December '07 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 12-15-07

Lohan nabs tickets, says she's growing

Lindsay Lohan helped a Las Vegas galpal win Hannah Montana tickets on Friday and gave a local radio station a hard-to-get interview.

Lohan, who has been keeping a low profile since her rehab stint recently ended, went on the Mark and Mercedes morning show on KMXB-FM 94.1 (Mix) as a favor to Lorit Simon, a staffer at Tanning Vegas.

The morning show hosts were having a contest to have the "coolest celebrity" call in to the show.

Simon is Lohan's personal airbrush tanner. Lohan flies her out to Los Angeles for tanning jobs and works with her when the 21-year-old film star comes to Las Vegas.

Lohan told Mark and Mercedes "my life is different now, and it's changed, and I'm growing up. It was time to grow up. I've gone through a lot, and I'm just a different person now," said Lohan, who added later, "It's amazing, everything's going so well."

She said she has been working on staying out of the news and is concentrating on music projects.

"I've been in the studio, and it's going really well, and I'm really excited, 'cause it's going to be more urban pop," she said. "It's good to be back in the studio."

Lohan stayed away from questions about her love life, saying, "I don't kiss and tell."

One of her goals is to visit Africa on a humanitarian mission sometime soon.

"I really love children," she said, "and it would be nice to give back."

IKE & TINA'S BIG SURPRISE

Ike and Tina Turner had no idea they had their biggest hit on their hands after leaving a Las Vegas recording studio back in the early 1970s.

In one of his last interviews, Ike Turner told the TKO Morning Show on KKLZ-FM, 96.3 in October about a Las Vegas rush-job that turned into gold.

In between performing at The International (now the Las Vegas Hilton), they were rushing to finish three tracks for their next album before taking off for Australia.

"One of those tracks was 'Proud Mary,'" said deejay Jim Tofte. "Tina hadn't learned the lyrics yet, so Ike sang her through it. While it was only supposed to be Tina on the track, the producer liked Ike's take so much, it made the final cut; and the rest is history."

Ike Turner, who died Wednesday in San Diego at age 76, told KKLZ's Tofte, Mike O'Brian and Charly Kayle that he was prompting Tina. "That's why you hear me in the background, going, 'Left a good job in the city.' "

Sitting in on the recording was headliner Bill Cosby, Ike Turner told the deejays.

"Proud Mary," first recorded by the song's writer, John Fogerty, and Creedence Clearwater Revival, won the Grammy for the Turners in 1971. The song reached No. 4 on Billboard in February of that year.

The Scene And Heard

No red carpet is planned for Celine Dion's farewell show tonight at Caesars Palace, but there will be plenty of starpower. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are in town, reportedly to see Dion, and there are rumblings that Oprah Winfrey is planning to attend. ... Illusionist Criss Angel is attempting another Houdini-styled escape from the bottom of a 117,000-gallon aquarium Sunday at Silverton Casino Lodge. The "Mindfreak" star was forced to call it off in March when he appeared to have trouble breaking free from handcuffs, metal chains and foot restraints. He'll start about 5 p.m. ... Tennis icon Chris Evert and golf great Greg Norman got engaged Sunday in South Africa.

Sunday 12-16-07

Superfans facing life after Celine

Celine Dion's superfans showed up en masse Saturday for her Las Vegas farewell at Caesars Palace.

Among the many faithful making the pilgrimage for Dion's 717th performance of "A New Day" were Ramona Almirez of San Jose, Calif., who has attended more than 100 performances of "A New Day" in the $225 seats, and a lady who told Celine's camp that she sold her car to make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas.

Grammy winning composer/producer David Foster, one of the final-show attendees, said Dion helped bring entertainment back in Las Vegas.

"The city had gotten so lackluster for a while. She brought a vibrancy. I think you have to compare her impact to Steve Wynn's."

A light celebrity turnout included Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte; Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey assistant; and illusionist Criss Angel. Oprah had planned to attend, but she reportedly was under the weather.

Dion's run of 717 shows over four years and nine months ranks among the most successful in Las Vegas history. Elvis Presley is still the king with 837 shows from July 1969 to Dec. 12, 1976.

Dion flew in more than 100 family members and friends from Canada, including her entire Montreal office, to see the finale.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes attended Friday's performance.

SANTA'S HELPERS

We've heard of turkeys and George Foreman grills being handed out as holiday bonuses by the local major hotel-casino properties, but Steve Wynn has apparently one-upped 'em all.

Playing Santa Claus to the hilt, Wynn passed out more than $5 million in Christmas bonuses, or $1,000 after taxes to about 4,200 employees at Wynn Las Vegas on Friday.

"We had a great year, and all the accolades that came in were due to their efforts," said Elaine Wynn, director of Wynn Resorts.

