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Kassi Beach House at Virgin Hotels

I spent Wednesday night at Virgin Hotels and the all new Kassi Beach House overlooking the pool. Vegas is always happening and for years, Virgin Hotels has had and continues to have some of the best pools, restaurants, and shows in their two showrooms. They offer free parking which is now a great bonus in Las Vegas. So, Vegas Vibe magazine hit another score by inviting all of us media and concierge to check out the place. P.S. I had already been there before—low tables, with kinds of a Polynesian look. 

We started with hot, giant bread bowls so to speak, with three different types of hummus, spicy radishes, and tomatoes. Their pizzas were great—very thin, piping hot served on trays. We had a delicious Vodka and then a Tequila drink, and lots of music.  

Long, low benches and barstools at the bar so you can get comfortable wherever you want to sit. The long couches can accommodate any size group. The bar holds about 14 and we started there with a tasty drink and the first of appetizers—meatballs and stuffed olives.  Sitting by the pool, which of course in the coming months will needs lots of fans to keep us cool, the patrons were all happy to see this new place with quite a varied menu.  

Never forget to pick up a free copy of the Vegas Vibe magazine no matter what hotel you are staying at for ideas on restaurants and things to do. Almost every show is featured in the small pocket size book. Hats off to them. Until my next article, always go to the Las Vegas section of NSAEN.

The Lesson

For taking you too lightly as a gift, heaven sent, not earned, I’m now grieving for lack of being present.

Wilder, in “Our Town”, said it best: not being aware, every moment of our lives, we’re existing in a living death.

To compound the omission, I tried to run from the grief, traversing through a dense forest, hiding in activities before I knew you. Silly. Ridiculously smiling at carved hearts in trees, that bore their pain, and mine, of stunted growth.

How foolish of me, to postpone the inevitable apology: to you, to the universe, to myself,
for not being presently focused, every moment of my journey, on your value, your worth, among the best.

Now that I know more, I try to breathe deeper, to understand the lesson that being present is the gift and the gift is to absorb the present.

Photo by Liam Pozz on Unsplash

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Elvis — Movie Review

Movie Review – Elvis

Review by Ray Schillaci

Warner Brothers and Baz Luhrmann put a polish on an iconic legend with a major star turn by Austin Butler in Elvis. Even though it is Tom Hanks as Elvis’s notorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker, telling his story, the real star remains the one and only and there is little room for any other characters even at a nearly three hour running time. That’s not exactly a bad thing since Butler channels Elvis Presley like no other. The man can very much look like him, moves, sounds and sings like him, bringing all his energy back to life. Sure, Luhrmann runs wild with his signature excesses, but the movie proves to be not only high octane excitement, it also captures the melancholy sadness of a man that had family, friends, and business people take full advantage of him except for his devoted wife, Priscilla.

Luhrmann’s story opens with Colonel Tom Parker alone in a hospital on his deathbed reminiscing about his first encounter with Elvis. The Colonel’s tale is not a linear one and takes a little getting used to. He tends to jump back and forth throughout parts of Elvis’s life, from the first time he heard Elvis and thought he was black, rushing out to see where that voice came from, to committing the greatest grift sinking his teeth and tentacles into him and making sure no one would ever stand in his way. Not even his star client, Elvis.

Of course, the Colonel’s version is not as tainted, declaring that Elvis would not be who he became if it was not for the huckster. That could easily be debated since Elvis already had representation before he met Parker and a had a song on the radio that caught the attention of younger set, especially girls. When Parker does see Elvis on a small stage, it’s striking. The young man is donned in a pink outfit, his hair in an almost rebel cut at the time and he appears hesitant, almost fearful until he belts out a song and grooves to the music setting the stage and the audience on fire. One could not ask for a better introduction to who was to become the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Later, we get a glimpse of Elvis’s younger life growing up with poverty-stricken parents, his devotion to his mother, and his discovery and love for African-American music. He’s ridiculed for the latter, but what would Elvis be without his influences. It was not all Parker’s doing that made the man a legend. It was his constant association and influence of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thorton, Little Richard, B.B. King, and others who he actually lifted songs from that made him so unique. A white boy with the style of an African-American.

