NOW that retired heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson has received a visa to come to Oz, despite a conviction for rape, it's always fascinating to know what big-name visitors demand in their contracts, be it one colour of M&Ms, fresh toilet seats or other whims. In 1997 in the boxing ring, the American had an appetite for ear when chewing the skin of Evander Holyfield but he has developed healthier tastes. When he lands for the ''Day of the Champions'' appearance on November 18, his spruiker with the mean punchlines, Max Markson, has to provide nuts, herbal tea, fruit, and ''hone''. Believing it was an herb, or ''erb'' as pronounced in the US, Markson Googled it but nothing came up. ''Hone'' appeared in Tyson's contract, so Markson thought he'd better find out what it was, or cop a friendly punch. Honey is the answer and it was obvious enough, but it pays to check when you're dealing with someone who has owned a tiger and starred in The Hangover with his pet. Tyson owned a white tiger when interviewed in 1995 by Jeff Fenech, the lover of youse all, but he won't be accompanied by any menacing felines when he arrives. Naturally, he's flogging merchandise, such as a signed boxing glove for $100, but a ''novelty'' on his website is a pre-recorded phone message to ''threaten'' your friends. For $3.99 Tyson enunciates: ''It pisses me off. I just feel like knocking people out and chewing on some ears. So why don't you do both of us a favour, right, and knock it off before I come knock you out.'' It's hysterical - for a certain demographic.
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Exciting stay-cation
WE KNOW that The Australian worships Sydney but it was exciting that Rupert Murdoch's mouthpiece offered Melbourne readers the chance to win an ''escape'' to Melbourne with business-class airfares. A photo of the City Circle tram was supposed to entice us to enter but if this mode of transport was meant to value-add to the exhilaration of winning - and Charlie Sheen knows that feeling - Sydney needs to know the tram is already a free service but integral, nonetheless, to our tourism industry. Still trying to work out how to catch a plane to Melbourne from Melbourne, but life is full of mysteries. When we arrive home, we'll pass on a ride on the big wheel.
Stork's safe delivery
THERE is relief and joy in Jacqueline Pascarl's household after daughter Shahirah gave birth to a daughter, Dariah, after a 29-hour labour. Shahirah lives in Malaysia with husband Syarul Reza and made international headlines 20 years ago when she and brother Iddin were kidnapped by their father, a Malaysian prince. Pascarl was home in Melbourne during the birth but guided her daughter over the telephone, on the hour for 29 hours. She was relieved her daughter and grandchild were doing well after the natural birth and that Iddin was at the hospital to share the good news. ''I've managed to scrape in, at 48 years old, to be a nanna, which is a hoot indeed,'' Pascarl said. Christmas could be when she meets her granddaughter and gives her a cuddle.
Mumm in fashion
FASHION designers Camilla Freeman-Topper and brother Marc Freeman are seeing red, but in a good way, and loads of bubbles. They have teamed with G.H. Mumm as the fashion partner for the champagne house's Birdcage marquee during the Melbourne Cup carnival and will add a touch of cool to the already chilled flutes. They will design a Mumm-inspired gown for the marquee's hostess and be a guest on Derby Day with six of their uber-chic friends. Another big job is sampling the bubbly and canapes. As owners of the Camilla and Marc label, the duo will impart fashion tips for the nation's great spectacle that varies from fabulous to faux pas. Not that Elvis and Elvis on the public lawn need do's and don'ts about sideburns and flared jumpsuits. In August, Camilla and Marc opened a ''concept space'' in David Jones and their association with Mumm is a canny way to promote the DJs brand at Flemington when rival Myer has exclusive naming rights through its sponsorship of Fashions on the Field and its marquee on millionaires' row.
