Rojo Lobbying for Attention

ROJO LOBBYING FOR ATTENTION

We were hoping they would be true to name and only serve red liquor. (Photos by Anthony Springer)

Rojo, the lobby bar at Palms Place made its debut Friday night in grand fashion – by which we mean "with a ton of booze."

The actual bar proper, done up in dark burgundy and deep red, is small. With couches lining either wall, the setting is intimate. There is plenty of space, however, in the lobby, which Rojo is setting up as an extension of the bar itself with a DJ, metallic bronze-hued sunken couches and plenty of space to either groove, drink or haul your luggage to the elevator. Or possibly all three (try not to spill your cocktail, though).

Friday night’s opening saw skater Rob Dyrdek of Rob and Big fame – notable for not being the big one – and celebuchef Kerry Simon on hand, who provided catering that included his signature cotton candy. Alas, Simon did not provide a signature Tilt-A-Whirl and signature carnies to really grab a kind of "state fair" mystique.

The food was a little tease for Simon’s new restaurant at Palms Place. We’re still waiting to get details, but we’ll keep you posted.

Pavlik vs. Taylor II

Pavlik vs. Taylor 2 Wrap Up
Current mood: tired
Category: Sports

Pictures by me...

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Pavlik Defeats Taylor. Trinidad Next?

February 17th, 2008 | Author: Andreas Hale

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Amidst a chorus of boos in disagreement from many of the 11,200 in attendance when the decision was finally announced, Kelly Pavlik defeated Jermain Taylor once again in front of a heavily pro-Pavlik crowd at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas NV.

It wasn't that Kelly Pavlik did anything but be the usual Kelly Pavlik to earn the decision. It was Jermain Taylor not doing quite enough in front of the judges to defeat the fighter known as The Ghost. Although Taylor landed the cleaner punches throughout the 12 round war and seemed to have just about everything going according to plan, it was simply not enough to overcome the aggressive stalking and thudding blows of Pavlik who walked away with his "0" still intact. Pavlik defeated Taylor by unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 116-112) with 12 rounds of ruthless aggression en route to his second victory over a very game – and decisively more impressive - Jermain Taylor.

Many predicted that the second meeting between Taylor and Pavlik would never go the distance after the war waged less than five months ago found Pavlik brutally dispatching of Taylor in the seventh round of their highly touted matchup. Many were wrong.

Although there were no knockdowns, Taylor/Pavlik II did not disappoint. The ebb and flow of this second meeting keep the crowd on its feet throughout. While Taylor seemed to be more economical with his punches, Pavlik choose to continuously come forward and stalk Taylor and seemed to win over the judges with his methodical approach. The fans were more difficult to win over however as many booed the unanimous decision.

It would be the first time Pavlik went more than nine rounds in his professional career but he looked extremely good going the distance with Taylor.

"It felt good (going past nine rounds) for the first time," a bumped and bruised Pavlik said during the post fight press conference. "There was definite satisfaction for me and a great learning experience."

Although the decision was unanimous, many at ringside thought the fight was close coming into the 12th round.

"I never know if I'm winning or losing," a dejected Taylor stated after the fight. "My corner thought it was a close fight."

To the naked eye, it definitely was. Taylor stuck Pavlik continuously with the jab and snapped the 160 pound champion's head back. Taylor also did a fantastic job coming over Pavlik's jab with a looping right hand that drew oohs from the crowd. But it was Pavlik's methodical approach and significant power that seemed to eventually wear Taylor out.

Neither fighter was in serious danger but Taylor admitted to being hurt by a body punch in the 11th round. Regardless, Taylor and his corner felt that the Little Rock native fought a great fight.

"He fought an intelligent fight, he fought the right fight but he didn't get the win according to the judges," Taylor's promoter Lou Dibella stated at the post fight press conference.

"I'm not the one to get up here to say I won the fight. It was a great fight," Taylor stated as he showed good sportsmanship after the fight. "It just didn't go my way."

But with Taylor being beaten twice by Pavlik, where exactly does he go from here?

"I don't know…I'm going to take my ass home and go fishing," Taylor said.

Dibella did allude to Taylor fighting at 168 against somebody like Jeff Lacy, but wouldn't reveal the former middleweight champion's plans.

As for Pavlik, the middleweight champion seems destined to return to 160 to defend his crown against either Irishman John Duddy or Puerto Rico's Felix Trinidad on June 7th at MSG in New York. Make no mistake, Pavlik seemed comfortable fighting for the first time at 164. However, those belts that he earned, he intends to keep for as long as he can make weight.

"It took a long time to get the belts," Pavlik stated. "We'll see how far we can go to keep fighting at that weight. If it starts becoming dangerous to make weight we'll move up."

