Yes, I'm back.  Spent last week in fabulous Las Vegas, although it just ain't what it used to be.  Y'know I crave the old--the ratpack days--and every time I return, the place looks more and more like the Mall of America!  The Stardust and The Frontier have come down since I was there last.

A very dear friend (on the other team if you know what I mean) celebrated a significant birthday last week and wanted to spend it away.  So we celebrated in Las Vegas!  And how perfect to have male companionship with no worries of being hit on!  Gotta love that.

Gambled, ate, drank, and gambled! I even made it down to old Vegas and gambled at Binion's where they play Blackjack the original way--cards you hold in your hand.
I never played that way before but got the hang of it. And loved it!
Saw the "Love" show and sang like a crazy woman.  Thankfully the couple next to me were bopping and singing because all the blue-haired people around me sat like they were at a funeral!  Good grief.

And we even saw Cher (of course we did!)....she was pretty fabulous and brought back my childhood!  The only annoyance was the two drunk chicks sitting behind us that chatted and yelled throughout the first half of the show.  After all of us telling them to SHUT UP, Security finally came over and escorted them out. Unfortunately I found out they were escorted out of the aisle and into better seats!!   I was outraged!  The New Yorker in me could not walk away on that one so after the show I spoke to a manager in the theatre and filed a complaint about condoning rude behavior!  And I felt better.

Got in last night and picked up CTBR.  As you can see he was loving the Vegas toy that's in his paws........for about 5 minutes.  He chewed into it and it wound up in the garbage!!

So just so you know and aren't surprised, I'll be out on vacation next week.
The Cope and Gerry will be filling in.
Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend and I leave you with a poll since McCain just announced his VP.

Cesar Millan said you don't get the dog you want, you get the dog you need.
So I guess Carmine the Big Ragu is with me to teach me something or fill some need--haven't figured it out yet.  He woke me up at 3am yesterday scratching like a mad dog and covered with hives.  Gave him half a Benadryl and he went back to sleep.  When I got home yesterday, he was worse and even had some around his eye!! Oh no.
Spoke to my vet; scrubbed the boy with a bath and gave him a Zyrtec.  Voila`!!
The hives disappeared and he smelled like a petunia.  I have no idea what triggered it but the boy had an allergic reaction to something--hope it's not me!!!
Oy friggin vey.

On another note, here's another poll for you! Enjoy.

Now when American Idol returns in January, we'll see FOUR judges:  two guys and two girls.  Kara DioGuardi joins the panel of Paula, Randy, and Simon. I guess producers realize the show is close to jumping the shark although it might already have!
Time will tell. I bet Paula Abdul is not pleased with the new addition because she now has to share the "female" spotlight.
So do you think the new addition will make a difference?  Q listener Roxanne suggested I do a poll so here it is:

THIS is why it is so difficult to discipline him!

GREAT article in today's NY Times about Rescue Ink; bikers that rescue animals!!!

Here's the article in case you missed it:  READ HERE!


And here's the website for Rescue Ink in case you'd like to donate:  Click Here.