Mr. Manners...tipping not a place in China! Waitress's rude rant on Fox!

On a local Fox "rant" segment on the evening news the other evening a tired old waitress complained that gamblers on the Casino floor were not coughing up coin of the realm for drinkie-poohs she plunked down by their one-armed bandits while they were busy trying their luck.

"Las Vegas is a tipping town," she hissed on the station's voice mail unit.

"If you aren't going to tip, then don't come to Las Vegas," she angrily added before slamming down the telephone.

Boy, does this loser have shit for brains!

A few days ago, I published guidelines on tipping in the exotic desert oasis, and underscored in particular that tips were discretionary in Vegas (and cited the reasons why).

Post:  06/22/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/06/mr-mannersrude-bellagio-waitress-shakes.html

If that was not the case, Management would impose a mandatory surcharge of 10% - 15% on each tab like they do overseas in Europe.

Just try to stiff a snooty French waiter at a sidewalk cafe!

On this side of the big pond, it's a simple matter to hustle up a tip, though.

For starters, move your ass, honey!

And, deliver up the cocktail promptly, with a smile on your face (and a cheerful disposition if at all possible).

Surely your face won't crack!

Standing around with your thumb up your butt begging for tips just doesn't cut it.

Have you no self-respect?

Bottom line?

Don't punish the patrons because you hate your job and have to toil to make ends meet.

If you can't cut it, then hang up your apron, and make room for a thankful employee who pines for a job in these tough economic times.

Tipping may not be a place in China - but it is also not compulsory - especially when it comes to lay-abouts without any work ethic who expect the world to pay their way in life.

As Joan Rivers would quip:

Grow up!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Mr. Manners...rude Bellagio waitress shakes down tourists for tips! Poor Etiquette!

An incident at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino yesterday afternoon prompted me to enlist the aid of Mr. Manners to pen an essay on proper etiquette when it comes to tipping in glitzy Las Vegas (or elsewhere for that matter).

Normally, when a patron gambles on the Casino floor - at the slots or at a gaming table - cocktails, soft drinks, water, even beer - are on the house.

The "lubricating" drinks are not only geared to elevate a guest into a happy-go-lucky mood - but also - offered up with the hope that the gambler may be more inclined to part with a bit of cash in favor of the cashier's gate, too.

Just try to secure a drinkie-pooh from a tired old cocktail waitress if it appears you are not a whale about to drop a truckload of cash at the tables - or at a minimum - fritter away a fistful of bucks on the one-armed bandit scattered about the dazzling premises.

In view of the foregoing, I have a tipping structure that I follow - whenever I zip into my favorite Casino - to plug a handful of coins into the inviting 3-D slots strategically-placed about the floor of the Hotel environs.

If the waitress delivers up a lone beer - or a glass of quality white wine - I usually tip a buck (provided I haven't been forced to wait a half-an-hour-or-so to quench my thirst once I have stepped inside the establishment to take a respite from the sizzling-hot afternoon desert sun).

If I ordered an exotic cocktail, the stages get higher, and I generally toss at least two dollar bills on the tray (with a smile and a thank you very much).

But, when it comes to soft drinks or regular water, I usually pass on a tip for good reason.

For example, if I sit at the slots for a couple of hours - and consume four or five cokes - I'll end up frittering away a fiver at least.

In these tough economic times?

No way, Jose!

Especially if the handful of sodas (?) consist mostly of packed ice, water, and a dollop of syrup.

Yup!

What they offer up at Bellagio (and elsewhere on the glitzy Vegas strip)  is not even real coke, folks!

Judging by the response I get from a large percentage of the waitresses on duty, my tip structure is acceptable, because it is reasonable and practical (bottom line).

In fact, more often-than-not, a server is inclined to respond to my take on tipping in a respectful manner.

"If you need anything else, just wave me down," they usually stress with sincerity in their voice.

So, you can imagine how surprised I was yesterday afternoon when an uncouth waitress proceeded to linger at my side (after she plunked the coke down) in a diabolical bold-faced effort to intimidate - and ultimately - coerce some moolah out of me.

Sheesh!

What gall.

As a rule, a well-brought-up waitress -with a modicum of good manners - usually cruises up, slips soda down, then drifts off in the event coin of the realm is not offered up.