Parker sees dollar signs all over the young Elvis and weasels his way into being his manager and eventually his sole client. To Parker’s credit, he’s not only able to book Elvis on a string of hugely successful gigs, he also gets him on TV. Eventually, Elvis’s gyrating moves, his rocketing to fame, and the hold he has on his audience leaves conservative parents in an uproar. Racist politicians see an angle to get votes by attacking Elvis’s association with black musicians. After an attack on stage, Elvis is threatened with jail time. But, he is given the option to join the Army instead. While stationed in Germany, he discovers that his mother has died of alcoholism. This leaves Elvis lost until he meets Priscilla. He falls head over heels for her and when he’s discharged, he goes back on a huge tour and Parker sets him up to star in several films. All the while, Parker gains more and more control over the entertainer’s life. Elvis was enthusiastic to get into the movies, but he did not want to sing. He wanted to act and be taken seriously. But, Parker and the studios found him far more bankable as a singing commodity.

There are many revelations for the casual Elvis admirer. His and Parker’s deal with Las Vegas, the shameful enablers, Priscilla’s feelings about his affairs and drugs, and the possible union of Streisand and Elvis in a movie together. As much as Baz Luhrmann touches upon the rags to riches story, dalliances with drugs and the eventual downfall of a star, the film never feels like a typical music bio-pic. All the energy that Elvis would bring on stage is magically captured by Luhrmann and the film’s leading star, Austin Butler. That’s what makes Elvis a must-see on the big screen.

Austin Butler is breathtaking. He commands the screen with his Elvis. Although a melancholy tale, Elvis the movie is as exciting as watching those aerial dog fights in Top Gun: Maverick. If we could just hold back the hate we feel for the narrator of this story. Colonel Parker’s story is mind boggling and elusive as hell. We barely get to know anything of the man other than he is a carny through and through, trumpeting himself as the next P.T. Barnum. But, I can’t even imagine P.T. Barnum being as downright scummy and evil as Parker was.

Tom Hanks in a fat suit and prosthetic makeup is barely recognizable except for his distinct voice. He almost has you believe that he created Elvis and that everyone else had no idea how to handle the man, the myth, the legend. In fact, Hanks’ Parker is so despicable that it’s hard at times to enjoy the movie because his decision-making and overbearing nature is practically unbearable and makes Elvis’s sad life even worse. We feel like we’re on a rollercoaster with all the highs and lows. But, when it’s all said and done, it is Butler’s performance as Elvis that captures our heart and makes it skip a beat as well, which makes the whole experience well worth it.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Run Time: 159 Minutes
Rated: PG-13
Country: United States/Australia
Distributor: Warner Brothers


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

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Las Vegas Event Calendar

Newest Show Guide for Las Vegas, thanks to AEG.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Aug 3-13: Katy Perry: PLAY at Resorts World Theatre

Aug 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 (rescheduled Apr 1-2, 2022 dates): Lionel Richie – Back To Las Vegas! at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Aug 5: Father John Misty with Suki Waterhouse at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 12: Third Eye Blind: Summer Gods Tour 2022 with special guests Taking Back Sunday & Hockey Dad at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 19: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats with special guest Cory Wong at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 25: Rockzilla Tour with Papa Roach, Falling in Reverse, Hollywood Undead, and Bad Wolves at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 26: Lost 80’s Live with A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, The English Beat, Missing Persons, Stacey Q, Animotion, Naked Eyes, Musical Youth, and Dramarama at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 26-27: Jim Gaffigan: The Fun Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Aug 27: Luis R Conriquez at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Aug 31-Sep 4: Luke Bryan: VEGAS at Resorts World Theatre – Labor Day Weekend! 

Sep 1 & 3: DURAN DURAN – FUTURE PAST at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas – Limited Tickets!

Sep 2: Nikki Glaser: One Night with Nikki Glaser! at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – Labor Day Weekend!

Sep 2: Deon Cole – Colelogy Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas – Labor Day Weekend!

Sep 4: Sarah Silverman & Friends Live on Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas – Labor Day Weekend! 

Sep 8: Ben Platt with special guest Aly & AJ – The Reverie Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas – Rescheduled from April 2!

