News of interest to the civilized man, updated daily

Johnny Benson gets a new sponsor

We recently reported on the problems that Johnny Benson's TylerJet/MB2 racing team was having with their former sponsor, Lycos. We're happy to report that Benson has a new sponsor, the Atlanta based rental chain "Aaron Rents". Decidedly low tech, but at least they pay their bills....

Aaron Rents Becomes Johnny Benson/MB2 Motorsports Sponsor:
***From the Atlanta Journal***

Atlanta-owned MB2 Motorsports searched all over the country to find a sponsor for Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson, and ended up finding one in its back yard. Aaron's Rents, which was founded by Atlanta resident Charles Loudermilk and maintains its company headquarters in the city, has agreed to sponsor the No. 10 Pontiac on NASCAR's top circuit for this season's final 15 races. The contract starts with Saturday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. "This opportunity with Johnny Benson happened quite by accident," said Mike Hickey of Aaron's Rents. "We saw a newspaper article last week about the team needing a sponsor. We got on the phone and one thing led to another --- we were at the right place at the right time."
posted by Jim Murphy at 8/1/2000 07:22:15 AM

Reggie White reports to Carolina Panthers training camp

Former Green Bay linebacker Reggie White reported to the Carolina Panthers training camp yesterday. It remains to be seen how much White has left on the field, but since he's one of the real character guys in the NFL it has to help the Panthers in the locker room. Carolina's players have made more headlines off the field lately for either being accused of murder (Rae Caruth) or getting killed themselves (Fred Lane). If Reggie has anything left on the field--and my hunch is he does--its just gravy. His leadership and character will be worth whatever they're paying him. Whatever you think of White politically (he's probably to the right of the very Libertarian Prophet) you have to respect him as a man in a sport too often played by overgrown boys.
posted by Jim Murphy at 7/25/2000 05:55:27 AM

TylerJet Motorsports to sue Lycos

TylerJet Motorsports, owner of Johnny Benson's Winston Cup team that, until recently, sported Lycos as its primary sponsor is now suing the Internet search engine company. The amount of the suit is in excess of $100 million for breach of contract and other sundry violations. According to the TylerJet folks, Lycos signed on as primary sponsor of Benson's car before Darlington--and neglected to make any of their sponsorship payments! TylerJet recently sold most of the team's assets to MB2 racing, and my hunch is that you'll see some sort of out-of-court settlement to resolve the affair. Meanwhile, Benson--who ran well at Pennsylvania on Sunday, finishing 12th after being in the top 3 for most of the race may get the last laugh. Word is that the team is in negotiations with a major competitor to Lycos to pick up sponsorship of Benson's car.
posted by Jim Murphy at 7/25/2000 05:47:46 AM

STEVE WYNN TO CLOSE DESERT INN

Contrary to earlier reports, Steve Wynn will be closing the Desert Inn this fall. He had earlier indicated that the resort would remain open and undergo drastic remodeling. Apparently, Wynn himself only recently changed his mind and informed state gaming regulators of the decision. No word on the fate of the building itself, which could probably be incorporated into the design of a new property. Also no word on the fate of the venerable "DI" name. One bit of good news is that Wynn plans to abandon the "theme" concept he helped originated for a feeling of "relaxed elegance". Wynn is also in the process of raising investment capital in the amount of $400 million for the changeover. According to the WALL STREET JOURNAL, he's also pulled together a list of investors that he doesn't want to be involved with the project due to their lack of "vision".
posted by Jim Murphy at 6/28/2000 01:24:15 PM

Vic Damone Hospitalized

Vocal legend Vic Damone has been hospitalized with what publicists are describing as "flu like symptoms". He was forced to cancel concert appearances at the Atlantic City Hilton, which will be rescheduled for this fall. We'll keep you posted, and wish Damone a quick recovery!
posted by Jim Murphy at 6/28/2000 10:57:52 AM

TITO PUENTE DEAD AT THE AGE OF 77

Another sad story to report this morning as Tito Puente, one of the true giants of Latin music, has died at the age of 77. He first came to prominance in America during the 1950's during the "Mambo" craze, and has been an icon of Latin jazz for the next five decades. The death comes as somewhat of a surprise, though Puente had been treated recently for an irregular heartbeat. His upbeat Latin sound trod the path on which many artists followed. ``The excitement of the rhythms and the beat make people happy,'' he said in a 1997 Associated Press interview. ``We try to get our feelings to the people, so they enjoy it. ``It is not music for a funeral parlor.''
posted by Jim Murphy at 6/1/2000 06:27:28 AM

Steve Wynn to buy Bellagio art, move it to Desert Inn

On the heels of the decision by Bellagio's (and Mirage Resorts) new owner, MGM, to close the art gallery and sell the art comes some good news--the most likely buyer for the art is former Mirage prexy--and new owner of the Desert Inn--Steve Wynn. Wynn has said he plans to build a gallery at the DI to house the amazing collection. Until then, he quipped, "it'll be at the house". He has also hinted at a name change for the classic Strip resort he now owns, noting the collection will be seen "at the Desert Inn or whatever it is called then". We'll keep you posted....
posted by Jim Murphy at 5/31/2000 12:04:52 PM

Tex Benike, who played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra since 1938, has died at the age of 86. This is what the AP had to say about it: "SANTA ANA, California (AP) -- Gordon "Tex" Beneke, who took over the Glenn Miller Orchestra after the band leader's death during World War II, died Tuesday at his home in Santa Ana, California, the Orange County coroner's office said. He was 86"
posted by Jim Murphy at 5/31/2000 09:51:50 AM

Welcome to the Prophet newswire....this will be a running update of news of interest to members of the Prophet Posse. Background: I read and filter the news for you, distilling it down to topics of interest that we cover on this website. Ongoing stories will be expanded into feature stories, covered continually here, or you'll be sent to outside links for better coverage........
posted by Jim Murphy at 5/31/2000 09:49:39 AM