The bonuses went to "the backbone of our company," she said, "the people who primarily work behind the scenes, the people who need, people who don't get the tips or commissions. Single moms and people who struggle to send money home to family members.

"It's the best $5 million we ever spent," she added.

A reserve fund for the bonus money was set up in August, a Wynn rep said.

Accompanying the bonus checks was a note that said, "P.S., Santa Claus said to tell you he's taking care of the taxes."

The Scene And Heard

Wayne Newton's ceremonial star on the Walk of Stars is still intact in front of the New Frontier site. It survived the recent implosion and will remain there until the Elad Group, which is building a replica of New York's Plaza hotel, determines whether to keep it there. If the decision is to have it relocated, it could end up in front of one of Donald Trump's towers. Jack Wishna, who brokered the deal that brought Trump and former New Frontier owner Phil Ruffin together, said he would talk to Trump and Ruffin about such a move.

Monday 12-17-07

Celine returning to Caesars? Stay tuned

Caesars Palace is leaving the door open for Celine Dion's return.

It would be down the road, from all indications, after her 2008 world tour and maybe after another baby, but "I'd love to come back. I hope so," she said during a past-midnight sitdown after her final show Saturday of "A New Day..."

Her return would be welcomed, said Gary Loveman, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Harrah's Entertainment.

"There have been discussions. Stay tuned," Loveman said. "She's been a spectacular success. There's a very short list of people who could fill this venue."

Dion also hinted that she might have eyes for another career as well. "I hope to do some acting someday."

Before the show, her 717th paid performance, I ran into Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, Dion's partner in the Caesars deal. Asked when there might be an official announcement about a rumored deal with Cher as a headliner at The Colosseum, Leiweke's two-word response was, "Very soon."

Grammy-winning composer/producer David Foster offered an opinion on a future candidate to help fill Celine's void in Las Vegas: "Michael Buble," said Foster, who signed the Canadian crooner in 2000.

Pointing toward the entrance of the Colosseum, Foster said, "I think Buble could do it." He was escorting 15-year-old Filipino sensation, Charice Pempengco, who is appearing on Ellen DeGeneres' show on Tuesday.

R.I.P. 'SWEET LOUIE'

Marvin "Sweet Louie" Smith, a member of the R & B group The Checkmates, died Saturday, hours before a show on a Caribbean cruise ship, according to his agent.

Smith, 68, fronted The Checkmates with Sonny Charles, who founded the group about 40 years ago.

Their biggest hit, "Black Pearl," reached No. 13 in 1969 and landed them appearances with Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson and headliner gigs in Las Vegas. They opened for Bill Cosby, Sammy Davis Jr. and the Fifth Dimension.

The Checkmates also spent time as the house band for "Playboy After Dark," a syndicated show featuring Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

"Sweet Louie" wowed crowds with Louis Armstrong's version "It's a Wonderful World." He performed it last month at the mock funeral for former Nevada Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren. See it on YouTube.

The Scene And Heard

Continuing a holiday tradition, Dion sent a Christmas catalog to her nieces and nephews, who number almost 50, to have them pick out their gift.

Tuesday 12-18-07

Pamela Anderson calls off divorce

Barely 10 weeks into her latest marriage, Pamela Anderson filed for divorce on Friday in Los Angeles but announced on Monday she was working on a reconciliation.

"We're working things out," she wrote in a posting on her Website.

The former "Baywatch" star married Hollywood producer Rick Salomon on Oct. 6 at The Mirage.

In a Sunday diary posting on PamelaAnderson.com, she said she had officially turned down a "huge offer to do a big production in Vegas."

She ended a six-month contract as Hans Klok's assistant in "The Beauty of Magic" on Dec. 7 at Planet Hollywood Resort.

Last Thursday, the day before she filed divorce papers, she announced that she and Salomon were dropping plans to go ahead with a reality show that was to include their honeymoon. But skeptics abound.

Hollywood columnist Janet Charlton is reporting that they continue to live in separate homes in Malibu. Salomon leased a home in Malibu recently a couple of blocks away from Anderson

The Scene And Heard

Celine Dion's new CD has dropped out of Billboard's Top 10, about a month after being released. "Taking Chances" peaked at No. 3 on Dec. 1 but fell to eight last week. Falling that fast is not a good sign, but far from the disaster of Britney Spears' latest, "Blackout." Released Oct. 30, it peaked at No. 2 on Nov. 17 and plunged to No. 51 last week...

Mark Steines, "Entertainment Tonight" co-anchor and reporter, will host the 2008 Miss America pageant Jan. 27 from Planet Hollywood Resort. Mario Lopez hosted the 2007 finals and James Denton of "Desperate Housewives" fronted the 2006 show, the event's first year in Las Vegas. The pageant will air from 8-10 p.m. on The Learning Channel. Leading up to the finals will be the four-part special "Miss America: Reality Check."

