Author |
Message |
Landi
Member
07-29-2002
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 8:40 am
i loved watching this last night. i needed to get some rest, but it was so intriguing. pcakes, reminds me how we had such a good time in reno. still waiting to hear from you, don't have your phone numbers yet.
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Pcakes2
Member
08-29-2001
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 8:45 am
He was so funny! These are folks you actually root for and want to succeed. I was heartbroken when the sugar sculpture broke last week...all that work, and poof! it was gone. The VP guy (who was complaining about the VIP check ins)annoys the heck out of me, but every show needs a villian. I know it's a TV show, but these people really seem to care about what they are doing, and making the place enjoyable for their guests. Can't wait til Friday.
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Madelane
Member
08-20-2001
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 10:20 am
Was there any question those girls were hired for the young guys' party? I thought that was pretty obvious. That "ringleader" guy was obnoxious. I must have met a million of those jerks in LA. He's only, what, 22, and he had the attitude of a movie star. A jerky movie star, who thinks he's hot and funny and cool. I hate that guy. i need to calm down - I must have dated someone just like him or something. Poor virgin guy, he needs new friends.
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Konamouse
Member
07-16-2001
| Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - 9:47 pm
Many of the girls at the party were also seen down on the casino floor for Chuck's flirtation attempts. Yup, those are outcall girls aka "professional escorts". For those of you visiting Las Vegas this summer, you'll be introduced to many of their pictures by the infamous "slappers" on the strip sidewalks (those little picture cards that people "slap" in their hands before they try to press them into yours). 'squeek'
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Bandit
Member
07-29-2001
| Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 8:42 am
I can't wait til next week's show, only because the "high roller" they make reference to is a guy I used to work with in California. His name is Geoff Mills (although I think they said that) and he is a real estate agent; at least he was then. I'm trying to find a picture I have of us and a couple of other people at a Dodger game so I can show it to y'all. It's funny, I've always said that with all the reality shows there are out there, and all the people I've come across in my life, sometime somewhere, someone I know is going to be on a reality show and here it happened! Ok, enough of my babbling.
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Mamie316
Member
07-08-2003
| Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 8:46 am
I'd love to see that Bandit! I hope that you find it. I've said the same thing about these shows. I know eventually someone I know will be on one.
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Jan
Member
08-01-2000
| Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 11:32 am
Hey bandit, they were looking for you in the update thread HERE
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Bandit
Member
07-29-2001
| Friday, June 18, 2004 - 9:30 am
I know..isn't that funny? And it's all Mamie's fault! lol
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Mamie316
Member
07-08-2003
| Friday, June 18, 2004 - 11:20 am
It's me, it's all me!
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Bandit
Member
07-29-2001
| Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 8:31 am
Well, here I am finally getting these pictures posted of Geoff and Brett. I couldn't find the ones of the three of us at a Dodger game, but I found some from one of our Christmas parties singing karaoke.

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Konamouse
Member
07-16-2001
| Thursday, June 24, 2004 - 4:40 pm
I was hoping that I might get seen on American Casino (they are still there, filming at Green Valley Ranch) but that show is much more about the behind-the-scenes action. We did see them following around that short guy who passes out the sarcastic chips. But, back to The Casino. The Plush Parties are real. www.plushparty.com. New for this year, the "pre-party" public fun at House of Blues on Friday nights - so the hosts can scope you out for their private parties (usually back at this really big house). These are pretty picky, exclusive parties that run $200 per couple, 5-10 couples max per party, and you have to submit full body photos for them to send you an invite (if over the internet). Perhaps these public parties are a way for them to troll around for more customers (because that is what they are really doing, they are in a business and The Casino was free advertising for them). If you really wanna know more about the REAL swinging scene in Las Vegas, meet me at the LV gathering and I'll answer a few questions. Meanwhile, The Casino is NOT real. Period. Burnett productions has gone down a few notches in my book. American Casino is a much better show. 'squeek'
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Sinatrafan79
Member
06-25-2004
| Monday, June 28, 2004 - 2:52 pm
Hi guys! Ready for tonight? I hope that the show will be good and Matt Dusk the lounge singer will be there. I am a big fan of the lounge singer Matt Dusk. I had the chance to see him before the show in concert and I fell in love with his songs. Did you see him in the second episode? If you're like me and you like the singer and want to learn more about him i recommend you to visit his web site at mattdusk . com. He's starting a jazz festival in Canada. tell me what you think about him
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 9:26 am
Is anyone watching this still? They had two epsidoes Sunday and Monday. They were fun to watch at least.
