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!

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Kate Middleton...copy-Kates hungry for fashion plate ensembles! Hat style up front!

Every since Kate Middleton was thrust into the glare of the spotlight on the heels of the announcement of her initial engagement to Prince William, fashionistas around the globe have been hungry for the Royal Style as seen through the chic eyes of Her Royal Highness.

While some critic focused on the pretty bride's weight up to the 11th hour (obviously Ms. Middleton was slimming to avoid the ring snafu which eventually unfolded anyway in front of the prying eyes of an intrusive press bent on pleasing their loyal frenzied subscribers) others were inclined to scrutinize every delicious detail of her elegant wardrobe selections.

It was only a given - that in due time - a phrase would be coined to designate the chosen few!

Uh-huh.

According to a titillated press in jolly Old England - across the big pond - Royal Fashion Watchers are now known as Copy-Kates!

Wonders never cease!

And, I expect, that Prince William's famed rambunctious jaunts with his randy young brother - Prince Harry - will rustle up a catchy phrase or two in the future.

How 'bout - Will's thrills?

News at 11!

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Women's Spring Fashion...feminine! Sensual! Romantic!

 

Uncomplicated sun dresses in monochromatic shades of white will be popular this spring - when the chic female silhouette takes a delicate sure-footed step forward - into a welcome feminine direction.

The stylish ensembles will be marked by delicate floral prints - that are see-through on occasion and layered - and inclined to float on sensual fabrics that are a delight to the touch and a feast for the eyes.

Under a romantic full moon, the sensual female will also be inclined to don simple - yet distinctive - designer frocks that flow freely over a body adorned with a precious eye-catching bauble or two to exalt the features.

If you're a gal without the stylish ability to pull the look off on your own, saunter down to Robertson Blvd. in WeHo, and take a gander at the offerings in the window at Chanel for fashion tips.

Solids in vivid bold colors - such as blood-red and ultra-marine blue - will lead the way, also.

In addition, stripes of a different color - polka-dots, too - will surge forward with stylish flair when the first buds of the new season break through.

In a nutshell, fashionistas are forecasting a 70's influence, sure to transform the doldrums of a long drawn-out winter into a bright and cheery season come the end of March or the beginning of April.

And, don't forget accessories such as - pastel-colored sashes, pretty silk scarves, coy little hats sitting askew just-so on the head - to spark up a dash of individual style

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68th Annual Golden Globe Awards...Host Ricky Gervais insults top brass! Angelina Jolie shimmered!

High-end designer gowns shimmered in the exotic environs of the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel below the setting sun, the heads of ecstatic fans turned this way 'n that as a bevy of bodacious babes sashayed down the red carpet with handsome escorts on their arms in the rarefied air just beyond reach, and a posse of media types hovered nearby begging for a photo opportunity like moths to flame.

Uh-huh.

The 68th Annual Hollywood Foreign Press Association Awards were underway.

"The Press Awards are like a cool party in an upscale steak house, " cooed popular late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon as he alighted on the red carpet for the dazzling festivities.

Indeed!

"It's all about the par-tay," another hip guest astutely quipped to camera on the frenzied sidelines.

Needless to say, once the show under the big top was in full swing, there were a number of awkward - some say disturbing - displays of bad behaviour.

I am reminded of an old Chinese Proverb.

"Never insult a host in his own home."

For some inexplicable reason, quirky Ricky Gervais threw caution to the wind, in that regard.

Witin minutes of strolling onto the stage to launch the much-anticipated ritzy event - the stand-up comic got caught up into a nasty undertow - that threatened to derail the otherwise fun and festive footloose soiree that beckoned ahead.

"There's alot of partying & drinking going on. Or, as Charlie Sheen would say, breakfast," Gervais chortled as the momentum started to build early on.

To quote a line from the musical "Chicago":

"He (Charlie) had it coming!"

You betcha!

The suits were not off-limits to his potshots, either.

One unkind remark - that focused on a head honcho at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association caused an uproar to erupt in the otherwise well-mannered audience below the footlights - for instance.

"I just lifted his head out of the toilet. And, helped pop his bridge back in his mouth," naughty Gervais guffawed with glee in reference to the top dog at the HFPA.

The power-player was inclined to  respond-in-kind when it was his turn at the mic.

"Ricky, next time you want a project okayed for the Foreign Press, go elsewhere," he snarled.

A loud moan circulated the room.

Talk about instant karma, eh?

In fact - some of the barbs were so vicious (mean-spirited was the way one actor characterized the in-your-face insults)  - that some speculated Ricky's sorry a** had been fired off the show when he disappeared for an hour-or-so during the course of the evening.

Did the slimeball funnyman get called up on the carpet by the top brass?

Gervais didn't get off the hook for his unkind remarks, that's for sure, judging by his red-faced appearance later on stage.

Boy, would I like to have been a fly on-the-wall during that bull session!

Needless to say, a couple of fellow performers were inclined to jump into the fray, and toss a couple of barbs the upstart's way.

"We knew Ricky when he was chubby and funny. Now he isn't," barked Tim Allen to all within earshot.

There was a lot of Monday morning quarter-backing around water-coolers the following day, I expect.

Headlines around the country screamed out a thought on the minds of the bemused teaming masses everywhere.

Will Gervais be invited back next year to host the popular awards show?

But the whole night wasn't a downer in spite of Gervais.

For example, Michael Douglas managed to rustle up a hearty welcome by virtue of his mere presence.

After he trotted up to the stage, the audience jumped to their feet, and applauded the seasoned pro - in part - because he just licked the big "C".

"I wish there was an easier way to get a standing ovation," he joked.

The night was not totally devoid of class or style, though.

Angelina Jolie wowed fans in an emerald green gown which flattered her luscious bod, Justin Bieber sported a chic tuxedo that sparked up his image a tad, and Natalie Portman strutted down the fashion gauntlet with a carefree style (which underscored the Black Swan's star is definitely on the rise).

And, beneath the tinsel?

A heckuva lot more tinsel!

'Til next year!

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