Car Care and Character

There are lots of auto mechanics in a town the size of Las Vegas—and there are bad ones, unfortunately, just like everywhere else. But a shining star in the business locally is R.T. Automotives and Rebel Towing owned by a professional with care and character. Brent Kitchen is the place to go for limousine and personal auto repair…

Las Vegas, a city that has plenty of auto repair shops, many of which specialize in high-end and classic vehicles, has its share of unqualified and unscrupulous auto mechanics. However, there are always a few good soldiers in any industry and one of them is business owner Brent Kitchen, owner of Rebel Towing and R.T. Automotives.

The company is a factory-authorized warranty repair station for a broad range of top-level limousine manufacturers, such as Tiffany, Krystal, Executive Coachworks, Federal Coachworks and Starcraft. Big name, well-respected manufacturers are selective about the companies with which they entrust and associate their brand names. Kitchen says he doesn’t know of any other limo repair shop in Southern Nevada that is larger or broader in scope.

So then, how does that affect the individual who needs his automobile diagnosed or repaired?

R.T. Automotives is a trusted service company for all types of vehicles. In Kitchen’s business, it means that a person can get a fair estimate up front on what the car needs, and R.T. Automotives honors customers’ requests to have the old parts provided to them. His business doesn’t play repair-shop hide-and-seek.

Kitchen has been a Las Vegas resident for about 20 years with a long history in business. Prior to moving here from Salt Lake City, Utah, he owned another towing and repair shop. R.T. Automotives prides itself on superior knowledge and top-notch customer service.

Initially, when Kitchen was driving limos in Las Vegas in 1998 and fixing his own, he was often asked by others to help with their repairs. That prompted him to open his own repair and towing businesses locally in 2001.

“We got so large that we needed a bigger building with Rebel Towing, and that’s when I opened R.T. Automotives.”

Kitchen says that auto mechanics should keep up their education on the latest technologies and designs in engines and service methods. He insists that his staff mechanics go a step further in order to make customers feel at ease, to know that a part will only be replaced if it’s bad and when it needs replacement.

“A lot of it is reading and research to have the knowledge in repairing the problem,” stated Kitchen. “I want to know that the part is bad before I replace it and that it’s the part that’s causing the problem,” he added.

I can attest to his integrity, recently, I was referred to him to check out my car. He did a thorough check, filled all the fluids, checked all the hoses and did not even charge me for the courtesy service. He gave a diagnosis and told me when I would need to tend to any matters, but he didn’t try to force me to make any repairs right then since they weren’t needed.

Kitchen’s philosophy: “My morals and values control me over the money. I can’t steal; I’d rather make a little money all the time and get a good night’s sleep than making one big pile of money.”

Kitchen gives tips to car owners on how to find a reputable auto repair shop. He suggests checking their record with the Better Business. Ultimately, Kitchen says, “If you have any doubts always get a second opinion.”

One important step when researching a repair company or any other business is checking if they have unresolved complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Always, when possible, pay your bill with a credit card because there is automatic consumer recourse in the event of faulty or fraudulent service. You can dispute the charge and the credit card company (not always the case if it’s a debit card or bank check card) will allow for disputes.

He emphasized that it’s best to know your rights after you have checked out a company’s reputation and chose to use that repair shop.

Kitchen says you should:

1. Know your rights under the law and make sure you are dealing with a shop that honors consumer protection laws.
2. Make sure the business is registered with the state by looking for the certificate displayed from the Department of Business and Industry. The certificate protects the customer by allowing them to file charges with the state in the event of fraudulent repairs and illegal practices by the auto shop.
3. Assert your right to a written estimate; to read and receive all documents signed; to inspect all replaced parts and accessories whether covered by warranty or not.
4. Use you right to review a completed statement.
5. Demand a fair resolution in the event of disputes arising from the repair work done because it’s your right.

Maintain your car according to the owner’s manual and always keep all service records — even general upkeep, like oil and filter changes. This could improve the car’s resale value, to prove how well it was maintained.

For more consumer tips for car owners, call the U.S. Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 800-424-9393 or got to their website, www.nhtsa.gov for online fact sheets and advice.

On another highly relevant topic, Kitchen spoke about the trends in alternative fueled vehicles and gasoline economy in light of the rising fuel costs.

At this stage, he suggests that consumers should exercise some caution before getting overly enthusiastic about battery-operated and hybrid vehicles. He suggests that families considering a car for the adults or their children simply buy a fuel efficient gas powered car and drive sensibly to conserve fuel until the new technologies are more developed, problems are resolved and alternative fueled autos are more cost efficient.

