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Las Vegas, NV - Let the insanity BEGIN! I've been to All-Star games in Atlanta and Los Angeles (which was crazy enough) but nothing will compare with this weekend in Las Vegas. Vegas is crazy enough at the best of times but with all the NBA folks in town it will reach new levels. Actually, I take that back. With all the pseudo NBA folks in town (players, ex-players, family members, posses, entourages, groupies, hookers, hanger-ons, international media, gang bangers, partiers, etc., etc.) it s going to be off the hook. In fact, Vegas may set a new record for the number of African Americans wandering the strip with those giant "yard-size" margaritas.
Sunday, Feb. 18,
2007 Saturday, Feb. 17,
2007 Friday, Feb. 16, 2007 Have you ever been inside the MGM Grand? Well, it is media central here at the All-star game and it is probably the largest hotel on the Strip (which is saying something). It took me approximately 15 minutes to wander from the lobby to the ballroom that issues credentials. Not a good sign. After picking up my smiling laminated face, I encounter what may be the biggest cab line I've ever seen. I also begin spotting people who might look like celebrities - hello Lil' Jon. Yaaaaa! Cab line number two at the Mirage proves to be fortuitous as I accidentally hook-up with everyone's favourite Canadian sports anchor, Brad Fay. The former Churchill Bulldog is town doing the corporate shmooze for Sportsnet. The cab ride proves tres entertaining as well known hoops fan, Goran, is our driver. A refugee from the former Yugoslavia, Goran entertains us with tales of Petrovic and Divac as we head over to the Thomas and Mack arena. Once again I have missed the celebrity game. Damn. I am much luckier this year though as I can watch it later replayed on ESPN. I think I'll report on at least a couple of minutes of the action. Stay tuned. After a little Chinese new year spread in the media room I run into Cabbie (Cabral Richards) and his producer D (David Kirkst). Aah, Canadian royalty. Cabbie's various "Street" reports are the stuff of comic improv genius. In fact, Cabbie's very first radio interview was with "Sportstalk" producer Bob Addison. Cabbie even gave Bob the shout out on his first compilation special. As Borat says, "nice." The rookie/sophomore game comes to an ear splitting end as the various youth groups brought in for the game stop screaming. The game is sponsored by T-Mobile and the kids get in for free. Loud. I head down to the "mixed zone," a concept taken from international competitions where the media all scramble around a room and talk to the individual players and coaches at one time. I want to check in with the Lakers Luke Walton, who is a huge Vancouver guy, but unfortunately he has already done his thing and moved on. I touch base with Aussie big man, Andrew Bogut. Andrew was part of the wonderful video tribute to legendary Canadian coach, Ken Shields, a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, Bogut is leaving town after the game and will not be available for VB's and conversation. Too bad. Hey, let's put on a show. I get the call from Vancouver and it's time for "Sportstalk with Dan Russell." Funnily enough, Dan and I talk about Vegas, some more about Vegas and the Eberhardt family, Vegas and gambling and oh 'ya, the All-Star game. I always enjoy our "In the Paint" segments and this is a particularly good 30 minutes of NBA radio. If you ever want to listen to previous segments, just go to the audio archives at CKNW. It's easy, just an email address and a password and you're on your way to radio heaven. Yes, it's that easy. More to come, so, stay tuned. Doug E. For more Doug E. "Sportstalk" columns (or what passes for a columns), click here!
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