Sep 9-10: Nate Bargatze – The Raincheck Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 11: Il Divo at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 13: Interpol + Spoon: Lights, Camera, Factions Tour with The Goon Sax at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 16: Pancho Barraza at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 16-17: Enrique Iglesias with special guest Los Tres Tristes Tigres at Resorts World Theatre

Sep 17: Bronco at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 16: Sebastian Maniscalco  at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 17: Sebastian Maniscalco Netflix Special Taping in Las Vegas at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 18: Staind at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 21 – Oct 1: Diana Ross at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Sep 24: Lauren Daigle with Blessing Offor at Resorts World Theatre

Sep 25: Flogging Molly & The Interrupters with Tiger Army at Mandalay Bay Beach

Sep 30: Bert Kreischer: The Berty Boy Relapse Tour Fall 2022 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Sep 30-Oct 1: David Blaine LIVE at Resorts World Theatre

Oct 1: Roger Waters – This Is Not A Drill at T-Mobile Arena
Oct 1: Grupo Intocable at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 5-22: Katy Perry: PLAY at Resorts World Theatre – 8 more shows added!

Oct 7: Tom Jones at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas– Limited Tickets!

Oct 8-9: Sebastian Maniscalco: Nobody Does This Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Oct 9: DPR – Regime World Tour 2022 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 12, 14-15, 19, 21-22: Lionel Richie – Back To Las Vegas! at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Oct 14: Karol G – $trip Love Tour with special guest AGUDELO888 at T-Mobile Arena

Oct 14: Lucero Y Mijares at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 15: Carly Rae Jepsen: The So Nice Tour with Empress Of at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 16: Steve-O at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 22: Quebradita Time Tour 2022 – Banda Machos at Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Oct 26-29: Adam Lambert – The Witch Hunt at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Oct 28-29: David Blaine LIVE at Resorts World Theatre

Nov 1: Elton John – Yellow Brick Road The Final Tour at Allegiant Stadium

Nov 4: Train: AM Gold Tour at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 4-5: Brad Paisley – Acoustic Storyteller at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Nov 9-19: John Fogerty – Playing His Creedence Clearwater Revival and Solo Hits at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas – Rescheduled from February 23-March 5!

Nov 12: Los Tigres del Norte at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 12: Deck the Halls with Disney ft DCappella at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Nov 19: Whiskey Myers “Tornillo” 2022 Tour with special guest Read Southall Band at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 23: X Tour 2022 with Luis Alfonso Partida “El Yaki” and Luis Angel “El Flaco” at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 26: La Ultima Parada Tour with Paquita La Del Barrio, Marisela, Lorenzo De Monteclaro at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Nov 30-Dec 10: Luke Bryan: VEGAS at Resorts World Theatre – More dates added!

Dec 8: Leanne Morgan – Big Panty Tour at Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Dec 16: Måneskin at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Dec 16-17: David Blaine LIVE at Resorts World Theatre

Dec 16–17: David Foster – HITMAN LIVE featuring Katherine McPhee. Plus an array of world class vocalists–Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Feb 11, 2023: Los Temerarios at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

TBD: Justin Bieber – Justice World Tour at T-Mobile Arena – Postponed!

The SIGMA Male “Dare To Be”

The SIGMA Male

“Dare To Be”

By Florida Night Train©

It has been said there is a new breed of males out there. I say there is a new label to define true, genuine, age-old, honorable masculinity. We all know about the “Alpha Male” who is known to use force, fear, power, and authority to intimidate and get what he wants. We also know about the “Beta Male” with the reputation to be a softy; an accommodating “yes-man” of sorts, oftentimes associated with and highly supportive of things perceived as less masculine. The Beta male assumes a passive or subservient role in social or professional environments.

My findings also revealed the “Gamma Male”, closely tied to the Beta male but deemed as adventurous and upbeat. They are a friend of many and love to explore. A Gamma male is in touch with their feminine side and is not afraid of showing his emotions. They understand the feelings of those around them, especially in regards to women. Then there is the “Delta Male”, who are your average Joes. They are not the smartest, strongest, or most attractive. Nothing really stands out in intelligence or physicality. Delta men are hard workers and extremely competent at what they do. They do the work and get things done. Deltas find it very hard to open up and trust people. A Delta may also have been a former Alpha that decided to let go the Alpha existence for a more peaceful life.

