Just over a week ago our Lt Governor Dr. Lonnie Hammaragren and astronaut Buzz Aldren sat down with me in the Lt. Governor's home at a fund-raiser he was putting on for the Space Expolorer Program.
"This an exciting program for our youth" stated Hammargren.
The Program with is non-profit would allow students to experience simulated shuttle program to Nevada.
Aldren who has always been interested in sing space as a motivation to improve education, is working on a movie script which more realistically explain space. Corporate sponsors are encouraged to call Lt. Fovernors home at 451-8444 to help make this program a reality in our community.
Congratulations to Laura Herlovich of P.R Plus and her staff for kepping the public aware of Madhattan.
The refreshing show which features exciting dances from New York City and some marvelous singers and musicians recreates some of the scenes from New York, New York, with two shows nightly.
One at 7:30 pm and the other at 10:00 pm. Sundays and Mondays are dark. Call 740-6969 and ask for the box office to reserve your steas - theater style.
jamesbrown.jpg (22465 bytes)James Brown referred to as the Godfather of Soul is looking forward to celebrating his birthday on May 3, when he retursn to Caesars Palace Circus Maximus Theater.
Showtime it has been said will tape the event with Brown closest celebrity friends to air at a later date.
Buck Hunter host of the Night Shift variety TV show with his co-host Dave "the king" Swan is developing a huge following among kids. Saturday nights kids call in to talk avout their own ideas in our society as well as to receive their nickname.
The live radio-call in show wich broadcast on TV 19UHF and on Prime Cable 61 at 10 pm until 2 am Monday - Sunday March 31.
Unlike the majority of television shows, folkds are able to stay on the line and be part of the show.
Hunter who is known as "the fat man" has upbeat personality which viewers enjoy immensely.
James Brown, Gene Chandler, Ike Cole, Lt Governer Lonnie Hammargren, Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, Evel Knievel, Eddie Mekka, Pete Barbutti, Babe Pier, Jack "The Rapper" Gibson, Soupy Sales, along with many sports figures have joined the fun in the studio with Buck and Dave. Callers are invited to call in on 633-6558 and receive show tickets, buffets and event tickets.
Senator Bryan Speaks Out on Violence
The following question and answer session, one of 3 with Senator Richard Bryan, was taken from a national broadcast of Celebrity Scene News. (PA+Pete Allman; RB=Richard Bryan)
PA: Senator Bryan, the headlines. have been full of reports of celebrities, especially sports figures, who have been involved in domestic violence. I recently spoke with Patricia Brown, head of domestic violence at Telesis Counseling in North Las Vegas. She is also facilitator with Alternative Sentencing for the City of Las Vegas, who received a commendation from President Clinton for her work on a ground breaking anger management program in Hawaii. She feels there needs to be more centers to handle the overflow of domestic violence cases. Senator, tell us your views on that.
RB: It's a national phenomena and I think that there are probably two aspects. I think one, there has always been a lot of domestic violence. In years past, we probably were not as aware of it. Society was not sensitive to it.
The history of the legal system in America is to, in effect, not to become involved in the family process. That is to say, the very first case is, for example, of child abuse are fairly recent in terms in having legal recognition in our system, and kind of evolved, believe it or not, from the mistreatment of animals. In other words, if we can, in effect, protect animals from mistreatment, the idea that we ought not to allow a child who is in a family situation, mother and father, to be left helpless, if you've got a family situation that's out of control. So I guess, with that history in mind, we have not historically been involved. We have tended to say, "Look, that's a family matter. Let's not get involved."
Well, today, I think we have recognized that in the family situation, domestic violence is something that cannot be tolerated. And so, we have much more of that in the headlines. It's more widely reported, and I suspect,- I don't know statistically, but I do suspect that there is probably more of it as well. A combination of a lot of it now, coming out in the open that was hidden in the past, but there is more of it. I must say, not to stigmatize any particular group, but probably because they are high-profile, sports personalities. There is not a week that goes by in the newspaper in Las Vegas that we do not read of some sport personality, whether it's a football player, boxer, or someone else who has not been involved in some kind of act of violence. Not that it is not to suggest that they're more involved than anybody else, but it does indicate the profile.
