Over the years, we have had many great moments with the Social Mayor of Miami, philanthropist, author, entrepreneur and Real Housewives of Miami star Lea Black. It was back in April that we attended the first book signing for her first novel, Red Carpets and White Lies [see here]. We followed that up in May when we spoke with Lea for an in-depth CYInterview on her book [see here].
For 20 years, Lea put on The Blacks’ Annual Gala in Miami attended by a who’s who of the city, as well as a variety of A-list stars from out of town. Tomorrow, she will be at one of the biggest yearly city events, the Miami Book Fair International. Mrs. Black will be taking questions about her book and signing copies. Details of the event are below. If you are in the Miami area, go out and see Lea Black at this great event and hear some great stories about the city.
Recently, in the NY Post, an article appeared mentioning the opening of a watch club for members only, catering to luminaries and moneyed types, in New York. Perhaps, we are at a turning point in the world of luxury goods. Maybe, in addition to buyers wanting something rare, they also want it sold to them in an ambience of ultra-exclusivity.
To discuss what is taking place, we welcome back Paul Pluta, the man behind the controversial YouTube personality Archie Luxury. Mr. Pluta is a compelling commentator when it comes to the world of expensive watches and luxury goods. On his channel, and in character, he is a voice for those who want insight into fine timepieces, delivered with a heaping dose of irreverence. Yet, make no mistake. Paul Pluta is a true luxury goods devotee. Additionally, he is rather prolific, with what he says are thousands of videos on YouTube. Paul joined us from Australia and gave us his insight on what might be a new phenomenon.
Since 1996, people across America have started their morning with Al Roker. The co-anchor and weatherman for NBC’s Today has informed millions of Americans about what to expect, climate wise, from all regions of the country. Over the years, Mr. Roker has been live on the scene, from some of America’s worst natural disasters and storms.
The veteran TV morning show personality has written a new book. An author of eight titles, he says this is the first one that is weather related. His new book is titled The Storm of the Century: Tragedy, Heroism, Survival and the Epic True Story of America’s Deadliest Natural Disaster: The Great Hurricane of 1900. The book features the stories of the people who lived in the town of Galveston, Texas where the worst reported storm in American history occurred.
Away from his media career, Mr. Roker gave us a very personal look into his life in terms of his weight challenges. In 2002, he got gastric bypass surgery and millions of Americans witnessed his weight loss from the procedure. We ask him about that, why his Weather Channel show Wake Up with Al was cancelled, as well as some other stories from his career.
It is not common for an unknown actress to land a major role on a TV show, particularly one that becomes an overnight hit. For Serayah McNeil, playing singing sensation Tiana, on the popular Fox TV show Empire, is remarkably her first role. Known to her fans as simply Serayah, she now wants people to recognize her for all she is doing away from the urban music TV drama.
With the opportunity to perform in front of a live crowd at the BET Awards in June and to work with A-list music star Taylor Swift on a variety of projects, it is only the beginning of Ms. McNeil building a multidimensional career. Serayah was also with Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez and many other big names at this past weekend’s MTV Video Music Awards.
Many people in show business will be placed in one genre and many times are not taken seriously when they try to do something else outside of what is perceived to be their specialty. For Serayah, playing a music star on television has led her to now performing as a music star in real life – think Jennifer Lopez as Selena and then as a pop star in her own right.
"Rowdy” Roddy Piper, one of the great professional wrestlers to make his name back in the 1980s, a golden age of wrestling, if there ever was one, has died. I was fortunate to speak with him, at length, on two different occasions. Below is the second of our conversations.
After making a return to the WWE at WrestleMania 19, Roddy parted ways with the company in 2003. After his release, I spoke with him in-depth about the state of the WWE at the time, being featured in the HBO Real Sports segment about pro wrestlers and drug usage and a variety of other topics. In 2005, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In 2013, the NY Post ran an article titled Meet The Rolex Romeos. The story featured a variety of successful men trying to attract women’s attention with their luxury wristwatches. Those watches had prices starting from $10,000 and up.
Back in April we first welcomed, to CYInterview, watch aficionado and luxury goods commentator Paul Pluta - the man from Australia behind the famous YouTube/Internet personality Archie Luxury [see here]. Paul is back to provide his analysis on this phenomenon and to answer the question if what a man wears on his wrist will attract women. Additionally, he discusses which watches, if any, appeal to females. You will have to listen to the audio to gain that insight. It most certainly makes for entertaining listening.
Based on the social media reaction to our coverage of Olivia Newton John’s Show Summer Nights, at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, we offer our review, once more, for all her fans and followers. We had the opportunity to meet the lovely Ms. John after her show and she most certainly continues to exude star power. So, without further ado, our coverage again:
With summer right around the corner, people will travel to Las Vegas from across the world to partake in the many entertainment activities the town has to offer. When it comes to concerts, Olivia Newton-John’s Summer Nights show at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is a must see. It is a great choice for the entire family.
Elvis Presley will always be known to the world as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Few entertainers will ever reach his level of notoriety and accomplishment. Then there are the Elvis impersonators. Steve Connolly is arguably the most celebrated Elvis impersonator in the country. He has received numerous accolades and opportunities owing to his portrayal of the King, both in Las Vegas and across the country. See our photo with him above with an Elvis portrait he painted.
As the only Elvis entertainer to ever have a show running daily in a Las Vegas Strip Casino, at Bally’s Las Vegas, and endorsements from the likes of former President Bill Clinton, Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler, current presidential candidate Donald Trump and even Elvis Presley’s conductor Bobby Morris, Mr. Connolly’s show, titled Spirit of the King, really does bring Elvis back to life. The show is currently at the Four Queens Hotel located in downtown Las Vegas, on Freemont Street. With over 5000 performances impersonating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mr. Connolly’s appearance, vocal range and impressions of Elvis are spot on. If you are not an Elvis fan before seeing his show, you will be one after.
CYInterview is saddened to hear of the passing of pro wrestling legend, The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. He was 69. Today, World Wrestling Entertainment public relations representative Tara Carraro sent me a release on the passing of Mr. Rhodes. You can read it below:
“WWE is deeply saddened that Virgil Runnels, aka “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes — WWE Hall of Famer, three-time NWA Champion and one of the most captivating and charismatic figures in sports entertainment history — passed away today at the age of 69.
Runnels became a hero to fans around the world thanks to his work ethic, his impassioned interviews and his indomitable spirit. Moreover, Runnels was a dedicated father to WWE Superstars Goldust (Dustin Runnels) and Stardust (Cody Runnels), a caring husband and a creative visionary who helped shape the landscape of WWE long after his in-ring career had ended.
WWE extends its sincerest condolences to Runnels’ family, friends and colleagues.”
For more than two years, Claire Sinclair and her popular Pin Up Show have been one of the attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. You can see the 2011 Playboy Playmate of the Year perform in the lead role in Pin Up, at the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. (See our photo with Ms. Sinclair above.) In 2014, the show was voted Best Showgirls by The Best of Las Vegas. If that were not enough, this year it was also given the honor of Best Adult Show.
With a set of drop dead gorgeous women, great dancing and music by a phenomenal band, Pin Up brings together provocative beauty with serious artistic performance. Ms. Sinclair, who hosts the show, provides her own entertainment through a set of diverse skits. A few times during the show, she even shows off her moves in nothing but tiny panties and pasties. Hubba, hubba!
The show takes you through 12 months of pin up beauties, paying tribute to those classic calendars of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
