There are a number of personalities who are committed to helping create world peace. Without being too redundant some of the personalities that talk about it onstage are James Brown, Michael Bolton, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner and legendary actors such as Martin Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Chuck Norris, Jack Lemmon, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey just to name a few.
Now more than ever there seems to be a meeting of the minds of people from all walks of life to meet that common denominator called "harmony."
Religions the world over talk about it, but yet societies still create turmoil within themselves. One movement which has gathered momentum is "Soka Gakai International." Tina Turner and Herbie Hancock are part of that organization which stands for "Kosen Rufu," which means world peace.
SGI’s philosophy is for each person to dedicate his or her life to Kosen Rufu. To be so strong that nothing can upset the peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and hope to every person you meet. To turn your life around by making friends who feel that there is something good and beautiful inside them.
It’s easy to be negative, that’s something most people don’t even realize that they’re doing. We can however think in terms of only the best for our friends and ourselves. We can work towards doing and experiencing only the best. We, as individuals, can be as happy about the success of others as we are about our own.
To be "too strong for fear, too kind for anger and too happy for worry." This may sound as if it’s a dream considering the state of mind that some of us are living in. But the truth of the matter is that this is a reality for millions of SGI members throughout the world who lift their hearts each day so that the glow of Buddha-hood (enlightenment) may show forth each one of their lives.
Enough of the philosophy of religions already!
But seriously, what there isn’t enough of is harmony in this world. That’s what the majority of entertainers and actors are communicating through their work. The words in the music and the messages found in scripts of plays, television and motion pictures are influencing each one of us to be more aware of the other persons’ feelings... for all of us to live in harmony, peace and happiness for mankind.
Now that’s something we can all work towards...
In the boxing world Johnny Tapia 44-0-2 (25 KO’s), the IBF Jr. Bantamweight Champion, defeated Carlos Hernandez 14-5-5 (KO’s) by a technical knockout in the ninth round.
During the press conference held at The Las Vegas Hilton, Tapia spoke highly of Hernandez. "I like Carlos but I felt sorry for him. I didn’t want nothing bad to happen to him," said Tapia. "I saw the blood coming out of him and I remembered what happened to Jimmy Garcia. I know I’m a mean person in the ring," he went on to say, "but this time I wasn’t as mean as I should have been. But as a person and a fighter I really like Carlos."
Tapia, who had a bout with drugs and was incarcerated a few years ago, turned his life around through his religion and family to become not only one of the best boxers today but a good businessman as well. Tapia said during the press conference that he dedicated the Hernandez fight to Roberto Duran who unfortunately lost his fight to William Joppy, who retained his WBA World Middleweight belt by knocking out Duran in the third round. It was a sad evening for Duran but as the 5 time former World champion said, it’s time for him to retire.
On Tapia’s fight card Mauricio Pastrana 18-1 (15KO’s) lost his belt when he was knocked out by Carlos Murillo 38-5 (30KO’s) in 2 minutes and 36 seconds of the ninth round.
Two other exciting bouts were the beautiful Christy Martin beating out Cheryl Nance when the referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight in 41 seconds of round nine. Martin executed body shots to Nance’s midsection throughout the rounds, wearing her down completely.
Another highlight of the evening was James Page who TKO’d Anthony Perry in 2 minutes and 29 seconds of the sixth round. Page not only executed some great combinations to Perry’s head and body, but it was evident that he overpowered page throughout each round.
On Fridays’ card where Roberto Duran lost to William Joppy, another upset occurred while Mills Lane was breaking up Robert Allan and Bernard Hopkins, who ended up flying through the ropes while he was off balance in round three. Sports commentator Al Bernstein said it should have been a technical draw but as it was The Nevada Athletic Commission rules state that if a bout doesn’t go four rounds it is considered no contest if either fighter is injured during the first three rounds. From that point the referee Mills Lane felt that he was part of the reason for that decision.
Both fighters were wrestling during round three and Lane had to push the fighters apart which caused Bernard Hopkins to go off balance and fall through the ropes, landing on the floor and hurting his ankle.
Bernard Hopkins 34-2 (26 KO’s) retained his IBF middleweight belt while Robert Allan 22-2 (17 KO’s) still remains the IBF number one contender for the middleweight category.
