inside my mind. That's where it all occurs, you know- it exists inside of our heads. The 'Somewhere Out There' is really inside you, me.

I can almost hear 'Taps' play as I head inside to catch a half-dozen hours of sleep, knowing that the light will return, followed by the colors.

When your eyes take in the essays, or you hear my material read onstage or listen on the radio, please know that I'm trying hard to get into your noodle. I am.

I want to be that thing you wrap your head around.

Another William wrote it better than I ever will, although I Will keep trying:

I've been doing my best to give "an airy nothing, a local habitation and a name" to what I feel.

Breathe it in, sing it out.

Not to get all Peter Frampton on you, but 'I'm In You.' You're in me.

When you send a request, or reply, I am never more excited to let you in.

That's what really lights me up.

.

KILLIN' IT

2011-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

There's a guy, PAUL CRIK who has this website: www.paulcrik.com

When you have a few minutes, maybe go to www.paulcrik.com and look in on what he is doing because I'll tell ya, what he's doing is authentic and original, weird and interesting. And helpful. I don't want to forget helpful.

Paul and his team visited Las Vegas recently and I ended up sitting-down with Paul, Ben and Caroline for a discussion of the issues of the day. AFTER nearly two hours I discovered that they were taping the who thing, filming actually, and from several different angles. At first I felt like one of those Congressmen caught stuffing their pockets full of cash, but then I reminded myself: there was no cash, I hold no office.
(Note: There WAS a big bottle of Jack Daniel's that, at some point was opended and sipped from.)

Clips from that discussion may at some point show up online. I hope so because I'm pretty sure I was brilliant and by that I mean my hair looked good. Oh, and I also said nice stuff about Las Vegas.

I happen to like PAUL CRIK and I am inspired by the work he is doing. They call it Killin' It and he is, they are.

www.paulcrik.com

PAINIC!'s VICES & VIRTUES IS A GREAT CD

2011-03-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Spencer Smith!.......................................................Brendon Urie!

Las Vegas loves Panic! but felt a bit of trepidation ourselves upon learning that two of the guys left to do their own thing, leaving BRENDON URIE & SPENCER SMITH to attack Panic! themselves.

Well, attack they did. Where we slumped-along with them, supporting their sophomore 'Pretty. Odd.' we are now proudly standing tall (and riding high) with Panic!'s new CD, 'Vises and Virtues.' It is a GREAT RECORD.

ACT NATURALLY

2011-03-20T20:57:00.001-07:00

MAKEPEACE BROTHERS MAKE IT HAPPEN IN LAS VEGAS

2011-03-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

MAKEPEACE BROTHERS (click it)

The House of H20 is on the record in support of familial harmonies, of sounds that take us back to our roots, of music that dares us to grow, and lyrics that allow us reach for the stars.

Here they come: THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS

MAKE IT HAPPEN

2011-03-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

VAMPIRE IN VEGAS?

2011-03-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

ANDREW LEE, the super-hot DJ & uber-host at Hollywood's BLVD 3 and Las Vegas writer WILLIE WATTERS surround R.J. CANTU, a well-known close-up magician who has recently developed and aversion to sunlight.

WILLIAM WATTERS ANSWERS YOUR QUERIES

2011-02-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dear William Liar:
You are a name dropping lying asshole. I notice that most of the famous people you supposedly know like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are dead.
How convenient. -Andy, AZ

Dear Andy:
You are correct, not about the asshole thing, just the dead part. I can suggest you contact, say, DEANA MARTIN, a great entertainer (and Dean's daughter) and maybe the Sinatra Family via Siriusly Sinatra. My best friend in show business, VINNIE FALCONE,, was Sinatra's pianist, conductor and musical director for over a decade. He would disagree on the 'lying asshole' thing.

Mr. Watters:
You write as if you are the official spokesman for Las Vegas.
Who in the hell died and made you king? -Ken

Dear Ken:
Elvis

Greetings from Tianjin China:
My younger brother thinks that you are handsome man. My sister, too, likes you with your writing style. Do you ever come to China? -Dan

Dear Dan: I have never been to China but it sounds like we could have one fun family barbeque.

William:
During a radio special heard in London in November, you were heard saying very insulting things about the United Kingdom. Not once but many times. I don't understand American humor and think you should be careful in future broadcasts. A big talker like you might need to have someone shut that mouth for you, William. -(Unsigned)

Dear Unsigned:
I am not well traveled but am well educated, strong willed and tend to express my opinions on popular culture (especially music) in harsh terms. 'Pontificating' is what my (now) ex-mate calls it.
As for my insulting you, unless you are Andrew Lloyd Webber (that talentless fuck) or are in some way related to him, or perhaps creepily ugly as we all can agree Sir Andrew is, well, I can't imagine how I was insulting to your stupid little island.
In fact, I suggested a boat be chartered, loaded with: Paul McCartney, Jamie Cullum, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Sienna Miller, Kate Beckensale and NOT Rod Stewart. The rest of you can eat whatever the hell you eat over there (nice teeth, mate) and die, is what I said.

Willie:
You just posted the best post ever, about www.beneaster.net
Thank you. Seeing his photos is like looking at the world through the eyes of God. -Rob, New Orleans

Dear Rob:
I love you.

Mr. Watters:
Your blogs about young magicians are amazing. I never heard of RJ CANTU or JUSTIN KREDIBLE before you kept writing about them. Where did you learn about magic? -Jan, Los Angeles

Dear Jan:
I had a brother who was crazy about magic. Then, when I was a teen, I was standing backstage at Caesars Palace next to FRANK SINATRA when a huge man filled the doorway: ORSEN WELLS The big man showed me how to do a "back palm," a move I just now got good at. JASON MRAZ put JUSTIN KREDIBLE on the map and now JUSTIN (KREDIBLE) WILLMAN is a major TV star. I kept hearing about this "cute as hell" guy knocking them dead on college campuses and, as PAUL CRIK would say, he's Killin' It!
As for R. J. CANTU, well, he was cool enough to hire me to help write some material for his act. Now R.J. is starring in films and a new MTV show 'Death Valley,' but I'll bet he'll always keep the magic alive.
My oldest magician friend- VALENTINO had me write and produce him years ago in Las Vegas. We were barely old enough to get into the casinos but were filling the showrooms with late night magic. Today, Val is billed as 'The Masked Magician,' having earned 10 million dollars-plus on TV specials doing what he loves: Magic.

Willie:
Why are you always pushing singer SERGIO VELLATTI? -Tom, Reno, NV

Dear Tom:

1. Sergio has a great voice.
2. Sergio is the love child of Willie Watters and Tom Cruise...wait, I mean Penelope Cruz!
3. Sergio is a talented, handsome and polite young singer.
4. I like to encourage young talent.

*I also write/produce/promote for MONEY. I am available and always interested in new submissions.

Dear William:
You are not a good writer. You state your opinions like fact with no support. I am sure you were probably a rotten lawyer too. You come off like a stupid... cu_ t. -Unsigned

Dear Unsigned:
I launched a show review website, writing and posting over 200 show reviews, opinions based on my 20 years in show business. I've written, booked and produced shows, managed talent, composed songs and even run a spotlight and dusted a piano or two along the way. While some of the show reviews were written without a name, I owned the website and was also the editor. My point is it is hard to take an unsigned note seriously. You, for example, strike me as a pussy. I may be wrong. If you'd share your name, I'd be happy to try to take you more seriously. I'm helpful that way. In fact, if you provide me an address, I might even give you some pointers in the bedroom. I could bang your wife or help find the leak in your inflatable date, mate.

I LOVE WHAT BEN EASTER DOES

2011-02-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

Writers are often asked where their ideas come from, from where do we draw our inspiration. For a guy like me, the answer is, "Everywhere, really."

Let me cut, as they say in the movie business, to the chase: www.beneaster.net

You probably know BEN EASTER from his handsome roles in major motion pictures like 'I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Husk.' You've seen him on network TV dramas including 'Boston Public' and Disney's 'Zenon,' but what you may not know is that young Ben is an up-and-coming director and one helluva fine photographer.

I'm part of a team re-writing a television project and, unlike some writers, I do play well with others, especially when told every morning how "inspired" I am.

My muse can be a tricky chick. She'll lay low inside Nelson Riddle arrangements, float by as I swim laps, peek out from Mraz lyrics, and, lately, tickle my fancy from the stunning and evocative photos of BEN EASTER.

Do yourself a solid: www.beneaster.net

When you are open to creativity, your life opens up. Open your eyes, your heart, to the photography of BEN EASTER. If you do, I'll always know what your summers will be like.

They'll be beautiful, man.

.

IF YOU

2011-02-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

CHARLIE SHEEN: Please get Well, HOOKERS: Go to Hell

2011-02-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

CHARLIE SHEEN uesd to come to Las Vegas quite often, back when he was single. He'd come, blow off some steam between shooting major movies, was always a great host and was just a lot of fun to be around. At the time we were kind-of friends and I remain proud to know such a talented actor. Unlike most everyone else, I don't reveal off the record stories, divulge secrets or publicize what people do in private. Remember the line about stuff staying in Las Vegas? Well, some of us happen to live by it.

Shame on Entertainment Tonight, Extra, TMZ and every other media outlet who just can't wait to air interviews with hookers, all shook-up but still all-too- willing to share their tales. (Share their tales. ha.)

Now I'll be blunt: I've known plenty of hookers. Great ones, too. Some escorts, call girls, boys, couples, whatevers have livened-up many parties over the years but they didn't rush out and sell their stories. No sir, part of what they were paid for was to keep their mouths shut, so to speak.

CHARLIE SHEEN is a huge star with a big personal problem. He has a wonderful family and a nice group of real friends who all wish him well. Here's sending love and good wishes from good people in Las Vegas who continue to admire this gifted actor.

The media loves a good story but quoting prostitutes makes them guilty of nepotism, no?

DIVE DEEP

2011-02-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

JAKE T. AUSTIN, OTHERS, 2014 ACADEMY AWARD FAVORITIES

2011-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hollywood CA, February 2, 2014

2014 seems to be the year for likable young movie star JAKE T. AUSTIN. Taking on LEONARDO DICAPRIO'S role in Titanic seemed like a cocky move, leaving many Hollywood insiders to suggest the young wizard was getting in over his head. Any other actor would have drowned under the ocean of criticism but JAKE T. AUSTIN held his breath and came out swimmingly. "Titanic Two: How's My Hair?" has Vegas odds naming Jake the favorite to take home the Best Actor Oscar.

The Academy rarely honors comedies but this year's original flick, 'Thune It's Gonna Rain,' written by and starring comic genius NICK THUNE is getting great buzz for Best Picture.

Making Oscar history this year is JASON MRAZ, who has written all five of this year's nominated songs. MR. A-Z. is a sure thang.

In a contoversial move, JARON LOWENSTEIN's Country hit, 'I Can't Get Over You, So Answer the Phone Yourself,' was disqualified from competition at the last minute when his twin brother, Hollywood impresario EVAN LOWENSTEIN, was named Executive Producer of this year's Oscar telecast.

New this year is the 'Most Likable Actor Ever' Oscar which goes to Hollywood heavyweight NICK STABILE. From "Santa Jr." to "Sinatra Jr." the only people who don't like Mr. Stabile are the ones who love him.

JOSH HENDERSON is expected to win yet another Best Supporting Actor statute, plus a special award for just being cool and shit.

Host for the 2014 telecast, everybody's favorite JUSTIN WILLMAN, promises some special surprises, including a shamanistic opening number featuring his magicial pals JAMES GALEA, R.J. CANTU and JASON LATIMER. Here's hoping the handsome host will make a few hot cupcakes* appear as well.

This year's LIfetime Acheivment Award saluting JUSTIN BIEBER will be presented by Selena Gomez-Bieber.

Working the Red Carpet pre-show is TMZ's MAX HODGES along with the late JOAN RIVERS.

*chicks, not food

R.J.CANTU IS THE KING OF DIAMONDS

2011-01-31T17:36:00.000-08:00

THE K-K-KING'S SPEECH

2011-01-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

I stuttered as a kid.

Badly.
Horribly.
Abominably.

I was teased daily, tormented regularly and would freeze-up at the thought of having to speak in class. I'd sit there, sweating until my turn came and then, more often than not, I'd come-up with an excuse to avoid the t-t-t-terrible scene.

When I was five or so, my older sister worked with me in a brilliant way: she had me jump rope with her, skipping or just twirling as I said each word. The rhythm allowed my words to flow. Later, I found that I could sing without stuttering.

The kids in my school would roar with laughter whenever I tried to speak in class, making me feel stupid. Looking back at those little bastards I realize it wasn't their fault. I was different and different is funny... I guess.

After my sister died, I turned to writing. It wasn't easy, just easier.

When I was 10, I entered my school's talent show. The Glendale California school gym was packed and, to me, it was as if all the kids and parents turned out to laugh at me. I performed a song with a special lyric I'd written.

Comic-singer Allan Sherman had the hit 'Camp Granada' (Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah) and for some weird reason, I thought I had the lyric chops to re-write the novelty tune and then stand before a thousand people and sing it. It wasn't exactly Wembley Stadium, but to a young boy, it felt as if the entire world was sitting out there in the dark.

My mom had done a nice job ironing blue 'Camp Granada' letters onto my yellow sweatshirt. I even had a whistle around my neck and, I think, a cap.

I'll always remember my opening line: "Hello Faddah...Hello Muddah. I'm just hoping...I don't studda."

It got a huge laugh. I'll never forget the laughter punctuating the whole song. I'm still not sure if my lyrics were all that funny. Maybe they were just brave. I do know that I felt really good, even better after I threw-up backstage.

I grew- up and almost outgrew the impediment, going on to write and host a radio show heard in 55 cities for several seasons. I appeared on national television, twice a successful contestant on 'Name That Tune.' ($100,000 cash is nothing to stutter at, man). Today, I am often interviewed on radio; I rely on my wits-and smooth voice-to fool the listeners. It isn't easy, just easier.

I'm cheering for 'The King's Speech' to win the Academy Award. I really, really, really am.

