JASON ALEXANDER LAMPOONS SELF-HELP GURUS IN ONE MAN SHOW AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD Written By: Benjamin B. Childs

Jason Alexander aka George Costanza performs a one man comedy act at Planet Hollywood through March 14. The audience is part of the Donny Clay Experience motivational seminar. Donny Clay has The Way. He just wants you to know you, to let the you inside of you out of you. You’re perfect just the way you are, no matter how lousy that is, and since you’ve obviously hit bottom by paying good money to get into his show in a desperate, last ditch effort to improve your life, he’ll help you.

Ever since Donny was a little boy, he’s been gifted with The Answer. To almost every question. Can’t stand your kids, other relatives, job, boss, neighbor? Get a gun. Hate your wife? Get a divorce. Here are four words to guide you in making more money. Get-a-second-job.
Worried about your health? Diet and exercise. For diet, Donny employs a string diet. This involves tying a string to everything you eat, then pulling it our of your mouth before you can eat it. Exercise? Try, um, exercising with yourself, if you know what I mean, to a healthier, happier you.
Commitment? You don’t even want to know.
Discomfort is good. Especially when Donny is wearing a flesh colored body suit with a codpiece. And extolling the virtues of remaining together using an old married couple from the audience.
With answers like these, who needs Dr. Phil, Tony Robbins, Oprah or Richard Simmons? Obviously not the celebrities like Ray Romano and Kirk Douglas, whose negative endorsements described how knowing Donny showed them what not to do and motivated them to do anything to get rid of him.
The concept for the show originated from a short lived sitcom that Alexander had called Bob Patterson about the life of a motivational speaker. He just took the show and incorporated an actual training session into the script.
The audience laughed through the entire show. And learned something about themselves.

Singer Alori Joh Meets Brando Unauthorized Star

 

Alori Joh is a singer, songwriter and vibrant performer from Carson, CA.
Alori Joh, a recording artist and new face on the Hollywood scene, met with Damian Chapa star of “Brando Unauthorized,” to speak with him about her music. Ms. Joh’s music is being considered for scene selection in the movie “Brando Unauthorized.”

Chapa, known as the controversial producer and director of “Dark Crossing,” “Bobby Fischer Live” and “Polanski Unauthorized,” which airs on Time Warner nationally this month, had this to say about Ms. Joh. “It’s a pleasure to meet such a beautiful artist as Alori.”

Ms. Joh, who performs as a high energy artist, first became aware of Chapa’s work from such films as “Blood In Blood Out” and “El Padrino.” I think my music is diversified enough to fit in Chapa’s films, and I look forward to moving forward with Damian to help enhance his films with my music,” Ms. Joh said.

Look out for Alori Joh’s debut mixtape, “That Time of the Month” releasing this year.

Damian Chapa- Lives His Vision

 

It seems like yesterday when I sat down to talk with Damian Chapa about his upcoming film, “Brando Unauthorized.” It was a tranquil day with blue skies in Marina Del Rey, California where we were relaxing on his yacht. Chapa, looked up at the sky in wonderment of his over 50-film career and calmly said, ”This new film project Brando Unauthorized is possible through God. We’re making history with the greatest actor of our time,” Chapa said.

Chapa is an upfront individual and his accomplishments as a controversial filmmaker have garnered him world-wide respect from independent filmmakers. Prior to Chapa’s films “Blood In Blood Out,” where he starred as Meklo with Jesse Borrego, Benjamin Pratt and Enrique Castillo, and his film “Street Fighter,” with Raul Julia and Van Damme, Chapa decided early on in his acting career to control his destiny.

Chapa came from a broken household with immense suffering from the loss of a loved one and succeeded the restrictive powers ran throughout Hollywood. It wasn’t long before Chapa founded Amadeus Films where he produced, starred in and directed numbers of independent films. “Polanski Unauthorized,” (the story of Polish director and actor Roman Polanski), examines Polanski’s life in an empathetic way. Another includes “Bobby Fischer Live,” (which examines Bobby Fischer, the ‘world’s greatest chess player’ during his time), points out the family crisis Bobby faced during his childhood. Both films have garnered much attention from the media and movie goers throughout the world, but Chapa always knew he would become an actor.

One day, after school, while watching ”Last Tango,” starring Marlon Brando, Chapa decided he would devote himself to acting.

”After watching the Academy Award performance of Brando in Last Tango, I knew where my destiny was going,” Chapa said.

Dedicating many years to acting, producing and directing, Chapa lives his dream and is in production of the Marlon Brando story. “Brando Unauthorized” tells the story of a father who is torn between his busy life as an actor which leads him to neglect his son. It is a role few actors would choose. On the other hand, it fits Chapa’s character and very much relates to his life as someone who stands up for people’s rights.