We recognize that now it's a very serious problem. Criminal prosecutions occur, counseling programs are made available. I think that we are much more enlightened as a society in terms of this is not the norm, this is not to be expected, this is not to be tolerated. So I think we are making some progress in community awareness, and the intolerance that we all should have toward domestic violence.
I was a prosecutor as a young man, and the most difficult cases, I must say, yet today I cannot watch programs that deal with child abuse. I just can't handle it. I just emotionally don't have the equipment. I think that I could be a fair-minded person in most kind of issues, if I were a judge. Abuse of children, spousal abuse, that is something I have no tolerance for that. Frankly, I would be inclined as a judge, maybe to be a little less enlightened in recognizing that people do have crisises in their lives. But I would throw the book at those kind of folks. There's no excuse for that.
PA: Since this has been a part of society, the only thing which can really be done is to provide more centers for counseling to work directly with the courts, The more people that the centers can handle, the more people will learn to be accountable and realize that nobody's making them hit anyone, including their spouse. It is really them that let themselves get out of control.
RB: Well, that's right. We have done a better job in our society. I don't mean to take any credit personally. I say 'we', although as a governor I was always very supportive of domestic violence programs. I continue to support legislation at the federal level dealing with this . But oftentimes what happened is that particular individuals that were in a family situation that were victimized, typically a wife, a mother with small children. Where does she go? What does she do? Well, I think for decades, women endured these kinds of circumstances, because there was no alternative. Now we do have shelter programs. I'm proud to say that our office here in Southern Nevada, Christmas before last, we kind of choose a project each Christmas, rather than exchange office gifts. We went down to oe of the shelter programs that is designed to provide a safe haven, if you will, for victims of domestic violence. Typically, not exclusively, but in most instances, let's be candid, it involves mothers, and frequently mothers with small children.
PA: What do you think that the outlook is going to be for Las Vegas with the population boom? Obviously we have more crime, and that's part of the domestic violence problem, that we have to adapt to with a larger police force and additional programs.
RB: I think one of the positive trends in our society is the evolution of the women's movement. Clearly having been in the public light for a number of years, and seeing there groups organize, and become more effective, they are very helpful in terms of community awareness, making us aware this is happening in even the nicest neighborhoods. This is not something that affects you only if you're impoverished or alcoholic. In Las Vegas, not too many months back, where I was just overwhelmed, and these women would tell their stories, many of them now receive college educations, others have gone on to training programs where they're in managerial ranks. I mean, they really have done something with their lives. They're great success stories and they come out of circumstances where they were victims of violencee or abuse, and that's a positive thing.
So there are a lot of good things happening in our community, and in our state that we don't always hear about. That is not to suggest that we have dealt with all aspects and that there are no victims of domestic violence out there as we speak. Tragically, there are many women who are still frightened and afraid to make that decision to leave. Tha'ts a tough one. I think for men particularly my age, it's kind of hard. Well, gosh, why would someone endure a situation where they're getting beat up several nights a week? Why would anyone tolerate that? Well, a lot of these women are insecure. I mean, they may not have family in the community. Where do they go? Yes, they can go to the shelter programs, and those are good programs, but that's a very big decision. I know when I was in the district attorney's office thirty years ago, I think that we were pretty unsophisticated on how we dealt with this issue. The fact that various organizations are part of the women's movement, have led the charge in terms of shelter programs to provide.
For example, one thing we did at the state level was to set aside from marriage license fees a certain dollar amount for domestic violence programs, and to provide opportunities for women who have been victimized, who have left a family situation that's been intolerable, and to provide job opportunities and training. Each year I participate, probably the largest participation dollarwise I do each year, is the Women's Fund in Northern Nevada. They provide opportunities for women, not just victims of violence, but some have been in that kind of circumstance, to provide educational opportunities. Once a woman decides that the situation at home is intolerable, and in some instances is beyond counseling, it's gone beyond that. Then she has to think about herself, and typically her, kids. Not that every victim of violence has small children, but many do. So what do you do? You're gonna be providing the support for those kids. You're gonna get some child support, you should, from the father. But what do you do? So, I mean, providing opportunities for women to go back to school, to upgrade their skills, and some of them have immense talents.