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Kiersten_love
Member
08-03-2001
| Tuesday, August 17, 2004 - 9:22 pm
I agree Ms, i wonder if Matt Dusk is still working there or if he moved on to bigger and better things? I went to the web site for the hotel, but his name is not there at Zax anymore...anyone know why????
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 12:35 pm
Kiersten: I went to Matt Dusk's website http://www.mattdusk.com/home.html *his site is really slow loading and I'm at work with a nice T-1. And apparently he's tourning here are his club dates: AUGUST 2004 22nd - Port Dalhousie - Theatre in Port 24th - Rainbow Room, Ottawa 25th - 100 Georges, Sudbury 26th - 100 Georges, Sudbury 27th - Revival, Toronto 29th - Port Dalhousie - Theatre in Port ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here's an article from Elite TV about Matt and the Casino http://www.elitestv.com/NewsPub/2004/Aug/ETV410f84f44820a.html Swing’s New Best Thing - 'The Casino’s' Matt Dusk It is obvious that Matt Dusk is a singer far beyond his years, but you could never tell it from his charm and devastatingly dark and handsome looks that rival any pop star’s. The 25-year-old has a long lineage of musical exploits, but has most recently gained attention in the Fox reality series, “The Casino,” where he holds a dual role: performing as the casino's in-house entertainment, singing standards (he performs the show’s theme) and showcasing tracks from “Two Shots.” Dusk’s CD has been complete since last year, but the Toronto native timed the release of his album to coincide with his appearance on the reality-TV show based at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The title track from Dusk's album is also the theme song of 'The Casino.' Viewer ratings for 'The Casino' have paled in comparison to those of other Burnett productions such as 'Survivor' or 'The Apprentice,' yet the show provides a weekly audience for Dusk to make his name. The show has served as a vehicle in a time when cigar-bar jazz is outweighed by pop and R&B singers. The show has also offered a special view of Dusk’s character and his dedication to his craft. On the first episode of 'The Casino,' the singer argues with the head of entertainment at the Golden Nugget when Dusk refuses to sing tunes that he feels opens his stage for “karaoke” with non-musicians. His insistence on quality led viewers to question whether he was a bit diva-ish or simply concerned with maintaining his integrity? Either way, the vocalist has vowed to “never compromise (his) music for anybody or anything, regardless of the situation.' He’s stood by his word in ventures to work with the best production team and top-notch musical entities including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Session Orchestra for “Two Shots.” Dusk’s musical journey began with his acceptance into Toronto’s St. Michael's Choir School (at age 7), where he spent the next decade immersed in classical, opera and choir studies. Remnants of his decade singing “Ave Maria” are apparent with his form, phrasing and stage presentation. He toured regularly with the school’s choirs, singing a wide array of “Latin music, Palestrina, 16th and 17th century church music,' he remembers. Growing up, Dusk listened to electronica, pop and rock music, as did many of his peers. He was introduced to crooning as an 18-year-old when a friend gave him a CD of renowned famous big-banders and music by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dean Martin. Unlike other young stars who knew they wanted to pursue professional music at an early age, Dusk entered college pursuing economics with plans to take over the family business. However, Dusk confirmed his calling after he beat 654 contestants in the Rising Star competition, a prestigious talent contest held at the annual Canadian National Exhibition. His performance of “The Lady is a Tramp” and “New York, New York” earned him the Grand Champion prize. Dusk quickly rearranged his plans, instead taking up a BFA in Music with a concentration in jazz and pop music at Toronto’s York University, under the tutelage of Montreal-born jazz pianist Oscar Peterson. (Dusk later won the university's Peterson musical scholarship named in honor of his mentor). After getting signed about six years later to Decca Universal, Dusk was ready to release his album in November of last year, but held off when he heard about 'The Casino.' Despite the velvety tones Dusk carries now, the artist reveals he hasn’t always been as vocally-composed. '(Upon his first tryout for York’s jazz program) I made an ass of myself, but one guy in the program really believed in me. He said `You can't sing worth crap, but we're going to turn you into a singer.'' His 'balls to the wall' attitude, as he describes it, came from eight years of working the Toronto jazz circuit with his the “Little Swing Band,” an eight-piece ensemble with a four-piece horn section, playing as many as 20 gigs a month around Toronto clubs. 