By Pete Allman

 Movie Stars Not To Blame For Gang Violence

Another year has passed with a very successful CineVegas Film Festival. The stars that came out on the Red Carpet for the premiere of "Oceans 13" included, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Frank Trigg from Pride fighting, Wayne Newton, Carrot Top, and the list goes on. Other celebrities who appeared during the festival included Chris Angel from "Mindfreak", Gerry MaCambridge of "The Mentalist" on ABC, George Wallace, Steven Jackson from the St.Louis Ram's (#39), Mark Philippoussis the Austrailian tennis player who stars on NBC's "Age Of Love", Ladies of Fantasy from the Luxor, Dennis Hopper, Joey Gilbert from "The Contender", Gordie Brown, Bruce Campell, and Maria Menounos.On closing night at The Palms, Academy Award Winning Actor Sir Ben Kingsley received the Vanguard Award for "You Kill Me", Sir Anthony Hopkins received the Marquee Award, and Charlize Theron received the Half-Time Cadillac Award. The majority of these actors believe it's their job to play a part, but that it has nothing to do with affecting kids who watch their movies. In other words it is really the parent's responsibility to decide what their kids watch on t.v. Ben Kingsley tells it like this, " If a child doesn't have love from the parent, that is where the problems start. It has nothing to do with the content of the movie," Kingsley went on to say, "kids that have dysfunctional lives have a much harder life in retrospect." Kingsley does feel however that story telling is a way of ancient healing that is vital to all cultures.

Sir Anthony Hopkins is considered to be the best film actor by today's standards. At least that is what Dennis Hopper feels. Hopper happens to be the creative director of the CineVegas Film Festival. Let's refer back to "Silence Of The Lambs" where Hopkins played Hannibal Lector, which won him and Academy Award. In talking with Hopkins, one can learn just how deep a person he is. In fact, when I talked to him about "Slipstream", his latest film project, which was produced and directed by him. It was shown at the Sundance Film Festival. He told me that it represented his life and that it was a bit of an illusion. Whatever it was, it certainly went back to his earlier years where he was influenced by James Dean. Hopkins, who was born in Port Talbot, Wales, grew up in the Catskills and started his career some 40 years ago. It was the film "A Lion in Winter" where Hopkins got the part with Pete O'Toole, Timothy Dalton, and Catherine Hepburn. What really got him going as an actor was watching James Dean and also Richard Burton. Disenchanted with school he left at the age of 17 and pursued his acting career. He got his first job in 1955, the same year the local newspaper wrote a story about James Dean passing away from an accident right below his article. In 1965 he moved to London and joined the National Theater, invited by Laurence Olivier, who could see the talent in Hopkins. In 1967 he made his first film for television, "A Flea in Her Ear".

The CineVegas Film Festival introduced a lot of new films, some of which are by young directors and producers. The film "The Merry Misfits", which had Maria Menounos as the executive producer and star, presented a lesson that those people that are misfits in our society do have a place. "Happy Misfits" had some great comedy scenes, but was rather slow and their graphic artwork showing the map of the cartoon-like characters. The cast consisted of: Danielle Weeks, Randal Malone, Orji Walflauer, John Comerford, and Joe Gear. With all this said and done, what are your thoughts about violent movies? Do they influence young people into doing negative things? I'd like to know your thoughts, e-mail me at Allman@celebrityscene.com .

In closing, George Clooney said this about the movie business, "It's a great way to entertain folks and it's made me a great living. I would however enjoy doing family films, I think there is a market for them." Brad Pitt on the other hand when asked about "Oceans 13" stated, "Hey, the films over and we are going to bury here in Las Vegas, that's it..." Wayne Newton, who still holds the title of Mr. Las Vegas while George Wallace says he is the new Mr. Las Vegas claims. Las Vegas has just begun it's cosmopolitan theme. "We're at the top of the iceberg and there is a whole new air ready to come to fruition." Newton stated. Until then, keep your visions positive and keep positive people around you, and above all, know that God is there for you.