I attended a program here. There was domestic violence, spousal abuse, most typically what we dealt with, not to the extent that we read about today. Yes, we'd file a complaint, and I'll tell you, it would be 72 hours later, we'd get a request from the wife, paging us, "Look, it's all a misunderstanding, please dismiss the complaint." Well, we deal with that much differently today, because we know that a woman is physically under a lot of pressure, and that's not really going to get the job done. I remember we even had a form for it, because it happened so often. It was all pre-printed. There were the days before computers were particularly sophisticated. But it happened so often, we just had a form we had you sign that said, "Are you sure you want to do this? We're willing to prosecute." "No, no, no," said the wife, "I think that we'll be able to reconcile."
So, we've come a long way. I think your listeners and readers need to know that we haven't declared victory, but we really are doing some of the positive right things that I think our community needs to know about.
PA: For Celebrity Scene News, from Senator Richard Bryan's office, this is Pete Allman.
RB: Thank you very much, Pete. I'm Senator Bryan, delighted to be a part of your conversation today, and nice to have a chance to share some thoughts with your audience.
Racing Scene
On a brisk Sunday morning at about 6a.m., the Las Vegas Motor Speedway already had an influx of vendors, crew chiefs, and their crews arriving for the Las Vegas 400 NASCAR Winston Cup.
The festivities began a little after 11a.m., when Mayor Pro-tem, Michael J. McDonald presented Dale Jarrett with a trophy for having the fastest qualifying time for the inaugural Las Vegas 400. Jarrett’s lap time of 32.100 seconds, 168.224mph established the qualifying standard for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR”S newest super speedway.
While the sun shone and we felt the brisk, fresh air, Sawyer Brown sang the National Anthem. Shortly thereafter, Mark Slater soared through the sky with the American flag following to the music track of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless The U.S.A..
With a roaring crowd ready for the race, Michael Buffer sounded out “Let’s get ready to rumble”. Then Wayne Newton gave the command for the drivers to start their engines.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who placed second to Jimmy Spencer in the Sam’s Town 300, spoke with me just before he wished his dad good luck for the Las Vegas 400. “This iis a great track”, said Earnhardt. “There wasn’t enough laps. Jimmy jumped in with a couple of laps to go and that cost us a couple of laps we might of been able to overtake him.” Earnhardt Jr. Also mentioned that he had to work on his restarts a little bit.
It was time for the 43 NASCAR’s to move out onto the speedway. What excitement, hearing the roar of the engines driven by Americas finest NASCAR drivers. During the two hours, 43 minutes, and 58 seconds, there were 24 lead changes among 12 drivers. There were 2 caution flags for 9 laps due to a spin turn on the forth turn by #28, Terry Labonte, and a spin turn exiting turn two by #29, Jeff Green. The average speed was 146.554mph. Here’s the way the race went from laps 156 on. Dale Jarrett took laps 156-171. Mark Martin returns to first place again on laps 172-174.
Dale Earnhardt, Sr. respectively earns his position, when he overtook Martin on lap 175, but lost it to Terry Labonte’s #5 car, who held on to lap 176. Geoff Bodine then took over first position on laps 177-178. Then, the #2 car of Rusty Wallace moved his way back into first position for laps 179-201. Mark Martin’s #6,, then took the lead for laps 202-228, losing his position to Terry Labonte on lap 229with Labonte losing this position to Rick Mast for laps 230-232. Geoff Bodine then took laps 233-244. But Mark Martin could do no wrong, for he moved into the lead on lap 254 through lap 267, winning the Winston Cup 400.
“This is beyond my wildest dreams”, said Martin. “When I had gone into Winston cup racing, There were no guarantees.”
“I’ve never won a race. After running second six times, I didn’t know if I’d ever win.”
