Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News January 26, 2002

 

Mike Tyson

It seems that boxing is getting its dose of bad public relations with the likes of Mike Tyson. Tyson who said he was pushed by one of Lennox Lewis's camp in a recent press conference ended up throwing a punch and missing Lewis. It ended up in a tumble with Tyson biting Lennox Lewis's leg. It's a bit more complicated then what we have told you. The bottom line to this story however is that Tyson will probably find out the hard way, if the Nevada Athletic Commission denies his license to fight in Nevada. "The heck with how much money Tyson brings to Las Vegas. It is not worth the aggravation" stated a group of local businessmen. Somehow a little bird told me that's not the way it will end up for Tyson.

Showtime Championship Boxing in conjunction with Bally's Hotel and Top Rank Boxing will present a gentleman's fight card on March the 16th at Bally's Event Center. Former W.B.O. welterweight champion and the current W.B.O. number one junior middleweight contender Daniel Santos will move up in weight to face former world champion and current W.B.O. number two contender Ramon Luis "Yori Boy" Campas for the vacant JR. middleweight title.

Daniel Santos with Ramon Luis "Yori Boy" Campas and Antonio Diaz

Campas, 30 has fought 79 fights with 4 loses and 67 KO's. He is a gentleman in and out of the ring. Daniel Santos, 26 has 24 fights to his credit with 2 loses, 1 draw, and 19 KO's. There won't be any running and holding in this championship bout. This fight alone is worth the ticket prices which start at $50.00. Also included on the card is W.B.O. number 1 welterweight contender Antonio Margarito. At 23 years of age young Margarito has 25 fights to his credit with 3 loses, 1 N.C., and 17 KO's. Margarito will face Antonio Diaz, 25 who has a record of 37 fights, 3 loses, and 27 KO's. Diaz said his last championship fight with Shane Mosley taught him to change his boxing style. "Before, I just came at you with everything. Now I box more. I feel I have more speed moving the head more"stated Diaz. The fight card will broadcast at 10:00PM EST. and PST.

Don't forget to check out Chinese New Year at New York New York. The celebration takes place February the 15th at 8:30pm on the Brooklyn Bridge. The fun will start with a dragon parade, dancers, music, and drinks. The Lion Dance will be preformed chasing away the evil spirits. The Dragon Dance also to be preformed brings happiness, health, and good luck for the rest of the year. Who knows maybe you will be one of the jackpot winners that evening.

Tom Cruise with Penelope Cruz. Siegfried and Roy with Atlas.

Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz slipped into the Mirage Showroom to visit Siegfried and Roy backstage. Cruise was delighted when he fed Atlas their 5 year old Siberian Tiger. When asked if the super stars of magic would retire Roy stated "We will continue to fulfill peoples dreams as long as our fans keep coming to our shows"

Dream Boulevard, the first reality drama T.V. series everyone is talking about, has reset their shooting schedule. Scott Shepard the Co - Producer, who incidentally is the new Lone Ranger said the series originally scheduled for the House of Blues Foundation Room, will instead be taped at C2K at the Venetian Hotel and Resort.

25 Guest stars per week will have their chance to act with 4 to 7 celebrities. You can be sure there will be a lot of bloopers in the series. That is what reality television brings to the table. Darlene Vogel, Michael Storm, Krista Tesreau, Ilene Kristen, Kristoff St. John, Ty Treadway, and Tom Hallick are few of the soap stars who will be sharing the spotlight with aspiring actors. For more information call 1- 866-soap-fan or log onto www.soapfantasy.tv.

A congratulations goes to Tony Sacca, the producer and host of Entertainment Las Vegas Style for receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Oscar Goodman. Mr. Sacca has been a part of promoting Las Vegas though his show for over 15 years. ELV airs on the ABC affiliate, KTBV Channel 13 at 12:30 A.M. on Saturdays.