Then there is the mystical “Sigma Male”. They understand the importance of being social but they prefer being alone. They don’t need a thousand “likes” on social media and don’t really care for those who do. They enjoy few friends and that’s enough for them. They prefer doing things and figuring things out on their own without depending on anyone. Sigmas learn and acquire the skills they need to execute any project they set their mind to; they are self-sufficient with skills to offer. They are known to face their fears and own their mistakes.  They can be alone for extended periods of time to find solutions to the problems they face and will ask for help only when they know they can’t solve a problem by themselves. Often, I assume, they will have not one but several trusted mentors each with their own specialty in life. They view their fears as milestones and challenges to overcome rather than cave into being afraid—fear is “temporary”. They know all have fears and all can overcome their fears if they put their mind to it. Sigmas can fight their inner battles and find purpose. They know what to do, when, and how to do it. They will know themselves in depth which is often referred to as “self-aware”—that, by the way, takes a crap-load of work and years to achieve. They will know exactly the qualities and affinities in the life-partner they want. If you want a Sigma male as a mate, your most fierce competition will not be others. Your competition will be his peace and if you cannot add or complete his peace, you will be left behind broken-hearted. Sigma males will have clarity of mind and map out how to get to their objectives in alignment with their purpose—short, mid, and long-term.  

They spend ~80% of their time planning and the rest of that time executing. Not afraid to say no if requests are not in line with their objectives, they can be perceived as arrogant or judged as selfish. Sigma male understands the value of both theirs and other people’s time, their weeks are planned ahead. This is why they treat requests on needs and wants basis. They will adapt and be sensitive to emergencies sacrificing their priorities accordingly. They are logical beings more than emotional or reactive. While it is common to the average mortals out there to feed their ego by comparing themselves to others, Sigma males don’t waste their time doing that. They pursue excellence, knowledge, and health in every dimension of life, i.e. emotional, spiritual, physical and intellectual. They are always in competition with themselves seeking to grow with an insatiable thirst to learn. The Sigma celebrates his achievements but does not let it get to his head because he is always in pursuit of the bigger picture. They have confidence and believe in themselves. Others are often found jealous or insecure in the face of a Sigma male. Sigma males practice realistic optimism. The Sigma does not give up easily because he believes there is a solution to every problem. They set their minds on achievable objectives and are highly strategic. They are deemed to be some of the most successful and sought-after individuals. They will help those who want to learn and act on it, but they will not spend a minute on anyone making excuses. Small talk is not acceptable and bores them to death. Other men copy them, but they never copy others.

The Sigma male is, in my opinion, what every man was/is originally designed to be. Independent, honorable, humble, strong, confident, self-aware, self-sufficient, loyal, generous, trust-worthy, discerning, relentless, resilient, creative, resourceful… the list goes on. The Sigma male is not a new breed of men, we just allowed ourselves to lose our ways in raising good men. We fractured ourselves in pieces dissecting characters as described above, i.e. alpha, delta, gamma, beta; when in fact, the Sigma encompasses all of it in one single package. I would be remiss if I did not point out there is also a female Sigma version. Both, much like the yin and yang, are interdependent, equally adoring each other. The more I researched these characters the more I found myself inspired with words, concepts and, dare I say, lost realities that resonated deep within me.

When I read the news out there and when I look at social media, both genders are screaming for affirmation and acceptance seeking deep human connections baring it all physically, emotionally, and even spiritually; as if social media and technology could replace human affirmation!!! If you pay close attention my good friends and if you discern between all this confused modern fog, both Sigma male and female are still very much there and here with us all—they are within us. If we pay close attention and if we follow their lead; silent, steady, moving along and forward pioneering through all the junk without being distracted by all the noise, we will know victory within. The media does not want you to see that.  

Sigmas are too stable, too strong. Sigmas can be threatening to those seeking their own interests. Sigmas always end up seeing through clearly. Their best weapon? “Inner Intelligence” paired with a solid moral compass—look it up! They can’t be controlled or manipulated. I am thankfully seeing more and more Sigmas out there; perhaps a wishful reflection of who I strive to be within deep down. Regardless, Sigmas are rising infusing some good doses of authenticity into this confused mass. I will not name anyone. 

Open your eyes. Observe and dare to be inspired by who you really are deep down. Dare to stand in the face of adversity. Dare to grow. Dare to say, “I was wrong, let me fix me”. Dare to give yourself a chance. Dare the Sigma in you—male or female. We are in a good place.

Striving to be Sigma will cost you a great deal, perhaps even relationships or friendships; I know first-hand. Sigmas look in the face of destruction and evil and they smile. They smile at the glorious satisfaction of battles in front of them knowing they are living life in full force; forging ahead for themselves, yes, but also for their loved ones. They are lions, not sheep. Popularity is of no value to them.

