Friendly, Anal's a Plus
Thank God for AVN's Mark Kernes. If Kernes hadn't shown up in the nick of time, like Dudley Do Right, at the Metro talent call yesterday afternoon to take 3D-snaps, the afternoon, might have gone to hell. Quasarman was on holiday, and the prospects for intellectual mud slinging, irony and character assassination looked mighty dim. It was pretty much a given that director James Avalon, whose humor approaches Arid extra dry, wasn't going to be the baggy pants funny man and fill the gross-out humor void. Mindful of the write-up of last week's talent call on this site, Avalon said in his defense, "I never get a word in edgewise!" Avalon, the thinking man's surfer, then passed out some snapshots of himself laying in a hammock at a Mexican resort.
Just like we said, it could have been a downright dreary business procedure attempting to fill the remaining roster of female talent for the XXX-treme Adults only vacation coming up in October - the same Mexican resort where Avalon and his hammock resided. That is, if you could call interviewing naked women dreary.
"Quick, hide the food," whispered vacation ring leader Scott Stein [smspromotions.com ] as Kernes entered the building. The comment could just as well have been directed at Metro VP Greg Alves who is hovering in weight circles these days generally assigned to professional wrestlers and NFL linemen.
Metro, you see, was the beneficiary of a "roach coach" war yesterday. In that one company attempted a boldfaced bribe of a $300 deli tray in order to get their business when Metro moves its consolidated video company headquarters to Chatsworth in September.
Unfortunately, Kernes missed both the turkey-cheese-pastrami combo platter and the interlude when Shaena Steel came in sucking a chocolate dick-on-a-stick. Steel offered one to Stein. "I love chocolate, but I'd be a little self-conscious with that," Stein told her. Which, of course, now opened the door for any gay aspersions that producer Michael Adam was ready to hurl at Stein.
Stein's cell phone rang. "It's your phone," Avalon told him. "I can't put anything pass you," Stein commented. Stein also took the opportunity to introduce the famous Bruno, head of security, who was the hot topic of conversation at last week's talent call. An amiable guy, Bruno, like Alves and Kernes, seemed more inclined to be head of catering.
Christi Lake wanted to know if it would be possible to shoot her series at the Mexican resort. "It wouldn't be possible," Stein said, bluntly, explaining that Metro had exclusive dibs on the vacation/shoot. Kernes asked Lake if she would mind posing for pictures. Lake tactfully reminded Kernes he had the lens cover on the camera, a fact that Kernes would be brutally reminded of for rest of the day. Lake's busy schedule precluded her from taking the vacation in October, but she said she'd be glad to pass the word along. "What are you looking for?" she asked. "Girls with vaginas," Adam replied matter-of-factly.
Now an agent, Scotty Schwartz, who obviously reads websites, was ready for rebuttal after seeing Stein's Under The Rainbow 2 comments from last week. Stein had a rebuttal to the rebuttal: "I know you're the next Lucky [Smith], but.." Schwartz brought in another of his charges, Anastasia Blue, and explained that Anastasia was getting over a bout with psoriasis. "She was getting over it two months ago," recalled producer Jim Malibu after Anastasia left the room. Malibu's coordinating the Mexican shoot that will include 10 gonzo, two films - and, one buried alive bukkake which Adam swears he's going to do with Houston.
Things must have been good at the Bunny Ranch because half the room couldn't figure out who Heaven Leigh was when she walked into the room. Leigh, who's starting to look like Kylie Ireland, explained that she's been going to the gym, and a lot of people have been telling her she doesn't look remotely the same as when she came into the business about a year and a half ago. Leigh also wanted to remind one and all that her prices were still intact. "My d.p.'s are $1200; my anals are $800," Leigh said. "You sound like my mechanic," Stein replied. Adam flashed a "thank god there's still $800 anals around" look. "Bonita Saint is charging $1800 for an anal scene," Adam remarked. "She's a piece of ass, but there's a price for pussy."
"I presume you want to see me naked?" Leigh asked, looking at Kernes' camera. "No, we had this ski parka we hope you'd put on," Stein commented somewhat sarcastically.
