Columnist Joe Delaney: "Rat Pack" strikes out against baseball as viewing fare

"THE RAT PACK" lost this viewer during its opening on HBO last Saturday. ... I went back to rooting the N.Y. Yankees to a win over the Texas Rangers. ... A second try at HBO lasted no longer than the first attempt. ... It was not even close. ... Then we helped the Anaheim Angels defeat Toronto and increase its lead over Texas.

Sports, amateur and pro, qualify as entertainment and this includes sports betting as well. ... At 11 p.m. last Friday, also on HBO, fight fans saw the best 10 rounds of boxing in recent ken, a non-stop brawl between lightweights Antonio Gatti and underdog winner, Ivan Robinson. ... If there is a re-match, be sure to watch it.

The referee that night should have been made to purchase a ticket; he had that little to do. ... HBO usually does well with its film features. ... Saturday's was a non-entertainment.

More non-entertainment

It seems incredible that Bally's Celebrity Room will be dark from tonight through Sept. 10, except for Andrew "Dice" Clay, Sept. 5 and 6 at 9 p.m. ... Louie Anderson starts a three-week stand Sept. 10, followed by George Carlin, who closed last night, for four weeks. ... Anderson and Carlin are proven winners, but there should be others available.

Star policy: Patti LaBelle performs Friday through Sunday at Caesars Palace, and the marvelous Pendragons are back in Caesars Magical Empire. ... The Patsy Cline Tribute (Gold Coast) now includes a Jordanaires' Elvis Presley homage. ... Rodney Dangerfield starts a seven-day session tonight in the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre.

Elsewhere, it's Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Frankie Avalon, Fabian and Bobby Rydell (Orleans); Kenny Kerr (Plaza); Danny Gans (Rio); and Gallagher (Sahara).

Around town

Olga Breeskin's "Passion Mexicana" is a hit at the Showboat, especially her late-hour mariachi shows. ... Ballet fans should enjoy "Romeo and Juliet," Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza. ... "Little Shop of Horrors," the musical, closes Saturday at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. ... Get there early.

The Mike Greene Trio, with Mike, piano; Bob Badgley, bass; and Santo Savino, drums, are at the Santa Fe, Wednesday through Saturday evenings. ... Thursday, funk fans can enjoy Home Cookin,' free at Texas Station. ... Grand Funk Railroad is there Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

Friday's jazz is at Pogo's. ... Sunday at noon, it's The Jazz Organ-ization (Santa Fe) and later, 5:30-9:30 p.m., enjoy Marv Koral's All-Stars at Carollo's Restaurant. ... Monday's choices are P.J. Belly's Texas Thunder (Arizona Charlie's) and Don Menza & Friends (Riviera Lounge).

Some reminders

Children are back in school so please drive even more carefully. ... Speed limits should always be observed, year-round. ... Even so, I saw a driver receiving a ticket in a school zone on Monday. ... Early voting ends Friday. ... If eligible to vote and you haven't, be sure to do so next Tuesday, no excuses accepted.

Mel Ozeki's "Ohana" ("Family") Magazine, a slick publication, is in its third year, giving Las Vegans their "Hawaiian fix" with news about island happenings and Hawaiian events locally.

Ted Quillin, longtime LV and Hollywood radio and TV personality, hosts a new cassette and CD entitled, "Las Vegas' Show of Shows," telling the stories of the entertainers who helped make Las Vegas the Entertainment Capital of the World. ... It's available at all Readmore Book Stores. ... You should find it an entertaining documentary.

Thursday addenda

Tickets for the annual Thirty-Thirty Dinner, for Las Vegans who have lived here 30 years or more, Oct. 4 in the Stardust Ballroom, are selling fast. ... Call Ken Johann Realty today, 382-6336, for tickets and information. ... Janet Jackson performs Saturday at 8 p.m., MGM Grand Garden Arena. ... We're rooting for both Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa to hit at least 62 home runs this year. ... See you Friday.

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