Red carpet, lucky Star, Real World

Last night I went to the red carpet opening of the Pearl concert hall at the Palms. The actual event was a Gwen Stefani concert, but the red carpet led to a reception not the show. The publicist told me that I was not allowed in the reception. I am always curious how access is granted to press at events like this at resorts. And, when I don't get into an event, I turn touchy and pushy. For example, recently, also, at the Palms, I walked out of the Playboy Club red carpet opening when I noticed (in addition, to problems on the red carpet) other press being allowed up to the opening party and not Movable Buffet.

 

You will have to take my word for this: I am not being a diva or prima donna. I don't even  want to be inside at these parties: honest! While covering Vegas, I've seen enough free sushi and minor celebrities packed into smoke filled rooms. My need to get as much access as possible is all about my respect and duty to you, the readers. I feel honored, empowered and challenged by all of you who read Movable Buffet to bring you the most exclusive and complete coverage available. My readers deserve the best possible access from an LA Times blog, and I take it as an insult when other audiences are treated better than you, the one I serve. In this case, last night at the Palms, I was even more amazed, because while the person who covers events for the ABC radio network and I remained on the red carpet, the stringer working for the tabloid Star was allowed into the reception to get exclusive coverage.

 

One moment from the red carpet I want to share involves the Real World reunion currently going on at the casino. I asked Palms owner George Maloof as he passed by if there had been any surprises: "You never know what is going to happen," Maloof said. "There have been a few little things. We will have to see what they put together." Asked to be more specific, Maloof offered, "There was an incident at the pool." I followed up, still, Maloof wouldn't give up the details.

But fortunately, not too long after Maloof entered the party, the Real World cast took to the red carpet and I managed to get the details of the pool incident from the guilty party: Steven Hill. According to Hill:

 

"I got a little intoxicated and things happened. I got drunk and a girl was chasing after me. She threw a drink on me; I threw a drink on her; I jumped in the water to get away from her like a little child. That's it. It was stupid. I was banned from the pool for 12 hours. It was a long 12 hours."

(Photo by Sarah Gerke)