NATPE (National Association of Television Producers and Executives) had a lower attendance then last year. Approximately 9600 people attended the 4 day event. Last year the attendance was 13,913. That's 31% more attendee's then this year. During the convention I met up with John Astor of the Astor Corporation. During our conversation the name of John Walsh came up. Walsh who hosts Fox's America's Most Wanted after 15 years on the air has caught 695 fugitives while bringing 25 kidnapped children home alive. I wonder if America's Most Wanted will catch Usama Bin Laden next.

Carmen Electra

Carmen Electra likes her busy schedule. The young actress helps host the Ultimate Fighting Championships held here in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand and throughout the country. According to Electra it's a fun job that takes her away from the serious part of acting in motion pictures.

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

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News January 22, 2002

 

Willie Palms catchs Tali Kulihaapal with a Right

"Celebrities bring out the essence of your souls," stated Tory Cory. Cory an international singer who became a super star in China was staying at the Paris Hotel and Resort for the Everlast Heavyweight Explosion, a boxing event promoted by Cedric Kushner Promotions in association with Paris Hotel and Resort. Everyone has their opinions about celebrities. How many of you would agree that celebrities bring out the essence of your souls. Now, if you are talking about boxing. That is a sport that will test your lungs out in at your favorite boxing match.

Speaking of boxing, the fight card last Saturdays was entertaining. Willie Palms (10 - 1 - 1 - 6 KO's), of Jersey City fought a 6 rounds against Tali Kulihaapal (9 - 2 - 1 - 5 KO's), of Honolulu. Palms won by unanimous decision. This was a fight of humor were both fighters kept smiling as they where punching away at each other. Jean Francois Bergeron (13 - 0, 9 KO's), from Montreal Canada fought a technical 8 rounds against Jason Nicholson (17 - 16, 10 KO's), of Tulsa Oklahoma. Bergeron won by a unanimous decision.

Jean Francois Bergeron Defends himself against Jason Nicholson

Whatever happen to the hard hitting Jose Louis Gonzalez? Gonzalez with a record of 32 wins, 8 loses, and 27 KO's originally from Havana, is fighting out of Las Vegas. Unfortunately for Gonzalez he didn't come to fight Derek Bryant (11 - 9 KO's). Bryant who fights out of Philadelphia knocked out Gonzalez in 2 minutes and 33 seconds of the first round. Gonzalez just didn't have confidence in himself. He certainly had no problem showing up for the paycheck. Other bouts that evening included Davarryl Williamson (13 - 1, 12 KO's), fighting out of Denver Colorado, taking out Kevin McBride (26 - 4 - 1, 20 KO's), in an 8 round bout. This knock out came in 2 minutes and 48 seconds of the first round.

Olanda Anderson a very talented fighting out of Colorado Springs made his pro debut against Sean Williams (9 - 14 -1 , 2 KO's), of Philadelphia. Anderson who represents the Olympic team won by a unanimous decision. Williamson who is overweight displayed a lot of courage, and was able to throw some nice body shots to Anderson midsection. The semi-main event featured Greg Pickrom (12 - 5 - 1, 11 KO's), fighting out of Huston Texas taking on Willie Williams (17 - 5, 11 KO's), who fights out of East Point Georgia. Pickrom knocked out Williams in 1 minute and 48 seconds of the first round. A lot of knock outs for the heavyweights and what is a series of events entitled The Everlast Heavyweight Explosion. For information on upcoming fight cards promoted by Cedric Kushner Promotions Email Jim Hunter the Director for Boxing of the west coast at jhunterlv@aol.com.

Siegfried and Roy with Elizabeth Taylor and Atlas

When celebrities arrive in Las Vegas they never seem to leave our city without visiting Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage. International film star, Elizabeth Taylor celebrated the beginning of the year by visiting the two legends back stage. Taylor was introduced to Atlas a five month old white Siberian tiger.

Ann Marie Bimonte

Ann Marie Bimonte the young lady in the picture wearing the gold outfit, and her husband Nick Bimonte, own Nicks on the Strip, an Italian Eatery open 24 hours. Nick Bimonte a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York is planning to do a cooking segment on "E". Bimonte was a favorite on the NBC affiliate in Boca Raton Florida where he owned Nicks Italian Fishery and Brewzzis.

