Monthly Archives: December 2015

Top 5 Famous Cars in the World

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We were reading today that the car from Smokey and Bandit is up for auction. Not the actual Trans Am but one of the models used to promote the movie. That lead us to wonder what famous cars would be included in the top 5 famous cars in the world? In no particular order here are 10 famous cars that were made popular by tv, movies or news in general. Of course, in no particular order.

1. The Original Batmobile – A 1955 Lincoln Futura was customized into the Batmobile for the 1965 television show. Three further copies were made to be displayed in malls and promote the show.

The Batmobile

2. Herbie the Love Bug – A 1963 Volkswagen Beetle became famous in the series of Disney movies by the same name. Herbie  had a mind of his own and was capable of driving himself, and is also a serious contender in auto racing competitions. There are over 30 Herbies around the world on display. We took this picture at the LINQ in Las Vega just last week.

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3. Back to the Future Delorean – The 1981 DeLorean DMC 12 is probably one of the most recognizable cars in the world thanks the successful movie series Back to the Future. This time travelling car was so popular it led to an entire sub culture of fans that replicated the movie car.

4. KITT’ from Knight Rider – The 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am wowed fans in the 1980’s.  Highly intelligent car that could operate by itself and get David Hassellhoff out of terrible acting scenes every week.

5. Smokey and the Bandit –  Here is the new article that started it all. Smokey and the Bandit Car Up for Auction. The movie used four 1977 Trans Am cars but they were all virtually destroyed making the movie. This one up for auction was used to promote the movie.

10 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas

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We are just back from spending a few days in Las Vegas. While Vegas can be expensive there are lots of things you can do for free and still have fun. Yeah right. Well it’s true. Not everything costs you an arm and a leg. We saved money and had a blast taking in quite a few free attractions. That left us with more money to drink and lose gambling.

1. Fall of Atlantis at Caesars Palace – A free animatronic show located in the Forum Shops runs every hour after 11:00 am until 11:00 pm. Located at large fish tank there is lots of eye candy to keep you busy and it’s all free.

2. The Bellagio Fountains – An 8 acre lake with a free water fountain and light show. Who couldn’t resist? They run all day and all night long. Took this photo from the Eiffel Tower at the Paris across the street, which is not free.

Bellagio Fountains

3. The Pinball Museum – This hidden gem is a little off the beaten path. Way down Tropicana Blvd. near the University. Who knew Las Vegas had a University. They have hundreds of pinball machines spanning decades and all are playable and most for only .25. We had fun seeing those old school machines from childhood,

The Pinball Museum

4. The Volcano at the Mirage – Located right on the main strip the volcano is pretty impressive when it erupts. Unfortunately they have cut back on the times that it goes off. Now it’s only Sunday – Thursday 7:00 PM & 8:00 PM and Friday – Saturday 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM.  You should be able to find enough time in  your debauchery to squeeze it in.

5.  The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign – What would a trip to Vegas be without stopping in and see the historical welcome sign. We went out the back door at Mandalay Bay and walked down to the sign but it’s a good trek there and back. There was also a person taking photos for tips when we there. It’s as free as you want it to be.

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6. Fremont St Experience – This is probably the greatest hidden gem of Las Vegas. The old strip of historic casinos, covered by a canopy that plays videos to music, cheap beer and gambling, street performs and three stages of live free music. We could post a thousand photos of the party that takes place every night. Here is a Who light show. Full music was blasting.

7. Flamingos at The Flamingo – The Flamingo has a little wildlife sanctuary that is free.  It’s not overly large but it’s a nice touch. Waterfall, stream, birds and a Chapel if you are looking to get hitched.

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8. Bellagio Conservatory – We like to take Vegas in just before Christmas and one reason is the display at the Bellagio Conservatory. It’s a display that puts Clarke Griswald to shame. It’s a pretty busy place so get ready to go elbow to elbow for that perfect photo

9. Gondola Canals of the Venetian – The Venetian can best be described as breath taking. How many places have a full canal inside that you can take a Gondola Ride in (not free). What is free is that you can stroll through the shops and take in everything. The Canal and Bridges are a site to behold.

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10. The Strip – For the last we will just add The Strip itself. Get out of the smokey casinos and treat yourself to all of the free street entertainment you can take in. Don’t get caught up with the sleaze bags trying to sell you time shares but take in the live performs. There are drummers, acrobats, break dancers, costumed freaks. It’s pure entertainment and its all free to take in. Of course you can always throw a tip or two to show your appreciation.

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5 Christmas Comedies on Netflix

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Christmas doesn’t have to be depressing. There are number of great Christmas comedies on Netflix that should cure you out of that depressing thought of having to spend time with our deranged family. We are pretty much sick of the all of the glitter, music and cheer so we thought we would post a few movies that appear on Netflix that should give you a laugh or two at Christmas time. In no particular order of course. We were a little taken back by the lack of selection. I mean where is Christmas Vacation?

1. Trading Places (1983)
Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis. A rich man is turned poor and a poor man turned rich over a $1 bet. Set on the backdrop of Christmas. One of Eddie Murphy’s funniest movies.

2. Bad Santa (2003)
Billy Bob Thorton plays a hard drinking thief who along with his sidekick plan to rob a mall where they are working as Santa and his elf.

3. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
Billy Murray puts together an all star cast of celebrities that celebrate Christmas after getting snowed in a hotel in New York City.

4. Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Ernest might not be everyone’s cup of tea but we enjoy his antics. Especially in this Christmas special.

5. The Ref (1994)
Denis Leary plays a cat burglar is forced to take a bickering, dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.