Blond bombshell Bobbi Baron walked in with boyfriend "Tex" and was given the same spiel as Donita got the week before - about male talent having already been selected, and since Baron works exclusively with Tex, fuhgeddaboudit. Which of course prompted a Bobbi Baron story when she left the room. Sources not wishing to be identified, told how Baron, off the street, walked into Jim South's one afternoon announcing that she would only work with girls, then, after spending about an hour in a room with Tex whom she had just met, announced that she had amended her sexual ground rules to include Tex.
A pair of awesomely constructed black performers named Kitten and Vanessa also expressed interest in going. Kitten said she would have been there last year except that she was "linked up with an asshole". Kitten's claim to fame is a Gene Simmons' tongue which Kernes immediately committed to film. Vanessa, a dancer by trade, remarked that she's the only woman in the state of Nebraska who takes her clothes off.
When Sydney Steele came into the room, I thought, cryin' out loud, this is Julia Roberts, probably because the current issue of People with Roberts on the cover was staring at me on the conference room table. I started comparing faces. Kernes was more inclinded towards bodies and asked Steele to pose.
Doing a dead-on impersonation of Kernes, Stein drolled, "Hmmmm.... that bulge in my pants is an extra roll of film." The comment brought down the house. "I owe you a cup of coffee on that one," said Adam, practically picking himself off the floor.
Cops to Press Charges on Starnet; Won't Say When
Vancouver police say that charges are pending against Starnet Communications International, a firm specializing both in Internet gaming and adult websites. Starnet was raided last Friday by police after an 18-month investigation.
Citing that there was no time line involved, Police declined to elaborate on exactly what those charges are, or when they will be made. However, police said Starnet is free to do business as usual.
Mark Dohlen, the chairman and chief executive of Starnet, said the company has received no communications from Canadian authorities charging Starnet.
Starnet continues to trade in the U.S. over-the-counter Bulletin Board market. The shares, which reached a high of $29 (US) in July, have traded in the $5 (US) range this week. A spokesman for Nasdaq confirmed that Starnet has applied for a listing but declined to comment on how that application is being dealt with.
Yet another Internet gaming company joined the crowd to distance itself from Starnet's predicaments. GIC Global Intertainment Corp., a Las Vegas firm that also trades on the OTC Bulletin Board, said it has no affiliation with Starnet, and "there are no similar search warrants executed against GIC Global ... and its officers and directors."
The company explained that its casino and sports book Internet gaming is located in Dominica, West Indies, and "is 100% legally licenced by the government of Dominica." In May, the company also announced it was buying Post Time Sports Book Ltd., a sports wagering business licensed in Antigua. Many of the Internet casinos licensed to use Starnet software also are in Antigua or St. Kitts in the Caribbean.
The search warrant that was issued for last weekend's raid in Vancouver makes it clear the police are trying to establish that the servers running the casinos may be in British Columbia, where Internet gaming has not been licensed.
The search warrant also alleges Starnet was involved in the distribution of pornography. Starnet has already announced that it's going to auction off its 61 adult websites.
Dohlen also made it clear that Starnet is not involved with "illegal and reprehensible child pornography. I state without fear of contradiction that our company eschews this practice and has in place a policy that forbids such illegal commerce by this organization."
In a prepared statement for the press, Starnet said that it expects potential charges by Canadian authorities will have no material impact on the company's business and that Starnet will aggressively pursue worldwide expansion of its core gaming operations over the next several months.
Starnet said it has also taken action against one individual for violation of company policy.
"Although we have not received any communications from Canadian authorities charging Starnet, we would welcome this development and see it as an opportunity to gain better legal definition of online gaming," said Chief Executive Officer Dohlen.
"We also are fully confident that any charges stemming from this investigation will not have a material impact on Starnet. We welcome an expedited resolution of these matters and continue to cooperate with the authorities," Dohlen added.
Commenting on Starnet's expansion plans, Dohlen said, "Going forward, Starnet will continue to lead efforts to support online gaming in international markets. We anticipate tremendous growth in global gaming and are well positioned to leverage this explosive market with our technology and expertise."
Dohlen continued, "As a practical matter and in order to ensure reliable, uninterrupted service to our clients, we will accelerate our plans already in place to build operational aspects of our company in Antigua. Starnet has two years of operational experience in Antigua and has been working in close consultation and cooperation with Antiguan authorities over the years to ensure that operations remain clearly within legal parameters.