JOHN GURZINSKI SHOOTS LAS VEGAS

2011-01-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

JOHN GURZINSKI has been shooting the Las Vegas valley for 22 years. Many of John's great shots highlight stories in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

MAGIC WORDS

2011-01-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at the speed in which we now share words, how we communicate and become an instant community. Facebook connects the world. MySpace launches bands, YouTube allows fans to follow their idols and StageIt lets artists perform 'live' and up -close.

Maybe I'm amazed at our new speed, but I'm really blown-away at the immediate power of the words we share. Now I'm a guy who is never at a loss for words and works hard every day to improve my writing skills but I still am taken back by the magical power words possess.

Think about it for a second. We arrange words, send them off and-poof-the reader is informed, moved, changed forever.

Yesterday I sent what could have come off as a rather random email to a talented actor, an impossibly handsome, incredibly talented guy who you know well. He's the soap opera hunk, that special guest on teen dramas, the scene stealer in many TV movies. Yup, you know the actor very well but I've never met the guy. His performance as a young American rockstar moves me to tears every time I see it and I've seen it a lot. I like him that much; he lets you in. This fine actor brings instant likability to every role, and that's a real gift.

Why did I email him? Well, I did it to say, "Thanks," for the pleasure he's given me. I know, weird, right? Maybe a little creepy? But what did I risk by sincerely putting my feelings into words? I mean, so maybe he doesn't get what I wrote, or never reads it, so what? I did my best to assemble some words that expressed what I was feeling, what he made me feel and after hitting 'Send' I felt good about it.

Now I really felt great when, in a flash, I received a reply. Turns out that this brilliant actor is a sensitive artist and a really great guy. He said that he was moved by my words. I thanked him and in return, he thanked me. Wow, right?

If you want to experience real magic in your life, you have the power to cast a spell, right now. You see that hot chick with the beautiful hair? Tell her. No, really, say the words. Pass her a note letting her know your feelings. Your life will change forever. That guy you see at the gym? The one who you thought was so cool for being nice the other day? Take out the ear buds, bud, and tell him. You may well make a friend forever.

I've worked with many of the top magicians working today and I've written many of the words they say on stage. Words are powerful and, if you are sincere, words can be magicial.

I can't possibly describe how much I apprecaited his email, how that accomplished young actor's reply made me feel but I do know that our exchange is an example of the magic contained in our words. Let's maybe think about what we say to one another, how we talk about politics, sports and everything else.

I use words for a living, I am aware of their power. I know that words can hurt but also can help heal. Words are magic. Yesterday my words cast a spell and then, in return, I fell under the spell of another. I am forever changed by the exchange.

There's a beautiful scene, late in the film 'The Beach Boys: An American Family,' where DENNIS WILSON sings, 'Forever.' The lyrics are suffused with love:

"If every word I said
Could make you laugh
I'd talk forever."

I find that the more I share my words, the more I receive in return.

Thanks for that.

.

ADAM ROBITEL IS A GOOD GUY

2011-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

I was new to Facebook and wasn't sure how it worked, who you friended and then what you did after accepting. It was two years ago that I sent my first Facebook message to one of my few "friends," ADAM ROBITEL.

I was thumbing my BlackBerry, killing time at McCarran, waiting for a plane that would take me to Los Angeles and a late night meeting with a young producer who wanted to help develop a treatment I'd written into a completed script. The guy liked my writing and believed in me enough to send for me. Me, on the other hand, I wasn't so sure.

Out of the blue I tapped-out some questions-basic stuff about the business, really, topped off with a "We've never met but have mutual friends" opener and sent the message via Facebook to ADAM ROBITEL. Now I'd spent several late nights on the road in hotels, often catching the same funny/weirdly sexy/totally likeable scenes from 2001 Maniacs. The guy in love with the goat is a hicked-up Adam. In real life, the talented actor is a fitness freak and technical geek. Watching Adam in action makes you want to take up Capoeira and his behind-the-camera skills are even more amazing. His company Robitel Media Works does it all, from pre-to-post, developing ideas, writing, producing, directing, hell, everything. His music videos, movie trailers and short films are all, like the man himself, sensational. ADAM ROBITEL is a good guy.

The wait at the airport continued. I ordered another, let's say tea, and by the time I took my second sip my ChuckBerry flashed a return message from Adam. He'd answered all my questions, offered real advice and sincere good wishes. Wow.

While I've never lacked confidence, I walked into my meeting really self-assured, thanks to the generousity of ADAM ROBITEL. Sure, we have mutual friends. One of my oldest friends is one of the best actors alive today, a Real Genius, you might say, and Adam is flying high with, among others, real Hollywood supermen, but on that night, Adam took time out for me, a guy he'd never met.

The deal was done, the initial check arrived-and cleared! I was in business. I sent Adam a note, hoping to thank him in person, buy him a whatever, whenever, but Adam was on location, busy making a new film.

I'm in LA all the time but-and this is true-there isn't a Hollywood trip where I don't stop and give thanks to people like ADAM ROBITEL for being helpful. That's the guy you want in your life, the kind of guy I am trying to be.

If we can't be helpful, then what in the hell are we doing here?

This commentary was sparked by a really great message I just received from the skillful SERGIO VELLATTI. You know Sergio from his ring-a-ding-dinging YouTube videos, the Sinatra-sound-alike postings from a sincere (and seriously talented) singer and soon-to-be nightclub performer. Sergio thanked me for helping him which reminded me of so many people who have helped me along the way.

How do you pay it back? By helping others. That's the only way, man. I think it says it in the Bible or maybe I saw it in a movie or heard it in a song. No matter, it's true. It works. Do it. I did. I do.

BEN BLAQUE

2011-01-10T17:46:00.000-08:00

I love specialty acts. To see a performer present what they've dedicated their lives to perfecting is exciting and awe inspiring.

I was backstage visiting old friends at Jubilee the other night when the conversation turned to crossbow acts. I told them that I keep hearing great things about a guy down in Branson MO. "William, tell," they said, so I did:

BEN BLAQUE

Ben has a Facebook page, loads of young female fans (because he's straight as an arrow!) and is really something special.

BOOKS READING ARE GOOD

2011-01-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE IS LAS VEGAS' FAVORITE CHARITY

2011-01-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

I love Opportunity Village. I love the work they do, the employment they provide, and the people who work there. With all of my heart, I love OV.

Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people in our community with intellectual disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them. Opportunity Village is dedicated to helping people with severe intellectual and related disabilities become the very best they can be. Through vocational training, community employment, day services, advocacy, arts and social recreation, people with severe disabilities are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration and unleash creative passions.

I'm lucky. I am. I've had the honor of helping out the good people at Opportunity Village over the years, but no where near as much as I'd like. I have taken friends, talented celebrities and business associates over to the campus and I'll tell you straight up: I've never not choked-up and even the toughest of my friends leave with creepers running down their faces. Tears of heaven on Earth, really.

If you're interested in seeing some beautiful art, painted by some real beautiful people, visit their art studio. You'll never look at the world the same again, I promise.

The self-esteem and dignity that Opportunity Village provides some of our disabled friends and neighbors is awesome and amazing. There are a few parts of the facility that are tough to visit, but to see the generous and compasionate care provided to the severley disabled breaks and then heals your heart.

The one quality that makes us human is compassion. That's it. Compassion. When you feel compassion, you are connecting with the world.

Compassion. It means 'shared suffering.' Take a moment and look into Opportunity Village.

Please visit Opportunity Village. Please help them.

*If you're reading this on Facebook, please visit OV's FACEBOOK PAGE. Please.

.

Wenotme

2011-01-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOU

2011-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Originality.

Authenticity.

Inventiveness.

It's not easy being original. It is simple, once you remember how, but really, with all of the distractions, all of the TV, radio and internet voices echoing in your head, it's tempting to just let your life play out on playback.

The House of H2o has been keeping an eye on pop culture, allowing people like me to write in the first person, to tell YOU what I really think, dropping names along the way. Looking back, I'm rather proud that most of my contributions have been positive and encouraging, sometimes gushing but always sincere.

A while back we pointed out a funny young close-up magician doing things in his own way. Some of the material was old but on the fresh faced JUSTIN KREDIBLE, it gleams. We LOVE what the incredible JUSTIN WILLMAN is doing, on the road, on campus and now, in the center of it all, hosting his own TV show on Hub World.

When we got word of a new website: StageIt.com using existing technology in a hip new way, we couldn't wait to sing the praises of the site's creator: EVAN LOWENSTEIN. Evan spent a decade on the road, thrilling fans of EVAN & JARON, the band he fronts with his twin brother, Jaron, before settling down in LA. But Evan didn't settle in. No sir. He came-up with a way to let musicians perform for a select number of their fans and now, StageIt members get a backstage seat for once-in-a-lifetime shows.

We bragged about 'The King of Diamonds: The Magicial Life of Darin Diamond,' not so much because it's a great book, but rather because it is the first of three Las Vegas-themed novels coming out at a time when the way we read is changing.

H20 rarely misses a chance to share highlights from the career of JASON MRAZ. He knows what we love about him and now, more people do too.

THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS blend their authentic voices into a brand new sound and a happy message the world needs now, more than ever. These cool guys allowed their fans to contribute to the completion of their new CD, bringing a whole new meaning to the term sharing music. We were blown-away when we discovered that the cool as shit actor JOSH HENDERSON has plenty of swagger in the recording studio. His original pop tunes are hip and Hollywood yet the boy's kept his feet firmly planted in Oklahoma. Josh is real for reals. His songs are a CLICK away.

Young guys like KADEN and also DEREK JAMESON are finding their voices and we can't hardly wait to brag about each of them as the year rolls in.

During a long lunch with legendary Las Vegas headliner SHECKY GREENE, I heard great stories about LENNY BRUCE, GEORGE CARLIN and of course, my friend Shecky and when he asked me what I thought of the new guys I had one name: NICK THUNE. I call many funnymen my friends, great guys including TOM DREESEN, LOUIE ANDERSON, MAX ALEXANDER, PETE BARBUTTI, JOHNNY DARK, FIELDING WEST, DAVID BRENNER and so many more so when Shecky asked why I was so upbeat, I was able to laugh. You can't help but laugh, thanks to NICK THUNE. Thanks, Nick.

Among the sea of shiny shirts and furtive stares there are a few younger, original magicians who have risen to the top. JASON LATIMER is the very best at what he does, and what he does is amazing. Jason has the patent on high-tech likability and we love that. R.J. CANTU is carving-out a special spot for himself, turning up at hot Hollywood clubs and then really turning up the heat. R.J. is burned to the bone by the fire of his heated ambition.

Will. All it takes is Will. Above all, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE said in Act I Scene iii of Hamlet: "To thine own self be true."

I love that about you!

Let's make 2011 original.

.

Frank Sinatra

2011-01-02T16:50:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM LAS VEGAS NEVADA

2011-01-02T11:50:00.001-08:00

H20 READING LIST

2010-12-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

MARTIN AMIS on sex, money and movies. It is just as funny the second-time around.

LEAVE YOUR TRAIL

2010-12-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM HOUSE OF H2 HO-HO-HO

2010-12-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

Radiotransinfo William Watters Internet Radio Part 2

2010-12-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

JS: We are back and my guest is a friend of more than ten years, William Watters. Will, you didn't know we were live last hour?

WW: I tought we were taping. Prolly wouldn't have mentioned my penis so much, ya know?

JS: You got your start in radio.

WW: Smooth.

JS: Thanks.

WW: As a teenager. Eddie Hudson, the greatest voice on radio, was the voice of K-Bay, etc. Today there's a cool cat named Patrick with a Sirius Satellite show Coacktails with Patrick, a sexy pop culture show aimed at young women, where they go inside the male mind. That guy Patrick Meagher is the best guy I ever heard do radio ever. Ever."

JS: You were telling me that you wrote the Sinatra radio show.

WW: I wrote every word. Tony Anzaldo was like 17 and I was a year older and we first got into the National Association of Broadcasters, went to the big shindig in San Francisco. Yes, I have always believed in the power of radio.

JS: You couldn't practice law for a period, you got involved with bad people in the Nevada Black Book.

WW: Old news. I can now but I've dedicated myself to writing. BUt I was treated fairly and that's all in the past, plus I didn't talk about it then and as a result was suspended so I'm sure as hell not going to talk now.

Can I go back to broadcasters and tell you a Sinatra story? The old man was at Caesars, and his show had like 1000 members of the broadcast industry, radio and TV. I was quite young, hanging backstage, taking it all in. So after he does three opening songs he greets the broadcasters and then proceeds to lecture them, scolding them for saying "A-leven, A-mergency" and not Eleven, Emergency. They laughed but he was serious. Frank Sinatra watched a lot of news, always had CNN on in the dressing room. When he said things on stage, he meant them, that was his venue to talk straight becasue he wasn't speaking to anybody in the press. Imagine how amazing it was when Frank Sinatra recorded an interview with me, when he allowed me access to talk to him. Of course all we spoke of was music because I wasn't interested in the gossip. I wanted to know why he recorded this song again etc and I'll tell you, he wanted to know my opinions here and there. Seriously. Amazing.

JS: When Norbert Aleman came on the scene he hired you as his right hand man and he had like 5 or 6 shows going. How did that come about?

WW: I love Norbert. I miss him. He never calls but if ever needed anything, I'd be there. It was weird because Mr. Riklis who owned thr Riviera hired Frank Sinatra Jr's manager, Tino, who hired Jilly Rizzo and of course my best friend in show business Vinnie Falcone. Then Sam Distefano was named the VP of Entertainment so within a month, all my friends came into power.

I went to dinner with Frank Marino, oh, a while back. We're very good friends. I mean, we have different life styles but he calls and says he's taking me to Sinatra's at Wynn and he did, telling me he signed with Imperial Palace for his Divas. I was one of the very first to know. I am so fucking proud of that guy. He has this huge gay, hip following, like that great looking newsman on Channel 8, Chris? And I know they all must look at me and wonder how it is Frank and I are so close. Just wait, I'll have some cosmetics done and those bastards will be dying to meet me for a drink!

JS: Chris Saldana?

WW: What a good-and good looking newsman he is. You know I'm writing a TV script about a newsroom and have been watching loads of TV. Whit Johnson? He's on CBS network now but I first saw him here in Utah. What a great voice and a handsome guy! Him I like too.