John Duddy seems to be the most logical opponent for Pavlik but Bob Arum recently tossed Felix Trinidad's name in the hat. But a question that arose is if Trinidad would be sanctioned for a title fight even though he hasn't won in the past few years. Arum dismissed that notion.

"The more intriguing question is if Tito can get down to 160," Arum stated.

The prospect of a third fight still looms but may not happen in the near future because of Pavlik's choice to go back to 160 while Taylor will fight at 168.

"I'll fight him any time, any day," Taylor stated.

On the undercards…
Ronald Hearns looked good but nothing overwhelming when dispatching of Justin Astorga with an 8th round KO. Hearns had Astorga hurt multiple times in the fight but couldn't seem to close the show and let Astorga hang around for a little too long. Tommy better show his son how to close the show like his legendary father.

Christian Mijares defeated Jose Navarro in an action packed 12 round fight to retain his WBC Jr Bantamweight title. Although most a ringside could see the fight going either way, the judges must have been watching three different fights as each had a totally different scorecard. One had it 115-113 for Mijares but another had a 120 – 108 shutout for Navarro. A shutout? The third judge had it 117 – 111 for Mijares to give him the win. Everyone at ringside got a kick out of the scorecards as they were handed out.

Fernando Montiel severely outclassed Martin Castillo as he knocked him out in the fourth round to retain his Super Flyweight title.

Pictures by Anthony Springer Jr.

STÜSSY OPENING DEFIES EVEN METRO

Stussy Opening Defies Even Metro
Current mood: adventurous
Category: Parties and Nightlife

STÜSSY OPENING DEFIES EVEN METRO

(Photos by Anthony Springer, Jr.)

Last Friday, March 7, the streetwear scene in Las Vegas got a little bit bigger as the Stüssy ("The Godfather of Streetwear") flagship store celebrated its grand opening with a party featured DJ and producer Just Blaze, who’s worked with such hip-hop giants as Jay-Z, Nas, and Kanye West. Just Blaze put his celebrity status aside and crept behind the wheels of steel to spin some of hip-hop’s finest tracks at the new mecca for all things Stüssy, located at 4480 Paradise Road, across from the Hard Rock Hotel.

An open bar kept the capacity crowd happy as finger foods circled the premises and Just Blaze rocked the tables. General Manager Chris Julian kept the party going until the cops came – literally. But Metro got a taste of the good vibes and allowed the event to continue without hesitation.

The Vegas store marks a huge 2008 expansion for the Stüssy brand as stores have popped up New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and most recently, Washington, D.C. and Honolulu.

By Andreas Hale

http://dailyfiasco.com/2008/03/11/stussy-opening-defies-even-metro/more-925

Common Blows Roof off Studio 54

Common Blows Roof Off Studio 54
Category: Parties and Nightlife

COMMON BLOWS ROOF OFF STUDIO 54

Story by Andreas Hale 2.18.08

(Photos by Anthony Springer, Jr.)

If you would have told me 10 years ago that the artist formally known as Common Sense would have been nominated for a Grammy, I probably would have laughed in your face. If you would have said Common would be headlining a party with Winky Wright at the esteemed Studio 54 in the MGM Grand five years ago, I may have slapped you.

Well it's 2008, and apparently hell has frozen over, because the long-time underground staple has not only garnered a Grammy nod but also has become a respected thespian and garnered major crossover success. Lonnie Lynn's appeal was evident in front of the many who crammed into Studio 54 Saturday night for the Jermain Taylor-Kelly Pavlik fight after-party hosted by former Light Middleweight boxing champion Winky Wright.

With celebrities and fellow rappers such as Kia Shine, Krondon (of Talib Kweli's Strong Arm Steady crew), J Prince (CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records) and others in attendance, Common attacked the mic with a hunger reminiscent of his early days as a rapper looking to break through. Indie rock group Radio Reset set the tone with its energetic set, warming the crowd, which surged toward the stage as Common roared through a session filled with classics and songs from Common's 2007 hit album, Finding Forever.

Just to make sure he proved how hip-hop he is, Common delivered a four-minute freestyle, covering everything from Barack Obama to Studio 54 to Winky Wright. He also highlighted a brilliant exhibition by his DJ - who goes by the name of Dummy – showcasing a number of turntable tricks.

After rocking the mic, Common joined Wright and his crew in 54's VIP skybox, sipping Silver Oak Cabernet and Ciroc vodka, which must have drawn hot Ciroc models to the area, who proceeded to spoil Common with Truffle-tinis (Godiva liqueur and Ciroc shots in glasses molded from Godiva chocolate). The party lasted well into Sunday morning as Common and his entourage moved to MGM's Tabú Ultra Lounge to enjoy more Ciroc and close down the place.