Martin was last at Las Vegas Motor Speedway when he was a teenager with a tractors permit. He was overjoyed, especially with the weather conditions.
“It’s relatively cool out here at this time of the year. We had 300 miles yesterday in the Sam’s Town 300 and 400 miles today.” He continued, “I’m emotionally drained and look forward to going home. Here on the west coast time for several day I look forward to gettin’ back to eastern time zone.
If this race was in the summer, Martin said it may have been an entirely different race. Carbon monoxide gets into the drivers blood and he says puts the hurt on the driver.“ To do this in 120 degree temperatures inside the car wears on ya.” As for competitive racing, Martin states “I didn’t see much of the race. I had a lot of things on my mind. But I know that I passed a lot of cars, a whole lot of cars. That’s racing to me.” Martin then concludes “whether it’s the kind of show you had hoped you would see, I can’t answer that. But what I did today, passing all those cars, at another race track, I couldn’t have done that.”
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway had well over 110,000 racing fans. It was reported by the security force that there was probably 130,000 plus on the entire grounds, which included the mobile home on the back turn.
Boxing
BAM Boxing, new to the community of Las Vegas, Has been well received for their boxing events held at the Orleans Hotel and casino. February’s fight card wasn’t dull.
Vincent Moses knocked out Billy Burden in te first of a series of four rounders. Arnold Soriano beat out Alberto Orrellys and Friday Ahunaya made his pro debut making an impressive TKO on Larry Wilson in the second round.
Friday Ahumaya Porthacourt, Nigeria , TKO Larry Wilson of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jude Agu from Ibadan, Nigeria fought an impressive fight TKOing David Linkous in 26 seconds of the 3rd round. Montell Griffin, the former WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, took out Thomas Reid in 23 seconds of the 9th round, giving him a record of 30-1-0, with 19 KO’s. Rocky Gannon, 32-7 with 21 KO’s, took on Julian Samaha, 25-12, 11 by KO, but not easily. Samaha caught Gannon with a few good jabs, but Gannon in the 3rd of a 10 rounder, caught Samaha with a right, TKOing him in 53 seconds of the 3rd round.
Gannon hopes to again IBF, WBC, WBA, and WBO titles. He now holds two IBA titles and one IBC. BAMS next fight card is March 20, at the Orleans Hotel.
Forum Boxing is to be congratulated for bringing boxing to the Tropicana Hotel. Their last fight card presented Marco Antonio Barrera,43-2-0, with 31 Ko’s, the former WBO Junior Light Featherweight Champion, fought an exciting 12 rounder knocking out Angel Rosario, 21-16, with 9 KO’s.
Barrera was on an 8 month lay-off. This was his first fight since that lay-off.
The Night Shift
Buck Hunter, host of “The Buck Stops Here” and “The Night Shift” nationwide radio shows, debut his new radio-television show, “The Night Shift”, on Monday, March 2nd, with his co-host , Dave Swan. The 4-hour nightly broadcast, is carried by KKJK, Channel 19 and Prime Cable channel 61.
The radio-talk show on television, features celebrity guests, give-aways by Celebrity Scene News, and talk on various topics. “The Night Shift” airs which from 10p.m to 2a.m., Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday featuring “The Bargain Hunter”, selling everything imaginable. The shows invite you to call at 438-7700.
By the way, don’t forget to surf to our web site at www.celebrityscene.com or e-mail us at peter@vegas.net.
Which way to the Rat Pack? Now that's a good question. It just so happens The Casino Royale, which is located on the strip across from the Mirage has been presenting a hot little show entitled 'Which Way To The RAT PACK'.
Steve Caito whose been seen on Showtime and Comedy Central, is the creator of the comedy musical variety show.If you enjoy live music asI do you'll enjoy this variety show. There's a number of talented entertainers in the show such as Chappie Brazil, a fine magician who performs at Caesar's Magical Kingdom. Paul Stubblefield, a jazz vocalist drops by as well as other entertainers.
In fact Lonnie Johnson, a former Platter will be performing in the show Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays with yours truly from time to time. A ticket to Which Way To The RAT PACK is only $12.95 for two people - What a deal! ("all 737 3500 and dial 728 for reservations.