JS: You are writing novels but you told me you want to write a Las Vegas entertainment book.

WW: I do. I will. I started on with our mutual friend Jahana Steele. Then I talked to Frank Marino. I have some taped interviews with Joey Bishop that he did with me. We would fly down to Orange County every week and Joey liked me so one day he said "Why don't you tape this?" I got out my little Sony. I'd taped Frank Sinatra talking about the big bands, about Bogie and even about The Beatles. and Sammy shared some great stuff too.

I want to call upon someone like Louie Anderson. He understands good writing. He isn't afraid to open a vein and bleed on the page. I wonder if he might work with me. Hey Lou? Get me a jelly doughnut, Lou.

2010-12-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 14, 2010

Tranzscipt- William Watters December 2010
PART I

JS:I guess I should start by saying that we have been friends for a few years and that I'm a fan of your writing and the work that you do.

WILLIAM WATTERS: That means, what? What I do to feed the needy?

JS:No, I was meaning that I've seen some of the production shows you have worked on in Las Vegas, in Lake Tahoe and know of the fact that you have done all kinda work that is uncredited. Some of your talents go unsung.

WW: Well let's start singing, babe.

JS:You don't mean that but I do have a list of questions that listeners can learn from if you will be serious and answer them. The first one is very personal.

WW: Eight and a-half.

JS:You don't need to tell me. I have been to your all night pool parties back in the day.

WW: Settle down.

JS: You forget that you dated my best friend for a while.

WW: And his name was what?

JS: Funny but that brings up a rumor that you're gay.

WW: I like to say I'm 17% gay.

JS: But you're straight so why keep it up?

WW: SOunds like a stright line. I'd like to get something straight between us. Do you know I actually used that line?

JS: Did it ever work?

WW: Who the hell knows? The truth-and this is really the truth- I had a hell-of-a-lot of fun back in the day. We'd go out and night always with sunglasses, because you'd need them at some point.

JS: Did you ever get into drug use?

WW: Hey, it was the 60's!

JS: No it wasn't. It was the late 90's.

WW:Can I tell you some serious stuff? Seriously? What I am most proud of over all the years is the positive things I've done to encourage talent. I mean that and I know it sounds corny but I was the guy who always tried to help, to help make it work, from An Evening at La Cage to Splash to Peter Jackson's Abrakadabra.

JS:Where you slept with 80% of the cast, by the way.

WW: Hey, I was sleepy.

JS:How has Las Vegas changed?

WW: It's all Cirque, which is gross. Too much shit happening all over the stage, nobody has to be great. All about costumes and music that's too goddamn loud.

JS:You worked with many headliners from Sammy Davis to...

WW: I love Jerry Lewis. I loved him when I was a little kid, I adored him when I worked as a page on the telethon when it was at Caesars and I am crazy about him today. Jerry Lewis is a great man.

JS: What about all the new magicians?

WW: Most of them suck. They have no idea who they are, they don't understand that they are playing a characger. Houdini was a character. Val Valentino was a character, who played the Masked Magician.

JS: Where is Valentino?

WW: Witness Protection i think. No, actually he's a huge star world-wide. he's in Brazil now where they love him.

JS: When's the last time you spoke?

WW: This morning. Look, if I'm your friend, it's for always. There's a magician named Jason Latimer. The best I ever saw at what he does.

JS: Do you rep him?

WW: I've never met him, although he was so cool as to suggest a lunch in LA with his people. He's a cool one. R.J. Cantu is a young actor who gets the magic, the role of the magician. My money's on him. Him I love. Justin Willman is kicking ass all over the world. I'd take credit but some cat named Jason Mraz loves him more. He's great and I'm proud we're friends. He's got a manager named Michael Schibel who is a real hustler and you know I mean that in the greatest way. It's like when your coach told you to hustle, you know?

JS: Not a clue, but you know I love you Will. So tell us, is Las Vegas entertainment dead?

WW: Yes but I can revive it. I know how. Give me a lounge, a small showroom and space on the sign and I will pack people in, I swear. Right now, however, everyone's doing the bottle service shit.

JS: Can you stay for some more questions?

WW: The truth? I have nothing to do until like 2012. No, I'm hard at work on a new novel and am punching-up a screenplay for my brothers at Warner.

NORM CLARKE KEEPS AN EYE ON EVERYTHING VEGAS

2010-12-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

He's an easy going guy, a fine journalist who works hard at getting it right, but never seeming to get uptight in the process. Since 1999 he's been telling Las Vegas Review~Journal readers what's what, penning two books and throughout it all, keeping it real.

He is NORM CLARKE and he's so the man.

I have friends, clients and so many talented associates who stay up late, trying to get thier names into the #1 show business column in Las Vegas- NORM! Imagine how flattered I was when yesterday, in honoring what would have been FRANK SINATRA'S birthday, I discovered that NORM's Sunday column included a few quotes from me. It meant so much to a guy who hates getting press, but who loves knowing good journalists. DOUG ELFMAN always crafts columns that are interesting to the very last drop of ink, beautifully covering my beautiful friend JASON MRAZ and so many other talented performers. Doug always finds a hip, cool angle and he's an angel, really, but I start most days online seeing what's doin by clicking onto my man NORM. So do hundreds of thousands of others.

The late DICK MAURICE from the Las Vegas Sun was always kind to me and DON USHERSON was cool a time or two but nobody has the street cred-or Twitter tread- like NORM CLARKE. To paraphrase the film Butch Cassidy, if Norm told me I left town five minutes ago, I'd believe him.

NORM launched his successful career after winning a $50,000 state lottery. I won $100,000 on a TV gameshow and am having fun making risky investments and practicing risky behavior. We may be different but one thing's for sure: if NORM puts it in writing, you can take it to the bank, or casino. That you can bet on, baby.

.

R.J. CANTU IS THE NBFT

2010-12-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

House of H2o knows a bit about magic and magicians and we've been following the rise of R.J. CANTU.

R.J. CANTU. the likeable young ABC-Family actor, has been hard at work re-working the art of magic. With exciting lighting and high-energy staging, R.J. is hitting the L.A. clubs hard, performing his magic to a pounding, pumping sound that's blowing people away, night-after-magical night. Each show seemingly breaks out spontaneously with a hot D.J. fashioning fresh sounds to help score R.J's amazing performances. It's the nuts!

R.J. CANTU is the Next Big Thing. The Next Big Fucking Thing.

M-A-X, D-A-X. WE LOVE TMZ

2010-12-08T09:23:00.001-08:00

DAX ------------------------------------------- MAX

I received a nice note from a friend saying that he LOVED that blond guy on TMZ that I'm always talking about.

Wait, MAX or DAX? There's a pretty big difference, man.

DAX will hand you a photo, tell you to turn it on its edge, squint, stand on your head and, in black light you can just about see the girl's rack.

MAX will just straight-up say, "Hey, nice lady lumps, Babe!"

DAX is a really sweet guy, a good man who posts photos with his beautiful wife in front of historic European landmarks.
MAX will shoot off iPhone pics with topless chicks on the beach at Santa Monica.

I love TMZ. I do. The host, HARVEY LEVIN, is a PAUL ANKA stunt double who keeps everything moving. There's a dark-haired girl at the far right with great glasses and beautiful teeth. She's looks like the hot daughter of the porn version of SARAH PALIN. Plus she gets to sit next to Max which must be a gas, or just gassy.

On the other side is the pretty blond who is too cool to sit up straight. She happily talks about penis and other fun stuff and I know she'd be a riot on a date.

The former fatty knows more about Las Vegas (and, oddly, Laughlin Nevada) than anyone. The dude in the thick glasses behind the computer is definitely the subversive on the set. I dig the two chuckle heads in back, cracking-up each other and never shaving. Oh, and I think Charles is the coolist guy in the TMZ world. There's EDDIE ADAMS in the way back, like the piano player in a whorehouse, ready to deny knowing anyone if the cops arrive. He's the smart one!

So which blond guy is the one to love? MAX or DAX?

Well, if you're DAX's wife, I know who'll you'd pick. Me too. I love MAX!

.

YELLOW CAKE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2010-12-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

In our continuing effort to increase traffic on our site, we post this, just knowing plenty of CIA and National Security types will be clicking on to see what's what.

To those of you hoping to cut-into some terrorist plot: you can eat it, too.

LOOKING BACK AT THE YEARS GONE BY LIKE SO MANY SUMMER FIELDS

2010-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

FACEBOOK PHOTO CAPTION CONTEST

2010-12-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

If you're reading this on FACEBOOK, please provide a caption to this photo. First place wins a night with me, Second place wins two nights.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

2010-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

A gift from Christmas present.

House of H2o wishes you a beautiful future.

.

BIG, THICK & HARD- YOU BET YOUR ICE, BABY

2010-11-30T14:07:00.001-08:00

The House of H2o is the place where people come for a fresh take on what's poppin' in pop culture. We've helped discover new talent, predict winning performers and done our part to promote some very cool projects, and we're just getting started.

In 2008, we found WILLIAM WATTERS, a longtime Las Vegas entertainment attorney and talent manager who had given it all up to dedicate his creative life to writing. Two novels, three television pilots, a screenplay and now a reality series later, H2o is proud of our this hip writer. The world was saying that writing didn't matter but WILLIAM WATTERS went the other way.

We're sifting through the hype so we can help point out the authentic things, the real talent, the originals. From comedy genius NICK THUNE, who will be taking his one of a kind humor to a new TV venue when he appears on CONAN in January to SERGIO VELLATTI who is lining- up jazz club dates in Hollywood, 2011 promises to be epic. We hear that EVAN LOWENSTEIN'S StageIt.com is going to take the art of intimate performance to a whole new level. Las Vegas loves a winner and EVAN LOWENSTEIN is the guy to bet on. Young R.J. CANTU's first major motion picture is a mystery set in Hollywood. 'Footprints' premiers on the east and left coast in March.

This coming year will see THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS spreading their love to many more millions of music lovers. We are happily keeping an eye-and ear- on actor, singer JOSH HENDERSON who continues to prove that when you follow your bliss, the universe will support you.

2011's gonna be the nuts!

As the holidays approach, we ask you to remember not to drink and drive. Please do drink, however. And when you make your friend a Jack Daniels and whatever, don't forget to use GOOD ICE. Friends don't let friends drink drinks with bad ice.

Those limp -dick half-moon cubes that come plopping out of your refrigerator door are sometimes fun to suck on but for drinks, well, they suck.

Get out those old metal ice cube trays, fill them with warm H2o and freeze 'em up. Your friends-and drinks-deserve good ice, baby.

House of H2o is proud to suggest:

www.Kold- Draft.com. These guys have one cool company.

.

FUGETABOUTIT, IT WILL

2010-11-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

GOING DOWN IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA

2010-11-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

I have lived my entire adult life in Las Vegas, Nevada, and, over the past twenty years, I've worked with most of the big name stars and high energy shows, helping make me one of many Las Vegas spokesmen. I love that and I love the tourists.

It's Thanksgiving and I'm at the Las Vegas Hilton Sportsbook when a cool young guy comes over to my table and asks for directions to a place south of us, just off of Dean Martin Drive.

I knew DEAN MARTIN at the end of his career and was so proud when Clark County renamed Industrial Road DEAN MARTIN Drive. I'll cherish every funny memory of this memorable star and am so proud to know members of the family, especially the talented singer and radio host DEANA MARTIN.

I happily give the guy directions, which he types into his iPhone, checks the Google map, shakes my hand and then leaves. A minute later he comes back into the sportsbook and, over the noise of multi-football broadcasts and loads of other losers like me who are spending the holiday in a casino, yells, "Hey? What do I do after I go down on RICKY MARTIN?"

You couldn't make up a funnier moment. It was like in the movies when everything stops. I think I even heard the scratch of a record, bringing the place to a screeching halt.

Rrrrrrrrrup...

Then, the laughter exploded.

The young guy was embarrassed. He held up his hand, hushed the crowd and said, "Okay, okay, my bad. I meant to say: What do I do after I go down on DEAN MARTIN."

An old timer looked up from his Racing Form and yelled back, "Ask Mrs. Martin."

I love Las Vegas.

Happy Thanksgiving.

YOU MUST BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

2010-11-24T15:57:00.001-08:00

Wisdom from the House of H2o.

BE LOVE NOW

2010-11-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Forty years ago, RAM DASS wrote 'Be Here Now,' a book that helped millions live life in a new way. Now, in 'Be Love Now,' Ram speaks of love to a new generation, and man is it beautiful.

Love isn't a place or destination, it is a state of being so surrender to it, to yourself.

House of H2o 2010 required reading and recommended Christmas gift is 'Be Love Now' by RAM DASS.

YOU LIKE THAT, DON'T YOU?

2010-11-19T16:31:00.000-08:00

The airport pat-downs have gotten so out of control that now there's a boycott being organized online. Really, people are feeling violated by all of the feeling going on. And let's face it, we're not feeling any safer.

Here's an idea:

Hookers.

No, really, hookers. I say that we hire prostitutes to do the pat-downs. Prostitutes, or as they're called in some states, "massage therapists," know how to rub you in just the right way. They do. I say we offer a special Prostitute Pat-Down Line in all of America's major airports (I think we already have one in Reno. Not sure). Travelers will happily pay for the service, so that's, like, good, right?

Everybody wins.

A happy ending, or safe landing, or whatever you wanna call it, will be had by all.

I think they'll go for this and if they do, I'm working on a list of in-flight gambling bets, like, "Guess which flight attendent isn't gay" and "Pick the baby to vomit first," you know, family friendly games of chance. The proceeds, minus my 20% fee, could help this great country of ours.

God bless you and God Bless America.

.

THE STATE OF THE ART OF MOVIES

2010-11-18T09:20:00.000-08:00

WILLIE WATTERS OPENS UP

2010-11-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to do it, open up, just let you know what I'm working with. You see, I tend to drop the names of my beautiful and talented friends, and can't wait to write about their successes but I now feel the need to let you know the truth about me, about the kind of man I am, I want to be.

I continue to be inspired by a select group of talented people, beautiful souls who move me in many ways, and while I'll only hint at specfics, I'm naming names. The list will never be complete as it continues to grow, but at the core are people I love. Yup, I said it, I LOVE THEM, YOU. Tonight it's some of the most beautiful guys. This list is an example of the kind of people I'm proud to have influenced my life and, sometimes, me theirs.

