Morning in Sun City Anthem

Morning in the Valley    

I'm an early bird, often getting up around 4:30am because I love the quiet at that time of the day; watching the moon descend beneath the mountains, while his sister, the sun, makes her appearance in the eastern skies.

Up she goes, minute after minute; the temperatures slowly rise, and soon humans make their appearance as they walk or jog down the street, often with their dogs enjoying joint constitutionals.

The earth is coming alive with all of its many creatures just as it has for billions of years.

And as I watch all of this enveloping, it makes me think, it gets me to reflect, and even more importantly, it allows my wife to get a good night sleep !

My job is making the coffee, getting the newspaper, and taking out the garbage. 

Hers is putting up with me in between mah jongg and pan games.

Life has taught me that making conversation to a woman at 5:00am is VERBOTEN....as are other methods of amusement as we get on in years.

So off I go, often to the computer and get ready for a new day.

There are moments when I realize how fortunate I am that I've never had a serious illness, take no pills, and the last time I was in a hospital, my tonsils were being removed.

So I'm going to give all of you some sound advice about something that we all take for granted.....LIFE...its beauty....how short it is, and what's out there ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE....if you'll just take a few moments to see it.

It seems that the longer we live, the more there is left to do that hasn't yet been done...so...start doing it TODAY.

And a good starting point is getting a travel mug filled with coffee, putting on a jacket, and taking a walk through this lovely community and enjoying the majestic beauty that surrounds it...

 ...and when you walk past another person, be the first to smile at them and say "Good Morning."  It feels GREAT.

This is what I saw this morning...a portrait Da Vinci never painted, nor Monet ever "impression..ed."

It was LIFE. and it told a story...a story of a beginning that within a short few hours would have a dark ending...a day in my life, one remaining day that only God knows how many will still be available.

But now it was LIFE, and as I walked down the street with my camera, looking at the mountains,  this thought entered my head....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw3oxJvSRj0

The sounds of the earth really were music; and I could envision Gordon MaCrae on a horse....trotting through the green fairways of Revere golf course beneath me....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21-KOpdwySw

Then it was time to go home, to my wife; and as I opened the door, there she was, still asleep, lying there as she has been for 26 years; and I realized something I always knew, but all too often took for granted...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0g56qW28t8

And so, for those who will be fortunate to arise tomorrow morning, DO SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENTLY.....appreciate it, appreciate that special person in your life, and appreciate the beauty only a Supreme Being could provide.

Take that walk, then come running through that front door with a new attitude, walk up to the special someone of yours and let her have it !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3c8wS5txFo

It's the best start anyone could ever imagine, because LIFE is a GIFT meant to enjoy, and share that warmth with all that you meet.

Dick Arendt

Dennis Bono Show...A Holiday Treat

Dennis Bono Show Christmas Memories

There is little doubt in my mind that the best entertainment"deal" in town is the Dennis Bono Show each Thursday afternoon at 2:00pm in the showroom of the South Point Hotel & Casino.

Why do I say that?

Two reasons.

It's FUN...and...it's FREE.

On Thursday, December 13th, the annual Christmas show was presented, and if you weren't there, you missed a great show. 

We're a senior community and I would think that seniors would love "Old Vegas." After all, our dollars built an awful lot of those hotels on our visits here before we made this town our "final resting place." 

Why not get out that house of yours, jump in the car, and just DO IT one of these days.

If you do, you won't be disappointed, and just in case you're still toying with this thought, here's what you missed on Thursday.

...a hello from Showgirl, Amy, & Pat as you walk in the showroom.

...a free drawing for dinners, free shows, and hotel stays.

...a song from a very special man named Dennis Bono, who has brought this production to you for the past 12 years at various hotels.

...co-host, Corrie Sachs, who weekly graces the stage with her beauty and talent, singing everything from Broadway to standards to country. (She's the star of Country Superstars with a Reba McEntire impression that will make you do a double take....and who, with her husband, Bob, a member of the show band, the Bob Rosario Ensemble), reside right here in Sun City Anthem.

...once in a while, the boss' wife Lorraine Hunt-Bono, former Lt. Governor of Nevada and owner of the legendary Bootlegger Bistro shows up to sing a song.  (She was the former Lori Perry, an opening act for notables "a few years ago" before politics became her passion.)

And at this Christmas show, they were joined by local talents which included... (with some samples of past performances)

Ronnie Rose

(who appears regularly at The South Point, with a voice as smooth as satin)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-beSG14P98

Deana Martin, daughter of Dean Martin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lbfvU9Vo8Q

The Las Vegas Tenors

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBfkX4sRUBw

Dangerous Curves

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AxiOKJqGYA

McKenna Medley

(daughter of Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3-TINBiPE

(seen here performing with Michael Grimm, winner of America's Got Talent)

Kalsey Kulyk

(songwriter & performer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEpiYFz1Z8o

Then there's the band, The Bob Rosario Ensemble, who each week, demonstrate their professionalism by their ability to play anything for anyone, as if they originally recorded the sound tracks themselves.

