As a free-lance writer I write for numerous magazines, which of course requires a great deal of research at times. Much to my surprise many famous people, events, etc., do not have a historic biography on a website. I have found it very difficult, sometimes to get like birthdates, family background, etc., from individuals you would think would have had that kind of information readily available.
One good thing about Google, however is that most of the time it will take you to a site that has an email contact. What really brought this to my attention is what happened when I was researching an article for What's On Magazine Henderson / Summerlin, for which I have been writing featured historical articles. I was writing a "Flashback" article on UNLV football and was featuring two of its great stars - Randall Cunningham and "Ickey" Woods. There was no actual bio on the UNLV site. There was no bio on either the NFL, Eagles or the Bengals site. And forget about trying to contact the NFL as the various sites only deal with present stars - not the past. Sure you can find all the stats you need as a sports writer (which I used to be earlier in my career) but stats are not what one needs for a personal article.
Fortunately for me I contacted the PR guy at UNLV, Mark Wallington who faxed me all kinds of info. I also was able to send "Ickey" an email and he called within two hours. I was able to complete the article, but it was a struggle at times. So, now you know the other side of the story - of what writers sometimes go through getting the story to you the reader.
A really good friend of mine (and a terrific entertainer) will be doing a special show "Just the Two of Us" at the Bootlegger Restaurant this Sunday (July 17). Genevieve is her name and I've written about her previously - she is a beventertainer at the Rio and works various gigs around town when not on duty at the hotel. Anyhow she and her piano guy, Howie Gold, will do two shows beginning at 9 pm. Talking to my friend was great, so I decided to make a night of it and made reservations for dinner at eight. The show will consist of a lot of show tunes with some Duke Ellington's swinging songs tossed in and of course Natalie Cole hits. And, when it comes to those wonderful love songs, there is none better than this young singer. Hope you can make it out there on the southern part of Las Vegas Blvd. Our Lt. Governor may even be on premise.
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Oh, yeah, lest we forget. A showing of my bronze sculptures will be this Thursday at the City Lights Gallery in Henderson beginning at 5 pm. I'm the featured artist for the Month of July and will have all my sculptures on display (and for sale) plus a clay model I'm working on for the City of Henderson. It's a real neat gallery and not only will I be on display but some other really super fine artists. The City Lights Gallery is a co-operative gallery and is well worth a visit. It's also part of the "Third Thursday" promotion in Henderson. Drop by and say hello, I'll be there for sure.
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: "As World Collide" is a new rock n' roll visual spectacular being presented to the media (and public) on July 22-23 at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. We were privy to a private partial showing a few months ago when it was going to premiere at the Orleans Arena. Never happened but now it appears this fantastic mega-scale illusion show may find a home. Will report on it next week...
Dirk Arthur continues to amaze and brighten many a youngster this summer during his two afternoon performances in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana. A young friend of mine was picked by the magic man to assist him on stage the other afternoon. And, of course, he's still talking about it...
Mac King, who headlines his own afternoon magic shows at Harrah's, will be on hand tonight (July 15) for the "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" parking lot party at the Barnes & Noble bookstore (8915 W. Charleston Blvd). Mac King will perform a show tailored to the story line from 11 pm. til midnight when the book goes on sale...
The Tropicana lost its "Legends Hall of Fame" venue a few months ago when its owner moved to find a new location. It has now been replaced with the Las Vegas Historic Museum, an exhibit that allows customers to take a peek into the underworld-focusing on gaming mobsters, entertainers and the brothels of Nevada. It's open from 9 am to 9 pm. seven days a week at a cost of $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for seniors...
Jimmy Buffett will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Oct. 22 and again on Oct 29. Buffett along with the Coral Reef Band are on the "A Salty Piece of Land Tour" with shows set to kick off at 8 pm. both Saturday nights. Tickets go on sale Monday...
The Voodoo Lounge at the Rio has been completely renovated with a circular outside staircase available for going between floors to the outside deck. This is without question one of the best views of the valley...
Wow, this coming Saturday (July 23) the Palms will hold its famous fourth annual Jimmy's Naughty Nighty Night (a Pajama Party) in the Skin Pool Lounge beginning at 9 pm. Ladies wearing lingerie will receive complimentary admission. Sounds like an interesting evening...
Well, gang, that's about it for this week. I'm outa here!
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