Also on Friday nights fight card at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 28th, Saul Montana 32-6 (28 KO’s) knocked out Tiwon Taylor 21-5-1 (17 KO’s) to retain his WBA North American Cruiserweight belt.
In the middleweight attraction Julio Cesar Green 23-3 (16 KO’s) knocked out former WBF world champion Joaquin Velazquez 22-15-1 (11 KO’s) in 41 seconds of the 6th round.
This particular fight was head and toes in all six rounds, however Julio Cesar Green was a bit more focused than his opponent, which enabled him to execute a right hand hook to Velasquez’ jaw, knocking him out.
The two nights of championship boxing which was promoted by Don King in conjunction with the Las Vegas Hilton, Showtime and US Satellite Broadcasting brought in a fairly large audience to the Hilton Theater. It will be interesting to see if Bob Arum of Top Ranked Boxing and Don King will be able to negotiate future fight cards. Arum, who is promoting the De La Hoya/ Chavez fight card, in association with Caesar’s Palace, has reported ticket sales of over 12,000 for the event which will be held at the Thomas and Mack.
Recently I attended the premier of "Simon Birch" here in Las Vegas. It certainly touched the majority of the attending audience. Simon Birch (played by Ian Michael Smith) was the smallest delivery recorded in the in the history of Gravestown Memorial Hospital. The doctors proclaimed this young man a miracle since Simon was a midget. What was particularly interesting in this movie was Simon Birch’s faith in God. He constantly spoke about faith with his tyrannical Sunday school teacher Miss Leavey (played by Jan Hooks) and the ‘by-the-book’ Priest Reverend Russell (played by David Strathairn).
His best friend Joe Wentworth (Joseph Mazzello) plays lazy afternoon baseball games (with the advantage of having the tiniest strike zone in the league). Fate, as it has it, gives Simon an unexpected home run with tragic consequences. From then on the destinies of the two boys became linked as both try to find the one thing they have been looking for all their lives. For Joe it was the identity of his father. For Simon it was the special purpose God had in mind for him... a miracle which was astounding but yet very sad. When you see this particular film pay close attention in the beginning to Rebecca Wentworth (Ashley Judd), and the scene towards the end where the school bus sinks into the river. I guarantee that your heart will be touched.
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Nights out in Las Vegas
Bobby Jones, a unique saxophonist, sometimes appears on the Nite-shift television show in the Gold Coast Ballroom. The show, which is hosted by Buck "The Fat Man" Hunter, broadcasts on Prime Cable leased access Channel 61 from 11-12:30 am Monday through Friday. You might get a kick from stopping by to see this television show.
Rocco Barbato, a very soulful saxophonist, is appearing at the Sunset Brewery in the Sunset Station Hotel and Casino. Showtimes are Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 and Fridays 8:30-midnight.
For something a little different check out "Race for Atlantis," the IMAX 3-D ride at the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace.
If you really want to dance up a storm check out Cook E. Jarr at Club Continental at the Continental Hotel and Casino located at the corner of Flamingo and Paradise. Doors open at 10:30. No cover charge but there is a two drink minimum.
For a romantic evening check out the Nefertiti Lounge at the Luxor Hotel. Loretta Halloway, one of the finest jazz singers today appears from 9-2 Fridays and Saturdays, and 9-1 Sundays through Thursdays.
You can dance to the sounds of The Spiral Staircase, which will be appearing Sept. 26th in the Minstrel Lounge at the Excalibur Hotel.
Ghallib Ghallab plays some funky jazz at the Voodoo Lounge, at the top of the Rio Hotel. He entertains 9-2 am Wednesday through Sunday. There is also the Mambos Lounge, located at the Rio where you can dance to "Sold Out" until the 27th of September. Music starts from 9 and goes till 2:30 am Tuesday through Sunday.
For something totally unique check out Gameworks located on Las Vegas Blvd right next to the MGM Grand. This is where you can communicate with people all over the world while relaxing in their "Internet lounge". Gameworks is a playground for adults who enjoy computer games. There is also a simulated mountain climbing and a restaurant located on the premises.
Don’t forget to check out our contest and win some free buffets and show tickets while they last.