But there is one more we can't forget.

Our bartender, Kathleen, who puts up with all of us before, during, and after each show with the patience of a saint.

Well, that's what you missed, and as the entire cast closed the show....

...the room gave them all a standing ovation for what they bring to all who are fortunate to reside in this fun town....

The Entertainment Capital of the World.....Las Vegas, Nevada

Obamacare: Yet Another Tax Hike Surprise

Get Ready America...

Obamacare has ANOTHER Hidden Tax

Here's something not many people are aware of...

Starting in 2014, insurers will be forced to pay AN ADDITIONAL $63.00 tax for every person who HAS COVERAGE.

According to the article in the December 13, 2012 edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal, the tax is scheduled to expire at the end of 2016 and will supposedly generate about $25 billion, most of which will be paid back to insurers by the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the expected huge costs of benefits for Americans with pre-existing conditions.

Anyone really believe that tax will ever expire ?

So just where do you think the insurers AND self-insured plans are going to get that $63.00 ?


Is there anyone out there who believes your medical insurer will merely ABSORB this cost without passing it on to those participants in the plan?


Let me place this in perspective.  Based on the approximate 1% interest rate you are currently earning on a CD, that amounts to ONE YEAR'S INTEREST on $6,300.


Now...let's add this to the "fiscal cliff" increases to ALL AMERICANS, and my guess, the "hidden" additional taxes that will be uncovered in this massive "wealth distribution," and perhaps someone might explain just HOW this is going to increase jobs and speed an economic recovery.


If you do not receive the Las Vegas Review Journal, here is a link to the article.


http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/surprise-tax-hike-183316511.html


Get ready, America, because this tax is just the beginning !


And, yes, Vice President Biden, to use your VERY WORDS...

"This is a big "f _ _ _ _ _ g"  deal.

Dick Arendt

State Agency Challenges Smart Meter Opt-Out Fees

Consumer Agency Challenges Smart Meter Opt-Out Fee

(from Channel 8 News)

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The state Bureau of Consumer Protection wants officials to back off a plan to make NV Energy customers pay to opt out of a smart meter.

The bureau filed a motion Tuesday asking the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada to rethink upfront fees of about $108 for northern Nevada customers or $99 for southern Nevada customers, and recurring monthly charges of about $8.

Bureau officials recommend the utility leave old analog meters in place for customers opting out, instead of giving them new digital meters that don't transmit data. The bureau says keeping the old meter will eliminate most costs of the opt-out program.

NV Energy has installed about 1.3 million smart meters, which transmit data directly to the utility.

Some customers fear they pose health hazards or invade privacy.

RMI Fitness Manager Deserves Darwin Award Nomination

RMI Fitness Manager Issues Idiotic Swimming Rules

 for Liberty Center Pool

I would like to place the name of Kathy Kline, RMI Fitness Manager, in nomination for a Darwin Award.   

Never heard of a "Darwin?" 

"Google it" or ask your friends, but let's just say, it was her solving a swimming "crisis" by adopting a rule that was considered LAUGHABLE by those who chose to use the Liberty Center pool on Monday morning, that got her nominated.

When people in the lap pool were instructed that they would have to be "in a correct lane" based upon the nature of their usage of the water, the RMI attendant was literally laughed back to the main desk area by those in the pool who "feared" being arrested and having to tell a judge they were in violation of using a wrong swimming lane.

From what was learned, some old geezer who loves to do his laps in the morning had this belief he was somehow "entitled" to preferential treatment over those who wish to use the pool for other means.

Fat chance !   

Last time I paid my dues, they were identical to his, and in the land of COMMON SENSE and COURTESY, that means, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE to whoever wants to use those swimming lanes.

Evidently, someone came up with the conclusion that a swimming lane for swimming is different than a swimming lane for other activities such as walking or working out in a manner the way the ladies from the"displaced" aquacize class have had to use it in recent days.

Perhaps this FITNESS MANAGER might explain what she means by "swimming" or "doing laps."

Just what is acceptable to use those two sacred "swimming" lanes?

Breast Stroke ?  Australian crawl ?  backstroke ? sidestroke ? butterfly ? dog paddle ? floating on your back ? using one arm instead of two ? using your feet only ?....or perhaps hopping on one foot holding the side of your head with one hand while the other is tied behind your back ?

Sound IDIOTIC?  

Well, it is !

And the next time someone says to you "Stay in your 'swimming' or 'non-swimming' lane," look that person straight in the eye, and in the spirit of the season, tell him...

"FA...LA LA LA LAH"

Dick Arendt

Keeping Your Barbeque Clean

Is Your BBQ Grill Looking a Little Worse for Wear ?

Need a few tips on how to clean it so it lasts forever?

See our newest article in:

"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home Improvement"

(just click on the link located on the right sight of the Welcome page.)

Got Cracks Near Your Roof?

See any cracks near your roof?

You may have a construction defect.