No big deal for someone with class!  
In contrast, the shocking behaviour of the hag at the Bellagio - was not only inappropriate - but underscored poor breeding and a total lack of etiquette.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Circus Circus...family value! Free rides for kids! Free drinks for parents!

Last year, I was forced to post a consumer alert when I uncovered a security problem at the Circus Circus Hotel on the strip in Las Vegas.

One eveing as I was waltzing along the hall to my room, I stopped at the door of the suite I thought I was booked into, and proceeded to insert the plastic computerized key into the slot.

Just as I spied the room number out of the corner of my eye - the door clicked, a green light flashed on - then, it swung wide open.

OMG!

My room key accessed the suite next door, no problem.

At this juncture, I thought I'd do my Civic duty, and inform the Hotel of the glitch so that the security risk could be resolved as quickly as possible.

When I strolled up to the Manager's desk, and informed a gruff hefty woman about the problem, she barely blinked.

"So, you want a new key for your suite," she huffed,  not the least bit phased by the security issue.

In fact, the way she acted, it appeared that this kind of slack programming of room keys was common at Circus Circus.

For this reason, I posted a consumer alert.

Post: 09/14/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/10/las-vegascircus-circus-security-problem.html

On a recent stay (I always give Hotels a second chance) it was quite evident that security is of utmost importance to the busy popular tourist attraction today.

For example, on one occasion I left the Hotel room door slightly ajar without closing it properly, because I was distracted by some personal possessions I was lugging into the suite.

A short while later, there was a knock on my door.

"Who is it," I cried out cautiously, since I wasn't expecting any guest(s).

Security!

Oh, golly.

Was my TV set blaring too loudly?

When I answered toward the door, I noticed for the first time that I neglected to shut it tight earlier.

"Your door is open," the guard pointed out, on the heels of my own observation.

I thanked him heartily, and he was on his way.

Uh-huh.

Patrols are on the ball at Circus Circus looking out for the guests.

In addition to the improved security, there are a few perks worthy of mentioning, for the budget-minded (at least).

Normally, flakey outfits in Vegas hand out useless coupons - sometimes booklets rife with them - that tend to be totally useless (basically, they have no value whatsoever and are a waste time pursuing).

Not so at Circus Circus.

When I handed in my coupon for an order of chips and salsa from a reputable grill downstairs - and proceeded to wander through the Casino floor munching on the tasty treat - I attracted a lot of attention.

One dude strode up and quizzed me about the tasty-looking snack.

"Where can I can some of those?"

When I wised him up, he dashed off  to grab his coupon book,  which he had tossed carelessly on the dresser in his Hotel suite.

In addition, I savored a couple of free well drinks on the house - too!

Also, tourists with kids will be pleased to hear  that there are coupons for free rides.

If you book during the week on Expedia, the room rates are pretty low, too.

So, for family road-trips, Circus Circus is a sure bet!

Although there is usually a long line snaking up at the check-in desk, the staff miraculously manage to zip through the processing at break-neck speed (unlike some of those other places).

Kudos!

Free rides at Circus Circus!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Wild Wild West...cocktail waitresses gone by way of Dinosaur! Vegas Gamblers die of thirst...

If you're heading over to the Wild Wild West watering hole and Casino on Tropicana Boulevard (3300 Block) in Las Vegas, it may be wise to pack a flask of whiskey in your well-tooled boot.

Unless, you don't mind dying of thirst in the desert oasis, that is.

A couple of out-of-towners hankering to par-tay hearty grumbled to their buddies later that they were chomping at the bit for a shot or two for about a half-an-hour or so before they packed up their kit 'n kaboodle and strode into a bar down the strip run by the competition (where the liquor flowed and the good times rolled).

Uh-huh!

It looks like cocktail waitresses - and bar service on the Casino floor at the Wild Wild West - has gone by way of the Dinosaur.

Management at the tired old bar needs to get hip to the fact - that when rugged dudes are out for a round of poker-playing on a boys-night-out - that they're inclined to chase it down with a smoke, a shot or two of whiskey, and thirst-quenching ice cold beer.

Even an uptown tourist savors an exotic cocktail or two when they try their luck at the slots.

Dudes at the (Yawn) Wild Wild West need to get real!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Las Vegas...Mermaid's skanky low-life babes a turn-off!