I am inspired to continue to try to be the kind of person I fancy myself. And who is that? I'll tell you- I want to be that soft voice in your ear, the guy who says, "You can do it," or "I am so proud of you," or maybe just, "Fucking great!"

But I'm more than a voice, I'm a man of action. I am ready to do whetever I can to help you move from where you are to where you wish to be. You want to work New Years? Good, I'll help set it up and gladly write your opening remarks. You need a tune for that convention show? I'll happily co-write a song. You need a name and number? Call me, I'll look it up.

I'm not in any position to be specific, but please know that I have done some helpful things over the years, but those stories are for others to tell-or not. I just want you to know that I live to continue to work with talented people. I'll not-so-humbly put myself among the artists; another, more stable part of me is here to assist the writer who struggles everyday.

NAME DROPPING.

Guys can be beautiful. Here are some who come to mind, eleven real forces of pop culture that move us all-

JASON MRAZ- Shares his love of music with the world. Jason reminds us of a simple truth: leap and the net will appear.

EVAN LOWENSTEIN- This talented singer is also a savvy businessman. www.stageit.com is a beautiful thing, man.

JON MARRO- What an artist and teacher. If each of us creates our own reality, Jon's is really, really beautiful.

BEN EASTER- The actor and photographer has become an expert on the art that he loves. He hugs his talent and I love that. www.beneaster.net

NICK THUNE- The most original comedian of our time. Nick Thune is a genius, and I never use that word.

JUSTIN WILLMAN- The likeable, magical emcee and TV host is soon to be a superstar. Bet on it, him.

JOSH HENDERSON- The coolist young actor in Hollywood who is fast becoming a respected pop singer. Beautiful for serious.

R.J. CANTU- This ABC-Family actor and close-up magician is intent on bettering himself, making us the better in the process.

VAL VALENTINO- This charming magician put on a mask and pulled-off a coup. His biggest secret: he's the sweetest guy ever.

SERGIO VELLATTI- This young singer captured the Sinatra sound without ever trying. Big is beautiful, baby.

PAUL CRIK- Paul's philosophy: "Killin' it." He'll help you kill it, too. www.paulcrik.com

Hey? I love you guys. I do.

.

BRUCE MERRIN: LAS VEGAS SHOW BUSINESS ROYALTY

2010-11-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

'THE KING, THE QUEEN & THE JOKER'

If you want to get something done in Las Vegas, you just have to call BRUCE MERRIN.

BRUCE MERRIN'S Celebrity Speakers & Entertainment Bureau is the best PR and ad agency in town.

The photo above should be captioned 'Royal Flush' because, thanks to Bruce, here I am, with KING ERRISSON and DR. SHELIA STIRLING.

NEIL DIAMOND'S conga drummer of 30-plus years, KING ERRISSON is the real King of Diamonds!

Now that's a pair to draw to!

.

SINATRA SINGS SINATRA IN LAS VEGAS THIS WEEKEND

2010-11-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

FRANK SINATRA, JR., backed by a swinging 20-piece big band playing some of the best arrangements from the Great American Songbook, brings his fine show back to Las Vegas this weekend, at The Orleans.

If you go (and I hope you do) don't view it, him as a sequel. Excepting The Godfather, the follow-ups never measure-up. Instead, go to see a singer from the old school (actually, from the school they tore -down to build the old school) with a 50-plus year show business career doing what he loves: sharing great music.

FRANK SINATRA, JR. at The Orleans this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

JULIAN McCULLOUGH IS FUNNY AS HELL. FUNNIER

2010-11-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

It's Daylight Whatever time and I'm up early. With nothing on except those pricks at Fox Sunday, I put on Comedy Central and was blown-away by one of the FUNNIEST guys I've ever seen, ever.

Over the years, I've booked my share of comedians and consder funnymen like JUSTIN KREDIBLE, TOM DREESEN and JOHNNY DARK close personal friends. For many years, BUDD FRIEDMAN's Improv had a Las Vegas club located next door to our La Cage and Crazy Girls, upstairs at the Riviera Hotel & Casino. I'd often stop in to catch the next big thing. In addition to being the Riviera's Entertainment Director, SAM DISTEFANO was one of my best friends so when he'd suggest I check out a comic, I always would. FIELDING WEST, PAT HAZELL, GILBERT GOTTFRIED, and so many more that I kinda grew imune to it.

Becasue of all of that hilarity, today it's not easy to make me laugh. NICK THUNE is a comedy genius for serious but let's face it, most of the other comics have only a decent couple minutes: the rest is filler. But not JULIAN McCULLOUGH.

JULIAN McCULLOUGH is funny from start to finish.

If you will, watch Julian on YouTube telling the story of the lady on the bus with a chicken. It is funny as hell. Funnier.

JULIAN McCULLOUGH is a real artist, painting such vivid-and funny- pictures that won't be soon forgotten.

God bless all of the authentically funny comedians. Wait- He already has.

.

YOUR MOTHER

2010-11-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

"Happy Birthday."

There, I've written it. You have too, countless times. You've said it, sung it and probably meant it each time. Good for you. Not me, though.

When I got to be old enough to think about it, forgoing the angel food and forgetting Baskin & Robbin, it hit me. What's the big deal about your birthday? No, really?

I'm sure that, in past centuries it was a big deal to live, to survive. I mean, the infant mortality rate declined about 95% in the past century. In the past, when you made it to another year, it was really cause for celebration. Today? Not so much. What matters is what you've done with the past year, man.

Last night, at a very hip Hollywood nightclub on Sunset called Boulevard III* a special friend of mine had a party marking a quarter century of life. Twenty-five years? Hell, I've got girlfriends older than that. Wait, no I don't. Anyway, for many people, 25 is just a number, but for my talented friend, a guy who has accomplished so much, including likeable roles on television, in film and especially in "live" performances on stage, he's had a helluva year.

Several years ago, I got myself mixed-up in the shooting of a TV pilot. It was produced by a guy I knew with Ralph Edwards Productions and, if it'd sold, would have been one of the very first reality shows. MTV had a hit with 'The Real World' and everyone was trying to get into the act. Ralph Edwards had hit shows in the 50's, 60's & 70's like 'This Is Your Life,' 'The People's Court,' and 'Name That Tune,' and this was to be a mix of reality and game show. So, for whatever weird reason, back in the 90's, I was cast to appear in something to be called, 'Your Neighbors,' playing, well, playing myself. I'd made the mistake of telling a story on camera about how, on my birthday, I'd send my mother a 'Thank You' card, because, after all, she'd done all the work. The producer of the show got me to tell that story on the show, making me come off as a momma's boy. Oh, by the way, the entire show stunk. Last I heard, it was shown to prisoners down at Guantanamo who begged to be transfered to Abu Ghraib. I guess a water board is better than being bored to death.

How bad an actor was I ? Let me say it this way: last week I received my first offer to appear in a friend's pilot television show. In other words, it took fifteen years for the stink to disappear.

I like Boulevard III. I do. I'd go there with my young & restless friends when it was a cool poolhall. Last night it was filled with a new generation celebrating R.J. CANTU's birthday, and that's great, but if I were him, I'd send his mom a note because, twenty-five years ago, he didn't have any lines; she did all the work.

* Andrew Boulevard III is the host to hook you up.

PR PLUS: THE BEST OF LAS VEGAS

2010-10-27T14:56:00.001-07:00

There's a company here in Las Vegas called PR PLUS. It was founded several years ago by my talented friend LAURA HERLOVICH.
How taleneted is she?
Let me tell you a story.
Back in the 90's, Las Vegas was changing and changing fast. Older (and just plain old) shows and stars were giving way to Rock n Roll. Thing is, nobody knew quite how to handle the rock stars. Well, one girl did: LAURA HERLOVICH!

I'll never forget the opening of The Hard Rock Hotel. For whatever various reasons, I've been invited to all of the major Las Vegas resort openings of the past 20 years. Sometimes, like at the MGM, it was because I was dating the right woman at the right time. Multiple times, I came with a big star and once I think I got on the VIP list because they mixed me up with WILLIE NELSON. That period of my life is a little hazy but I do remember The Hard Rock. AEROSMITH rocking out in a giant tent, right on Paradise Road. And who set it all up and made sure things went well? LAURA HERLOVICH! THe Hard Rock locked up Laura's services and, last I checked, she's still the one.

So I'm in my old friend's office for a meeting the other day and hanging right over her desk, looking east (at me) is this great promotional photo of JACKSON BROWNE. Now I was at that Hard Rock show, and here's what happened: people who know anything about me know I'm crazy about the music of JACKSON BROWNE. He's THE poet of our time. Just as the show is closing, a nice young guy comes over and asks me to follow him. He's leading me backstage. Now I pretty much grew-up backstage, and continue to spend many nights behind the scenes of Las Vegas shows and in the dressing rooms of our stars but, when we arrived backstage after that show, and I saw Jackson, I turned and went out into the casino. Two Jack Daniels later the casino host found me and asked why I'd disappeared. "I wouldn't have known what to say." In other words, I peed down my leg.

Years have passed and I've since spoken to JACKSON BROWNE and on at least one occasion I may have even made sense, but I'm still not sure. I do know that I'm still looking for a lover who won't blow my cover.

We had a wonderfully creative meeting with Laura and here's wishing PR PLUS many more years of success here in Las Vegas.

WISDOM FROM THE HOUSE OF H2O

2010-10-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

SILENCE IS ONE OF THE HARDEST ARGUMENTS TO REFUTE

SERGIO VELLATTI

2010-10-20T18:56:00.001-07:00

There's an up-and-coming singer I keep hearing about: SERGIO VELLATTI.

Because of some of the work I've done in Las Vegas, including having written and produced the very FIRST Rat Pack tribute show, (with permish, btw), and my association with many big shows and stars, including a certain blue- eyed Italian-American singer, people feel the need to send me links to new singers, usually lame or just lousy, and that's fine, because I don't really take any of that stuff seriously and I usually, as the saying goes, 'fuget about it," but lately, I've been seeing a name that I can't forget, a guy I've been hearing about over and over: SERGIO VELLATTI.

SERGIO VELLATTI is a singer you'll remember.

It's a cool name, memorable and masculine and guess what? So is he. Yup, I checked him out, and it turns out that, in addition to loads of good songs on YouTube, Sergio has launched a website where you can hear him sing, and swing:

www.sergiovellatti.com

Most of these new singers couldn't swing if they were on the end of a rope, but Sergio undersatnds the Sinatra swingers, and the ballads, too. And hearing his great big voice sing classics like 'Spinning Wheel' will make your head go 'round. This guy isn't afraid to let the blood sweat and tears flow and that is the mark of greatness.

If you like good music, the great standards and newer pop songs, sung by an up-and-coming straight-up great singer, please visit Sergio's site.

I'd like to say that I discovered him, but I will share something really amazing: this good looking guy with the beautiful voice just discovered himself. He did. He has great instincts but the truth is, the world of professional singing is new to him. I say we support this fine young talent.

In America, the way we vote for artists we like is to buy their music and tell our friends all about it. SERGIO VELLATTI deserves your vote.

Now, let's tell everyone.

DO YOU HEAR ME? I'M TALKING TO YOU

2010-10-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a new Facebook photo and, after hearing that I should smile more by more than a few friends, I decided to do one. A picture, not a friend. But the thing is , I really-really-don't like taking pictures. I mean, if I'm posing with several of my great looking friends, great, because, like guilt, my looks improve by association.

But a profile pic? Ick!

I have a friend who happens to be blind. She used to see shadows but now- nothing. And she's cool with it. I often say, "Hey, there are some new films opening on Friday, you wanna go hear a movie?" I know, I'm a dick.

So tonight she was telling me that she can hear when I'm smiling, and that she liked it. So I asked her, "Lisa, would you shoot a picture of me, you know, smiling?"

The first two I wasn't even in the shot but the third-and final- one came out pretty OK. At least that's what she just told me, so I'm going with it, and her.

By the way, she picked out the shirt, so's you know...

Sending love from The House of H2O

Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A.

PROUDLY PURPLE

2010-10-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

God, I didn't want to write this. And how silly am I going to look, thinking there's internet in heaven. But maybe someone will read this and not do what you did, they'll not kill themselves.

I have a small number of loyal readers, people interested in my opinions, but, up until now, I've never gotten too personal. I've never once told anyone what to do, until today. Kids are under so much pressure to fit in that gay teens are taking their own lives in record numbers so we have to do something.

God I miss you today. I remember you buying me that purple shirt, at Chess King, at the start of the school year. I loved that shirt because you told me it looked good on me. You were dead a few weeks later.

What you chose to do wasn't cowardly. In fact, I think it took guts, but it was so very selfish. I mean, did you not stop and think that it'd fuck me up for real, forever?

One night, a few years back, a girl I was seeing was going through a box of my photos, you know, trying so hard to get close to me. She held up a great shot; you and me, poolside in Palm Springs. "He was so handsome," she said, and I loved her for saying it.

I still do that first magic trick you taught me. And wow- years later, backstage at Caesars Palace, I'd do it for none other than ORSEN WELLS, who chuckled and asked, "Where'd you learn that trick?" I proudly replied, "My brother. He was a magician." You were.

How many times on the set of 'Las Vegas' did I see you in the likeable star JOSH DUHAMEL, and how weird I must have seemed when he'd come over and say 'Hi," and I'd just stare, missing you. There are times I have to look away from the television, when the handsome Australian surgeon comes on screen to talk to Dr. House. And young JOSH HENDERSON, especially when his hair was longer and lighter, is just about impossible for me to look at, but I've found a way to cheat tears. I'm using him as a character in my new novel, bringing you back to life if only on my Mac and if only for me.

A guy told me once to always do your best and to go out of the house looking your best because you never know who is watching. That was you-you told me that, teaching me how to dress, reminding me that grooming isn't for sissies. Well, I took your advice but you didn't. You took your life.

There are tough-as-nails guys like writer STEVE FRIESS, living life out loud. My friends in the LGBT community should be proud of men like Steve, and they are. Me too.