"The company believes this to be a prudent step that will enhance our value to shareholders and customers. Currently, Starnet employs 40 individuals in Antigua. We anticipate an increase of 50 percent over the next several months."
Dohlen also said, "We have been in close contact with our financial partners and NASDAQ to ensure them there has been no material change in the company or in our objectives. We will continue to pursue a NASDAQ listing and will not allow this incident to weaken our business relationships.
"I can confirm that in connection with the investigation, a low level employee revealed to authorities that he was in possession of what the employee characterized as illegal child pornography," Dohlen added.
"This individual was immediately dismissed from the company for cause. Starnet management reiterates its condemnation of child pornography and emphasizes that the company has in place policy that forbids such illegal commerce by this organization."
Dohlen further explained company operations and efforts to restrict illegal use of Starnet software stating, "Through our subsidiary, World Gaming, we currently operate several servers in Antigua for online gaming processing. Both World Gaming and our subsidiary that sells software to licensees, Softec Systems, are in complete compliance with Antiguan law.
"Starnet has also made every attempt to prevent illegal gambling by individuals from the U.S. and Canada seeking to circumvent system safeguards," said Dohlen. "In concert with our banking partners, we regularly screen and block users from jurisdictions where gaming is illegal. Starnet will continue to develop its cutting edge technology in this area to prevent potential illegal activities."
A Word ot Two About Katya
"Yuri Yuriev" writes: "Hi Gene, I have been reading your site for quite a while and can only say that it's professional, vivid, live and generally friendly and always objective.
"I wouldn't have decided to bother you, however I just felt some kind of inner urge to thank you for the info you posted today about my wife, Katya. Living for 38 years behind the iron curtain and catching from time to time bits and pieces in the (former) Soviet media describing the horrors of the "killing fields" of the American porno biz, I never imagined that one day Katya and I'll meet the guys like Brad Levy of Dangerboy or Dave Cummings. Their sense of concern, willinness and readiness to help other people, their great understanding and involvement just prove another big lie/propaganda myth Big Brothers have been cultivating in Russia for years.
"I just e-mailed a letter to Dave Cummings, who kindly suggested I send you a copy of it. I am not reproducing Dave's letter since, in my opinion, it'll seem like a shameless self-publicity. However I can't help citing only one excerpt, being immensely proud for my wife and the nice people she's lucky to work with.Thank you again.Yours, Yuri."
Remarks attributed to Dave Cummings: "Like me, my cameraman doesn't think that we can use the same girl more than one time---however, today we both wholeheartedly agreed that Katya is the exception to out past policy, and I want to employ her again when she comes back to California!!!!
Yuri writes to Cummings: "Dear Dave, Though we have not been neither officially nor informally introduced, I nevertheless decided to drop a couple of lines, primarily moved by your kind words said today on the Geneross.com about my "better half" Katya. Please don't misconstrue my letter as an impudent intrusion into your most presumably tight schedule, I just felt myself so emotionally touched by your noble approach (especially yesterday when K. called, being so impatient to share with me her most positive and tender impressions about yourself), that I couldn't help but write you a brief note.
"K. is fresh-new in the industry (our only involvement with sex outside our marriage was swinging experience, actually 3 encounters with 2 different guys), so am I, but we already can positively assertain that Dave Cummings is a real and genuine phenomenon in the business. Believe me, I am not flattering you, but do speak from the bottom of my heart.
"Of course I previously read some material about yourself, about your rare sense of concern for girls working with you (I was personally amazed by your caring approach expressed in every little detail like removing wrist-watch etc.), but when I heard yesterday and earlier today Katya's personal account, stating that her meeting with you turned her literally shocked (in a positive sense of the word), and she couldn't stop admiring you... Well, what shall I say? Of course the adult entertainment has precisely the same advantages and disadvantages as every other business or social occupation in this world, after all it's all based on "sell & buy" business-pillars, but after all, the personality like yours (though I doubt one can meet numerous Messrs. Cummings in this business) is definetely characteristic for "officer & gentleman" only! Take care and be well. Respectfully, Yuri Yuriev."
Katya writes: "Hi Gene, This is Katya. We haven't met yet, but have heard a lot about each other. I'm excited to see you tomorrow and can't wait to tell you how I've been working here. It was great and I've got really impressed by what we've done since I've come to L.A. Today I was pleased to read on your site something about myself, so I just wanted to thank you and ... see you in a few hours. Kisses. Katya."