Lou Ragland ( Left ) with his world famous Ink Spots

Lou Ragland's world famous Ink Spots keep the tradition alive at the Westward Ho Hotel. Ragland, a long time resident of Las Vegas just finished a successful engagement at the Ramada Express in Laughlin. When asked if the music of yesterday will continue to gain new audiences,

Ragland replied. "The music of today is just a revision of the music we grew up listening to. Yes Hip Hop and Top 40 lead the way, however the Ink Spots and groups similar to their music will always have a main stay in reaching the older audience and attracting the younger. That's the reality of it". Ragland said he plans to film a documentary on the Ink Spots during of their last performance in March. For more information contact Westward Ho Hotel.

The new restaurant row on Charleston Blvd. is booming. Flemings Prime Steakhouse is the newest arrival, offering prime beef and other delectable items at reasonable prices. The restaurant is decorated by oak and offers 100 different wines by the glass. This is a treat for wine lovers not to mention this fine eatery is designed to accommodate ladies. By that we mean the warmth and the enriched décor which would be comfortable for anyone who wants to take a culinary journey.

Executive Chef Lee Ditterline along with managing partners Kevin Whattofs and Bill Sullivan await your arrival.

There are many untold stories about Las Vegas. You don't have to be shy in giving us some of your ideas. You see, they need to be told and they will be told on Channel 35 KYRK your community television station. All you need to do is call 450.0330 between the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. A representative from Mako Communications will assign the story to one of their host. Channel 35 has more local programming in the community of Las Vegas then any station located in our community.

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News January 2002

The late Anthony Quinn was more then an actor, artist, and humanitarian. He was the philosopher of life. Mr. Quinn believed in helping the less unfortunate then you and me.He was a passionate man. One particular story Mr. Quinn shared with me was his relationship with Benjamin Segal. Segal was credited with building the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, the first strip hotel in Las Vegas. During those years Anthony Quinn would visit the hotel and happen to meet up with Mr. Segal's girlfriend. When Mr. Segal found out, he had his associates bring Mr. Quinn to his office. Under normal circumstances Quinn would not be around to tell this story, but because of his wonderful zest of life he became friends with Mr. Segal.

"Benjamin as he liked to be called and I , would hit the penny ante slots. Ben would yell out "I am a winner", when he would hit the penny jackpot. It was a wonderful time during though days " stated Quinn. My last conversation with Anthony Quinn was at the Resort at Summerlin which is now the Marriott. He was with his wife and children at that time, doing his one man show which was displayed at the Markim Gallery. He was a rare breed indeed and will be missed.

Comedian Pat Cooper and Patty Prince joined Comedian Joey Villa and Nicks On the Strip. Cooper said it was amazing he was able to drive down Harman to show up for dinner. The street was closed to through traffic for New Years Eve. Nicks is famous for his wonderful pizzas and Pasta Dishes. On the way out Cooper said the big problem in Las Vegas is service. "Hotels got to get back to personalized service." He stated. Both Cooper and Patty Prince recently finished an engagement at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut. Rumor has it that both entertainers will open at one of the station's properties this year.

Country Hero's and Diva's is relatively a new production show based at the Greek Isle Hotel and Casino. Kevin Richards, the show producer said the talented performers in the production are every bit as good as any production show on the strip. Michelle Justice does a tribute Shania Twain and Bonnie Raitt, Sherrie Gordon pays tribute to Dolly Pardon and Dean Simmons leads the show in a tribute to Garth Brooks. For more information call 702.734.0711, show times are at 7pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Franklin Perry, the man who filled suit cases with 100 dollar bills and schemed folks out of their money in Las Vegas and abroad, is finally locked up at the Clark County Detention Center. Perry said he was an informant for the FBI. That may have been true but Perry allegedly stole as much as 200 Million from his victims during his course of 25 years. Perry, with his puppy dog look, loaned money to high rollers referred by casino executives, rock stars, ministers, and working folks. A con man such as Perry and folks like him will always end up in cities like Las Vegas. They use their charm and manipulation to their advantage. They understand human nature and because they understand it they work on the greed that we all have within us. Bottom line in investing your money is simply to deal with reputable firms and disregard talkers who flash their wares.

