Judy Thorburn and Debbie Hall

Photos by Stephen Thorburn

 Photos of Hogs & Heifers by Stephen Thorburn
Photos of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas by Judy Thorburn

It was a busy holiday weekend and we just enjoyed our Independence Day celebrations along with some great music, comedy, an unveiling and eating healthy.

We got to experience Comedian George Wallace and his opening music act, a cappella sensation Mosaic, who are performing with him through July 15. They are incredible and there are a couple of the guys we want to take home with us!

George Wallace (photo from Lance Burton 10th Anniversary event)

Mosaic (stock photo)

Mosaic is a six man, vocal collaboration, consisting of Josh, John, Sean, Corwyn, Troy and Kin who bring a new face to a cappella music. Definitely not a boy band, Mosaic uses no instruments, just their own voices, in creating a style all their own. Mosaic has something for everyone from funk and soul to jazz, big-band and hip hop. The merging of different genres and styles of music combine to form a sound that appeals to all audiences. Finding a way to blend Frank Sinatra, Enigma, Beck and even a drum machine, we were amazed what we heard from these talented men. These guys performed everywhere from underground clubs to packed arenas, and we were impressed and entertained by their intricate harmonies, industrial urban grooves and outlandish on-stage antics. These guys are as interactive as Wallace, who is funny as ever with a fresh new show. Check out their website at www.notaboyband.com. George Wallace with Mosaic performs at the Flamingo Tuesday through Saturday (dark Sunday and Monday) at 10 p.m. Tickets are available through the Flamingo Showroom or on www.vegas.com.  Prices are $53 and $64.

On Sunday, July 2 the Media Divas got to share some fun at the Pre- Independence Day celebration which ran from 4-8PM at Hogs and Heifers Saloon located at 201 North 3rd Street in downtown Las Vegas, just a few steps from the Fremont Experience. Aptly named a Red, White and Blue BBQ, boy was it hopping, both inside the saloon with slammin ’music by the Moanin’ Black Snakes, and outdoor into the street where offerings of $2 Miller Genuine Draft specials, other drinks, grilled hotdogs, chicken, and coleslaw were aplenty. It was the perfect venue for the Media Divas internet radio show and along with scheduled guests, up and coming very funny comedian, “Bigfoot” who had us in stitches, and Joni Moss, marketing diva and promoter for the Wedding Chapel at the Riviera, there were plenty of surprise guests including featured performers from the popular strip show, Buck Wild. Tall and lovely dancer Stephanie Jacobs stopped by to chat and 12 year old harmonica wizard and blues talent L.D. Miller and his brother singer/guitarist Cole came by for a quick interview between jams with the fabulous Moanin’ Black Snakes. Michelle Dell, the vivacious blonde owner of Hogs and Heifer gave listeners some information about her background and how this great happening place came into being, starting with her original Hogs and Heifers in New York City, which led to this sister venue. It was clear that the crowds of people who showed up were having a great time, including the Media Divas who can assure you this place is a hot spot for mingling, drinking, eating and listening to great music, not just on holidays. And, you never know who might drop by. We did, and plan to return in the near future. You can listen to our podcast from Hogs and Heifers at www.lasvegasroundtheclock.com.  Just click the podcast button.

LD and Cole Miller rock the house with Moanin' Black Snakes at Hogs and Heifers Saloon

Hogs and Heifers Saloon holds its Pre-4th of July Barbeque

Judy Thorburn with Hogs and Heifers Saloon owner Michelle Dell (wardrobe choice - pure coincidence!)

On July 5, one of the most popular worldwide attractions, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, at the Venetian Hotel and Casino, unveiled their newest attraction, the incredible lifelike wax figure of actor Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, his pirate character from Disney’s new fantasy adventure film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Adrian Jones, General Manager of the Las Vegas museum stated just before removing the drape that covered the figure, that this is the first time in Madame Tussaud’s more than 200 year history it was launching an unveiling of a single attraction simultaneously in four international cities, Amsterdam, London, New York and Las Vegas, all to coincide with the release of the new motion picture that premiered July 6 in the United Kingdom, July 7 in the U.S. (Las Vegas included), and July 13 in The Netherlands.

Wax likeness of Johnny Depp as "Jack Sparrow" at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, at the Venetian Hotel and Casino


Adrian Jones, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas unveils wax figure of Johnny Depp's "Jack Sparrow" character for the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"


Wax figure of Johnny Depp as "Jack Sparrow" with visiting tourist 13 yr old Ian Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico

To call Depp’s likeness eye popping would be an understatement. Johnny Depp sat for Madame Tussauds’ sculptors earlier this year in Los Angeles, and the result is a virtual clone creation of the actor as his movie character, Jack Sparrow that is unbelievable. Every detail from the distinct look in his black eye lined eyes, dreadlock hair, to his sword and costumed persona is such an exact duplicate that it is eerie. As with all the celebrity wax figures from TV, stage, screen, the world of music, and politics that are on display, the public is encouraged to interact with any or all of their favorites, and this event was by no means any different. Visiting fans from all over the world, in every age range, were eager to have their photo taken as they stood alongside the likeness of Johnny Depp, one of the world’s most popular movie stars, as he appears as the colorful movie pirate we’ve all come to love.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is open seven days a week. For attraction hours and pricing, call 702-862-7800 or visit online at www.mtvegas.com.

We got to experience healthy cooking and eating when Southern Hills Hospital offered as part of their Lunch and Learn Series, an informative and very educational class on healthy eating featuring Helen Taylor Smith, author of Cooking Healthier with the Healthy Cook. Taylor Smith boasts quite the resume, as host of her own live cooking show in the 1970s, who also went on to become the first female Public Relations Director at McCarran International Airport. Her career continued as a writer, teacher, and special assistant to the Director of Transportation for Hawaii. During this time, Taylor Smith also had a desire to eat much healthier and began to search for products without chemicals and artificial ingredients.

She demonstrated her philosophy of, “you have to be responsible for yourself,” with recipes from her book that she brought to share with the class as she discussed using products with no trans fat, high fat, sweets and salt. Her advice was the, “read the ingredients. If the first five are not natural, put it back.” She delighted us with a vegetarian quiche, raw salads, and wonderful brownies and pies, all very healthy and reduced calories. Her book is more than recipes, but with chapters on “Knowing your oven,” “time saving tips,” “cooking equipment,” “product information,” and “product manufacturers.” You can get a copy of Cooking Healthier with the Healthy Cook at www.thehealthycook.com.  The Lunch and Learn Series at Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center will be “All About Your Diabetes,” July 19 and “Chronic Back Pain – What Can I Do?” August 23. Call to register at 880-2700.

Check out our recent special photo galleries.

SPECIAL "PHANTOM" PHOTO GALLERY
SPECIAL "THE BEATLES - LOVE" PHOTO GALLERY
SPECIAL "LANCE BURTON - 10th ANNIVERSARY" PHOTO GALLERY

Remember, The Media Divas make entertainment news DIVALICIOUS!