To anyone who thinks that life sucks because you're different: Call someone, hell, call me (702.808.6306).
To anyone who feels bullied because you're not like the others: Tell someone, hell, tell everyone.

And to anybody who is thinking that life isn't worth it: Please think about those who will be left behind and then live, live another day. I'm begging you. Please.

.

TAKE IT EASY

2010-10-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

It happened again.

"Do you know who you remind me of?" The question was simple but I've heard it too many times before. It had ugly implications. The sweet voice of a pretty young thing called out to me as I crossed the lobby of Las Vegas resort this afternoon. Okay, here we go. I turned back to her and smiled.

"You ever watch MTV? The Kardashians? The reality show?" All of her sentences were going up at the end. Not good.

"Sure." I said.

"You know Brodie? From 'The Hills?' Brodie Jenner?"

"Yup" I was hoping it'd drop there, that she wouldn't go up.

"You know his dad? Bruce? Bruce Jenner? THAT'S who you remind me of."

Ouch.

I don't think that it's a very good idea to compare people you meet to the famous folks you see on TV. I do think it's a handy shortcut when describing a friend to another friend. You know, like when you're trying to get your buddy to ask out your girlfriend's friend, go ahead and compare her to some celebrity. I know that you've done it before and I'll bet when you did you made a point to compare the girl to a way hotter celebrity. You did.

How about when you are trying to get your buddy a date. You lie like hell. You do. You compare him to JARED LETO and you have no so-called idea in life who JARED LETO is. Or you'll say, "He looks kinda like that X-Man actor, JAMES MARSDEN. You liar. You just said that because your friend happens to have cool sunglasses.

But, and here's the thing-when you tell someone that they remind you of someone famous? Take it easy!

There's a young, up-and-coming singer I know, a helluva great looking model named KADEN McNEIL. Great guy, fine voice, cool look. He's really something this guy, but maybe I'm weird because when writing about him, I feel NO need to compare him to anybody. (Besides, if you want, just check Google Images for KADEN McNEIL).

I mean, what if I had said to the girl in the lobby, "Have you ever seen a young Lauren Bacall, I mean, back when she was was first starting out and really glamorous? Well, the guy she was married to? Humphrey Bogart? You look just like him!"

My point: She could have left it with Brodie.

I've met people who feel the need to tell me that I remind them of Superman, only to add, "Not the TV one or the new one, but the guy who ended up in the wheelchair."

I mean, that's just super, man. Thanks.

Now I have a great sense of humor. I do. I look in the mirror everyday, right out of the shower, and I have a full-length mirror. I know what's doin' believe me.

I just think that if you feel compelled to tell someone that they look like someone else, then, like that song says: Take It Easy.

.

www.betterbooktitles.com

2010-10-04T18:03:00.001-07:00

www.betterbooktitles.com

2010-10-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

www.betterbooktitles.com

TALKING ABOUT WRITING

2010-10-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

.

When you're working on a writing project, it usually isn't good to talk too much about it because you risk telling-and not writing-the story.

That said, I always like it when writer friends tell me what they're working on and I never hesitate to talk about my stuff, especially novels which are so complex. I know a girl who likes me to tell her what I'm writing and I like doing it. It helps to say what I think I'm writing. Of course, you run the risk of boring the shit out of people by talking about writing so I usually wait to be asked...

What's that? You want to hear about my latest novel? I thought you'd never ask.

'CONDO: THE STORY OF HOW LAS VEGAS GOT HIGH' is about a bunch of cool people who live in a Las Vegas condominium project called La Mirage. The story begins in the late 1980's and goes up to today.

Roy Richards is a 30-something attorney with one client: La Mirage Condominiums, which, on page one, is inherited by a 20-year old Mormon guy named Brad Hughes. Brad is drunk, high, completely stoned and pretty much naked throughout the first 100 pages of the book, so he's not what you'd call a "good Mormon."

Early in the story, a beautiful dancer-Kerri Dozier-moves into La Mirage and takes a job at Jubilee at Bally's on the Las Vegas Strip.

My favorite character is a guy named Chy Rivers. Chy is a "kept man," a popular young lounge singer who is taken care of by an exotic and beautiful Saudi princess. Chy is "impossibly handsome," more beautiful than anyone at La Mirage, or in Las Vegas for that matter. He's better looking than the women he dates and he dates loads of really hot women.

There is a disabled retired gentleman, an old mob physican named Dr. Romano, who wheels through the story, freely prescribing pills and dispensing wisdom as he goes. Lainie Penn is a dark and beautiful ex-hooker and well-connected pot dealer. Anderi is a Russian circus performer who becomes the personal chauffeaur to the top female singer on the Las Vegas Strip.

Roy Richards got himself into trouble with the state bar association but Roy's an honorable guy with powerful friends so he's not hard to cheer for. Plus he is me so I like him. Brad Hughes was a little hard to get a handle on, until I just let go. It turns out that young Brad is crazy as shit and funny as hell.

WHAT ABOUT CHY?

Kerri Dozier is based on a dancer I knew-and loved-and Lainie Penn isn't too far removed from a tough chick I've known for a long time. Now I'll admit that the name Chy Rivers has been in my head for years. I knew a cool kid in high school named Chy and I always liked water-based last names but, the more I wrote, the harder it became for me to see this guy, to really create an interesting person and not just a character. I mean, a lady's man with loads of swagger? A guy who is 'kept' by the daughter of Saudi Prince so wealthy that the family can't even count their money? I mean, what does THAT guy look like?

When I was first writing Roy Richards I caught a break. I was talking about the book to a girl I know and the next day, she brought me a men's magazine and pointed out the actor JASON BEHR. He starred in that TV show 'Roswell' a few years back. Cool looking dude. She looks at me and says, "I think he's nice. Is this what Roy Richards looks like ? " I smiled at her. "He does now." I was deep into the first draft and could see all of my characters so clearly, except Chy Rivers. I mean, the guy was just too perfect. The women of La Mirage come out on their balconies every afternoon just to watch Chy walk to the mailboxes. Like a male (mail?) version of the Girl From Ipanema, ya know? 100% straight but admired by the guys at La Mirage too. Oh, he's not only a hunk, but dude's got a sweet voice. He sings at Cleopatra's Barge at Caesars Palace.

Well, I kept writing and as I did, the story of Las Vegas going high rise just fell into place for me. I mean, many nights I'd write until sunup, trying to keep up with it all until finally, I finished the first draft. Nearly 900 pages and wow, we have a good story.

I set aside 'Condo: The Story of How Las Vegas Got High' and co-wrote some exciting projects including a 'live' stage show. a TV pilot and also a pretty cool thing for my pretty cool friend VALENTINO. Then I created something new for the young actor and magician R.J. CANTU. You see, R.J. had me write some special material for his Magic Castle show and once that was complete, I wrote a piece called 'Vampires in Vegas,' turing the likeable boy next-door into a horrible guy underground. They are going to film 'Vampires in Vegas' later this year. Unlike recent vampire stories, I swear that this one will scare the shit out of you for serious.

Now, I'm back at it, trying to complete the final draft of my novel this year. Man I'm glad I'd set it aside. Here's what happened:

Remember the girl who gave me the magazine with the handsome actor JASON BEHR? I'm lucky to have a friend who likes to hear what I'm writing, someone with taste and, ya know, who'll put up with me. So one night, she puts in a movie, one I just knew was gonna be lame and I say, "Wait. Who is THAT?" She smiled. "His name is JOSH HENDERSON but you'll probably call him 'Chy.' " She was right. Turns out that the cool looking kid from Desperate Housewives can sing. And he's got moves!

Unlike TIGER WOODS, I never watched Desperate Housewives but I saw JOSH HENDERSON work the room at a Las Vegas club a while back and I knew when I watched the crowd that night that Josh had "it."

Now let's be clear: I'm not talking about about how cool and talented JOSH HENDERSON is. No sir. I'm talking about writing. This is about how talented I am. Well, me and also my cool friend who talks to me about what I'm writing. Okay, and a little bit about Josh too, but look, how 'bout a little love tonight okay? The writer never gets much credit, and that's probably fair because most of us are dorks.

I'm re-working the ending of my novel now and in the process I've gotten so involved with each of the characters that they have become real to me. Some of the people are idealized versions of old friends, others are based on new friends. Many of them I totally made up but here's the truth: I dig them.

I dig them all.

.

NICK THUNE IS ON LENO THIS WEDNESDAY AND HE MAY SUCK

2010-09-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Television has become so damn predictable. It has. Now I know that when it's fifty-five minutes into the hour drama, they're just about ready solve the case and wrap things up for the week, or, in the case of the always cool 'Justified,' TIMOTHY OLYPHANT will probably cap a few more bad guys and be done with it, but most shows, especially comedies, are just painting by the numbers. If it's JAKE T. AUSTIN getting the laughs, well, that's fine by me because that kid's an original and the most likeable thing on Disney but most people on television today are as surprising as WILLARD SCOTT'S birthdays. (We get it, Willard, those people are all really fucking old. They fart dust. Their social security numbers are in the single digits. They dated BETTY WHITE'S grandmother. Got it!)

Talk shows, once loaded with lively and sparkling conversation, have become a place for celebrities to come plug their latest thing. Talk show hosts stick to the notes and never ask about that one thing we really wanna know, ya know? But it used to be different.

The Tonight Show starring JOHNNY CARSON was something. Here was the King of Late Night, the TV star who had the country's pulse, a comic with a team of writers, bombing from time-to-time. And it was...GREAT!

JEFF SOTZING, the president of Carson Entertainment (and also Johnny's nephew), has just completed a huge project digitizing all of the Tonight Shows. What a great resource for our American culture. I was reviewing some show recently and was thrilled to watch as some of Johnny's jokes missed. It felt so...alive!

Johnny Carson.com

THUNE IN

I see that on Wednesday, NICK THUNE will be appearing on JAY LENO's Tonight Show. Now Jay never bombs, or if he does, he's making way too much noise to tell. He paints with a pretty broad brush during his often sloppy monologues, sometimes reminding me of a Gallagher concert. But that's Jay, just too busy working hard to worry about being too funny.

Watching NICK THUNE is every bit as exciting as watching any great performer who is always ready to take a risk. He's like a jazz artist who leaves a familiar-and popular-melody to explore some related themes. Many of Thune's comedy pieces are pre-produced, and you can tell that the comic kept a hand in it all rather than just turning it over to some producer. I mean, the edits, the timing and especially the music are right- on, but every punch line isn't a knock-out because he's not playing the game that way. And he never plays to the back of the house. In fact, he brings his audience in to where he is, and where he is is beautiful, man.

I've seen NICK THUNE perform 'live' and also on television, in motion pictures and in short films made-for-video and I'll tell you, he is so funny that-and I swear this is true- I am laughing out loud as I type this, just thinking of things he's said, done. I once wrote to him about a video short he did where, at the end, he's singing to his beautiful girlfriend. My note was full of typos because as I was typing, I was laughing my ass off!

Nick Thune.com

Years ago, a home run in baseball was a rare thing. It was. Most players didn't hit homers; the game was played unlike it is today. I suspect that if he really wanted to, NICK THUNE could hit most balls out of the park, but he's playing a different game and he's doing it in his own authentic way.

Let's tune-into The Tonight Show with JAY LENO on Wednesday and watch NICK THUNE do his thing. I know it's gonna be beautiful. Oh, they'll be some great shots hit hard and high and plenty others softer and subdued down front. And there's the chance that he'll miss a few here and there and- well, that's gonna be exciting.

"NICK THUNE is subdued, not some dude."
(You may quote me).

.

JOANNA KRUPA IS AN ANGEL FOR ANIMALS

2010-09-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

JOANNA KRUPA, dance partner of my boy DEREK HOUGH, is a PETA angel.

WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS

2010-09-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

To the many celebrities who feel the burden of fame, I refer you to FRANK SINATRA's letter to GEORGE MICHAEL, printed here.

Now I don't really know PARIS HILTON, but I have been around her family. Her great- grandfather, grandfather and other fine family members have done more good than Paris ever thought about doing wrong but I think it's time she got with it. Clark County District Attorney DAVID ROGER gave PARIS HILTON a break today. I know our DA; he's a helluva guy- tough but fair. Now it's time for Ms. Hilton to straighten up and fly right. Oh, and cheer-up. Cheer the hell up!

STARS WHO SHINE

I was watching EVAN LOWENSTEIN play and sing the other day. One of his many fans requested a song while he was singing and he went right into it, smiling. Here's a singer with a Rock and Country repertoire in the hundreds and female fans in the millions. Evan went from a heartfelt original ballad into a thumping cover of 'Footloose,' smiling all the way.

I've worked with so many top performers, from musicians to magicians and some dangerous acts and serious actors along the way and you know what: I love people who love what they do.

One of the very best specialty acts in the business is a Russian-born performer named ANDREI SOUMIATIN. With his gorgeous wife and talented son. the Soumiatins are great performers and greatful people. They love what they do and audiences love them for it.

The young actor and close-up magician R.J. CANTU, in preparation for a new television project, was out at the LA clubs including Highlands Hollywood and Boulevard 3. R.J. found himself mobbed by friends and fans because people gravitate to those who dig what they do.

Here in Las Vegas, I get to visit with more than my share of beautiful and talented people. DEREK HOUGH, the tough but tender ABC dancer is always gracious and genuinely eager to pose with fans and followers, plus more than willing to send our regards to his sister JULIANNE HOUGH. The never desperate JOSH HENDERSON often causes hysteria with women who worship him from his days on Wisteria Lane. Now stop and think about that for a second. Stars like a highly competitive dancer and a hard working hunk come for a break from the TMZ yet are only too eager to visit with fans, pose for pictures and sign autographs. They love what they do, and it shows. I'd bet some of these overpaid athelets no longer like their sports but I'll happily lay odds that the talented people I mentioned love sharing their God given talents. When Country stars like JARON & THE LONG ROAD TO LOVE spend hours with their fans, those of us who like 'Pray For You,' can spend a buck and download it on iTunes. That's how we vote in America- we support the good people who do so much to enrich our lives.