“To just dump your car to get into hybrid, I wouldn’t recommend it,” said Kitchen. “Look at the iPod,” he used as an example, “It came out a year ago and everybody had to have one. Now you look and you have a whole new generation of iPods that are twice as good and cost half as much.”

For top fuel efficiency on your existing vehicle, good repair service and good driving habits help greatly.

I recommend that you make your call to Rebel Towing and R.T. Automotives for one-stop, reliable service and auto information. Call them at (702) 531-8697. Tell Brent and his crew that satisfied customers Pete Allman and his friends sent you.

Celebs Set Stage for Palms Place Grand Opening

On a relatively cool evening for Las Vegas, quite a few celebrities arrived in high style and graced the red carpet for the grand opening of the newest high-rise condominium complex in town.

Located on Arville and West Flamingo just west of the Palms Hotel and Casino, the 47-story Palms Resort Hotel and Condominium features 599 residential units.

The ultra-contemporary setting of Palms Place includes Simon’s, an architecturally well-designed restaurant that opens out to the 50,000-square-foot pool and spa enclave on the sixth floor.

Palms Place also has Sunset Tan, one of the leading skin-bronzing salons in the country, and a beauty salon operated by renowned color specialist Michael Boychuck, along with a lobby bar called the Rojo Lounge.

In addition to the luxury room rentals, some of the condominiums, according to Palms Resort co-owner George Maloof, are selling for $450,000 for studios, up to $1 million for one- and two-bedroom suites, and the penthouses will run for $5-$6 million.

Among the actors on the red carpet were: A.J. Buckley of “CSI: New York,” Ashley Scott from “Jericho,” Khloe Kardashian of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Romany Malco of “Love Guru,” Stephen Colletti of “The Hills,” Robert Iler of “The Sopranos,” and Michael Vartan of “Alias.” Singers LaToya Jackson and brother Randy Jackson, along with comedian Sammy Shore, father of Polly Shore, were among the dozens of celebrity guests.

Newlywed Ashlee Simpson entered through a private entrance, bypassing the press, while her husband, bassist Pete Wentz of the Grammy-nominated band, Fall Out Boy, spoke with media.

Several guest celebrities commented on the new property’s appearance and concept. Most expressed how much they enjoyed the ambiance and the architecture. There are so many new high-rises in Las Vegas, and this one may not be the most spectacular among them as far as the overall design of the building goes, but there are special features and attention to detail that make it outstanding, as well as attractive.

For instance, there is a Plexiglas dance floor over the pool. And the fact is, there is not one other condominium in town connected to a major hotel property by a tube; theirs is called The Sky Tube, a second-floor connecting walkway that runs between the Palms Hotel and Casino to the Palms Place Condominiums.

Actor Verne Troyer, best known for his role as Mini-Me in the Austin Powers series, said “I like the rooms because the light switches are way down low where I can reach them, which is unusual for me when I go to a place.”

He spoke about the real estate market in Las Vegas: “It’s Vegas; it’s happening. It’s one of the entertainment capitals of the world,” adding, “You have a combination of all things you can do here. It’s almost like a family package.”

Troyer had to overcome many obstacles, but he believes that by staying positive and optimistic that you can do anything you can set your mind to.

When the celebrities completed their red-carpet appearances and interviews, they enjoyed the event in the pool area outside Simon’s where they dined.

Jessica Simpson, who just completed an album of country songs due out in September, said why she went into country music.

“I grew up in Texas, so country music was a natural thing for me. I should have done it a long time ago. To be honest with you, I was kind of trying to be a cool girl for a while, and I just realized what’s cool [about] me is country. It’s just who I am.”

One of the selections on Simpson’s upcoming CD is “Do You Know,” which was written by Dolly Parton.

Constantine Maroulis, the heartthrob from a past season of “American Idol,” attended.

He spoke about his later association with the singing competition. “I was an actor long before ‘Idol.’ You must do good projects and believe in what you do, and, hopefully, good things will happen to you.” He attended Boston Conservatory of Music where he earned his bachelors in Fine Arts.

“I’ve played in a lot of clubs before I got to ‘Idol.’ Not all of us are as fortunate as some people to have positive role models in our lives. But if you believe in what you are doing, and you love what you do, go for it, work hard, and study hard. I made a conscious effort to study, and it worked out for me, but that’s not for everybody,” he said.