Andy Lace writes: "Hi Gene, My name is Andy Lace I am out of town for a few days, I got a call today from a friend of mine to tell me that I had better look at the Internet because people are talking about me.
"First I would like to say Thanks for all of the nice things that are being said about me as I truly do appreciate it. As you know it is extremely hard for any women black or white to make it in this business and I do take great pride in achieving what I have so far.
"There is two things I would like to clear up though, first I noticed my age was stated as 40, but I am 29 years old; and, second, I am from New York. I am sure that you are aware of how important it is in this business for all the facts about an individual to be accurate.
"Also I would like to thank Reb for his wonderful comments (YES I DO HAVE ONE KNOCKOUT BODY). Well Gene I truly thank you for your time and I think you have a wonderful column as people can always look to you for all of the up to date information.
"I look forward to meeting you in person. Perhaps at Curveball 99 I will be there and I will definitely be looking good. Thanks, Andy Lace."
Steve Neece comments about the crushing videos story: "It is interesting that the underground fetish of crushing is finally surfacing. I first came across it 2 years ago on a now defunct web site entitled "Cathy Castro's Crush Page." She was located in the Bay Area and had extensive photo sequences of her crushing all manner of large insects. One sequence, obviously shrunken, but masterfully so, had her crushing a 3 inch man under her shoe in graphic detail, "like a worm". It was obvious that insects were stand ins for men though she likened one to the other. Word had it she was heavily stalked and shut down her site. It was obviously a work of passion with her. Speaking of crushing, Nicole Bass will be doing some her own Friday at the XPW matches.Wouldn't miss it for the world!!!!!! Steve."
Gene adds: "Neither will we."
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Big Top Warns American Customers of DVD Piracy
Sam Xavier of Big Top Video says that his company has issued a cease and desist to a Canadian firm which Xavier says is selling pirated Big Top DVD titles in the United States.
Xavier: "About 2 1/2 years ago we went into a relationship with this company in Canada. Our relationship didn't work out. They had the rights to sell my DVD's [four titles] in Canada only. I know now they're selling them in the United States. I have invoices and what not. We sent them a cease and desist notice about two weeks ago, and I have some people up in Canada working on some legal stuff because they have also bootlegged some of my VHS tapes." Xavier said the only response he's gotten so far from the company is that Xavier 'is full of shit'.
"How can they respond like that when I have invoices from companies that they have sold to in the United States?" Xavier wanted to know.
Xavier says Big Top titles should only be purchased from Big Top or reputable US distributors. "Anybody buying them from companies outside the United States, is buying bootleg tapes," Xavier said.
The Big Top titles in question are Duke of Knockers, Boobs of the Cabaret, Bangkok Boobarella and Boobarella.
One of our Canadian sources says that the company of which Xavier speaks is "bad news" and have been known video pirates for at least 15 years.
True to what Bunny ranch owner Dennis Hof said the other day in an interview posted on this site, a journalist assigned by Popsmear magazine to cover the Bunny Ranch, did, indeed turn hooker:
From The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Tuesday August 24, 1999:
"A Las Vegas journalist who recently wrote a story about prostitutes has become one herself. Journalist turned hooker Jennifer Lynn Sweet, 25, was assigned to do a story on a Nevada brothel for Popsmear magazine.
"But while conducting research at the Bunny Ranch near Carson City, Sweet decided sex was more fun and lucrative than journalism. She's working full time at the ranch, and although she claims she's mainly doing it to get material for an upcoming novel, she admits the sex ain't bad."
Darklady darklady.com posts: "Yes, it's true -- three Fridays in a row with no end in sight! I'm still searching for a program name but thinking I like 'Forbidden Radio with Darklady' or something along those lines.
"This coming Friday, August 27th, I will be interviewing BDSM video switch and "On the Edge" star and producer, Kym Wilde. She's recently moved on from Redboard Video and we'll be talking about her new projects.
"The show will run from 5pm until 6pm on AM 1010. Feel free to tune in. The signal reaches from Portland to Vancouver and down to Salem.
"If you have any questions you'd like to ask Kym and don't know if you can get in on the phone lines, feel free to e-mail them to me.
"Questions, show topics, folks you'd like to see me interview, events you'd like mentioned ... whatever, let me know.