'Toronto was a mountain of failure for us, but also a lot of success came from that,' he says. 'I took the position of calling up every single club and we'd end up playing about 20 dates every month before I got signed.” “Two Shots” is Dusk’s first major release with Decca, yet Dusk has recorded four independent CDs with tracks topping internet charts at MP3.com. When a listener pops in Matt Dusk’s “Two Shots” (Decca) they should be prepared to face the Chairman of the Board, or at least his eager replacement. Dusk carefully selected tracks to show off the various dimensions of his artistry. Overall, Dusk's music is best described as a blend of vocal jazz and swing laced with modern trendy beats. Yet, some tracks offer an overindulgent Vegas-feel of high rollers and low cigar smoke, while others bear an insight to the Toronto native’s sensitive, romantic side. 'Putting your thoughts to words is awesome,” he said. “I was going through a difficult time – my manager had lost her husband, my other manager lost her brother, I went through a really messy break-up – so it was just an excellent outlet to getting it all off my chest.' Dusk wrote 18 songs, but just four were included on the album because he wanted to include the best songs that his team (specially commissioned for the project) could generate. The material boasts his formal musical training, including his flair for bringing life to old classics. Ironically, though his voice soars when he performs standards (his “Fly Me to the Moon” is splendid), Dusk also sought to include a lot of original material. 'I don't just want to do cover versions,' he insists. 'If you do that, it's too easy to get thrown into the 'clone' category.” Two of the most prominent tracks on the CD, however, are revitalized classics. The Canuck puts his spin on The Beatles' 'Please Please Me', creating a heartrending, somewhat morose tune. You have to respect Dusk’s efforts at covering the tune the way McCartney and Lennon intended it to be sung, a very risky move. The tune was written as a ballad but later released in 1962 as an up-tempo arrangement. Dusk’s version is slow, initiating an entirely new feel to the tune’s mood. 'Yeah, for me it gives it a whole new meaning,' he says. 'The original was just a very happy-go-lucky song - it's great, I love it, I really enjoyed the romantic sentiment of it. Mine is more pensive and reflective, where the Beatles version is very in your face. I'm not saying its right or wrong, it's just a different way of doing it.' Dusk also took a (successful) crack at the unknown “Two Shots,” both because of the song itself and because of the poignant story behind it. The track was written by U2 front man Bono in honor of what would have been Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday. The legendary crooner died before he could record it. Bono released the track on the B-side of one of his albums where Dusk found it. 'I would have to say that ‘Two Shots’ is one of my favorites on the album. It involves two of my favorite artists of all time and it's such a great song,” Dusk said. “It's a great honor for me to record it.' Yet of the big-name tracks and sultry ballads, Matt cites “Five” as his favorite self-penned tune, a wonderful closing to the 12-track debut. 'Five is just a huge heart-wrenching song of hopelessness,' he says. 'I'd say it's kind of a modern-day version of Stephen Sondheim's ‘Send in the Clowns’. It's like that feeling after a break-up with a lover when you're feeling absolutely hopeless and want to die and want the world to end - that's what the song's about. It's funny how it's always up-tempo songs that get the radio pumping, but it's the old slow heart-rending ballads that remain entrenched in your life for all time. In the end, the songs that most affect people are the slower and more pensive ones. People love to sit and soak in sorrow!' At first glance, Matt Dusk can easily be grouped with images of Ol’ Blue Eyes (when he wasn’t so old) or crooner Harry Connick Jr., but Dusk’s presence demands that you give him consideration of his own talents. If nothing else, he should be applauded for attempting to bring big-band back to music’s forefront. Surely he knows pop, rock and R&B can garner larger audiences, but suspicions say that Dusk is in the business for a greater goal. 