As the clubs on the Freemont strip bask in an embarrassment of riches in the midst of the 70’s madness celebration, Mermaid's Bar remains dead (and as boring) as a door nail.

No wonder!

The tawdry bit**es posted outside to lure in patrons have all the personality and enthusiasm of a worm!

When it comes to “looks” and sex appeal, the bevy of bimbo babes here, are best categorized as "dawgs".

In high school, the “in” crowd used to refer to gals like these sorry drink-pushers as double-baggers.

Instead of placing one bag over their head, you toss on two, in case the first one breaks.

Ouch!

When I sauntered by this sleazy joint, I almost burst out laughing when I caught sight of the two unshapely broads posted at the entrance to hand out shiny plastic beads and invite potential guests inside.

One gal was squeezed into a festive outfit about two sizes too small (to her detriment).

Rolls of fat fell over her unsightly pinched-in-skirt and a sickly white paunch jiggled out-of-control, whenever she moved this way or that.

Most dudes would rather hop into the sack with an inflatable doll, than risk a romp in the hay with some skanky broad like that.

Inside, the short - rough-and-tumble-looking cocktail waitresses - reeked of bad attitude.

They acted like their sh** didn’t stink.

And, the dizzy Ms. Lizzies couldn't keep track of their cocktail orders, to boot!

When you happen across this dive on Freemont Street, just stroll on by this pack of losers.

Who knows - what they're  inflicted with - may be contagious.

God forbid!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Beer...a warm fuzzy insight!

As I stood at the urinal at the Abbey and took a whiz

A horrible truth suddenly dawned on me

'Ya know, we don't buy the booze

We just rent it

For as long as our bladder holds out!

ba-dump!

Las Vegas...deep-fried oreos at Mermaids! Tropical Margaritas for 99 cents...

At Mermaids, pretty hostesses gussied up in Carmen Miranda-style outfits, greet dudes (and dudettes) on a pub crawl with a string of festive rainbow colored beads and offer up a ticket for a cash draw.

This hole-in-the-wall watering spot may be a bit of an eyesore, without much innovation in the slot-machine department, but tourists in-the-know are sauntering into the funky bar to throw down some cash for a handful of delectable finger foods and cheap drinks.

The deep-fried oreos - though packed with a zillion calories and artery-clogging trans-fats - are a big hit for those with a sweet tooth.

I gobbled one down and was ready to cough up 99 cents for an encore performance in spite of the waistline consequences.

I expect the deep-fried twinkie is just as wicked!

As the old TV slogan used to taunt:

"Bet you can't eat just one!"

Another favorite is the chocolate-dipped banana (frozen).

Yummy!

For those looking for a traditional snack over the holiday weekend - who are stifled by a tight budget - the "All American Hot Dog" at 99 cents (plus tax) is sure to squelch any craving for mouth-watering food without breaking the bank.

Then, wash it down with a 99 cent Margarita.

Strawberry is the hot flavor right now among the locals.

And now, for a little slot play on the penny machines.

You know what they say, watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves.

http://www.julianayrs.com

RAGE...nightclub, Sunday dance party!!! West Hollywood.

When you slip into RAGE - suddenly - you are swept up into a sea of toned sexy twenty-somethin' bods - amid a swirl of scintillating fashions - undulating to the latest pop beat.

On Sunday nights, in particular, there's a lot of high-energy, in-your-face gettin' down on the dance floor, sure to conjure up an adrenalin rush.

Maybe a handful of politicians should drop by and take a gander; after all, there's no racial tension here. Attitudes are left at the door, and a crowd of party-goers - Asians, Latinos, Blacks, and Whites - all mingle and mix for a night of sheer unadulterated fun.

Last night, there was quite a bevy of young beauties on hand - sipping on exotic cocktails, chatting up friends, and sashaying about - casting come-hither looks.

Oh yeah!

In my youth, I wiled away many an hour here; then, usually headed home blasted.

Uh-huh, they didn't call the bar on the corner - "Lost on Larrabee" - for no good reason!

Warning: the trendy crowd is prone to rush the dance floor when the likes of Britney, Justin, Madge, and Alicia pop up on the wide-screens overhead, amid a jubilant laser light show.

Get there early, no cover.

See ‘ya!