IF you're planning to see any of Celine Dion's shows at the new 4,000-seat Coliseum - built for her by Caesars Palace in Las Vegas - wear a bathing suit. Attendees at sneak previews are complaining that the $95 million venue is super-heated and as humid as a swamp. "Don't go after a big dinner, or you'll fall asleep," one sweaty patron told the Las Vegas Review Journal. The diva has ordered that the Coliseum be kept nice and steamy with special misting machines, so that the dry desert climate doesn't give her "Vegas Throat." Page Six
Former President Bill Clinton in Iowa City spoke to a sold-out crowd at Carver Hawkeye Arena. He talked to thousands of Eastern Iowans about global security in the 21st century and threw his support toward the American troops fighting the war in Iraq.At one point, a heckler yelled at Mr. Clinton saying, "What did you ever do about Rwanda?" And Clinton responded by saying..."not enough," adding he's since apologized to the leaders and people of Rwanda. kwwl
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It wasn't the title given to former President Bill Clinton’s speech. But the war with Iraq was sure to come up when he spoke in Iowa city tonight. One month ago, Clinton accepted an invitation to be part of the university of Iowa’s distinguished lecture series and all seats at Carver-Hawkeye Arena were full for tonight's event.
The formal title was "global security in the 21st century." Clinton did focus on the importance of building an integrated global community. He outlined five ways in order to reach that goal...even suggesting three books everyone should read. But it would've been difficult to discuss global relations without focusing attention on the situation in the Middle East.
Knowing what was on the mind of many former President Clinton immediately addressed the war with Iraq and the important of supporting our troops. Clinton believes that as a global community we must develop a strategy to limit the production of chemical, nuclear and biological weapons. [So why didn't he between 1993-2000?] However he disagrees with the idea of achieving that by linking Saddam Hussein to 9-11.
Clinton acknowledged the issue of Iraq has created division within our country and our global community, but he stressed this is the situation we're in. Clinton did answer some pre-screened questions from the audience, most of them dealing with international issues. But, he ended his speech tonight by saying we must continue working for a world in which there is no them, only us. [We are the world, we are the children...]
The former president did make an un-expected stop prior to tonight's speaking engagement. Managers and customers at the Hamburg inn restaurant in Iowa City were surprised, yet excited when the high- profile guest came in. We're told Mr. Clinton had a milkshake. Former president Ronald Reagan also ate at the same restaurant when he visited eastern Iowa in 1992. KCRG
You might say she has blonde ambition! Celine Dion's trademark long and silky brown hair is now short, sassy, and very blonde.
It seems fitting she has a new look to go along with the new show in the new $95 million theater at Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace where she'll be belting out the new (and old) tunes--23 a night for 40 weeks a year for the next three years. Instead of Celine coming to your town to perform in concerts, you'll get to go to her and pay dearly for the privilege with tickets for "A New Day" ranging from $87.50 to $200. But what a show she puts on. In true Vegas style, there are 48 dancers, four backup singers, and a seven-piece band. And don't forget the theatrics. Among other stage tricks, Celine is lifted about five feet off the ground so she can soar across the stage.
The Associated Press reports that the big "if" surrounding the show is whether the star can survive the incredible physical and emotional demands of performing night after night after night. Her husband-manager Rene Angelil scoffed at the idea this would be a problem, telling AP, "I don't see that as a problem. For her, it's a different audience every night. It's like a dream for a singer." If she pulls it off and sells out the 4,100-seat house most nights, Celine will become the first A-list celebrity to perform nightly in Las Vegas, notes AP. Even Elvis didn't do that.