Sinbad, the comic with the zesty off the cuff humor is bubbling the audience up on television's VIBE. The truth of the matter is that Sinbad saved the show from being canceled. Sinbad I have always found la be a personable indi v i dual who appreciates his audience. But that's not all. The charismatic comic remembers the kids he grew up with. He states "you always gotta give back to the community. That's the natural thing in life. The people who struggle around me, I haven't forgot. If you just take and don't give back in life - Karma will pay you back. It's that simple".
Vegas Tours by Scott is providing a refreshing approach in touring Las Vegas and Nevada by limousine. Call 1-888 26VEGAS toll free for more information. Michae1 LaRocca is making some headway in his new show at The New world Trade Center. LaRocca starred in NBC's Fiesta Bowl halftime spectacular in 1990. In addition to hosting several CBS telecasts Miss America State Pageant in Arizona and various broadway shows as Grease where he played Danny LaRocca says he loves Las Vegas.
The talented emcee entertainer says he will continue to give the best bargains in Las Vegas - entertainment wise. Show times are 8.00pm Wednesdays 8i Thursdays and 8.00pm R10.00pm Fridays. The World Trade Center is located on Desert Inn across from the Las Vegas convention center.
A congratulations to Texas Station for bringing in the new year right. Their new restaurant Laredo Del Mar has a new twist on presenting coastal seafood from Mexico. Executive Chef Leo Smith and Room Chef Mario work well together. Theirs personalized attention for creating ~ cuisine that will explode in your 'mouth has already gotten rave, reviews.
Eddie Mekka, Carmine, from Laverne & Shirleys' now in reruns, got a big scare when he was playing the Don on The Jamie Fox show. Eddie had a scarf around his neck when part of it got caught in the elevator door as it was going up. Thanks to Jamie Fox cutting the scarf Eddie didn't get choked. Mekka has the lead in Goodbye girl which is going on tour throughout the U.S. The way the news has picked up on what happened to Mekka, maybe he'll be to busy to go on tour.
Mekka by the way is a great personality and entertainer. Whenever I get a chance to take Eddie to celebrity openings - people are always asking for his autograph. That just about sums it up for Celebrity Scene. Don't forget to check out our web site at www.celebrityscene.corn and NVCOOLNET.COM. Look fg Vegas flash there. I'll be providing Steve Caito with some Great celebrity guests and entertainment information on his new show Which Way To The RAT PACK starting February on KLAU 1230am. The show broadcasts each Wednesday 8-9 P.M. - Tune in.
Asian Singer Hits Big
Talented, dynamic and beautiful are just a few of the words that describe Asian singing star Anita Sarawak.
Sarawak has been entertaining at Cleopatra's Barge in Caesar's Palace for the past 12 years. Her performances have packed the Barge nightly.
Look After The Love, the title of her new album, will be released in Asia and America sometime next year. When asked about what her key to success was she replied, "A lot of hard work, determination and discipline." Its evident in her love for music and her fans which was displayed in her last album Cinta Nan Satu on EMI of Asia.
It’s not uncommon for this talented singer to appear in concert and draw a crowd of over 40,000. Her last concert in Malaysia drew that kind of Attendance.
As many find artists time to create, so does Sarawak. She and JD Nicholas, her husband who is the lead singer for The Commodores, collaborate on such songs as Look After Love, the title cut for her new CD. Show times for |Anita Sarawak are 9 PM-4 AM with a one drink minimum Tuesday-Sunday at Cleopatra's Barge.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway's racecar events, compared to your championship boxing, pro football and baseball games, are more cost effective for families. A weekend for The Pennzoil World of Outlaws and the Carquest Auto Parts 420K and the Craftsman Truck series cost only $40.00. Speaking of car racing it looks as though the Las Vegas Motor Speedways is going to be the more preferred speedway for the majority of NASCAR drivers for next years.