De La Hoya Demands Respect
Oscar De La Hoya, the 4 time World Boxing Champion, has got everything going for him. Looks, offers for an acting career, product endorsements, and a style that could make him one of the greatest historical figures in boxing. After all, he did prove himself in 1997, beating out Miguel Angel Gonzalez, the dicey style of Pernell Whitaker, David Kamau, Hector "Macho" Camacho (whose dancing style has been the cause of much boxing contraversy), and finally Wilfredo Rivera. After a five month hiatus, he returned to defeat the tough Patrick Chapentier earlier this year. But the talented fighter, in all his glory, hasn't let anything get to him. He has maintained his focus and his humility. However there is one thing Oscar will not tolerate. He will not be disrespected. Young Oscar feels he was not given his proper dues for the night of June 7, 1995 when he K.O.ed the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez.
"I deserved the respect after that fight with him the first time," he stated. "I didn't get it from him. I just started getting nothing but excuses. This time around I will be sure I get that respect."
De La Hoya, when asked how much stronger he feels this year as compared to the fight 2 years ago, told me "100 percent". Much of it has to do with experience and a strict nutritional diet. 30-40% of preparing for a fight has to do with how you eat and treat the body. So on September the 18th the "Golden Boy" will use a different strategy on Chavez. He assures me that he will be more aggressive and that he will try to "Bang! And take him out."
De La Hoya and I joked about Flamenco dancing and how it helps a fighter with his rhythm. It just so happens that De La Hoya enjoys salsa dancing and as he states, many great fighters have taken dance lessons.
Maybe Oscar's got a good point, Muhammad Ali was considered to dance about the ring, pulling the old "Rope-a-Dope" remembering always to "Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Incidently, the fight championship fight will be held at the Thomas & Mac. Included on the fight card is: Yory Boy Campas, the international federation boxing junior middleweight champ and Enrique Sanchez, The World Boxing Assiciation Super Bantamweight Champ. Sanchez's contender is Carlos Barreto, The WBA #1 Contender.
Jackie Mason, in all his wisdom and political humor, put my thoughts to rest about entertainment policies in Las Vegas.
"A hotel has the right to choose the headliner they want, for their showroom. If a name draws 500-800 people in a 1500 capicity showroom, naturally the hotel has the right to look for other names that have a bigger draw". What Mason is referring to many stars don't agree with, they put the blame on the marketing of the hotel. The real crux of the situation however is the sheer amount of showrooms and entertainment options in Las Vegas. So sometimes it takes some packaging, putting famous names together, to fill up a room. Mason is a sellout in New York and other parts of the country, but the fact that he does not sell out at the Sahara hotel does not bother him. "Las Vegas is never going to be like New York, it's still a cowboy town and cowboys don't necessarily go for political humor."
Mason opens on Broadway in the next few months in his new One-Man show called "Much Ado About Everything". The show, which will take center stage at the Booth Theatre in New York, is expected to sell out far in advance. He also has a new radio show on KIEV in Los Angeles from 6-7pm (PST). His promoters hope to syndicate the show. By the way, you're probably wondering why Mason likes Las Vegas so much. He says "I appear here at the Sahara and it's like a vacation for me."
Never felt so close to you. Just because I never realized, what it was like to be left alone by someone like you, Janet Jackson. That's what alot of folks have secretly felt about this beautiful lady. Janet will appear at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on the 29th of July.
Steve Wyrick, the newest of the magicians in Las Vegas, is getting ready to tape another "Champions of Magic" for television. Wyrick, the good looking guy with the beautiful blonde that is seen on downtown billboards, has been performing his "World of Magic" spectacular at the Lady Luck hotel/casino for nearly 1 year. Wyrick has a cool, classy, yet down to earth way to present his illusions. His death defying giant saw act, which only gives him seconds to escape, is a sure crowd pleaser.
The other night I was relaxing at the Monte Carlo room at the Desert Inn. There I happened to see Phyllis McGuire. Phyllis is one of those rare people that sing wonderfully and exude and aura of class. Here she works out all the time, something most of us Americans only think about doing. That reminds me, at 50 years old, I guess I'd better begin eating more properly and exercising a few more times a week. Debbie McCaan, my personal trainer at Gold's Gym, tells me I could lose 40 pounds in 6 weeks...wouldn't that be nice.
Don't forget to check out Steve Caito's "After Midnight" radio show from 12:00-2:00am on monday-friday on KLAV, 1230AM on your dial and on Saturday 1:00-3:00am. Dave Guhlow and myself ham it up. Give us call at the show (731-1230) and we'll be glad to rap with you. Tell 'em Pete sent you.
Close Up With The Commodores
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