Other films produced by Amadeus Films include: “Bad Cop” with David Carradine, “Shade of Pale” with Desislava Dimitrova and Gary Busey, “I.R.A.,” “Man Of Faith,” “V2-The Dark Hour,” “El Padrino,” “Mexican Gangster,” “Fuego” and “Death of Evil.”

For more information on Amadeus Films visit www.amadeuspictures.com

Boyz 2 Men Interview

Pete Allman Interviews Boyz 2 Men

Criss Angel Interview

Criss Angel interviewed by Pete Allman

E40 interview with Pete Allman

E 40 Interviewed at B-Day party by Pete Allman

Marie Osmond at NATPE Las Vegas

Pete Allman interviews Marie Osmond at NATPE

Friends Who Pass On

There’s probably not one of us in this world that hasn’t had a close friend pass on. My most dear friend Clarence Jones “C. J.” Cansler was one of those quiet, compassionate, yet remarkable, individuals who excelled in everything he touched. C.J. did so many outstanding things in his lifetime. From a high school track star, he went into the U.S. Army as a Ranger. It wasn’t before long that he was known as one of the best sharpshooters in the service. C.J. lived life to the fullest. He played hard, and he worked hard. In his hometown in Alabama, he was a general contractor and later went into electrical contracting.

However, it wasn’t until he moved to Las Vegas that he helped support the career of his wife, Dr. Kathleen Cansler, from her internship on through her establishing a practice. She is one of the finest internist in the valley. They had one daughter, and she is one of the top junior soccer players in Nevada.

During C.J.’s last years, when he was enjoying the fruits of his labor, he became one of the most successful sports photographers in the business. He had that magic of knowing how to take a picture and make it come to life on the pages.

I was honored to know C.J. for about 15 years. He was the kind of person who didn’t have to say a lot; all he needed were a few words to make his point.

And so, in remembering our friends, we can recall their important life’s highlights. C.J.’s were his pictures through boxing events, Ultimate Fighting Challenge and celebrity photo shoots. But most importantly, C.J. was such a giving person. He was known among his peers as one of the top professional instructors of photography at Community College of Southern Nevada. He was also a very charitable person and helped during holidays deliver bags of toys to less fortunate children.

One of the things I’ll remember most about him is that he listened to people’s problems. I know; I was one of those he advised on a personal basis. The truth is, if C.J. were here today, he would say that there are no shortcuts in life; that you have to work hard to reap the benefits, and most important, something he often said: “One good deed deserves another, but one bad act can bring another one your way.”

A picture is worth a thousand words, and C.J. Canslers’ photos will inspire comments for years to come.

Scenic San Diego

More than ever, people are making time to take four to seven day cruises. Cruising is a part of life that no one should let slip by. There are also dining cruises, such as the San Diego Harbor cruises for couples, singles and families when they can only take a few hours out for a day or evening outing. The setting for these cruise are spectacular, especially that of the skyline of San Diego. This is one of the most breathtaking dinner cruises I’ve ever experienced. San Diego Harbor Excursions have been serving the area since 1915. The staff and service is dependable and friendly, plus they have six ships serving the San Diego Bay. The Spirit of San Diego, the ship I was on, holds about 250 people, and they offer a variety of cruise packages from $37.50 for children 4-12, up to $62.50 per adult. This includes a dinner menu selection of entrees, such as Iron Steak, Grilled Tenderloins, Herb Grilled Chicken, Dungeness Crab Stuffed in Pacific Snapper. They do offer vegetarian dishes. Also, they offer complimentary champagne.

For a breathtaking view of the Skyline of San Diego, including its naval shipyards. I highly recommend taking some leisure time to experience San Diego Harbor Excursions or consider holding your special events, weddings, graduations and other occasions aboard. As the company and others say, it’s “an unforgettable dining experience on San Diego Bay.”

By just calling (619) 234-4111 or (800) 44-CRUISE. For more information visit www.sdhe.com.

Marie Osmond Interview with Pete Allman

Pete Allman interviews Marie Osmond at NATPE

 

“Soprano’s Las Supper” a Top Choice

“The Sopranos Last Supper” has got to be one of the best dinner show packages in Las Vegas. The interactive show emanates from the Riviera Hotel and Casino’s Comedy Club, but that’s just for starters, because patrons get to enjoy a fabulous authentic Italian dinner in the Ristorante Italiano located on the main casino floor.