Antonio Mecheri who now resides at Las Vegas is one of the new talented performers whose music is his passion. His new recording of BellyDancer will be released by Music Masters the number 1 distributor in the Middle East and Europe. Mecheri's single will be in good company with the top Middle East artist on a compilation album, Look for it at the new world music section of tower records some time in February.

The club scene in Las Vegas is changing a bit. Polo Towers, Located on the strip, has a new club called Hush. It's relatively small yet romantic overlooking Las Vegas on Polo Towers 19th Floor. Also located on top of Polo Towers are cabaña's with beds inside them. They are somewhat a Moroccan theme. It was certainly was a great place to watch the Fireworks on New Years Eve. Attorney Ed Bernstein was one of the local notables enjoying the sights.

Light also a new club which just opened at the Bellagio is based out of New York City. This high end club is decorated with red velvet throughout the club with a private elevator for those who prefer VIP treatment. The presentation of their liqueurs and liquors is setup table side with sterling silver buckets and elegant glass ware. Oh by the way George Maloof of the Palms Hotel chatted with me on their opening night. George informs me that all his restaurants at the Palms are doing excellent business. He is right. I have tried Little Buda, the buffet, and the coffee shop. It passed my taste buds.

The Hyatt at Lake Las Vegas, has a intimate European style casino which offers mini baccarat and single O Roulette. According to Rick Ingrassia the casino manager and Fred O' Keefe the pit boss, Casino Baraka teaches 30 people a day on how to gamble. The Hyatt is located at Lake Las Vegas, 8 miles east of the 95 Freeway.

Chevel Theatre, the beautiful Arabian horse show at the Bellagio is art in motion.

According to Christine Burelle the communications agent for the show, Chevel Theatre received outstanding reviews and will return to the Bellagio in the future. The show ends January 13th. For ticket information 702.693.7111

Toughman Contest held at Caesars Palace gave former NFL Stars and local bar tenders a chance to show their skills at boxing. Joe Klecho of the Jets was the captain of the American team. Art Dore the founder of Toughman is now acting as ring announcer while his daughter Wendy is running the show. 50 Cents out of each ticket was donated to amateur boxing.

Congratulations to Troy Cory for a great concert at the Munich Film Fest. Cory is one of those over night successes who went to China and became a big star. Elke Summer appeared with Cory on his tour. For more information on Troy visit his website at www.troycory.com

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News August 2001

Three years have passed since Princess Diana and Dodi's death, yet their memories live on. Mohammed Alfayed, the father of Dodi, one of the wealthiest men in the world still grieves over Princess Diana and his son's death. He is continuing to ask the question why? Why and how the accident actually occurred. The unanswered questions remain in the hearts of the people from all over the world.

Alfayed, who owns many of the Ritz Carltons and Harrod's, the most luxuroius department store in the world, has been communicating with Antonio Mecheri of Las Vegas. Mecheri produced a CD entitled "Dodi and Diana" in honor of the couple as a tribute to them. Currently there are negotiations between James Brown, "The Godfather of Soul" and Mecheri to see if a group of concerts could be promoted in Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and North America where moneys will be donated to the Alfayed Charitable Foundation, in London Engalnd. The foundation provides specific schooling for disabled children.

"Dodi and Princess Diana had a relationship like Romeo and Juliet. The only crime they committed was true love. A Christian Anglo Saxon Princess sharing her life with an Arab Muslim billionaire", states Mecheri originally from Algeria. Mecheri continues, "They're relationship was bonded together by the power of love. Unfortunately it was broken apart by the power of hate. The death of Princess Diana and Dodi was a calculated government conspiracy in some people's minds. Perhaps time will reveal a clearer picture of what really happened."

