Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News April 24, 2002

Pete Allman Talking with Irwin "Magic" Johnson

Irwin "Magic" Johnson spent some quality time talking with me about vision. Johnson was brought up in a relatively poor environment; he however had a wonderful family life.

There were times when Magic would have 1 meal a day. But he kept his vision on being a success in basketball "I knew I would succeed and I always kept a smile inside as well as outside even in the hardest of times I had to sacrifice,

When I wanted a new pair of shoes and new cloths I would have to ware the same cloths the next day that's the price you pay for a better tomorrow" stated Magic. Magic was able to keep his vision positive by focusing. In accomplishing anything in life one must learn to focus. Don't let anything interfere with your walk down the path of life. It's somewhat like a horse with blinders moving the carriage around town. The horse can only see forward. That is defiantly a hard thing to do when there is confusion in our lives. Just stop and think for a moment; if you keep that burning desire and have patients together with focusing you can accomplish your vision. That's exactly what Magic Johnson has done throughout his life in basketball and business. Magic wants everybody to know "you have to go for it".

One never knows where you meet your next star. Last week my dear friend Tony Mecheri invited me to Picasso's Restaurant at the Bellagio. While sitting at the bar Phyllis McGuire happen to be walking by. I quickly introduced Phyllis to Tony who is a very romantic vocalist and composer who CD will be released in Europe this year. During our conversation Phyllis gave Tony some examples of some of the songs that made her popular. So here we are listening to Phyllis sing "Sincerely" on of here big hits and then "My Way". It was a wonderful meeting of the minds. By the way, Phyllis was joined by Dame Cleo Lane, John Dankworth, and Tony Curtis for dinner that night.

Phyllis McGuire

Where is your mind today? When you think about all the strife in the world, Check these thoughts out. I think to myself no more suffering in the world. Will you do the same? What a dream in the world of strife. The reality of it all, where's it going you ask?

I think of selfishness and greed it's nothing new in our universe that we humans have incurred throughout our lifetime. Its easy when you are lost in the superficial world that we live in to not face the situations we have created. Its time to awaken from the disasters that we set into motion lets live each of our lives in harmony. I think to myself no more suffering in the world. Will you do the same?

Mayor Oscar Goodman was supportive of his friend Sterling McPherson and his first boxing promotion through Showtime in downtown Las Vegas. Unfortunately last Saturday was a bit early for boxing fans to come out on the Fremont street experience. Shobox as it's appropriately called exposes young fighters on a national scale. The doors opened at 12:30 with a live telecast starting at 2pm. So the viewing audience could see the fight at 5:00pm EST. In any event, it was a nice fight card.

Guillermo Jones Executes some heavy blows to Tim Williamson

Guillermo Jones (28 - 2 -1, 22KO's) of Collen Panama beat out Tim Williamson (13 - 1 -0, 11KO's) of Jacksonville Florida by a split decision. Jones had only fought twice in 2 years. Kili Madriad from Hawaii made his pro debut against Israel Sandoval from San Jose California. Madriad won by an unanimous decision. The co-main event featured

Edwin Cassiani gets a Straight hit to the chest from Luis Collazo

Edwin Cassiani (24-4, 20KO's) of Palensque Columbia taking on Luis Collazo (14- 0, 7KO's) out of Brooklyn New York. This was a 10 round welterweight bout. This started out very well. Cassiani won the first 2 rounds but got caught by Collazo with a right then a left jab had him dazed. Referee Jay Nady stopped the fight in the 3rd round making Luis Collazo the victor by TKO. Future fights will be held in downtown Las Vegas through Sterling Promotions, Frank Warren, and Showtime in the near future.

Dan Goosen is now promoting fights at the Hard Rock Hotel. On Sunday April the 14th Goosen - Tutor Promotions, promoted a double header with light heavyweight Gentleman Glen Johnson, (38 - 7, 27KO's) taking on Derrick "Royalty" Harmon (21 - 2 ,10KO's) and 2000 Olympic gold medalist Mohammad Abdullaev (6 - 0,5 KO's) taking on Joel Salas (10 - 1- 1 3KO's) of Oxnard California in the welterweight co feature. The unique part about this promotion is former playboy model Amy Hayes doing the ring announcing and the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar opening the show with some cool music. The fight card is part of the Fox Sunday Night Fights broadcast nation wide.