See our latest article in...

"Mr. Fix-It's World of Home Improvement"

(just click on the Information Page to the right of the main screen for details)

December 7, 1941

71 Years since "A Day in Infamy"

Reflecting on that day...

In:

History & Holidays

(click on the page to the right of the main screen)

Looking at Danny Wright

Danny Wright: Home for Holidays Concert

On Sunday afternoon, December 2nd, 1500 people filled Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center to see Danny Wright's "Home for the Holidays" Concert with special guests, Terry Fator, Mark O'Toole, and Sun City Anthem's very own, Bob Sachs.

And it was an afternoon filled with a strong contingency of Sun City Anthem residents, as well as, many others from near and far.

If you have never had the opportunity to see Danny Wright, you have missed something very special !

Here are a few memories of that concert.

Danny Wright & Mark O'Toole

Mark O'Toole

Terry Fator with Maynard the World's Best Elvis Impersonator

Having recorded 36 CD's over his illustrious career as a world renown concert pianist, his music since the mid-80s has filled the lives of many over those three decades, and for the past two years, we now can proudly refer to him and his family as Las Vegas residents. 

As Danny tells it, at the age of four, never having had a piano lesson in his life, he was suddenly "discovered" by his parents; when one day, he sat at the family piano, used for decorative purposes only, and played "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago with BOTH HANDS !

...and from that moment, his folks realized their son was special, that he had a God given talent, and that it had to be nurtured and shared with the world.

And thanks to their dedication and $$$, Danny was allowed to be trained by some of the most noted teachers.

Danny's love for his parents, who sadly both passed away four years ago within a six month period, is a part of each and every concert.

Over the years, he has been a Steinway artist, signed recording contracts, and recently remastered his Danny Wright collection.

http://www.dannywright.com/

He may also be commissioned to write a special piece for individuals, as he did for my wife, Marla, on our anniversary, entitled "Marla's Meaning" which is on his "Heart 2 Heart" CD.

His recordings have been used by the American Red Cross, and he was honored at the Olympic Games for a recording used by German Bronze Metal winners in the ice skating competition.

Other than traveling the country of concert tours, he is most excited about a special venue next Mother's Day, when he will appear in Salt Lake City with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir along with an 80 piece orchestra.

Danny has also performed at Freedom Hall here in Sun City Anthem.

And the best part of this successful, yet humble and spiritual man...

...is that I call him FRIEND.

Dick Arendt

Turning Back the Christmas Clock

Losing Andy Williams was Losing a Part of Christmas

December 3rd might not be a very memorable day in your life, but it should be !

It was on that day 85 years ago that a man was born who brought happiness to all of us each Christmas.  As a matter of fact, to many people, Christmas wasn't Christmas without...

ANDY WILLIAMS

It's hard to believe that The Andy Williams Show was first broadcast in 1962....50 years ago, and as all of us seniors reflect on our past,  how many of you consider a Christmas special with Andy Williams, was somehow...part of Christmas?

I certainly can remember sitting in front of the TV with my mother, dad, and brother, adjusting the rabbit ears on our new color television. having finished dinner, and getting ready for The Andy Williams Show, can't you?

How many of you have an Andy Williams Christmas "album?"

When you listen to the radio during the holiday season, do you look forward to hearing an Andy Williams Christmas song?

Let's travel back to 1963.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73UqDX_quk0

Clean entertainment...warm entertainment...and family entertainment.

Being one of the most unselfish entertainers, he would always have his brothers, "The Williams Brothers," perform each year on those specials, just being "one of the brothers," rather than the star of the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhdfDqh12pk

Then there was a group of young kids, the Osmond Brothers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kRRX9-s7WU

And a young kid that did pretty well for himself in later life !

It seems all so long ago now, but that seems to be one of the best parts of aging...the memories of our lives.

We recently lost Andy Williams on September 25, 2012. 

How ironic that his death would be on the 25th, the same day of the month as Christmas.

His Christmas recordings will last far into the future along with the videos of those fabulous shows that will always be part of our youth.

So, Andy, "lights, camera, action."  Your audience will always be there remembering times like these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR0EOFfIPQE

And...thanks...for bringing us those wonderful memories of Christmas past.

Dick Arendt

Smart Meter Decisions Are Delayed

NV ENERGY WILL NOT OBJECT TO MOTION MADE by THE BUREAU OF CONSUMER PROTECTION.

Not so fast !

This matter is NOT closed.

NV Energy filed a response to a motion made by the Bureau of Consumer Protection regarding the Smart Meter matter, and will not stand in the way of examining the situation a bit further before a final decision is made by the Public Utilities Commission.

It merely will call for reexamining the $98.75 charge to remove a current analog meter with another device that would also not have capability of automatic transmissions....when the current analog meter is still properly functioning.

This will not pertain to the $9.00 p/month proposed fee, the purpose of which is to pay for a monthly manual reading of an analog meter, if you opt-out of the Smart Meter.

We'll keep you posted.