Celine Dion recently enjoyed a round of golf and cocktails at Reflection Bay on Lake Las Vegas. Celine and her husband Rene' Angelil are building a home in Lake Las Vegas due to the signing with Ceasar Palace for the Coliseum, Ceasars new event center.

The Visual Effects Company, one of the innovative production companies in Las Vegas is scheduled to film here. Darrell Eubanks the President of VFX and one of the producers with Jerry Leroy will produce "Jena", Staring Mandy Moore. David Worth, the director said the collaboration with VFX is exciting. "Shadow Walker" VFX's, second film, is a martial arts film, which will also be shot here. Eubanks and his associates are responsible in whole or part for completing 80% of the hotel casino theme environments during the last 9 years in Las Vegas and abroad.

Pictures of La Paz, in Baja Mexico.

La Paz, located in Baja Mexico, is a well kept secret for vacationing compared to Cancun Mexico. Steven Spielberg was recently vacationing there on his yacht. Speilberg was well prepared. He brought his own car with him, a beautiful Rolls Royce that he drove from the yacht to the dock. That's certainly is elegant living. If your visiting La Paz I recommend visiting La Concha Beach Resort and the Cortez Club. Everything is available that you could dream about at this resort.

Robin Leach has a positive outlook for film production in Las Vegas. His attendance at 2001 Plug In Entertainment he said was inspirational in meeting Peter Guber, President of the Mandalay Bay productions. Guber who received an Academy award for producing "Rainman" with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise referred to his background stating, "the overnight success took more than 30 years to be where I am today."

Las Vegas attracts such a diversified group of people, including entrepreneurs. Trigger Lawrence, originally from Casper,Wyoming. Lawrence is one of those individuals who has made his home here as an artist. He paints abstract art in colors by elevating himself in a helicopter. Lawrence plans to do a painting the size of a football field in downtown Las Vegas in mid August. "By mixing the colors of the rainbow, than placing them in different size zip bags - one can drop these bags and create an interesting flow of colors". The flamboyant artist was responsible for creating windshapes, a 3 dimensional advertising sign flying atop a 35 foot pole which illuminates itself from the power of the sun. According to Lawrence, the windshape signs could provide additional electricity to the city much like the windmills do in Palm Springs. In doing so, each windshape sign will categorically provide electricity to its surroundings.

Actor Joe La Coco, a resident of Las Vegas for 12 years, has just finished filming "Pleasure Island" a mob comedy. La Coco, known for his Mafia roles, said he enjoyed his part as an Italian hit man who couldn't speak English. La Coco is also a principle in "Make My Day", a new reality based series which resembles "Candid Camera". The difference in the series according to La Coco is the situations that people are put in by their relatives are unpleasant. It's only at the end of the show that they find out it was a joke.

Don't forget to tune to KDWN 720 AM on your radio dial, to the Las Vegan Report.

Pete Allman provides trivia every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:00 PM with guest celebrities.

Call 702-385-7212. and the first to answer the trivia question will receive dinner and show tickets.

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News April 2001

 Leslie Nielsen and Pete Allman

 Leslie Nielsen, whose fame hasn't necessarily brought him luck at the blackjack tables, said his real luck came when he filmed "Airplane." “Airplane gave me the opportunity to expand my comedy. I loved filming that movie," said Nielsen.

Nielsen was attending the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TELEVISION PROGRAM EXECUTIVES (NATPE) convention promoting his new series "Liography." It’s a comedic TV series about famous people built on lies. Who knows where this one will go, but it just might stay around. In chatting with Mr. Nielsen, he had some humorous advice on how to break into show business. “A wet bird never flies at night," he stated.

Carmen Electra

Beautiful Carmen Electra has been dancing since the age of five. Electra is starring in a new show entitled "Lumiere" at the Aladdin. "Lumiere" is scheduled to open this summer in a new showroom being built by Mark Fieischman, former owner of Studio 54 In New York City and owner of the Century Club in Los Angeles' Century City. Fieischman said this venue would be unlike anything Las Vegas has ever seen. “The showroom will turn into a nightclub with three dance areas. There also will be a VIP area which will open up into an outside terrace overlooking the Paris Hotel," states Fieischman.

