America at work and...play

Today; 70 years ago on Dec 7th 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, an event that changed the course of World War II.

The Pearl Harbor attacks' few remaining survivors have led US commemorations of the 70th anniversary of this incredulous event.

About 120 veterans joined military leaders at the Hawaii naval base as a moment of silence was observed at the time Japan sprung its offensive.

President Barack Obama called for US flags to be flown at half mast on federal buildings across the country. The Japanese bombing killed close to 2,400 Americans that day and brought the United States into the Second World War.

President Obama, who was born in Hawaii, hailed veterans of the bombing in a statement marking National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. He said, "Their tenacity helped define the Greatest Generation and their valour fortified all who served during World War II." "As a nation, we look to December 7 1941 to draw strength from the example set by these patriots and to honour all who have sacrificed for our freedoms."

At 7:55 am (17:55 GMT), the moment Japanese bombers swooped on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, a ceremony was held by the wreck of the USS Arizona, one of 12 vessels sunk that day seven decades ago.

Nearly half of those killed in the attack died almost instantly on the Arizona, when a bomb detonated the giant battleship's munitions. Most of the 12 ships that sank or were beached that day were removed for scrap. Only the Utah and the USS Arizona remain.

Streams of holiday makers and shopping spree fanciers took off in their droves for the traditional four day weekend last Wednesday afternoon and kicked off with hectic freeways, intersperced with hot ovens and ends with busy shop tills ringing. The latter being the hope for many eager retailers.

It has been a lean holiday weekend for shop owners in recent years but predictions have it that more Americans took to the road and skies for family celebrations in even greater numbers this year. Over 43 million people apparently traveled before and after the holiday which marked the highest number since 2007.

Traditionally the weekend is the big start to the holiday season which leads up to the Christmas festivities. Roast turkey and trimmings is normally the cuisine of choice, giving thanks for the year past and ushering in the following one with
words of hope. Black Friday followed allowing Americans to 'shop till they drop' in a buying bonanza that sees stores opening their doors as early as 3am in anticipation of a rush for bargains.

Being the country's busiest shopping day - with people traditionally queuing outside store fronts into the small hours of the morning in anticipation of the bargains inside - this year the retail industry was watched closely and with baited breath with the weekend accounting for nearly one-fifth of the retail industry's annual sales. Last year - despite the early surge of shoppers - it marked the worst holiday shopping season in four decades.

With the world's finances in disarray and headlines speaking of economic doom and gloom it will be interesting to see whether consumers will be reticent to buy or go all out this year and splurge on their loved ones. Retailers are hoping that the queues to the tills will be relentless despite the constant reminder of the country's precarious finances.

Many retailers have been pleased with the steady flow of shoppers - which has been gathering momentum since the end to the Summer holiday break. The lure of major discount deals and layaway programs has seen the stream of shoppers churning along. Stores who traditionally used to close for the Thanksgiving  day celebrations will now see their doors opening towards the latter stages of that Thursday afternoon in anticipation of the big rush for the Friday discounts.

The National Retail Federation expected sales in November and December to be up 2.8 percent over last year. So retailers see little margin for error in their fight for sales. Online shopping has become the thing of today where there is no battle for bargains and experts are predicting sales will be up 15 percent this year.

Retailers know that if they want to make good their targets, they have to follow what the customer themselves want when it comes to opening and closing hours. And, as you can find anyone shopping at any god forsaken hour these days, then 24 hour shopping is but a key turn away.

Virgin Airways are offering travellers special holiday offers from £599 saying, "The new 21st-century Las Vegas is nothing like the Vegas of old. Amazing new hotels have sprung up in recent years setting new standards in service and facilities." And, this is all to be believed. Hotels and Casinos alike are all trying to out-do one another for your deep pockets, because that is indeed what you will need to do it RIGHT these days in Las Vegas.

Gone are the kitch, garish and gaudy and in with the elegant, timeless and sophisticated. Las Vegas has found it's footing. Tired of the 'tawdry and flashy' jokes where entertainers on their last legs and sagging jaws once occupied stage sets, are now replaced by the 'hippest and the latest.'

Some of the best shows, hotel accommodation and restaurants are vying for your attention. The old style 'all you can eat' buffets with platters heaped high with chicken wings and mayo drenched salads have given up the ghost to European styled exquisite dishes from world renowned chefs, where the cuisine is refined and extravagantly expensive for those finer taste buds.

The 'IN' place to go to get 'hitched' OR 'ditched' - no matter what - it will be remembered, but possibly - in keeping with the Vegas tradition - not talked about! The bright lights may surely dazzle you, the stringed bikinis most certainly razzle you and the dent to the family fortune definately frazzle you, but you will always say - "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!" But, millions of Americans like to go back to visit....their money!