I ran into an old- time comic the other day. Back in the 70's this headliner was the HIGHEST PAID comedian on the Las Vegas Strip. I grew-up hearing that there was nobody funnier than SHECKY GREENE and when he recognized me, he was sweet enough to come over- and do fifteen minutes so funny that I cried. I did. He shared GEORGE CARLIN and BOB DYLAN stories and, later, I told him I thought that show business today was in good hands. "Why?" Shecky asked. "NICK THUNE," I told him.

I have it made. I do. I get to work with people who love what they do. I'm writing a 'live' show for 'The Masked Magician,' my pal VALENTINO and featuring R.J. CANTU and we're looking at The Palladium on Sunset as a possible venue to stage it. "This is our history, our heritage," I said, so very excited to be creating with my talented friends, to do a thing at the historic Palladium.

When House of H2o features people in bold letters, we are not just name dropping. That'd be gross. The talented people written about are people who love what they do and we love them for it. I've been up night-after-night, writing a sexy story custom made for a guy like JOSH HENDERSON, an actor and singer who is beautiful because he digs what he does.

Thanks to the BOLD and beautiful people I write about, I do, too.

.

DO YOU READ ME?

2010-09-09T11:12:00.001-07:00

Do you believe in the power of the written word?

I have been befriended by some of the world's most talented and successful people because they'd read something I'd written and liked it, me.

A superstar singer, not used to being made fun of, was being treated rather unfairly in a series of mean and therefore unfunny Doonesbury strips. This singer heard my response and asked me to write it down and fax it over to his Palm Springs home. I did and for the next week or so, he used the line on stage in front of sold-out concerts all over America.

A longtime Las Vegas resident, a great comic and fine director and one- half the biggest act in show business in the 1950's, liked the way I wrote introductions so much that he ordered them put up on the telepromter without edit. I've heard lyrics I've co-written performed in clubs and of course quotes from my fiction recited to small groups but there's something pretty powerful about hearing your words read out to millions of television viewers during the annual Labor Day telethon.

We launched a show review website that featured my written opinions of 'live' concerts and productions in Las Vegas, Reno/Tahoe, Branson, Missouri and other top entertainment venues and it seemed that just about everyone had an opinion but a well written one can make you real enemies but also earn you some real friends IF you know what you're talking about and are honest about everything you write.

The day that I ran into MICHAEL JACKSON (well, actually, HE ran into ME) rocked my written world. You see, Mike was wheeling around a bookstore in his wheelchair and backed up over my foot . He had been living here in Las Vegas for some time and we both were regulars at a certain Barnes & Nobel and also a local Borders Books. He was embarrassed and apologized. No harm done but when I posted a picture and a note, my blog blew-up, getting tens of thousands of hits just because I wrote about the hitmaker running over my foot.

A while back I wrote a couple thousand words about the-then Number Two player in men's tennis, a young man whom I admire very much, a tough-as-nails competitor who is a monster on the court. Imagine my thrill when, at a Palm Springs event, that tennis star pulled me away from the hundreds screaming for autographs and pictures just to thank me, to say that he read-and liked-my words. I stood there, embarrassed that I didn't speak Spanish, wondering if what I'd written translated well and wishing that I could express my apprecaition, until I remembered that I'd said it all already, in writing.

Those who are successfully using Facebook know that the better you write, the better, right?

Well please know that reading my stuff is an intimate thing. Check with anyone who knows me, or, better yet, ask someone who read me prior to our meeting. I am here, living in these words. I believe in them. You and I both do, right?

Right!

THANK EVAN

2010-09-07T13:35:00.001-07:00

7 Down: ____________ and Jaron ( identical-twins pop duo).

I'm crazy for this puzzle but let's face it, it must make someone feel great to see their own name in a clue. I used to see FRANK SINATRA doing the NY Times puzzle, in ink, no less, and smiled the day that every clue in the puzzle was Sinatra-related, knowing he dug that but also wondering if even Ol' Blue Eyes got them all right. ( I did).

You know, if you want an 'Evan' clue, you could go with "Jack Daniel's-like booze ________ Williams," or "Mexican-American Third-baseman Tampa Bay Rays' ________ Longoria," but, I think EVAN LOWENSTEIN is the way to go. I mean, this guy is a most creative musician, businessman and honest-to-God internet entrepreneur. I'm crazy for this guy.

So many musicians are wondering what in the hell is happening to the music business. Record companies are going the way of the buggy whip as new artists and established stars are doing their own thing online. That's where StageIt comes in.

I remember driving down to San Diego with my then-girlfriend to see JASON MRAZ, hearing MR. A-Z's songs on the radio and then being blown-away when Jason told us he didn't have a record deal yet. Of course, every label from the Pacific to the Atlantic wanted him but if Jason were starting out today, I'd bet he'd be label-less.

Too many performers are complaining about the state of the industry but the real creative people are doing something about it. Which brings us to EVAN LOWENSTEIN. Yup, THAT Evan, the identical twin of the pop duo Evan & Jaron, who brought us the hit 'Crazy For This Girl,' and several other fine songs including one of my favorites, 'What She Likes.' Brother Jaron and The Long Road to Love hit the charts hard with 'Pray For You,' breaking the Top- 20 the old fashioned way: with hard work. Early on, we picked 'Pray For You' and are proud of the success, brought, in part, by using new online platforms including Evan's STAGEIT. Now this is a helluva great tool for musicians of every level.

www.stageit.com

I PAY FOR YOU

Performers see StageIt as a way to broadcast their shows to paying customers, fans who are into their stuff and are glad pay to see up -close concerts and behind-the- scenes performances. Fans think of StageIt this way: a VIP ticket to some very cool music.

You have to hand it to EVAN LOWENSTEIN. He's acheived pop stardom as a singer-songwriter and USA Character and now is using his knowledge and talent to help others solve the crossword puzzle that is today's music scene.

Likability-- From RAFAEL NADAL to JAKE T. AUSTIN

2010-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

RAFAEL NADAL is a monster on the tennis court, a never give up, always improving raging bull, a force of nature dead set on winning. Tune in and see for yourself. Tonight I watched him on TV, from the U.S. Open. Dressed in skintight black, he looked like something out of Marvel Comics, an unsmiling superhero or perhaps a likable villian.

Off the court, RAFAEL NADAL is just about the sweetest guy you'd ever hope to meet, a soft spoken gentleman sincerely interested in what you have to say.

I've been thinking about likability lately, about how important it is for popular people to be likable- not just charming or cute, but really likable.

Over the past twenty years, I've advised, managed, hired (and fired) plenty of performers here in Las Vegas, and I've seen just about every successful star we have and I'll tell you a secret: the best are the ones who allow you to like them. Let the reality "stars" do their thing; their lives-real or otherwise-are likely to be short-lived.

I was so impressed by comic-magician JUSTIN KREDIBLE (JUSTIN WILLMAN) that I co-wrote a TV sitcom around his likable talents. It is rare indeed to find a magician you want to go have a beer with, even after he vanished your wallet. How does he do it? He's got the likable thing down!

I was watching The Disney Channel one night, looking for Justin, who was appearing on The Suite Life on Deck. I left the channel on and really enjoyed The Wizards of Waverly Place. Here's why: JAKE T. AUSTIN

JAKE T. AUSTIN.

Yup, the kid is cool as hell. Now I knew DOM DELUISE and am proud of his son, David. Young SELENA GOMEZ is cute as can be but Jake is the most likable guy on the entire DIsney network for serious. You know, so many sitcom characters come on, do their line just knowing it's funny, and then are followed by more laugh lines and other crazy characters and bla bla bla. By the end of the show, you've forgotten the episode because everything was just so forgettable. TV shows have become disposable, interchangable and forgettable. But not JAKE T. AUSTIN. This guy looks like he's having a great time, like he's liking what he's doing. I know the public is. From the mostly female fans to others who just admire a talented guy cool enough not to act cool, JAKE T. AUSTIN is likable to the max.

DIG THIS!

2010-08-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

DIGEUS knows their stuff.
Check-out their Digeus System Optimizer, or, if you like, give ALISE JOHNSON a shout.

Your computer will thank you. Okay, that'd be spookie if your computer actually, ya know, said "Thank You," but, it'll tell you in other ways. http://www.digeus.com/

IF WISHES WERE HORSES...

2010-08-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I'd wish for things. I still do, but, back in the day, I'd talk about my wishes, and my dear mother used to say to me, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride." That was heavy. I mean, I was just a kid.

Now that I'm bigger, you'd think my wishes would have grown, but they haven't. Not really. When I was a teen, most of my dreams involved Charlie's Angles or The Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, staring into the reflecting water poolside, I find myself reflecting, too, and for whatever reason, I've decided to share.

MY DREAMS:

1. I really want to hang out for at least one evening with TMZ's MAX HODGES. I mean, just to see the world (the bar, the surf, the chicks) through his eyes for one night would be big fun.

2. I so want to sit in the shadows and listen in while a comic genius like NICK THUNE works on new material. To hear him writing songs, fine-tuning his stuff is the stuff my dreams are made of.

3. A regular dream takes place backstage at a major Las Vegas production show and involves G-strings, feather boa's and high heels. And, in case FRANK MARINO won't let me in, CRAZY GIRLS, X Burlesque or CRAZY HORSE will do nicely.

4. I wanna turn on network television and be surprised by a plotline, entertained by variety and excited by something new. JUSTIN KREDIBLE starring in his own original sitcom would be a helluva start.

5. Speaking of TV, most of those limp dicks on the CW can't go away fast enough for me. Young STEVEN McQUEEN (yup, the grandson of one of the greats) is the coolist guy on the CW today. I wish for him to kill all those lame vampires ASAP.

6. THE MASKED MAGICIAN has spent the past few years showing how certain illusions might be performed, entertaining television audiences around the globe. I wish that those other magicians who bitched about these shows would join in a worldwide effort to do some real magic. I say start with the problem of lack of clean water for 900 million people, get cool guys like R.J. CANTU and others involved.

7. I wish that people would shut the hell up about immigration, at least for a while. If they want to get serious, move all of our military bases from the California coast to along the Mexican border.

8. I wish that everyone who ever gave me shit growing up could see me right now, poolside in Las Vegas, surrounded by two very sexy showgirls with no tan lines.

9. I wish Dairy Queen delivered.

10. I wish you a creative week.

-Willie Watters
LAS VEGAS, NV, U.S.A

GAME RIGHTS

2010-08-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

I watched daytime TV today. 'The View.' No, really, I did. All those women talking all at once was like some kind of torture. I felt like a guy who lost his voice and found himself locked in the ladies room, with nothing to do but listen. Geez!

Television today sucks. It is unimaginative, tedious and trifling. But when I was growing up, it was better.

I tuned-into 'The View,' to catch the always likable JUSTIN WILLMAN (AKA JUSTIN KREDIBLE) promote his Food Network show 'Cupcake Wars.' He was good... he always is.

Less and less people are watching television and the reason is television is less and less good. Programs are worse as commercials get better. If this keeps up, it'll be just one big colorful smear. But I can fix it, if you'll let me.

Dear Hollywood:

May I suggest: MATCH GAME '10.

'Match Game' was a nice gameshow, a 'Hollywood Squares, Lite,' that ran on CBS and later in syndication. I say bring it back.
Gene Rayburn was a pleasent, affable host and guests like Charles Nelson Reilly, Brett Somers and especially Richard Dawson made for a fun half hour of televsion.

MATCH GAME '10 should be hosted by JUSTIN WILLMAN, with newer versions of the 70's stars. Instead of CNReilly, maybe Andy Dick. Brett Somers was fine, and today, Kathy Griffin would be great. As for the always clever Dawson? Well, NICK THUNE would do nicely, mate.

Hey TV executives, here's an idea: ENTERTAIN US! There is no lack of talent, personalities with whom I know America would love to spend some daytime.

If you guys ignore my suggestion, then you are (BLANK) heads.

.

JASON MRAZ

2010-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

.
Here's a great quote from JASON MRAZ:

"Life isn’t waiting for you when you get there. It’s happening right now."

I love it, him.

HOLLYWOOD IMAGES

2010-07-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from Hollywood and beyond.

I'm coming out of the men's room at The Magic Castle. On the wall just to my right is a well framed photo of a magician and his beautiful and buxom assistant. I look over from the picture and see her, in the flesh, talking to my best friend. She is the owner of the World Famous Magic Castle and my friend is one of the most famous magicians in the world, VALENTINO, The Masked Magician. His television specials and series air all over the globe.

I'm backstage of the main room in the Magic Castle introducing VALENTINO to another magician who has figured out TV, an impressive young star who continues to impress. JUSTIN KREDIBLE, the #1 act on college campuses is also a television favorite, hosting this summer's fresh hit 'Cupcake Wars,' on the Food Network.

The next day, in West Hollywood, where the paparazzi never miss a thing, I'm stopped and asked why I'm in a lunch meeting with a few famous people. One photographer, ready snap me, pauses and asks if I am anybody. "What do you do?" he asks. "I'm a writer," I tell him. He frowns, lowers his camera and heads off to find someone who is somebody.

Later that night, VALENTINO and I pass by The Body Shop, you know, to say 'Hi' to the girls, girls, girls, and then, at a classy joint on Sunset Blvd, have a Caesar salad with R.J. CANTU, a cool young guy who divides his time between acting and magic. This photo could have been called 'The Young and the Rest of Us.'

I'm in Palm Springs, at the grave of a great man. Then, not far from there, I find the headstone of JILLY RIZZO, who was FRANK SINATRA's right hand man and my good friend. I look up at the mountains and decide that I really don't like Palm Springs anymore.

I'm back home in Las Vegas this morning and thought I'd share some of the images of the past few days.

Maybe that Hollywood photographer was right, maybe pictures matter more than words, but, I'm betting the other way.

I wish you a creative week.

CALIFORNIA IN THE SUMMER

2010-07-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully explain to you what Las Vegas means to me, but I"ll keep working at trying to describe the most unique town America has to offer, a place you can call 'magicial' and mean it. I love Las Vegas.

LV wasn't always my home, LA always will be.

I'm heading to California for a week of meetings and, maybe, somewhere between the PR lunches and show business stuff, something real might happen. In fact, I'm betting on it.

I am an angel, originally, and I make a point to do what I can, when I can, to shake the desert dust that tends to build up on my wings. Nothing like Los Angeles to fluff-up your feathers and as for flying too close to the sun, well, I don't worry about such things.