"If you want to call during the show, the numbers are:
Portland/Metro area: 503/235-1010 Toll free: 800-636-1011
"My next scheduled celebrity guest will be Susie Bright on September 17th. We'll talk about her new book, Full Exposure: Opening Up to your Sexual Creativity and Erotic Expression."
Holly Landes Screwed in More Ways Than One
We're posting the following letter from performer Holly Landes who contends that she had a check bounced on her from a New York video company. We have placed a call to the company, but, until, they've had a chance to air their side of the story, we will refer to persons and companies involved as "X".
Landes: "I am Holly Landes a 24 year old adult actress. I have been in the industry for a year or so. I enjoy your magazine it is great, and I know a lot of adult actresses like myself read its contents for information. I was also interested in knowing how I can warn other actresses on a new producer that is luring actresses to New York with promises of great pay making them shoot up to 10 scenes in one day and not paying them.
"I am talking about a situation that happened to me a month ago: I received a call from a producer that got my telephone number from my agent (no names mentioned) he sounded reliable and professional, he offered to pay for my trip to New York. In hearing that he would pick up the costs it seemed ideal. He had me do 10 scenes with four other men in one day, and, as a professional I was responsible enough to successfully complete the shoots.
"The next day he wrote me a check before taking me to the airport (after I had requested that he pay me cash) and he told me that we were running late to the airport and that he would not be able to withdraw the kind of money that he was paying me. I was hesitant, but my flight was due to depart, come to find out he closed his checking account with EBA, New York, and since he is 3,000 miles away he knows that there is very little I can do to recover that money. If I didn't need the money I wouldn't have gone.
"I don't know if you can help me or help other girls that might get approached by this masterminded con-artist. His name is.... he goes by 'Video X". Sana Fey told me that he already approached her and lucky for her she wasn't available that day. I know he is in seek of Los Angeles adult stars, and I don't want them to be in the same predicament as myself.
"Thank you so much for taking the time to review my letter. Very truly yours, Holly Landes."
Gene sez: "The New York company in question has not returned calls, but we did speak to Landes in a follow-up interview. She added some additional details.
"They contacted Regan [Senter] to contract somebody up there to do the shoot," Landes said. She says she did, indeed, do ten sex scenes in one day. Landes said she normally would have gotten at least $3500 to do the scenes but allowed herself to be talked down to $2650. No matter. The check bounced, anyway. Landes said when the check bounced she called the bank to find out why. She was told the account was closed. Landes said she worked for the company July 16. She said she's been calling and leaving messages. No one calls back.
[Gene sez: "Their answering machine plays the famous Chazz Palminteri riff from A Bronx Tale where he discourses on the etiquette of women opening car doors for men.]
Landes sass she went specifically to New York to do this gig. She said the company originally wanted her to pay for her own plane ticket, and they would reimburse her. She told them she didn't have the money, so they did front her for a ticket. "I don't know how many other people they're going to try and do this to," she said.
Regan Senter, Landes' agent, had this to say: "I don't book work outside of California. I would never authorize such a thing. Never, ever, EVER. I thought the guy was coming out here. I connected them, and that's apparently what happened here." Senter said the part of the story, Landes getting a plane ticket, was never approved by him. "This gentleman was supposed to come and shoot out here," Senter insists. "He called up and said, 'I'm coming to California. Do you know a location?'
"I told him, yes, Rob Spallone's house, yadda yadda, blah, blah blah. He asked me what airline, what travel agency should he use. He asked me what reliable talent do you have that have been in the business for awhile? I wasn't going to refer him to some of my newer talent because he seemed new. I figured this girl is an exotic dancer and has some responsibility. This thing is completely unauthorized. If the girl chose to go to New York, what can I do? That was her independently electing to go out there. This was nothing ever in my adult life that I would do."
G. Ross: "But you do get a percentage of what she does?"
Senter: "There's been no money that I have been paid here."
G. Ross: "But if she did ten scenes, then you would have stood to get something out of that?"
Senter: "Let me put it this way. I would have booked it for LA. I don't book talent for New York at all. If it's a bondage shoot or a reputable company like Pleasure or Rick Savage, I may, with apprehension, book that job. My esteemed competition would probably do the same if it came to some sort of non, blah-blah-blah. I'm sorry for the boredom of this conversation."