Gary Oulette, the director who conceived "Lumiere," is a producer of 25 hours of television and has directed many live shows. Oulette also has a show entitled, "Hollywood Blondes," a late night sexy topless revue. Gary met Carmen through Apollonia Kotero. Kotero loves Oulette's idea of Carmen starring in a show that portrays her life as hell, then going to heaven. Kotero was Prince's leading lady in the movie, "Prince."

Erik Estrada

Erik Estrada remembers his big success with CHIPS and the lawsuits that went along with it. Estrada says he’s not bitter over what happened. “All we can do is move forward. What happened with the studio's blackballing is behind us.” Erik and Laura McKensie are hosting "American Adventures," a fabulous travel show, bringing a taste of their travels to audiences worldwide.

Estrada continues to appear in great movie roles. Check out "VISIONS," where he stars with Robert Vaughn and Laura McKensie. It’s at Blockbuster Videos. In regard to advice for young people developing their lives, Estrada states, “I was born in Spanish Harlem, and I came from a broken home, but I didn’t let that stop me from envisioning what I wanted to do. I worked hard and met the right people. With a little luck, I succeeded."

Stacy Komano and Brandi Rederick

Baywatch is hot and becoming more popular in the Nielsen ratings. Stacy Komano and Brandi Rederick, two of its stars, say they love Las Vegas for its glitter, shows and bright lights, but not for the gambling. Filming Baywatch is geared more for acting, not just a show about beautiful people, according to Michael Bergin, also one of the stars of Baywatch Hawaii, along with Jason Mosmoa and Jason Brooks.

Charles Napier, Peter Breck, Scott Shepherd

Charles Napier, Peter Breck and Scott Shepherd stopped by the NATPE convention to visit Buck McNeeley, the host and producer of "The Outdoorsmen," the number one sports show on television. Charles Napier would like to do more action-packed movies. Peter Breck has a new CD, "Country All the Way," and Scott Shepherd is the new Lone Ranger.

Pamela Anderson with cast of VIP with Access Hollywood

Pamela Anderson and cast of VIPs had a great time in Las Vegas with plenty of business at hand. Anderson just finished an interview with Access Hollywood. The voluptuous beauty wouldn't comment on her personal life.

Floyd Mayweather catches Diego Corrales with a quick right

Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather gave all the credit to his father for his excellent style of boxing against Diego Corrales. Corrales had trouble making weight at the weigh-in. He did, however, look good in the ring. The problem was his speed and defense against Mayweather, who was just too fast for him. Mayweather won by TKO in 2:19 of the 10th round. There was no doubt that Mayweather won every round, not to mention knocking Corrales down in the 7th, 9th and 10th rounds.

Until next month, please take the time to smell the roses and be kind to your fellow human beings.

Also,

don’t forget to call 385-7212 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:55 p.m. on KDWN-AM 720 for our Las Vegan Report.

Answer the trivia question correctly and win a prize!

Pete Allman's Celebrity Scene News January 2001

Left to right, William "Wak" King, Walther Clyde Orange, Pete Allman, Jame Dean "J.D." Nicholas

The Commodores lead singer, J. D. Nicholas told me it's been three years since the group appeared in Las Vegas. In town for the Billboard Awards, the group is scheduled to open March 30, 2001 for two days at the Las Vegas Hilton's main showroom. "Vegas always has lots of action, yet when you want to relax, there's so many places to enjoy away from the strip," J. D. told me. Nicholas, now a single man, has made Las Vegas his permanent residence.

      Sisqo, honored for Male Artist and New Artist of the Year, writes a lot of his own material and is quick to admit he doesn't sample anyone else's music.