Who do you seek to be? Who do you want to be? These are the thoughts and reflections always consuming my mind when I ride.

Sources: Internet research

Photo Credit: Lecia McDermott

Model: Shalimar E.


Facebook: www.facebook.com/floridanighttrain

IG: Florida_Night_Train

Courtesy of: www.Icicles.com

Reckless in Vegas: A Real Throwback of Songs

I went to the premiers night of the newest show in town, Reckless in Vegas at the Sahara Hotel. Once again, Vegas Vibe gave me an invite to a great pre-party in the Azilio bar and lounge by the pool. Plenty of tasty drinks and some high-end appetizers for 90 minutes, while 300 invited guests mixed and mingled. As we headed in to the newly redesigned showroom, I couldn’t wait to hear what songs were going to be included in this great new show.

It didn’t take long before the show’s star, Michael Shapiro, a Las Vegas native came bounding on the stage to introduce himself. Exceptional vintage black and white footage of Vegas superstars, Elvis, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Sonny and Cher, and Tony Bennett was onscreen. Some of the best tunes from a past era were served up, Suspicious Minds, Mr.
Bojangles, Luck Be A Lady, Fever, and These Boots Are Made for Walking. Backed up with two excellent singers, two dancers and Chris Nickols on bass, with Jack E. Roth on drums, the show is very lively.

Playing only on Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 it will be here for 6 months, as the Sahara Theater is set for renovation next year. Don’t miss out, wonderful energy and great memories.

Yes, We Love Those Pets

Thanks to all the people who drew these pictures.

Agelast, the Last Age, and Will This Age Last?

Words are so interesting. The other day, I came across a definition of the word agelast. It would seem as if the definition would have something to do with aging, but it actually means someone who never laughs.

Since my favorite hobby is to find as much as possible to laugh about, I find the definition of agelast, as a lifelong sad sack, very ironic since life lasts better with fun in it.

Who is the Definition Czar, anyway? If I could find that person, I’d suggest a definition change to the word and maybe some others. But then, who knows? The definition of the word, “some”, or, of the word, “others“ might irritate some or other people and so some or others might never be satisfied. And who knew that there could be so many commas in one sentence?

I’ve always wondered (well, not really “always”, since “always“ really means for all times, as in past eternities, which really don’t exist in our lives. Only a period of time in memory exists, unless you’re with someone you don’t want to be with, making time seem like an eternity) how languages and definitions within them came about.

In a vain attempt to answer the question, I read about the subject and found that, after years of scholarly research, even famous linguists know nothing about the origin of language and The Tower of Babel parable may be as good an answer as any.

If only each had just written a sentence saying, “We really don’t know anything more than you do!”, I could have saved myself a lot of wasted time reading on the subject. But now that you know what I know, you can save yourselves the time I wasted and I can feel virtuous for knowing what you now know before you knew that I knew. An aside here…now that all reading this know the same thing, if you have the habit of saying “you know”, in pausing for breath between sentences, often making some listener who doesn’t have that habit (but probably has another that drives you crazy) wish language didn’t exist, you can stop saying those two words…I think you know the ones to stop saying or the people saying them.

That’s why (not because you know but because of excess wordiness…which is a redundant term), I love book reviews and, even more, book reviews of book reviews. I often feel that most books can be summed up in one sentence (or at most a paragraph or two) or even in a title…like War and Peace which is about war and peace.

Of course, if authors write one sentence books, they won’t be able to pay the rent, Barnes and Noble would just sell coffee, and Jeff Bezos would be a poor schnook, selling car parts, rather than books, in that garage.

Speaking of Barnes and Noble, Bezos, books, language, definitions, and the word with which I started this choo choo train of thought, agelast would be a great word to use in scrabble…If you’re ever challenged, you’d have the last laugh.

Audrey Biloon

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

R.I.P. James Caan

R.I.P. James Caan

Article by Ray Schillaci

James Caan was the epitome of the New York tough guy. He left his indelible mark on The Godfather as Sonny Corleone, the charismatic womanizer with a dangerous temper. Even with all his tough guy roles to follow, he would eventually demonstrate his remarkable versatility as a man with heart, soul, and a nice comedic touch that not everybody will remember. He’s been nominated for many awards including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in The Godfather and an Emmy for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role as Brian Piccolo, the cancer stricken football player in Brian’s Song. That performance had even most men in tears.