 Entrepreneur Displays Compassion
 
Las Vegas is without question, a city that has it's share of entrepreneurs. Seldom do we find those individuals with extreme compassion in helping children with Autism. Autism is a developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system. Leon Benzer, who is one of those rare individuals, continually strives to help the less fortunate. Leon however has another side to him as a business person. He is the owner of Silver Lining Construction, a company which develops and builds properties. He also is the majority owner of the Courthouse Cafe. Just as important as Leon's virtues,is his talents as a gifted writer and visionary. Together with his music he is not only creating a foundation for kids with Autism, but he has also created Benzila. Benzila is a tequila which comes from the Agave Plant. Benzila Tequila is a premium tequila manufactured at Benzer's farm in Baja, Mexico. There is nothing which compares to the quality of this product, starting with the design of the bottle. Ah, but here is the surprise. We know that Benzila is grown on Benzer's 1,400 acre farm. What if this farm were to be developed into a resort named Benzila? When I asked Benzer if that was what he had in mind, he wouldn't comment. He did have a twinkle in his eye,so I wouldn't be a bit surprised if that is what happens. After all, tequila is Mexico's #1 product and it makes good sense for all this to come to fruition. A world class resort could also bring about more economy for Mexico as well as provide concerts and other business opportunities. With all this in progress what other surprises are in store for the public, one might ask? Well, there is the creative writing of Leon Benzer's music and his associate Tiger Roberts who was formerly Gladys Knight's Grammy Award Winning Producer in 2002 for the song "At Last". Mr. Roberts also produced "This Is Our Time" the theme song for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. So Mr.Benzer knows where of as he speaks. Incidentally Roberts has worked with Marcus Houston, Pink, En Vogue, Omarianna, and Tamar Braxton to name a few. It's this combination of Benzer's writing and Robert's music that will not only promote Benzila, but provide positive music to the masses. In fact, Leon's songs "My Brown Eyed Girl" and "Puppet Master" which will be released on an upcoming album has already got the attention of noted music personalities to sing his songs. After contemplating his creation of Benzila and his music Benzer is organizing the Benzila Concert Tours which will have celebrities such as Shug Knight in attendance. In conclusion to this story ,Leon Benzer has his own private banquet facility located west of Arville not to far from the Palms Condominiums. Benzer will celebrate by kicking off private VIP exclusive parties promoting Benzila products. He also has his sights set for an international market which makes his facility quite private. Benzer's banquet facility is set up in a Miami Beach VIP setting which attracts the Jet Set of Miami. "We want to give everyone that star personal treatment, "states Benzer. During the daytime,to make full use of his banquet facilities,Benzer's will cater to families who celebrate Quinceaneras. While most clubs cater to a younger clientele Benzer's attracts more mature individuals who spend and celebrate in style. "If you get into my place, you're the cream of the crop. We treat everybody like a celebrity," concludes Leon Benzer.
 
Titans' Jones Released After Giving Bond

Adam "Pacman" Jones, the suspended NFL player, who surrendered to authorities in Nevada last Friday was released after posting $20,000 bond. "Pacman" was charged with a felony for fighting that led to a triple shooting. Jones was booked into the Clark County Detention Center where he was released about an hour later, a jail operator said. Although these NFL players are hammered a lot for autographs they should remember that without their fans, they wouldn't be where they are today. Furthermore, sports teaches you a lot of discipline, so it shouldn't take much discipline to keep your cool in a club.
Get Married In An Aquarium

The Silverton Casino and Hotel has a beautiful aquarium, it's called the "Mermaid Aquarium". People can now get married in the main aquarium, which is 117,000 gallons of artificial reef which is home to over 4,000 tropical fish from all over the world. Now there is something a bit different for your wedding day. The package includes a 2 day stay at the Silverton along with make-up and costumes. For more information call the Silverton Hotel and Casino at (866) 946-4373 or (702) 263-7777.