Sisqo

Faith Hill, honored for Hot 100 Single of the Year, Breathe and Artist and Female Country Artist of the Year, said she was looking forward to spending time with husband Tim McGraw for Christmas. "We'll cook together. It's a holiday tradition." Faith said she's not much of a gambler but enjoys Las Vegas. Her husband, on the other hand, is quite a blackjack enthusiast.

      Cutie Mandy Moore said she enjoys coming to Vegas, especially to revisit friends at the Billboard Awards. "It's one big party," she said.

Mandy Moore

The group Creed, honored as Rock Artist of the year, consists of Seat Philips, Scott Sterpp, and Mark Tremonti, a bunch of basic down to earth guys, enjoy donating a few bucks to both the blackjack tables and craps.

      Joe, honored for R&B;/HipHop Air Play Track of the Year (I Wanna Know) is a cool, very bright artist. "Like anything in life, you 'gotta be creative and get yourself with the right brothers. It's not an over night thing," Joe says.

Joe

Son By Four honored for Latin Tracks Artist of the Year gave credit to Diane Warren who writes some of their music.

Son By Four

Britney Spears, honored for Album of the Year, also received a special award for the biggest one-week sales of an album ever by a female artist.

Tony Braxton was honored as Female R&B;/Hip Hop Artist and Christina Aguilere as Female Artist of the Year.

'N Sync received Album of the Year for No Strings Attached. Dixie Chicks were honored as Country Artist of the Year and Destiny's Child as Artist of the Year.

Tina Knowles, the beautiful blonde, introduced her mother to the press as their hair stylist. The girls were elated, to say the least, when they received their award. Their New Year's resolution, and y'gotta love this one: to lose weight. The group is crazy about the bright lights and the energy Las Vegas exudes.

Dig the names of some of these groups, jive names for sure - 3 Doors Down for instance, who recorded Who Let the Dogs Out. How about Kryptonite, Baha Men and Vertical Horizon, not to forget the group Pink.

A truly interesting honoree for Hit 100 Songwriter, Rob Thomas writes from inspiration. "It doesn't matter if it's 3:00 a.m., if I'm led to do so I'll write at that hour." Rob is very inspired by James Brown's music.

Danny Glover, who wasn't in the best of spirits because of pains in his knees, didn't want to chat much about Vegas. He chose rather to talk about equality and harmony as depicted in his film Boesman and Lena. He did, however, manage to laugh a bit about the fact that Vegas has a film festival at all, and is growing in its cultural status.

Danny Glover

Actor Martin Landau presented the CineVegas Marquee award for Artistic Achievement to his friend and colleague, Mark Rydel. Rydel's films, On Golden Pond, The River, and For The Boys were selected for the award.

      Phyllis McGuire of the McGuire Sisters, also at the Festival was thrilled when asked to present the CineVegas Marquee Award for Lifetime Achievement to Tony Curtis. Curtis, who resides in the Anthem Country Club area, said he enjoys restaurant hopping with his beautiful, young wife, Jill. Why not? Jill is an eye-stopper.

      Director Bernie Pollack, known for the Electric Horseman, Tootsie, Rain Man and Marathon Man, was honored for Artistic Achievement, Costume Design.

Red Line

      The Fed Cup won't be returning to Las Vegas as planned. According to the US Team Captain Billy Jean King it's debut didn't pack the Mandalay Bay Events center. It did, however, present some interesting challenges for Lindsay Davenport who was on the winning team. "I'm not used to these heavy balls. It makes it hard on the serve," she states. King on the other hand gives credit to the U.S. Team for their championship. "One thing I keep telling people is, it's not the coach that makes the player, it's the player that makes the coach."

Left to right Lisa Raymond, Lindsay Davenport, Billy Jean King, Monica Selles, Jennifer Capriati

Ayalo-Tapia Deliver Spectacular Fight

Johnny Tapia and Paulie Ayala battle for title.

Boxing fans have had their share of complaints with boxing promoters, judges and matchmakers. That is, until recently, when former 4-time World Boxing Champion Johnny Tapia (48-1-2, 25 KO's) attempted to regain the WBA Bantamweight title from Paulie Ayala (30-1, 12 KO's). The fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden October 7th, was attended by many Tapia fans, packed with an attendance of 6,681.