I'm looking forward to visiting a magic Mountain and a Castle that's always been magic for serious. I have some words to say and flowers to lay at the resting place of family and there are a few friends alive and well who could maybe benefit from a little more laughter I might bring their way. I have so much to say. Some can no longer hear, others may not want to listen but here's the thing: ever since I overcame a childhood speech impediment, I've not stopped talking. Teachers shushed me, opponents shouted me down and judges have shut me up, but, only briefly.

I hope to update you and my Facebook friends from time to time. I don't think I can visit Southern California without picking up the BEACH BOYS' vibrations. And after the sun sets, I always hear JACKSON BROWNE carried down the wind from some radio.

California in the summer. It might be a holiday from real. Or, maybe, it'll be more than that.

.

CUPCAKE WARS: JUST INCREDIBLE VIOLENCE

2010-06-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights are rather quiet around the casa, and I like it that way, so, hearing that the Food Network was airing a sneek-peek of their Cupcake Wars, to be hosted by my friend JUSTIN KREDIBLE, I decided to stay close to home and hearth and enjoy the program.

What I saw was THE WORST television ever, needlessly brutal, senceless and horrible in every regard. Shockingly indecent.

I haven't seen much TV lately. I mean, I do watch House M.D. over on Fox, just to try and figure out what the hell is wrong with me. After several seasons, I've concluded that whatever it is that's screwing with my vision, it isn't Wagner's disease. (It's never Wagner's, even that dopy Australian doctor with the floppy hair knows that!) But hey, I'm hep. Once I finally found the remote, I starting clicking into the double-digits.

I didn't even know that food had it's own network. Imagine my surprise to learn that basic cable includes all the basics of life: Food, Oxygen and even a network for sleeping (C-Span). There are channels for blacks (BET) whites (Hallmark) and guys who'll never get laid (SyFy). There are so many movie stations that, sometimes, for laughs, it's fun to flip around, just to watch Kevin Spacy's hairline move in and out like the tide.

I was aware that HBO airs some pretty sexy late night stuff but my remote's been acting up ever since that grease fire. Sex is one thing but violence is another (right?) and yet here we are, in the middle of Cupcake Wars.

Last night's Cupcake Wars episode was called, 'Baking Bread,' and man was it fierce. It featured Bryan Cranston as a cook who hired Malcolm as his assistant. In one early scene, ingredients were being picked up and, in the process, several people were shot and killed. It was appalling.

JUSTIN KREDIBLE plays a rather sleazy lawyer. I hardly recognized him. But he was good; Justin's always very good.

I think if Cupcake Wars is going to be successful, The Food Network should consider giving JUSTIN KREDIBLE more screen time, and, try to cut back on the bloodshed. Oh, and maybe have Malcolm man- up.

.

ALL THE COLORS OF LAS VEGAS

2010-06-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Some wonder if they dream in color but when you live in color, the dreams will take care of themselves.

Las Vegas has a past that glows brightly and has a brilliant future for sure, but here in the now, it is unimaginably colorful. The Vegas Strip is an adult playground lit up by neon that glows like electrified Crayolas. If you're ready to paint with all the colors of the desert wind, well then come on.

Las Vegas is a valley that is completely surrounded by red. From the Red Rock Mountains in the west down to the ruddy sandstone bordering Lake Mead, the edges of the cinnamon desert seem to have been splashed-and soaked- with wine. Coming in from the south, visitors are drawn to a distant emerald glow, a green so warm you can almost feel it before you see it. The far off MGM Grand calls out to a childhood memory and the shout of 'We're off," sings in your mind. The MGM has been home to some great entertainers, huge concerts and sporting events but it's Mike Tyson spitting out a fleshy piece of ear that colors my memories tonight.

The Monte Carlo promotes classy LANCE BURTON. As you pass by, your head fills with fluttering images of white doves and then, the darkly handsome CRISS ANGEL reminds us that the magicians may perform here but that magic has always been here.

Like a gentle giant, LOUIE ANDERSON appears at the colorful castle called Excalibur. That bright star to the east is GEORGE WALLACE and, to the west, PENN & TELLER perform inside the red and blue Rio.

Down on the left, well-lit liquid fireworks spray up into the desert sky. I hear 'Claire de Lune' and see George, Brad and Matt projecting their dozens of dreams onto the Bellagio's watery show.

Next door, it's the aqua glow of Caesars Palace that warms the heart. Those famous fountains bring back memories of a white hot motorcycle stunt that came to a bloody halt. Inside was the best showroom in town: Circus Maximus, where a young house pianist, VINNIE FALCONE, accompanied the greatest Las Vegas stars, notably an Italian-American singer known by the color of his eyes. Now, as the summer wind blows in, it's those midnight blue eyes that you see, that seemed to see you. You remember TONY BENNETT in white dinner jacket, doing Caesars midnight shows, DIANA ROSS holding court dressed in colorful gowns and crazy funny HOWIE MANDELL, sending quick-witted comments sparkling into the late night. ANDY WILLIAMS opened the room, in living color and STEVE & EYDIE kept it bright right up until the end. Now there's a colosseum where a Canadian singer chirps out her titanic hit and soon, NEIL DIAMOND will sing songs sung blue. MATT GOSS adds swagger to the limelight on Cleopatra's Barge but it's Sinatra's shadow we all live in.

Rat Packers DEAN MARTIN (Ol' Red Eyes) and SAMMY DAVIS, JR (Ol' Brown Eye) lit up the Bally Grand while down at the Mirage, SIEGFRIED & ROY blended every color under the rainbow during their reign, cut short by that blood-soaked white tiger.

The Riviera, opened by the dazzling LIBERACE found a new life, thanks in part to the clever and colorful producer NORBERT ALEMAN, who brought flesh back to the Las Vegas Strip. Fans are still going crazy for his CRAZY GIRLS. And after a twenty-plus year Riviera run FRANK MARINO flew the cage and is now doing sparkling shows at the Imperial Palace. Splash, the aqua force behind the Rivera's rennaissance, is now but a drop in memory's ocean, but, some of those drops still sparkle.

REDD FOXX's humor may have been blue, but his shows combined black and white in a way that left us all color blind with laughter. Comedians ruled Del Webb's Moroccan themed north end resort back in the day and today, Las Vegas royalty SANDY HACKETT still packs them in at the Sahara.

When the King was in town, the crimson neon 'H' above the Las Vegas Hilton burned brightly. Sadly, it turned out Elvis had a black belt in pharmacology. From suede blue valium to percodan as yellow as his once Flaming Star, EP's nights were all shook up for serious, high atop that Heartbreak Hotel.

Downtown Las Vegas, once dismissed as 'Glitter Gulch' will shine brightly well into the forseeable future, illuminated by millions of LED's that light up a motorcycle thunderdome, a Golden Nugget and at least Four Queens.

The green felt jungle lives by a color code all its own. Casino chips range from red ($5) green ($25) and black ($100) up to pretty purple ($500), orange ($1000) and cool $5000 hot chocolate cheques. Some of the more tony joints play with off-white $25,000 cheques and higher but, deep down, it's all about the green.

Tonight, the Las Vegas Strip's Wynn and Encore shout 'Paydirt,' thanks to STEVE WYNN's insistance on proper glass that always glows golden and, like Las Vegas itself, never loses its luster.

.

NICK THUNE IS A FREAK

2010-06-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

'When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat."
-GEORGE CARLIN

GEORGE CARLIN had the greatest line about the freak show. May I add: 'When you're in the entertainment business in Las Vegas, you get a backstage view."

I don't use the 'G' word to describe too many people. If you're not careful, words can lose their meanings and the 'G' word is overused as it is but I think we can all now agree that GEORGE CARLIN was a comic 'GENIUS.' My older brother had all of Carlin's records and I'd play the dirty parts for my friends (I can still hear my buddy Tim Wurth quoting the Seven Words) and my theft of the newscaster stuff for routines, skits and scripts continues to this day. So imagine how cool it was to be allowed in George's dressing room, here at Bally's and, at the very end of his career, at the Orleans. My great friend, entertainment executive SAM DISTEFANO knew George his entire career and thanks to the quick-thinking comic, Sam got immediate medical treatment for a condition Carlin recognized backstage during his final gig.

I'd admitted early on to stealing his stuff and George quickly replied with a Catholic joke, slowly followed by a serious point I'll always remember: we all steal.

GEORGE CARLIN considered himself an artist, and of course he was. The intricate rhythms began on paper and right up until the very end, GEORGE CARLIN was writing. It's no secret that I have a special place in my heart for creative types, especially fellow writers. Writing is lonely. It is. Quite lonely only, later-if you're lucky-there's a payoff when your words are read by others.

I've been keeping an eye on the freak parade- from the back of the house to back stage- and it's clear that comic NICK THUNE is the closest thing we have to GEORGE CARLIN. Nick is without a doubt the most creative comic working today. Here's why:

Some people, looking for a laugh, will look at things differently but Nick SEES the world in an entirely new way and his point of view allows for authentically humorous observations.

EYE THUNES

I always laugh when JAY LENO points out the funny typos in newspapers, but, in 'Headlines,' the joke comes from someone's error. In the world of NICK THUNE, the humor is found by seeing things through the eye of Thune, by recognizing the freak show we all are a part of.

There's a character that (too) many comic actors portray these days. You know the one: the nerdy guy who doesn't know he's a nerd, a not cool guy who thinks he's got a shot with the hot babe. The audience sees humor in the view down the road; they can see disaster looming. NICK THUNE is smarter than all that, and he respects his audience too much to go there. Nick has some great routines where the comedy lies in his character's inability to admit something to himself, like that he can't get the girl, or can't accept that she dumped him and in that subtle difference lies comic genius. I mean, 'G' he's a you-know-what, you know?

People love to be entertained and audiences will always appreciate those who don't talk down to them. In comedy, that's not always easy but NICK THUNE has established himself as the kinda-nerdy boy next door who also happens to be the smartest guy in the neighborhood. And that's freaking genius!

WHO SHOULD PLAY FRANK SINATRA-----LEONARDO DICAPRIO? JOHNNY DEPP? HOW ABOUT JOSH HENDERSON?

2010-06-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

MARTIN SCORSESE now says he wants AL PACINO to play FRANK SINATRA in the upcoming biopic of the superstar singer. Really? Pacino? Just when they want him in, I want him out- HOO HA!

Now, I was down with LEONARDO DICAPRIO. After all, he's got the blue eyes and, five seconds into any of his movies you totally suspend your disbelief. Leo is the best actor of his generation, nobody even close, but now I'm thinking that maybe the best isn't the best way to go.

In modern Hollywood, studios think films need a huge star to 'open' them, to provide a big weekend box office, and, more-and-more, that's true, because movies today are mostly trite, predictable and stupid. But, in the case of 'Sinatra,' the story is bigger than any actor and the script, by Phil Robinson ("Field of Dreams") is sure to be epic so I say choose a cool actor with plenty of swagger, real sex appeal and authentic musical ability. I'm thinking JOSH HENDERSON.

Josh is a helluva good actor, a fine singer and a cool looking kid. Drop some weight, add a hat and Ring-a-ding-ding, baby.

There's talk of casting more than one actor to portray FRANK SINATRA at different stages, and that may well be the way to go. Throughout much of his career, Sinatra was all blue eyes, thick lips and bright smile. Ol' Blue Eyes made a name in Hollywood as a song and dance man and was linked to some of the sexiest women in the world so, for Frank's sake, cast someone who can sing, dance and has some moves!

I first ran into JOSH HENDERSON here in Las Vegas where just about everyone knew him from Desperate Housewives. After seeing every hottie in the club staring at the star I knew he had 'it,' he had heat, that magical quality that makes a person so very interesting. It wasn't long before I started a new novel featuring a character I created with the cool looking actor in mind. I mean, he has that effect on you.

Josh has proven himself a hot dancer, strong singer and winning actor. He's a sensational personality so I say:

JOSH HENDERSON is FRANK SINATRA, 'All The Way.'

*

SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT IN YOUR PANTS

2010-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

I was on the phone with an old friend late last night. His girlfriend was out so he called me to bitch. About her purse.

"I mean, why do they carry around all that shit in their purses?" Evidently, she'd asked him to pull a spare key out of her handbag and, after fifteen minutes of rooting-around, he gave up. "She's got everything in there: four kinds of mints, three flavors of gum, everything imaginable, unimaginable, and all kinds of stuff that I didn't even wanna know about." He was really getting worked up. "She has five different lip things. I mean, how many lip glosses do you need?"

"I have two," I replied, but he wasn't looking for answers.

"She has credit cards from banks that went belly up. And who still carries a Blockbuster card? And a Sharper Image gift card? Really? Plus all kinds of candy. She could survive for a week. And don't get me started on all of those old receipts."

Started? I wanted to go the other way.

"It looked like the insides of a goat's stomach in there."

While he went on and on, I finished the newspaper, skimmed some magazines and then read the bible. When he finally calmed down, I said, "Hey, we need them to carry the stuff we might need. Thanks to them, our pockets aren't stuffed." Then I got curious, so I asked what was in his pocket. For fun, we decided to empty our pockets, shoot off a quick photograph and share. He had $600 in cash and a key. The shot above shows you what I'm working with.

Here's an idea: share with me what you have in your pants, guys.

Seriously. If you're reading this on Facebook, post a comment and maybe a photo. And girls, you can play. Let us know what you- or your guy-is packing, okay?

What's in our pockets says a lot about who we are so show me what you got, please. Now I'm not asking to see what's stuffed in your wallet. Your ID is your business. This isn't Arizona, ya know?

As you can see, I had, like, very little cash, so the Mastercard helps me out. Besides, if I'm hungry, the Hilton card allows me to get my buffet on. After dinner, Walgreen's anise-flavored Shark Mints are popular, with people I'm breathing on. The King of Diamonds is actually a business card designed to help promote a novel of that name. As for the pills, well, they've been in my pocket all week. (Paging Dr. House, Dr. Gregory House).

It's pretty clear that my pockets tell the story of one living a pretty simple life.

Okay, I showed you mine. Your turn.