Ken Schrader, #33, who won the NASCAR Winston West 300 says he's the first driver to win in any form of racing 2 races since the opening of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
On the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Jack Sprague took the win this month while Joe Ruttman won the Carquest Auto Parts 420. Sprague finished 2nd. He only needed to be in 14 position to win in point standings. Sprague, incidentally, is the kind of person who gives credit to his team for his success. "I can't take all the glory. It has a lot to do with teamwork. I couldn't have won it without their help."
Imagine
Imagine, the newest production show in Las Vegas, and let your mind travel to another time in entertainment. There are the all-pleasant associations with the work of art presented in Dick Foster's Production.
The magical illusions, refreshing choreography, delightful music and a $27 million theater which are exquisite. You and find all of this and more at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. The theme of the show seems to center around time and where you can let your imagination travel too.
There were no dull points in this particular production. I would strongly suggest making reservations for your family to see the show as the ticket price of $39.95. The price will go up in the future. Show times are 7:30 and 10:30 PM.
Cleveland Basketball Star Goes Racing
Bradley E. Daugherty is one of many sports personalities who enjoy racing. He's grown up in the business and enjoys the Craftsman Truck Series. "The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a wonderful facility. Everything is in the appropriate places. It's really easy for the crews to get in and out and the places are large."
Daugherty will pick a new team for the '98 season with Wayne Anderson and Porter Cable to sponsor him.
There's a hot new show called His & Hers Late Night with Steve Miranda and Debbie Schaff. Both individuals are veteran musicians who are doing a fine job hosting the show. Anyone is invited to call in at 731-1230 on KLAV AM 1230 any morning from 2-3 AM Sunday-Thursday.
LAWRY'S The Prime Rib
The delights of good cuisine vary among cultures throughout our society. Yet in traveling throughout Europe, Africa, The Philippines, Jamaica one can enlighten their taste buds.
The restaurant which has become a tradition in fine dinning is Lawry's The Prime Rib. Lawrence L. Frank and his brother in law Walter Vande Kamp opened the first Lawry's The Prime Rib on La Cinega Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
The Concept at that time was to serve one entre-roasted prime rib of beef. By doing so, both gentlemen where determined to make it the best meal in America and to present it with such style and fanfare that dinning there would be an unforgettable experience.
Throughout Lawrys' six decades, they have consistently maintained their image without taking any shortcuts. The special silver stainless style cars for instance are showcasing the side roasts which are served tableside.
Now, what was the beginning of a novelty has remained a tradition. As is the first course as are the dishes that accompany the prime rib of beef, which include: mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and creamed horse radish.
Needless to say, I had to partake of the tradition that has become a classic with restaurants throughout the world. Lonnie Johnson, my guest and former lead singer of The Platters ordered the lobster and prime rib.
Johnson is very particular about the quality of food he chooses. He hasn't received or enjoyed a cut of prime rib until then. He gave Lawry's a ten. I particularly enjoyed the famous original spinning bowl salad. (After all, I'm somewhat of a health food nut.) That's why I enjoy good salads. The spinning bowl salad consists of: a blend of crisps romaine iceberg lettuce, watercress, shredded beets, chopped eggs and croutons. All tossed together with Lowrys' exclusive vintage dressing in a salad bowl, spun on a bed of rice. Just delightful. Angela Johnson, who was celebrating her birthday, enjoyed Atlantic Lobster tails--a trio of broiled lobster tails served withdrawn butter, herbed potatoes and fresh garden vegetables.
As for myself, I enjoyed (along with my guests) Lowrys' impeccable service. Delicious cuisine with exceptional service at exceptional prices. Incidentally I'm a cream spinach, creamed corn and butter peas addict.
Lawry's The Prime Rib has them cooked to perfection. I recommend you order them with your meal. Please make reservations by calling (702) 893-2223.
Free Show Tickets
We can't forget about the show tickets which Celebrity Scene News is giving away along with those celebrity interviews heard on KLAV, 1230 on the AM dial, at 2:30 AM Sunday-Thursday. Also, call 260-7411 ext. 2437 and catch some of the biggest names in show business.
Until then, tell them Pete sent ya.