Mike Albo said the boys at Hustler Erotic Video Guide reviewed an old Peter North/Matt Ramsey title called Glory Holes, recently for what Albo terms, "research purposes".
Albo: He [Ramsey] gets fucked up the ass, comes twice, comes so hard the second time that he splooges in his own face. He also has a pair of skid-marked briefs shoved in his mouth. It's disgusting. I don't know who the guy is who fucks him, but it's definitely him [Ramsey/North]. There's no cuts. When we used to put him on the spot, he'd say they inserted stuff with a stunt butt. No, it's him. Young Matt Ramsey. It's fag-o-rific. We were watching it here for research purposes. We were shocked and disgusted. Here's one of America's so-called premier studs moaning like a little bitch as he gets briefs shoved in his mouth. He bangs on the table in ecstasy. The premise is he plays a teacher who has a little after school conference with his student. They get a little more familiar than guys should be with one another. He [Ramsey] even splooges on his legendary haircut. This was probably shot back in the 80's judging by the Haggar sansabelt slacks he's wearing. It came from about that period of time. There's no denying that it's him."
35 Seminars Planned For Fall 1999
Mike Ross writes: "Knowing that we have just 4 months of organization before the nation's legislatures restart, and campaign 2000 takes center stage, the NCA will conduct an intensive 35 city National Seminar Tour starting September 13, 1999. The tour begins in Trenton, New Jersey. Seminars will be held for owners, employees and entertainers. The complete tour will be announced at the convention.
11 of 14 Say Yes To National Board Meeting
Mike Ross: "The NCA's new interim board appears to be off to a good start as 11 of the 14 individuals asked to participate in the board's creation have accepted and will "sit down and help establish programs and policies". Those chosen to participate were selected for one of two reasons: they are Presidents of State PACs or because they play a special role in the Cabaret Industry."
NCA Convention Activities
August 31, 1999 \n · National Board Meeting, by invitation only \n 12:30 to 2:30 \n · Trade Show 3 - 8 PM - Visit us in booth #74
September 1, 1999 \n · Legal Panel 11 AM to 12:30 PM \n · 2:15 - 3:15 Legal Panel \n · 3:15 to 5 Legal Roundtables \n · 5 - 8 Trade Show
September 2 \n · Meet Your National Lobbyist Luncheon 11:30 to 1:30 \n · 3:15 to 5 PM Club Owner Organizing Roundtables \n · 5 - 8 PM Trade Show
Mike Ross also posts the following: \n NCA Mission Statement: ... \n We're organizing to...
1) Defeat of state and local laws that establish: \n · Anti-nudity and unfair setback requirements/ordinances; \n · Anti-tipping and Unfair Zoning Restrictions/Schemes;
2) Establish an Independent Contractor Education Program designed to involve and educate entertainers about the benefits of Independent Contractorship (IC's) and Owners actions to save the industry from governmental intervention;
3) Support legislation that strengthens our industry;
4) Create "Pro-Industry" Reports, including a "Secondary Effects Report that is available to all members";
5) Assist in the coordination and promotion of the industry's media message(s);
6) Take the Industry to new levels of professionalism and community involvement.
UNITY PLEA TO OVERSEE CONVENTION POLITICS \n NCA urges industry unity - asks for pledge to unify \n Yes, I Want To Take The Cabaret Unity Pledge....
Whereas the future of the industry is threatened by meddlesome governmental intervention; and whereas it used to be that we competed against each other for profits, but now it appears that we are competing against the government for survival; and whereas every fight against one of us, is a fight against all of us; and whereas now is the time for us to draw a line in the sand, set aside personal differences and unite together to help defeat governmental intervention; Therefore, be it resolved that I pledge to work with my fellow industry professionals in an effort to defeat anti- industry legislative proposals; and Be It Further Resolved that I pledge my support for the NCA's Mission Statement
Unity Pledge Form \n Please send or fax this pledge form to us in any manner you choose. We're located in booth #74. Our Fax is: (916) 456 - 9551. \n Our US Mail address is: 1808 Sherwood Ave. Sacramento, Ca. 95822
Name: _______________________________________
Cabaret Name:______________________________________
Address: _________________________________________
Phone: ____________ Fax: ____________
Email: ______________ Website:_______________
