The eyes of the political world are fixed on Las Vegas in advance of this Saturday’s Nevada presidential caucuses and, well, we know you just don’t give a damn about that. So instead, we figured we’d turn to the one politician who won’t bore you with a health-care plan or depress you about the war in Iraq. Why, it’s  the gin-swilling, showgirl-hugging mayor Oscar Goodman! Goodman has much to say about the future of downtown Las Vegas and attacks all the presidential candidates for not making any campaign stops in casinos.

Plus, Steve's Adelson chat, Miles' thoughts on the new Palazzo and Elaine Wynn has Obamamania!

Email us at [email protected], 206-424-4737 or read the blog at thestrippodcast.blogspot.com. 

Oscar Goodman from 1-17-2008It’s been eventful nine years since the ultimate non-politician, a mob lawyer, became mayor of Las Vegas. Since then, Oscar Goodman has stirred up plenty of controversy, but he’s also proven to be a tireless promoter and defender of the city and a creative thinker when it comes to how to reverse the sagging fortunes of the beloved but blighted downtown area. All that work is starting to show some results, with downtown casino owners investing large sums to fix up their places and the city overseeing the development of land just to the east that will create a whole new downtown complete with a medical facility and a $150 million performing arts center. He even offers his prediction for the fate of the crappy part of town where we record this program.

Two weeks ago, Bette Midler talked about her new show, her movies and her music. So what’s left? Stick around and hear all about her early days playing in gay bathhouses and much more. Plus, we win two Trippies, go to Trailer Station and check out Love again.

Call 206-424-4737 or email [email protected].   

This week, on the Strip: Another crazy year in Las Vegas has come and gone, and nowhere was it crazier than right here on this podcast. Fourteen times in the past 12 months, scoops you heard here first made it into Norm Clarke’s Review-Journal gossip column, but on this year-in-review roundup, we’re only revisiting the best moments -- as voted upon by YOU. So sit back, relax and enjoy the countdown. And, if you missed some of these shows, here’s your chance to hear them without having to wade through all those hours.

In Banter: Our New Year's Eve, Wynn's power and the Palazzo's first look.

Read the blog at thestrippodcast.blogspot.com, call 206-424-4737 or see our site at thestrippodcast.com.   

Bette Midler has been entertaining America and the world in her unique, varied way for more than 30 years. She’s won four Grammys, an Emmy and a Tony and was nominated for Oscars for her roles in “The Rose� and “For The Boys.� Now she’s following in the footsteps of Celine Dion and Bette’s one-time pianist, Barry Manilow, by settling down for 100 shows a year for three years at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Steve spoke to Bette for a Vegas Magazine profile back in November as rehearsals for “The Showgirl Must Go On� were just starting and the show, at the time, had no title or director. In part one of the interview, Bette discusses her environmentalism, her film career and her new show.

In Banter: CityCenter's almost-name, McCarran changes, Palazzo's delay and a special visit from a couple from Florida who review their experiences this week at the Bellagio, Wynn and the Signature at MGM Grand.

Call us 206-424-4737, e-mail [email protected] or read the blog at thestrippodcast.blogspot.com. 

Naomi Stikeman, a classically trained ballet dancer from Montreal who auditioned for "...A New Day" on a lark and ended up in Celine's show for its entire run, discusses what the songstress is really like, recalls the audition and talks aobut why she felt she was selling out by taking the gig.

 Call 206-424-4737 or e-mail [email protected].