Who would ever guess that the man who captured the role of Sonny Corleone was born in the Bronx and raised by his parents who were Jewish immigrants from Germany. He grew up in Sunnyside, Queens, was educated in New York City, and later attended MSU. His first love was football. But sadly, he never made the cut. He transferred to Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, but did not graduate. He did, however, meet his classmates Francis Ford Coppola and Lainie Kazan. It is at Hofstra where Caan became interested in acting and later auditioned for (and attended for five years) New York City’s Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.

He played off-Broadway and Broadway in plays, but he found his niche in television and film. Early in his career he guest starred in several popular series in the early ’60s including Ben Casey, Naked City, Kraft Suspense Theater and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. It was his sidekick role to John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in Howard Hawks’s El Dorado that had audiences pay attention. Later, Coppola would approach Caan to star in a small road movie where he played a former college football star who sustains a brain injury and hooks up with a young married pregnant woman in The Rain People. That performance and film would catapult the careers of Coppola, Caan, and Robert Duvall. All three would eventually work on the famed gangster epic The Godfather.

Caan had many ups and downs in his career and social life. He was married four times and has four sons and a daughter from his various marriages. Many would consider Caan a man’s man. He was a practicing martial artist for almost thirty years with various ranks. He was also a Master of Gosoku Ryu Karate and did steer roping at rodeos. Going along with the tough guy persona was Caan’s association with Andrew Russo who was the mob boss of the Colombo crime family. Caan and Russo new each other for many years and Caan even made him godfather to his son, Scott Caan.

As tough as the man could be, he was a master at the introspective roles which is very hard for many actors. He excelled in his wonderful roles like the Navy sailor who falls in love with a hooker in Cinderella Liberty, the literature professor with the gambling vice in The Gambler and as a safe cracker in Thief. He also showed a very funny side to himself as well as an inept police detective in Freebie and the Bean, a wealthy professional gambler trying to win the heart of Sarah Jessica Parker in Honeymoon in Vegas and as the natural father of Will Ferrell as one of Santa’s helpers in the hilarious Elf.

For as many bad pictures as Caan was in, he would bounce back with a brilliant performance like playing the role of Paul Sheldon the romance writer in Stephen King’s Misery where he would be in bed throughout most of the movie being tormented and tortured by Kathy Bates as a crazed fan who also happens to be a nurse. Caan was that shot of adrenaline that one could expect in a film. He could easily stand out, but had no problem sharing the screen with great talent.

The man worked from the ’60s all the way up to the present with three projects ahead, one in post production due out in 2023 and the other two had just been announced. James Caan, a monumental talent and a one-of-a-kind actor whose presence will be missed in film and TV, but will never be forgotten with the library of films he has lent his talents to.

Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com


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

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Tacos & Tequila Now at Palace Station

Tacos & Tequila is great! This fabulous Mexican restaurant which used to be on the second floor of the Luxor has now reopened at Palace Station. I went last night for a tasting, and the nine of us sampled quite a few items. 

Drinks started with a mojito, and Top Shelf margaritas in our group. I then switched to a strawberry agave mojito but there certainly were a lot of flavored cocktails I would have liked to try, like the pineapple or the peach—all refreshingly mixed and super cold which I really enjoyed.

Out came a basket of freshly baked chips with both a medium and a spicy sauce. Next was a giant plate of nachos, and then a tasting of smothered French fries.  Doesn’t quite seem Mexican, does it? But, it was good. Shrimp tacos arrived, along with beef, chicken and vegetable ones—very tasty with just the correct amount of spices and onions.  

There is plenty on the menu to choose from, including pulled chicken or pork carnitas, Chile rellenos, chicken, fish, or beef burritos. The carne asada was done to perfection.  

I love the look of the room, decorated with murals of Mexican photos and the atmosphere was just right, no loud talking people at other tables or super loud music. With enchiladas, soups, and salads, you can find something for even someone who isn’t crazy about Mexican food. Ask for extra peppers if your taste buds can take it. 

Desserts were a terrific flan and sugared churros with vanilla ice cream. So glad to see this place reopen as it was always filled with happy customers at the Luxor. 

Prices are medium, no surprises here. Located in the food court by the sports book, they are open from 11-11.