'Music is where my heart's at,” he says. “The business around it is just to maintain the ability to do what I love to do, which is sing.' Dusk offers a solid rendition of jazz standards instead of offering lackluster rerecordings as many artists have. He provides a great opportunity for an all-inclusive enjoyment, not often found in today’s music. Many genres call to specific demographics while ostracizing others, but “Two Shots” allows a younger generation (that think The Rat Pack are a group of large mice) to experience the class and ring-a-ding pizzazz of their grandparent’s hey-day while making elders smile at the revival of their landmark tunes. Dusk admits that the living up to the benchmarks set by musical legends was a daunting task: 'Those old cats, they really carried the songs. There's nothing more a young punk like me can add to it,' he said. 'You learn from listening all the time…it's a teacher-and-apprentice situation, the teachers being the old greats. Then there comes a point where you can copy them so much, and you start to put your own stuff into it.' Everything about this disc is big: publicity, writing, sound quality and the ever-present aura of The Chairman of the Board himself, but Matt Dusk is grounded enough to ensure that his ego is not included among those “bigs.” “At the end of the day, I’m a musician, I’m a performer, all I care about is the music,” he says. 'You make a choice coming into this business: Do you love music that much that you can withstand people disliking you? And the answer is yes. I love music that much.”
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Kiersten_love
Member
08-03-2001
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 1:01 pm
Ms, thanks so much for the info, it was very helpful. 
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Ladybug007
Member
08-13-2000
| Wednesday, August 18, 2004 - 1:31 pm
He is great...hopefully the radio stations start to pick up on him. I have worked in the biz of getting music on the radio and know the struggle with a lot of program and music directors that didnt believe in Norah Jones..while I of course insisted otherwise. Who go the last laugh when she won all her grammys that year? HA HA !! Now lets hope and keep our fingers crossed that Matt can break into the mainstream as well. He has the sound of the past which is ready for the present.
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Friday, August 20, 2004 - 12:32 pm
I just downloaded (leagally) the Two Shots track Two Shots Of Happy, One Shot Of Sad - (Hot Nugget remix, Bonus Track) I got them off of Real Player Music Guide. They also have the original U2 version. The whole song is great (you never get to hear the entire song on the intro) I also watched the video, which isn't bad. I'll have to listen to a few more tracks before I pick up the album. }
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Monday, August 23, 2004 - 11:37 am
A new epsidoe was on last night? It was funny espeically what the women did to the young host who's father helped him get the host gig. He was fall down drunk with a High Roller guest! YIKES. Next episdoe is when we find out if he's been fired. It comes on Monday 8/23/04 at 9pm
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Max
Member
08-12-2000
| Monday, August 23, 2004 - 12:18 pm
I cannot stand Tommy. He's much too young and cocky to have the position of casino host and I think they only did it for TV purposes. I'd be willing to bet that after the show wrapped, he was no longer a host. Or at least they would make him be a host assistant or something.
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Hamsterlady
Member
07-03-2003
| Monday, August 23, 2004 - 5:47 pm
New episode airing in 12 minutes. I love this show. 
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Sugar
Member
08-15-2000
| Monday, August 23, 2004 - 9:42 pm
ACK!!!! We accidently taped the wrong channel and did not get to see tonights (8/23/04) episode. Would someone please give me an update? Thank you.
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Hamsterlady
Member
07-03-2003
| Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 5:00 am
Sugar, go here http://www.fox.com/thecasino/ and after you get past the intro click on Recaps on the left side of the screen and you'll see the summary for Episode 12 which aired last night. 
