Michael Jackson bigger than life?
Plans for a 60-foot Michael Jackson robot will be unveiled today and, most likely, revealed for what they really are — a lame publicity stunt.
Designer Andre Van Pier has called a news conference for today to offer details of what he described will be “Las Vegas’ answer to King Kong.”
Jackson’s spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, said Thursday that the entertainer “has never met or talked to him (Van Pier) and thinks this is the most ludicrous thing he’s ever heard.”
Van Pier, who describes himself as creative director for a New York-based consulting firm “for large entertainment and film companies” and claims to be a fashion designer for major stars, said in Thursday’s news release that he’s meeting with the “Las Vegas Tourism Board” and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
The meetings, according to the news release, were “to discuss the impact of the Michael Jackson robot on tourism and the robot’s possible long range use in print advertising and television commercials.”
Cara Roberts, public relations director for the Chamber of Commerce, said, “We’ve never heard of him.”
Bain said Van Pier “needs to go somewhere and be quiet because he’s welcoming a lawsuit.”
Van Pier went public with his plans for the giant Jacko in March, saying he was in talks with Jackson to have the laser-shooting robot promote the former King of Pop’s Las Vegas show.
According to the news release, Van Pier also will unveil “never-before-seen sketches of outfits he designed for Jackson’s born-again Las Vegas show and some of the Gloved One’s trademark costumes that will eventually be displayed at the ultra high-tech Andre Van Pier American Couture Museum to be built in New York City.”
THE SCENE AND HEARD
KXNT-AM, 840 is holding auditions today at the South Point for “Radio Star 3,” a contest to come up with a new talk-show host. The auditions run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom.
MAY I RECOMMEND …
The Lied Animal Foundation holds its fifth “Best in Show” charity event at 1 p.m. Saturday at The Orleans Arena. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $5 for children ages 2-10 and seniors 65 and older. Call 284-7777 or go to www.orleansarena.com. Animals can be adopted after the show.
Hogs & Heifers Saloon, 201 N. Third St., is hosting two fundraising motorcycle rides Sunday for paralyzed Minxx bouncer Tom Urbanski. One will be in Las Vegas and the other in New York City. Local riders will drive to the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings and back. A barbecue and live entertainment courtesy of Southern Stüe starts at 2 p.m. For more information go to www.Tommy UrbanskiFund. org.
SIGHTINGS
Fox Sports NFL personality Tony “Goose” Siragusa and pals, chilling out at Venus pool lounge (Caesars Palace) on Wednesday. … Comedian Roseanne Barr, checking out Tao Asian Bistro (Venetian) on Wednesday with two gentlemen. … Show producer Jeff Beacher, dining at Nobu (Hard Rock Hotel) on Wednesday with Sara Clark, daughter of music producer Tommy Mottola.
THE PUNCH LINE
“In New York City, it’s Fleet Week. The United States naval fleet is here. They’re here to keep peace on ‘The View.'” — David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@review journal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
NORM CLARKEMORE COLUMNS