Maroulis is currently working on his own projects and has a new album in the making.

For more information about Palms Place at 4381 West Flamingo Rd, call (702) 932-7777 or go to the website at www.palmsplace.com.

“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.

Be a Star: Take Care of Your Prostate Health

Whether or not you are a celebrity, every man is a star and can take charge of his health. Every woman can act like a best supporting actress by encouraging her grandfather, father, brother, son, boyfriend, husband and male friends to pay attention to prostate health. I know the importance because for too long I was unaware, but no more. . .

Although I’m writing in some physical discomfort, I am absolutely feeling great about taking care of my health. UCLA Harbor Hospital is my temporary residence while the skilled professionals here tend to my prostate health. Fortunately, I have undergone surgery to help prevent future serious problems from an enlarged prostate.

So, today, I am writing about my favorite topic—life. Whether or not you are a celebrity, every man is a star and can take charge of his health. Every woman can act like a best supporting actress by encouraging her grandfather, father, brother, son, boyfriend, husband and male friends to pay attention to prostate health.

I know the importance, because for too long I was unaware, but no more.

The www.fda.gov website states: The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland found only in men. It lies in front of the rectum, sits just below the bladder where urine is stored, and surrounds the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra). The gland functions as part of the male reproductive system by making a fluid that becomes part of semen, the white fluid that contains sperm. Three main problems can occur in the prostate gland: inflammation or infection, called prostatitis; enlargement, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); and cancer.

In my case, to avoid developing cancer, surgery option was best. But not always is it a solution—especially if you wait too long or until it’s too late.

Men, as you get older, don’t be afraid of taking care of your prostate health. Get yourself checked out. And even if some fear crops up, use your courage. Do it anyway!

If you take care of it early, you can avoid operations—or worse—as long as you do the right thing.

I want to thank Dr. Ramdev Konijente and Dr. Arnold I. Chin, two of UCLA Harbor’s fine surgeons of urology who are certainly making a good name for themselves. I am grateful for how well they treated me along the way. They are dedicated in their field. Dr. Konijente is now working at UCLA Westwood. Find your medical heroes to help keep your prostate healthy.

If you are dealing with prostate disorders or even cancer at this time, be encouraged and lean on your faith and God. Keep going forward and get support from other men who have survived this. Feel free to email me if I can help personally. It’s been an ordeal, but so well worth it. I’m walking and recuperating. Most of all, I’m alive.

I have at least two friends who have survived major prostate problems. James Brown the “Godfather of Soul,” survived for many, many years   with the help of his wonderful doctors in Atlanta. Another friend, impressionist Fred Travalena, had two operations, the last of which was at USC Irvine. Fred says that “through the grace of God” he’s alive today.

In a recent chat at the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, I ran into my friend Joe Jackson, the music family dynasty patriarch. We spoke about how important it is for all of us men to take our health more seriously—prostate health and everything else.

No matter what, in aging, the prostate is prone to growing. So, unless you do something early on along the way—including good nutrition and avoiding unhealthy lifestyles and substance abuse—there is the likelihood of prostate dysfunction, as well as cancer.

Now I won’t get graphic about the preventative procedure I underwent, so let your doctor explain it all to you. Better yet, go to any of the informational non-profit websites listed—go and get empowered. Women, you do it, as well.

Medical doctors have a vital role in this area—pardon the pun. In addition, though, also consider holistic care and naturopathy as part of your overall wellness program. In my hometown, I feel blessed to have Dr. Debra Symons, who studied urology and is now a board certified naturopathic physician specializing in alternative medicines, as well as a wellness book author. I have written about her recently, and I think she is fantastic.

Use all the wonderful professionals you can to support your wellness journey and your fight back from illness. Dr. Debra of Henderson, Nev., will see me back there soon, and I will get better about taking care of me. Won’t you join me in this affirmation?

For more information about prostate health, go to the website of UCLA Harbor Urology Department at www.uclaurology.com and many of the other online health awareness resources. Although prostate cancer is a leading killer of men, we have power to prevent, detect and treat it. To get reassuring information and facts, go to U.S. National Institutes of Health, at www.cancer.gov/cancertopics.

One must-see “supersite” to visit on the topic is www.usrf.org for the Urological Sciences Research Foundation.

“We are dealing with fears left over from a former generation…” said Leonard S. Marks, M.D., founding Medical Director of the USRF. Dr. Marks has served as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery/Urology at the UCLA School of Medicine.

