by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Well, gang, hope you had a wonderful New Year's Eve and whatever you did or wherever you were, you arrived home safe and sound. I did!

Spent the evening out at the Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, visiting with an old friend of more than 39 years, Mr. Tony Orlando. My good friend and former brother-in-law to Orlando, Marvin Lashever and his lovely lady Linda, made all the arrangements for seating (we were mixed in with family and close friends).

Let me give you a little history of Tony and myself. We go way back to 1967, when he first was working the lounge at the Riviera. After watching him live, and then meeting up with him following the performance, I became a fan and have admired this man so much, not only as an entertainer but as a MAN among men. He hasn't changed over the years either. Tony is as gracious a person as you will ever meet. I have reviewed his show for you readers for so many times, that instead I'm going to tell you a little story... just to back up what I said about him being a man among men.

About the middle of 2007 (around June or July), I received an e-mail from a reader. She asked if there was any way I could contact Tony Orlando. I wrote back that yes there was a way if it was important. She then wrote back explaining what she needed, if possible:

"My mother and father have admired Mr. Orlando over the years and they have made reservations to see him (I can't remember the date or the town)," she wrote. "It will be their 60th wedding anniversary that night, and I thought it would be neat if Mr. Orlando could announce it during the show... maybe dedicate a song to them."

That was good enough for me, so I called Lashever (above) and told him the story. I then e-mailed him the details. Marvin then contacted Mr. Orlando.

The evening arrived and not only did Tony announce the anniversary but asked them to stand. He then sent his road manager into the audience to bring them backstage following the show. The couple had a young grandson with them and all three were greeted only as Orlando can do... with a huge, strong hug. He made sure they met the band and had a ton of photos taken so they would forever remember this special evening in their life.

I was then thanked later by members of the family and was told that the youngster couldn't wait to get the photos back, so he could take them to school and show them off. Just a simple little e-mail that I thought was a nice request. But Tony Orlando loves families (coming from a large one himself) and he made it a "Big Thing for that family."

It was nice visiting with the Orlandos following the nearly two-hour sing-a-thon put on by Mr. Orlando. It reminded me of the great old days when Tony and Wayne Newton would always manage to get their respective casino management upset because they stayed on stage too long. Tony reminded me of one night when he and Newton got together on stage and entertained the audience for nearly six-hours. Of course management was upset (to say the least) but the two boys (they were much younger in those days) had gained a ton of fans that night, and many nights to follow.

So, gang, the next time you see an advertisement for Tony Orlando giving the date of his next performance in your town, go to your phone right then and make reservations. You will be entertained like never before by a gentleman who loves to do just that... entertain!

Listen up everyone, there's a new game in town. Pole Position Raceway has been open just over a month and already the hot foots are learning of its location, 4175 S. Arville, and showing up to test the indoor track, and driving an amazing electric powered Go-Kart. Yep, gang, Go-Karting at its best is here!

This particular track has two features found nowhere else in Las Vegas: a quarter-mile, European-inspired indoor race track and electric race karts. The track winds throughout the 60,000-square-foot facility and is really neat. Nancy Barr, Mel Carter, Jackie Brett and I tried our skills, along with some of the guys (and a gal) that work there and are really experienced in karting. There were a total of ten in our group, and I finished highest among the first timers, finishing seventh. Carter was right behind me with Jackie ninth and dear Nancy (who had never done anything resembling racing in her life) finishing last. But, the main thing is we all finished.

Another unique thing Pole Position Raceway does is track your speed. At the end of your particular race, you are given a computer readout of just how good you were doing (or how bad). And, each time a customer visits the speedway, his or her racings stats will be recorded and kept in the computer system. Racers then are able to see how they rank against other racers, as well as manage their own progress.

The track was co-designed by NASCAR champion and native Las Vegan, Kurt Busch, who also is an investor in the track. The 58 electric karts emit no exhaust fumes, boast of 18-horsepower engines and are capable of speeds up to 45 mph. Anyone can come out and race one of these karts, including kids, as long as they stand at 48" tall and can safely operate a kart. They do not mix kids with adults, either. The place is really quite nifty. It even has a pool room anyone can visit while in the building, state-of-the-art video games, and plenty of help to make sure your visit is a memorable one, and that you will want to come back and tell your friends about it.

Pole Position Raceway is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. If you want to become a member at the track, it'll cost an annual fee of $55, which gets you one race on the day you register, a race during your birthday month, a T-shirt and a $5 arcade credit. One race prices are $18 for juniors and $20 for adults and non members pay an additional fee.

The "Boys of Thunder" (NASCAR Cup racers) will be in town the last week of January, testing the Car of Tomorrow at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, in preparation for the 2008 season. I'm sure Kurt and his buddies will also be testing their kart skills on the raceway. The official Grand Opening will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 29th and will be closed to the public. For more information go to: www.PolePositionRaceway.com, or call (702) 227-7223.

Well, gang, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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