Ayala on the defensive.

This was one fight where both fighters battled each other for all 12 rounds. Johnny Tapia looked to be in his best form, throwing many power punches to Ayala's kidneys and midsection. Ayala, on the other hand, scored a lot of points against Tapia, but not necessarily with power. Tapia cleverly made Ayala miss many punches. According to Judge Chuck Giampa rounds 1, 2, 6, 7 and 12 were in favor of Tapia. His final score was 115 for Ayala to 113 for Tapia. Judge Keith Macdonald had Tapia losing rounds 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 scoring 116 to 112 in favor of Ayala. Judge Jerry Roth had Tapia losing rounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 11 with a final score of 115 to 113 in favor of Ayala resulting in a unanimous decision.\

      Tapia has fought an uphill battle starting out from the barrio to having a father who was murdered before he was born, and later his mother. Nevertheless, he won two National Golden Glove titles by the time he was 21 gathering an amateur record of 101-21 with 65 KO's. In 1988 he turned pro and 21 straight wins later, won the USBA Junior Bantamweight title. At that time he got addicted to cocaine and lost his chance at a world title when he tested positive three times in 1990 and 1991. So it was three years that Tapia was away from the ring and nearly died from drug overdoses.

      With the help of Teresa Chavez, however, Johnny was able to kick the habit and return to boxing in 1994, capturing the NABF title after winning five straight wins. His 3rd round TKO over Oscar Aguilar paved the way for a shot at his first world title. Three months later in his hometown of Albuquerque, Tapia became the WBO Junior Bantamweight champion after an 11th round TKO over Henry Martinez. During the three years he defended his title, Tapia also added the IBF Junior Bantamweight title to his collection when he fought against hometown rival Danny Romero in 1997. Then both belts were given up in 1998 when he moved up in weight by fighting for and winning the WBA Bantamweight title against Nana Konuda. He held that title until 2000 when he went up against Paulie Ayala.

This was considered by many to be the fight of the year. For 12 solid rounds both fighters slogged it out with Tapia receiving a few bruises to his face. The decision went to Paulie Ayala taking the WBA Bantamweight title. That was a tough fight for Johnny because the day of the fight he found out the identity of the man who murdered his mother many years ago. That man has since died in a traffic accident in 1983. Regardless of his hardships, Johnny Tapia has turned out to be a real champion in life as well as the ring. Teresa Chavez, now his wife and manager, had a lot to do with that as well as their faith in God.

      Yes, promoters say Johnny and Teresa are difficult to work with. Both understand the politics and lifespan of a boxer. Johnny has perhaps two more years before he retires. In January of this year, after taking off for 6 months, Tapia scored a 12 round decision over the defending titleholder Jorge Eliecer Julio. He took home his fourth world title, the WBO Bantamweight title. Then, in May of this year, Johnny defended his title against Javier Torres. Tapia then gave up the title and moved up in weight after a bout with depression and an incident with a guy who had a gun. That's basically what happened. Now, even though his loss to Paulie Ayala is a big disappointment, Tapia plans to fight Ayala once again, proving to himself that he is the better fighter. According to the fans and TV talent boxing-analyst, Bobby Czyz, Tapia won the fight.

Promoter Bob Arum with Johnny Ayala after winning against Tapia

Eric Morel and Alberto Ontiveros duke it out.

Other fights in the card that night included Eric Morel (27-0, 16 KO's) winning a 12 round unanimous decision over Alberto Ontiveros (12-3-3, 10 KO's). Morel is the WBA Flyweight Champion. Danny Romero (39-3-1, 33 KO's) stopped Jorge Reyes (21-14-2, 17 KO's) in the second round of a 10 rounder. Arturo Morales (1-0, 0 KO's) TKOed Ruben Coronado (3-3, 0 KO's) in 132 of round 2 and Jose Celaya (4-0, 2 KO's) took out John Trigg (4-7-4, 2 KO's) in a decision.