“With increased public attention to prostate problems, fear or embarrassment should no longer be a barrier to maintaining prostate health, as there are many patient-friendly treatments available for common prostate problems,” according to his online video message about September being National Prostate Health Month.

In a touch of humor, the website page where Dr. Marks’s video appears (www.usrf.org/prostate.html) makes a funny reference that September is also National Chicken Month. So, don’t be a “chicken,” get the facts, get checked, get on with life and, most of all, keep going strong.

Remember: Keep your visions positive. Keep positive people around you. And, above all, know that God is there for you.

Miss USA Hosts Donny and Marie Join Celeb Judges

Donny and Marie Osmond host the live telecast of the 57th annual Miss USA. Pageant from Planet Hollywood Resort on the Las Vegas Strip on April 11. They are in good company with an all-star cast of judges: Heather Mills, “Dancing With The Stars” fourth season contestant; Rob Schneider, “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” star; Joey Fatone, “Singing Bee” host and former “Back Street Boys” singer; Kristian Alfonso, “Days of Our Lives” co-star; Amanda Beard, Olympic gold-medal swimmer; 

Christian Siriano, Bravo Network’s “Project Runway” season winner; Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman, San Diego Chargers linebacker; Ken Paves, celebrity hairstylist; Kelly Carlson, “Nip Tuck” co-star; and George Wayne, celebrity journalist with “Vanity Fair.”

Miss USA 2007, Rachel Smith, will hand off her crown to the winning successor at the conclusion of the two-hour telecast broadcast from the resort’s Theater of The Performing Arts.

Contestants from 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia are judged in three categories—swim suit, evening gown and the interview segment.

Recording artists Finger Eleven will rock the stage with their cross-over contemporary-alternative hit song “Paralyzer,” which sold over 2 million digital downloads and a half a million ring tones.

Marie Osmond is currently working to developing her own TV show, said, “This is a good opportunity for my brother and I to get together.”

She and her brother are set to perform together soon in Las Vegas at the Orleans Hotel & Casino.

“Nothing can be better than two iconic hosts, a paralyzing performance, and world-class judges in Las Vegas with the hottest women in the country,” stated Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, producers of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants.

Miss USA is a partnership of NBC Universal Inc. and Donald J. Trump. The competition for the first time in its history is broadcasting in high-definition with SONY HDTV cameras.

As an added point of view, the public will be able to vote online for the contestant they think should win the “Photogenic USA Hot Shots” award. This goes to the contestant who best exemplifies beauty through the camera lens, and she is announced during the live telecast. Voting is now open, and viewers can go to NBC.com/MissUSA to make their selections.

House of Blues presents An Evening with Robert Cray

House of Blues presents An Evening with Robert Cray

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 @ 7:30pm

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 4 @ 10am and start at just $32

HOB.com internet presale begins Tuesday, April 1 @ 10am

Pavlik, The New Breed of Boxer, Defeats Taylor

It was not just another glorious night of boxing at the  Gardens. Kelly Pavlik (33-0-0-29 KOs) proved to be the victor against Jermaine Taylor (27-2-1-17 KOs) in front of a sold-out crowd of energetic boxing fans. Taylor, who has a four-inch reach on Pavlik, looked good in rounds 2-5, but Pavlik, who got the drop on him in round one, came back in the rounds 5-11. Pavlik was the aggressor, continuously leading with a left jab, followed by a right. Although Taylor looked stronger and worked hard on breaking down Pavlik with left hooks to the body and an overhand right, he couldn’t quite get through Pavlik’s defenses. At the end of round 12, both fighters hugged each other in good sportsmanship.

Michael Buffer then announced the judges’ scorecards starting with Patricia Morse Jarman who had it 115-113 for Pavlik, Dave Moretti scored 117-111 for Taylor, Glen Trowbridge had it 116-112 for Pavlik, giving Pavlik a win by unanimous decision.

“I put pressure on him,” said Pavlik, adding, “As for being satisfied, there is nothing as satisfied as the first win when I got the title.”

Taylor then stated: “I thought it was close. I thought he won the fight. He caught me with a good one at the end.”

According to Compubox punch stats, 144 jabs were thrown by Pavlik, compared to 132 by Taylor. Pavlik’s total punches thrown were 484, compared Taylor’s 292. In power punches, Pavlik threw 361 to Taylor’s 164, connecting 123 of those power punches to Taylor’s 76.

At this point, Pavlik said he is ready to fight anyone in the middleweight division. Taylor said he’ll go back to the drawing board. He said he’ll come back stronger.