What Happens in Vegas: Kardashian Khaos at Mirage

I know that part of the allure of Las Vegas is the glitz and glamor, shallow pleasures and empty calories. For years, we've had celebrity hosts and djs at the trendy nightclubs, with a very low bar for the word "celebrity." We're talking Snooki and "The Situation" from The Jersey Shore, and even Kris Humphries, the recently kicked-to-the-curb husband of Kim Kardashian.

I know I'm an old fogey at 45, and I just don't "get" today's crop of stars. But I can't see the appeal of any of the Kardashians, or any of their reality shows, merchandising, or relatives (except for Brody Jenner).  So, I will not be seeking out Kardashian Khaos at The Mirage. I can't imagine why anyone else would either.

 

Source: Las Vegas Weekly

Sanctity of Marriage? Kardashian Calls it Quits After 72 Days

He can do better. She's got a "brand?" Gahhhh.

This post has nothing to do with any respect I might have for the Kardashian family, or any of the several dozen ridiculous reality shows they have. The only reasons this story registers on my radar, are a) because the scale of the wedding was on par with the British Royal Wedding of Prince William; and b) that this highly public "sanctified" union was rubbish before a typical 90-day probationary period would be over.

Often, when it regards marriage equality (same-sex or gay marriage), we are told that marriage is not a civil right. It is a holy, sanctified privilege. This is of course, far from the truth. The truth is that any two opposite-sex, unrelated, of-age people can get married. They need not be in love. They need not be able to procreate. They can be criminals, they can be insane. They don't even have to know each other. In fact, I could put an ad on Craig's list for a insta-bride, and I--a gay man--could marry whoever showed up, tomorrow. But I can't marry* my partner of almost 14 years? You know what? I'll bet this Kardashian chick gets married again before I can legally do so in Las Vegas. Sin City!

Also: The fact that this chick has a "brand," and a following is a sad note on today's young people.


[Excerpt]


Kardashian's divorce won't tarnish her brand

Seventy-two days after their lavish wedding ceremony, which cost an estimated $10 million and was subsequently televised to more than 4 million viewers, the couple announced their split. . .

Read more at: USA Today


* I'm actually now married to my husband for over three of those years, in Palm Springs. I'm part of  one of those "still valid, but only in some states" marriages.

What Happens in Vegas: Snooki Looms Over the Strip

On my way to jury duty today (which resulted in a month's delay. . .no idea if I have to serve), I passed two enormous billboards, featuring Jersey Shore's "Snooki." Now, I realize that at 45 years old, I am no longer MTV's target audience (though I certainly was when they debuted). But I'm both puzzled and saddened by the fact that this program and this woman are attractive to anyone.

I'm hopeful that we're going through a phase. A very long phase, that we'll look back upon with shame, or only vague nostalgia. Like when the first wave of "reality television" hit TV, with That's Incredible! and Real People. Because even though there are some fantastic programs out there (The Walking Dead, True Blood, Dexter), it is the garbage that seems to turn on the kids of today. While I've never watched a single episode, I've gleaned enough to see that Jersey Shore is crap. I've seen enough of its stars to know that they have no real reason to be famous. Like the four Kardashian shows that Bruce Jenner's step-daughters have, and the Real Housewives of wherever, this odd looking Snooki person has no discernible talent, isn't particularly attractive, and is a squillionaire anyway.

But beyond the "famous for being famous" irritation, I'm even more irritated that my city of Las Vegas regularly puts up giant billboards touting these no-talents (and have for years) as "hosts" of parties at the various top-shelf nightclubs. I'm sad that these lesser lights get as much or more attention than the genuine stars performing here, and I'm sad that this apparently works. The beautiful youth of the day must actually look at a poster of Snooki, and say, "Now THAT'S the place I've got to be on Friday night!" Not exactly a ringing endorsement for today's young adults.

If you want to join Snooki, click here. I won't tell anybody.