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HOUSE OF H2o

2010-05-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

MISS USA CONTESTANTS AT CAESARS POOL... NICE

2010-05-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

CAESARS PALACE POOL IS BEAUTIFUL

AMERICAN IDOL OFFERS FRANK SINATRA SONGS ARRANGED BY HARRY CONNICK JR. TONIGHT

2010-05-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

American Idol finalists take on the music of FRANK SINATRA tonight. The guest mentor is HARRY CONNICK, JR. The talented singer and jazz musician is one of the best arrangers in the business so tonight look for Harry to provide advice on singing- and feeling- the music of the greatest voice of the 20th Century: FRANK SINATRA.

Leave you guitars backstage, kids, tonight's all about singing beautiful lyrics from great composers like Dorothy Fields' Oscar winning 'The Way You Look Tonight.'

H2o predicts that the contestant who sings 'The Way You Look Tonight,' is gonna win it, All The Way.

JON MARRO IS BEAUTIFUL

2010-05-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jon Marro is beautiful.

It came down to nine words.

A while back, a very nice email came in, in reply to something I'd written. It was from JON MARRO and it changed me. It changes me still.

JON MARRO is the creative force behind Blend Apparel, the T-shirt company run with passion and purpose, one of the leaders in practicing 'sacred commerce,' connecting business with the greatest good for all. Jon's designs are thought provokingly clever while mind blowingly simple, sometimes joking but always evoking higher love.

JON MARRO is really the artist of our generation.

Like many, I'm still learning how to accept a compliment so when Jon's nine words were received, I had to work really hard to be open to them, him.

There are moments, sacred really, when someone says just the right thing at just the right time. In books and on film, characters do it on cue but when it happens in your life, time stops.

Responding to my first novel, Jon wrote:

"THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR ART WITH THE WORLD."

It's a phrase that echoes in my head, a line I've now used to compliment and inspire others. It's a beautiful thought. A gifted young actor, a brilliant comedian, a contemporary poet and a talented singer have all recently received those nine words from me as a way to recognize their past efforts and encourage future creativity.

JON MARRO's nine words tuck you in snug at night but then get you up and inspired the next day.

I wasn't sure how to pay Jon back for his beautiful gift until I stopped thinking and started feeling about it. It was obvious that the present was too big for little me, too thick to jam into my pocket, too loud to keep under the bed. No, the way to go is to share it with the world, one talented person at a time.

Here's hoping they continue sharing.

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BEAUTY & THE BRAIN

2010-04-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

I just received a nice email asking:

"Where do you find beauty. In other words, what to you is the most beautiful?"

I'm going to try to provide an answer from the heart because she deserves to hear it straight.

I fancy myself a guy who sees beauty all around me. So much graffiti is so beautiful but I'll admit that at first blush, I usually see vandalism and not like the Visigoths, either. Graffiti strikes me as a bit random and rather senseless until I remember to look closely.

When you are open to it, you will find beauty.

There's all kinds of beauty all around us. And, the idea of physical beauty has changed over the years. A quick look at advertisments from past decades provides a reminder that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

BEAUTY & THE BRAIN

I would imagine that beauty exists inside us, that it's all in the brain. If that's the case, then I can think of nothing more beautiful than art that we carry around with us, beauty that we can experience again-and-again. Music is by far the most beautiful thing ever. God bless the creators of popular songs for you provide a living soundtrack for our lives.

I was driving down the Las Vegas Strip late last night and, passing by what was once the Sands Hotel Casino, I heard FRANK SINATRA singing 'Fly Me To The Moon,' backed by Count Basie, as recorded on 'Sinatra at the Sands.' Oh, I know, the Sands is no more, but I know exactly where the original Copa Room was. I produced its last great show before they blew-up the place to make way for the beautiful new Venetian but the music that was made there reverberates still. Sinatra's heart was full of song and he will sing forever more.

When the moon is shining brightly, JASON MRAZ can be heard confessing his love to his supernatural nightlight, his voice echoing far beyond into the swimming sea of stars. 'Bella Luna' is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and thanks to MRAZ, it glows within all of us who are open to its love.

We may well forget the sun in his jelous sky, but we'll remember EVA CASSIDY always. She lives on, within us, among the 'Fields of Gold.'

I haven't taken a road trip of any significant distance without playing JACKSON BROWNE's 'Running on Empty' throughout the journey. Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels, I see that JB was right about the moon, but wrong about the stars. The entire album is by and of the road and, if we were to calculate an accurate toll, the world would owe JACKSON BROWNE a fortune. And it does. DYLAN and SPRINGSTEEN too.

'All At Sea,' the great pop ballad by JAMIE CULLUM, was playing on the iPod at the pool on the regular until, yesterday, I messed-up and dove-in with the ear buds still in my ears, bud. Yes, the song quickly cut-out but it dried-out and I was all at sea once again.

Good songs can enter us and can live on with us. Good songs can find their own place in your soul.

Do me a favor, open the door and let 'em in.

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'I'M YOURS' IS BEAUTIFUL

2010-04-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

The 27th annual Pop Music Awards were held last night. I attended the event back when it was still in its teens. PAUL WILLIAMS was just my favorite songwriter and now, he's ASCAP President. Well, we're all grown up now. Well, some of us are.

The Song of the Year is, say it with me: 'I'm Yours,' and who doesn't feel the beauty of the music of JASON MRAZ?

ASCAP was blown away by the success of 'I'm Yours,' a beautiful song that stayed on the Hot 100 Charts longer than any song, ever! And what's so incredible is that the MRAZ CD is loaded with songs every bit as beautiful as the title tune. From the inspiring 'Make It Mine,' which I wrongly thought would be the hit single, to the dreamy 'Love For A Child' and the clever 'If It Kills Me,' the entire record is great. MRAZ is music.

THE KILLERS were honored with a Pop Music Award as well and Las Vegas is proud, guys.

You know, for a couple of years now, JASON MRAZ has been touring the world, singing 'I'm Yours,' and I think it's time we faced it:

We're HIS!

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LA BELLEZA ES VERDAD

2010-04-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

What can be more beautiful than music?

I was lucky enough to hear some of the forthcoming JACKSON BROWNE DAVID LINDLEY double CD, 'Love Is Strange,' which will be released May 11th. And the luck continues when Jackson's U.S. tour launchs right here in Las Vegas July 20th with a sold-out benefit at The Hard Rock.

'Tu Tranquilo' is great and hearing 'Call It a Loan' performed by the composers is beauteous for sure.

The music of JACKSON BROWNE remains relevant because he's always sung to us of truth. Jackson's lyrics are elegant, engaging and stunning, adjectives synonymous with beautiful and, as said so succinctly on that Grecian urn: Beauty is truth, truth beauty.

House of H2O is saluting beauty and the music of JACKSON BROWNE is timelessly beautiful.

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CLAY ADKINS IS BEAUTIFUL Accidentally on Purpose

2010-04-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Talk about beautiful- CLAY ADKINS is a multi-talented guy who was a hit on Broadway, took Las Vegas by storm and now, dozens of television shows later, is Hollywood's most popular character. To me, he'll always be my buddy, a helluva singer with a solid gold personality.*

I was hired to write and produce a follow up show after his successful production closed at The Sands and I've been following my talented friend's career ever since.

You have to be on vitamins-or whatever-to keep up with CLAY ADKINS but this week, just tune-into CBS and watch him steal the show 'Accidentally on Purpose.'

*I taught Clay everything he knows about good music

JASON BEHR

2010-04-19T18:38:00.001-07:00

Here's something really beautiful:

I'm working on a new novel, 'Condo: The Story of How Las Vegas Got High,' with the main character, Roy Richards, a 30-something attorney who 'hears' the voice of Lady Luck, leading the reader on a sexy story of late nights in Las Vegas. Now as I'm writing, I start to 'see' the characters and, 500 pages in, I kind-of fell in love with Roy Richards. I mean, I fall for all of my characters and Roy is the book's hero.

Even though he is totally made-up, to me, he's real. So imagine my surprise when I came upon some pictures of a guy who looks EXACTLY like my dream of Roy Richards: JASON BEHR.

Now THAT'S beautiful!

(Thanks, Jason).

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EARTH DAY 2010 -TALK ABOUT BEAUTIFUL

2010-04-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday or whatever it is.

I live in your desert, and I love it here. The desert saved my life.

Others are celebrating mountains and oceans, hugging trees and swimming with dolphins. There will likely be photos of cute girls in pastel dresses running through prairies holding small flowers. That's cool, I guess, but guys like me feel real beauty here in the Nevada desert.

It hit 88 today so I enjoyed being in the desert by being in the pool. There's something purifying about breathing in your dry air while swimming in your sparkling wetness that makes me feel so very connected to you, to everything.

You may not remember this, but, when I was a kid, I suffered from asthma so badly that I couldn't breathe without fighting for it. After all the inhalers and other drugs, we found that the dry air in your California Palm Springs had magicial powers.

Your desert healed me. It heals me still.

Most images this week will be green, and that's cool, but, today, please accept with love this tan greeting from a desert rat.

H20 loves you, Earth.

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CRAZY GIRLS

2010-04-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Now this is beauty for serious. NORBERT ALEMAN, the savvy producer who brought CRAZY GIRLS to the stage, was cool enough to hire me to help, way back when. Talk about 'workin' stiff!' Now, all these years later, the CRAZY GIRLS are still going strong at the Riviera. Oh, I've had my favorite Crazy Girl over the years, you too. (That's a very Crazy Girl as a young stripper stealing the scene with BRAD PITT in Ocean's 11, by the way). Twenty=plus years and still running? Now THAT'S beautiful!

MATTIA BARBIERI

2010-04-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Beauty is as beauty does. MATTIA BARBIERI is a brilliant young artist from Brescia Italy. Any guy who loves Dylan, Mina and Sinatra is fine in my book and the music in Mattia's soul fuels the beauty in his art. H2o is saluting beauty and MATTIA BARBIERI is bello, man.

JUSTIN KREDIBLE

2010-04-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Talk about beautiful- JUSTIN KREDIBLE is the #1 Act on college campuses all across the country, year after year after year after year after year after year after year. Um, no- that's NOT a typo. He's BMOC (Best Magician On Campus) for like, forever. I am proud to call him my friend and even though he doesn't always return the call, that's cool- he's busy as hell and that's beautiful.

LIAM HALL

2010-04-15T17:15:00.001-07:00

House of H2o is dedicating the next several weeks spotlighting some beautiful people who are friends of mine. From specialty acts to singers and magicians, I am lucky to know some very talented people.

I thought it fitting to begin with the talented athlete and super model LIAM HALL. It's weird, because in addition to a similar first name, Liam and I... okay, well, we don't have anything else in common.

CAN YOU HEAR IT?

2010-04-12T19:02:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: You have written a lot about what you call 'good music.' Define that, please.

ANSWER: Listen. No really. Listen. A good song will reach out to you. Lean in. Let the song take you. A fine song will remind you of home, and you'll know the place for the first time.

There is the all-important beat, for sure. And notes, chords and a progression. But the first thing is the sound. How does it make you feel? No, really.

When you listen to someone speak, or sing, notice the spaces in between the words, the silence surrounding the sound. See the white between these letters? That's where everything comes from, man.

I owe so much to songs, and to the musicians who brought them here.

Let's do this: head on over to iTunes and let's download some music. No really, right now!

I know, I know, you can listen on YouTube, but come on, let's take some songs with us, make them part of our lives.

Here's what I am going to purchase right now:

***** "THE MONKEY & THE LION" by The Makepeace Brothers

***** "PRAY FOR YOU" by Jaron and The Long Road to Love

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_BROTHERLY LOVE

2010-03-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

When word started to spread that THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS were coming to Las Vegas on April 15th for shows at The Art Institute and also The House of Blues, I was contacted by a local entertainment reporter who was looking for background information on this great group.

I was happy to try and help, afterall, I know what it's like to be up against a deadline, and, while I was flattered to share, I found it just about impossible to provide info without opinion. You see, I happen to love THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS. I love the sound of their songs; I love the message of their music. The songs of MPB are love. You can feel it for serious.

SOUND ADVICE

What is it that you first notice about a new record? How is it that certain songs are able to bring back such vivid memories? What makes a particular band popular? The answer to these questions is: The sound.

M- Melodious, Mellifluous, Mellow.

P- Pleasing, Pleasurable, Pure

B- Beautious, Bright, Buoyant

The sound of THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS is beautiful.

ANSWER: Seals & Crofts, Iron & Wine, Loggins & Messina, Baskin & Robbins.
QUESTION: What is sweet?

There are some great YouTube videos shot during the Music, Magic & Makepeace Tour. JASON MRAZ singing 'Fly Me To The Moon' while BILLY BUSHWALLA juggles up a storm. JUSTIN KREDIBLE lovingly twisting balloon animals and, backing it all up: THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS, harmonizing. It's a happening. You almost expect Bobby Shields to pantomime by while Peter Maxx captures the scene on canvas. The whole thing is a throw-back to another era, a simpler time when all you needed was love.

Good music is timeless and THE MAKEPEACE BROTHERS sing of things enduring and eternal.

In 'For Everyman,' JACKSON BROWNE sings:

'Everybody's just waiting to hear from the one, who can give them the answers.
And lead them back to that place in the warmth of the sun, where sweet childhood still dances.'

Great music taps into that place we all come from, where dreams float and hopes dance. Play some MAKEPEACE BROTHERS music, you'll hear it. And it's sweet, man. It's sweet.

H2O recommends:

iTunes:
'The Monkey & the Lion'
'Hero'
'Treat Her Right'

YouTube Flipisode#3
'Follow Me'

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THE MASKED MAGICIAN APPEARS IN LAS VEGAS WITH HIS GOOD FRIEND- ME

2010-03-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

I went down to the BEAUTY BAR on FREMONT STREET the other night to watch magician R.J. CANTU film 'live' footage for an upcoming special. As a surprise to my new friend, I brought along my best friend from the world of magic: VALENTINO.

Millions have been amazed by the television shows and specials starring THE MASKED MAGICIAN and VALENTINO continues to sell out arenas all over the world. But here's the thing: he's a very cool guy, loyal to his friends and supportive of up-and-coming artists.

Val and I were amazed and entertained by R.J.CANTU, a hip young performer who is keeping the magic alive for real.