The restaurant is one of the legendary places in Las Vegas. Despite its name, the show is a comedy musical, and the audience is encouraged to interact with the cast. Guests are brought into the act to dance and become part of the show. Dean Mauro, who plays Tony Soprano, in the show loosely based spoof of the hit show, keeps the pace while Howie Locke, who plays Paulie Wacknuts, is hilarious. Other cast members include Jim Hitzke, who plays Bobby Backlava, and fantastic singer Robin Berry as Dee Dee Diamond, and another excellent singer is Tony Mosti, who plays Nicco Biscotti.

It all works well with the Hit Man Band headed by Mario Basner, along with Keith Hubacher and Mike Gonzalez.

Tickets range from $70 without dinner up to $110 with dinner. Call (702) 734-5110 ext 9904 for more information.

Grammy Awards Brings New Action

The Grammy Awards, was held at the Staples Convention Center in Los Angeles, had mixed reviews as a show. But let’s remember that this 50-year-old awards show covers a wide range of genres. It also is about popularity and marketability of songs. After all, downloaded ring tones of favorite artists’ songs are downloaded mainly by teens and college-age students. So anyone can download music from the Internet today; however, there will always be loyal fans supporting their favorite recording group.

And that brings me to Tina Turner. Here’s a woman, who at 68 years old, keeps getting better and has stood the test of time. Her performance, accompanied by Beyonce Knowles, stole the show. It just goes to show you what a positive attitude, great talent and great marketability can do for you.

Another performer who added to the show was the outstanding Morris Day. So if someone says to you, “was that really music? Or, “There was too much rap.” Or, “There was not enough country,” and so forth. Remember that music is like people. It comes in all sizes, shapes and forms. So, it’s not just about rap, but the Grammy Awards covers everything that sells.

And then there was Amy Winehouse, the “no-rehab” protestor herself, who took away four Grammy’s.

Miss America Judges

When the stakes are high, and pageant producers have a lot of pressure on them on ratings, it’s always a point that celebrity judges are a part of the pageant. Seven celebs determined the 2008 winner.

The 2008 Miss America Pageant, which was held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, had just that. Speaking of competition, one celebrity judge, Jack Joyner Kersey now working in the field of community service, is considered one of the great athletes of all time. She is the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic Gold Medals in the seven disciplined events heptathlons.

She is also the first woman to score 7,000 points in the event, and her world record of 7,291 points remains unbroken. She is also the first American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal in the long jump, all accomplished on her way to wining six golds in four consecutive Olympic games.

It is those persistent, yet talented, individuals, such as Joyner-Kersey, who make the world renowned pageant, such as Miss America, one of the most respected pageants in the Universe. Kersey, who is giving back to her community by spearheading fundraising efforts, has collected more than $12 million to build a safe haven for young people. The JJK Center in East St. Louis, Ill., provides services the thousands of families in the surrounding areas. It offers a variety of educational and recreational activities, including tutoring, youth sports leagues, nutrition, health education, character-leader workshops and fitness for seniors. The famed athlete currently travels as a motivational speaker and the author of, “A Woman’s Place is Everywhere,” and her autobiography, “A Kind of Grace.”

“No matter what you do in life, it’s the persistence that’s going to get you there,” Joyner Kersey said in press conference at the recent event.

Robin Meade, one of the other judges, is the lead news anchor for CNN’s “Headline News” early morning segment is another outstanding personality. She also serves as co-host with Dr. Sanjay Gupta for Turner’s closed-circuit network, Accent Health, which delivers consumer-related health programming directly to physicians’ waiting rooms.

Meade competed in the Miss America Pageant 1992. She is the recipient of two regional Emmy Awards and in 2005 was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

From the field of talent, Jason La Padura, is a casting executive behind Disney Channel’s phenomena, “High School Musical.” He is currently casting NBC’s hit ‘Heroes,” and CBC’s “Cane.” La Padura received the Media Access award from the State of California for his work promoting the profile of performers with disability. He was nominated for Emmy awards for “High School Musical” and the NBC series, “American Dreams.”

Other pageant judges included Sarah Ivens, editor-in-chief of OK! magazine, a leading celebrity news publication; Kim Lyons, star of NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” and James Arthur Ray, president and CEO of James Ray International, a multi-million dollar company dedicated to teaching people how to create wealth. And Trace Ayala, international fashion designer, was also a judge.

This year’s winner of the pageant was Kirsten Haglund of Minnesota.

Howie Mandel Knuckles-Up

Everyone who remembers Howie Mandel from St Elsewhere knows how funny he is. What they dont know about Howie, is his fear of germs. Mandel never shakes hands with anyone. Instead, he knuckles up. When I hung out with Howie at The National Association of Television Producers(NATPE) he also informed me that if not for his wife, he would not have taken the job for Deal or No Deal.