Chef Luigi Tornatore (Right) with

Mr. and Mis. General Ford

Tuscany Suites Hotel is the new place in town to hang out. Shaun Tracy the food and beverage director and owner of Palazzo, their new restaurant informs me their prices are the best in town. Executive Chef Luigi Tornatore seen with President Ford in this column said he is enjoying the diversified selection of people traveling to Las Vegas. .

Palazzo is known for their Osso bucco a veal shank dish brazed with lots of wonderful ingredients and their Scampi Luigi. Chef Tornatore specializes in preparing European and Italian dishes in which, everything is prepared fresh. There is no microwave used in this restaurant. I suggest you try their lunch to acquaint yourself with a wonderful dining experience. It's very reasonable with dishes as low as $7

Until next week we invite you to log onto our site www.celebrityscene.com or email me at peter@celebrityscene.com.

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News April 19, 2002

 Buffalo Jim Barrier, known for his colorful wrestling show is inviting the public to join him every Friday evening at 11 o'clock on Channel 48. Through the years as Las Vegas developed Jim Barrier has been part of that history. His appearances at various charity events have won him various awards. However, he has also been the victim as the underdog in his battle against the Crazy Horse Gentlemen's Club. As owner of Auto and Marine Electric Jim Barrier feels he has every right to stay at his location which is next to the Crazy Horse. That's not the way the owners of the Crazy Horse see it.

They would like to see the long bearded big Buffalo Jim disappear. That is his business. They simply want to expand their business. Barrier is a hard working business man who wants to see everyone profit fairly. Unfortunately greed overtakes the majority of people, unless they put themselves in check. Can't we all just get along boys?

Kerry Cole, the lead singer of Abbey Road, the band who backs up Tony Orlando at the Golden Nugget does a superlative performance in singing Led Zepplin songs. Cole who has been with Orlando for over 3 years is part of the walk 3 times fitness program where he and Tony Orlando with other members of the band and fans walk 40 minutes a day. Tony has lost 25lbs in 2 months just by walking. We are all invited to join Tony in the walk 3 times fitness program which starts in front of the Golden Nugget at Starbucks at 3pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays until the end of his engagement .

Anyone who can afford to promote fights will jump on the bandwagon. That is exactly what the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel, and Tower is what it's doing on April the 27th. The officials of the Stratosphere will feature 2 time world Featherweight champion Kevin "The Flushing Flash" Kelley in their outdoor event center. Kelley, a south paw seeking his third world title as a JR. Lightweight gained a popular presents in boxing when he won the WBC Featherweight championship from Goya Vargas on what later became the WBC fight of the year. In 1995 he won the WBC Fight of the Year Honor for his fight against Alejandro Gonzalez. Currently Kelley is also a fight commentator as well as a trainer for fighters. The event will have a full under card will include one women's bout. Tickets are $58 for ring side, $36 for premium seats, and $24 for plaza seats.

Arthur Williams (33 - 5, 24 KO's) a resident of Las Vegas will make his comeback when the takes on Calvin Davis (16 - 0, 13 KO's) for the USDA Cruiserweight Championship this Saturday the 23rd in the Theater of Performing Arts at the Aladdin. The fight card is promoted by C.S.I. Sports and Absolute Boxing. For more information call the Aladdin 702.785.5555.

Hany Zaky the proprietor of Lily's Bistro European Cuisine is one of these new arrivals in Las Vegas. Zaky a very successful restaurateur owns 11 restaurants in France. A very charming and sincere person, Zaky greet all of his guests. In next weeks column we will take you on a journey to Greece, Italy, and France threw the creativity of Mr. Zaky. In the meantime should you like to enjoy a romantic lunch or dinner stop by Lily's Bistro located at 935 West Sharah in the Village Shopping Center

Ann Margaret has garnered some wonderful reviews in her staring role with Gary Sandy In Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Margaret said she is in awe of the new Las Vegas. She has many fond memories in her appearances at Creasers Palace. The show opens April 2nd - 6th in the Aladdin Theater of Performing Arts. Tickets are $35, $55, $75. For reservations call the Aladdin 702.785.5555.

Until next week we invite you to log onto our site www.celebrityscene.com or email me at peter@celebrityscene.com.