Argue all you want that Common has "sold out" by selling records, starring in movies and rocking a glamorous club such as Studio 54. For all his work over the last decade, it seems like this brother has finally deservedly cashed in.

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http://dailyfiasco.com/2008/02/18/common-blows-roof-off-studio-54/more-700

Pacquiao vs. Marquez II

Pacquiao Edges Out Marquez In Rematch

March 16th, 2008 | Author: Andreas Hale

The fight was billed as "Unfinished Business" as the boxing world had to wait four long years before Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez could continue their epic battle that ended in a draw. But after a heavily contested twelve rounds and a decision that was too close to call, this business is anything but finished.

Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fought a spirited battle that was reminiscent of their first war. But in the end, it would be the Filipino hero who would become the new WBC Super Featherweight champion by defeating Marquez via an extremely close split decision. Both judges Duane Ford and Jerry Roth had identical scores of 115 – 112, but for different fighters while judge Tom Miller had the fight 114-113 in favor of Manny Pacquiao. HipHopDX had the fight 115 – 113, in favor of Marquez.

With the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas jam packed with a contingency representing both the Mexico and the Philippines heavily, the 11,061 in attendance got what they wanted with a fight featuring incredible two way action.

The rematch lived up to the hype and was filled with enough drama to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. The two fighters started off slow as it seemed as if Pacquiao figured to match boxing skills with the champion. After two rounds of being beat to the punch, the third round exploded with vintage Pacquiao and an all out war ensued. But this would be Pacquiao at his best as a thunderous left hand dropped Marquez flat on his back. Although Marquez would rise and stumble his way out of the round, the atmosphere of the fight would change drastically.

Marquez’ far superior boxing skills would surface throughout the rounds but it would be Pacquiao taking the lead whenever the two exchanged heavy leather. A feverish blitz of punches would give Pacquiao key rounds but Marquez would keep Pacquiao at bay with a counter right that seemed to stun "Pac Man" every time that it landed.

A clash of heads in the seventh opened up a cut outside the right eye of the champion, but the blood only seemed to incite Marquez. The eighth round found Marquez landing a right hand that opened up a bad cut over the eyelid of Pacquiao and the pendulum swung once again in the champion’s direction. A persistent body attack by Marquez stifled Pacquiao’s attack and it seemed that Marquez could possibly pound his way to victory.

As the championship rounds began, the fans roared at every exchange and the two battered fighters seemed to be fighting on instinct as each traded heavy punches with bad intentions. Both were tired and Marquez took full advantage by continuously landing right hands to the head of Pacquiao, who seemed too drained to sustain the frantic pace he is known for.

By the final bell, fans rose to their feet to applaud yet another war between two excellent fighters. Both countries were convinced that their fighter had one and it was easy to see why. But the judges would be the ones to decide the victor as Manny Pacquiao would get his hand raised and become the new champion as a chorus of boos from Mexican fans drowned out a Filipino celebration.

"I won the fight. It was the wrong decision. One knockdown is not an entire fight," Marquez stated as he felt robbed once again in his second fight with Pacquiao.

The decision wouldn’t be without controversy. With Marquez beating out his opponent in every punch stat column, eyebrows were raised by the 115 – 112 Pacquiao scorecard. Richard Schaefer from Golden Boy Promotions - who promotes Marquez - would be the first to bring up a late judge replacement a week before the fight was to take place. That questionable replacement judge (Tom Miller) and his scorecard would be in favor of Pacquiao. Bob Arum stated that the judge was replaced because Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, was good friends with the original judge. Tempers would flare between Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer as they both debated the late replacement – obviously looking toward the interest of their fighters.

"With all this controversy, I think the best thing for boxing and it’s fans would be a rematch between these two great fighters," Schaefer stated with a hint of dejection in his voice.

But a rematch wouldn’t be that easy as Pacquiao is expected to move up to 135 and challenge David Diaz who won earlier in the night.

Bob Arum would mention that "the public isn’t ready for an immediate rematch, let the cake bake a little" motioning for Pacquiao to not engage in a third war with Marquez, yet.

"We asked Manny Pacquiao for the immediate rematch, but he clearly said no," Marquez said in the post fight conference. "It’s all about negotiations," Freddie Roach stated as he cited that it was Marquez that stalled this rematch for four years.

"I don’t think so, this business is over," Pacquiao said in regards to a third fight. "I’m moving up to 135 pounds."

If Marquez has any say, this business has just begun.

Photo Credit: Anthony Springer Jr.