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 9:54 am
Here you go...Episode 12 Aired 8/23/04 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Casino Episode 12 Bryan complains to Richie that Tommy never showed up for a meeting the night before, which is totally unacceptable. Tommy sees them talking and knows he’s busted. Kristen is totally stressed about the wedding, which is only two days away. Geoff wants the Nugget to pay for the wedding, but it doesn’t seem to be happening. Meanwhile, Geoff’s losing everything on the tables. Jason has a gambling problem and gambles paycheck to paycheck. We catch him as he stops by a pawn shop to grab a little more cash for his addiction. The more he wins, the more he wants to gamble. The more he loses, the more he wants to gamble. It’s a vicious cycle. Tim and Tom have changed the odds for the Craps tables. Every major player in Vegas is now coming in to play and they’re all winning. All Tim cares about is getting people in and Tom’s worried about losing money. These better odds are leading to big losses for the Nugget. Meanwhile, Jason can’t stop gambling. He tells his wife, Christine, that they’re in trouble and he can’t pay the bills. They need to file bankruptcy. Richie tells senior staff, Tim and Tom about the Tommy situation. Tim instructs Richie to put Tommy under his wing and guide him. After a couple weeks, Richie will be able to tell them whether or not Tommy’s got the skills to make a good host. Moving forward, Richie meets with Tommy outside and puts the fear of God in him. Jason is back at the pawn shop hocking his wedding ring. He’s back gambling and his losses are mounting. His whole life’s a gamble now. Geoff’s trying to gamble his way back to financial security and to pay for his wedding. He’s betting everything and losing big time. Finally, he spends all of his marker money and loses everything. It’s a wake-up call. After apologizing by phone, Tommy meets up with Bryan to discuss the bachelor party. Now with an idea of what they’re asking for, Tommy meets with Dee to discuss their bachelor party needs. Unconvinced and unhappy with Geoff, Dee tells Tommy that the Nugget won’t take care of anything. Richie won’t take “no” for an answer and tells him to go to bat for the Mills party. Tommy goes back and, impressively, finds a new angle for Dee to consider. Christine tells Jason that he needs to take care of business and deal with his problem. Jason admits he needs help and Christine makes a call. Jason has taken the first step in the path to recovery. Later, he goes back to the pawn shop and buys his wedding ring back. The wedding planner, Tara, tells the Mills party that in order for the wedding to go forward, they need to pay their vendors. They all meet up with Dee to try to get them to pay. Dee thinks the wedding is outrageously expensive and the meeting doesn’t end well. Geoff calls Tommy and tells him that he’ll pay for the wedding. The Nugget’s off the hook. Geoff and his entourage choose their wedding clothes and the girls are sure to be surprised. Lorenzo, a high roller, is on the floor and Tom sidles up to him while’s gambling at a craps table. Because of the new odds, the Nugget’s never been fuller and Lorenzo’s just the kind of gambler they’re looking for. Unfortunately for the Nugget, though, he’s winning and winning big. But, luck can change on a dime…and this time it does. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Sugar
Member
08-15-2000
| Tuesday, August 24, 2004 - 3:30 pm
THANK YOU Mssilhouette & Hamsterlady!!!!!! Sounds like we missed a good episode.
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Monday, August 30, 2004 - 9:13 am
Well Sunday night they had the final episode. I'd post the recap but they don't have one up yet on the fox website. The only thing was that the high roller got married and Mr. Dusk finally got to play in the big room. Which he thanked the owners TIm and Tom by writing a song about the Golden Nugget (yawn). There was some drama when the brother of the high roller who got married. Had his girlfriend, his ex and a stripper/porn star at the hotel at the same time. The girlfriend was (surprisingly) mature about the whole matter. In the end she did the best thing for herself. Overall it was an lackluster ending to a reality show that jumped all around the week so no one could find it and get hooked. (WTG FOX!) I still like the Matt Dusk song, that's they best part of the whole show.
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Enbwife
Member
08-14-2000
| Wednesday, September 01, 2004 - 12:40 pm
Does anyone know if they're going to repeat the final episode?? I missed it... 
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Mssilhouette
Member
07-11-2001
| Thursday, September 02, 2004 - 9:28 am
Enbwife, I don't think so. It seemed as if Fox was trying to hurry up and end this show because the ratings weren't there. They kept having it on Sundy and Monday cramping epsidoes back to back. I'll see if they have a recap..but that's the best you'll get I think.....Oops i just checked hte fox website and they ripped THE CASINO website off pretty quickly.
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