Rumorville: FoxNews.com entertainment columnist Roger Friedman is reporting Michael Jackson has found someone to buy his $300 million main loan from Fortress Investments. Asian banking giant HSBC has picked up the loan, which reportedly provides Jackson with $20 million to $25 million in cash, Friedman wrote. He said Jackson still owes Fortress $23 million for the loan secured by his Neverland Ranch. A default notice issued Oct. 12 had a 90-day moratorium, which means foreclosure would occur somewhere between Jan. 12 and 19. Friedman also reported Jackson has been talking to AEG Live about a tour. AEG Live partnered with Dion and Caesars Palace on "A New Day ..."... Jackson was spotted at a Barnes & Noble in Las Vegas last Friday, with a hood partially covering squares of tape above and below his mouth.

Funeral services for "Sweet Louie" Smith of The Checkmates will be held Saturday at Palm Mortuary, downtown on North Las Vegas Boulevard, Saturday at 6 p.m., with viewing from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Smith, 68, died Saturday on a Caribbean cruise ship.

Wednesday 12-19-07

Pamela Anderson Pure excitement

New Year's Eve could be a frosty night when Pamela Anderson hosts the countdown at Pure nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Anderson, who filed for divorce on Friday from Rick Salomon after a big blowup, was seen partying with illusionist Criss Angel on Saturday at LAX nightclub (Luxor).

Anderson and Salomon were "working things out," she said in a posting on her Web site on Monday.

All the drama just made Pure's party a can't-miss affair, with all sorts of intriguing possibilities:

MEDIA UPDATE

Marina Nicola has resigned as director of public relations at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. She's joining the Los Angeles-based PR firm, Wagner/Junker, which is expanding into the Las Vegas market.

Matt O'Brien is leaving CityLife after 10 years, including a stint as editor. "Mainly I want to work on a second book and a screenplay based on my first book, 'Beneath the Neon,' " he said.

His co-worker, Kevin Capp, recently left to live in Seattle

The Scene And Heard

There's never a dull moment in Britneyland. Britney Spears' 16-year-old sister, Jamie Lynn Spears, has confirmed she is pregnant. In a cover story in OK! Magazine, she confirmed she is 12 weeks into her pregnancy. The father is longtime boyfriend, Casey Aldridge, 19. The sisters' father, Jamie, is the private chef of the Maloof family and often cooks at The Sporting House Bar & Grill in Henderson. Britney and Jamie Lynn's mom, Lynne, is writing a book for a Christian publishing company. The book will be titled, "Pop Culture Mom: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World." ...

There are rumblings that Rolling Stone magazine has sent a reporter to Sin City for what could be a blockbuster about the Las Vegas escort service industry. And it's making some high-profile people nervous. ...

Irish dancer Michael Flatley has been awarded $11 million by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge who said Flatley was defamed by a former stripper who accused him of rape in a Las Vegas hotel in 2002. Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern ruled that Tyna Robertson made false allegations to extort money from Flatley, according to documents obtained Monday. Robertson has been battling Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher in court over their young son. ...

The inaugural Bartenders Ball and Fundraiser will be from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday at The Orleans Hotel Mardi Gras room. Yellow Brick Road will entertain. The event benefits the Lili Claire Foundation. More information: www.nightclubs.com or call 938-6380

Thursday 12-20-07

Norm took the Day Off

But... here are a few photos from Norm's gallery

Celine Dion embraces her son Rene-Charles as she kisses her husband Rene Angelil following the final performance of "A New Day ..." on Saturday at Caesars Palace. (Photo by Jane Kalinowsky/REVIEW-JOURNAL)

Music star Celine Dion looks on as her husband Rene Angelil takes their son Rene-Charles off stage during final performance of "A New Day ..." on Saturday at Caesars Palace. (Photo by Jane Kalinowsky/REVIEW-JOURNAL)

Celine Dion answers questions during a press conference as show creator Franco Dragone looks on Saturday' following Dion's final performance at Caesars Palace. (Photo by Jane Kalinowsky/REVIEW-JOURNAL)

Friday 12-21-07

Jackson shopping around in Vegas

Michael Jackson is back in Las Vegas, shopping for a quick pay day.

Spies tell me the former king of pop has approached some of the hottest nightclubs with an offer to host an evening for more than $100,000 for a couple hours of work.

"He's still one of the biggest stars out there, but he comes with a lot of baggage," said a top club executive, alluding to Jackson's child molestation trial.

"It would be worth it," said another major club operator.

Jackson, 49, was spotted with his children at a Barnes & Noble bookstore here last Friday with numerous bandage squares around his mouth. "Looking as if his face is held together with Post-it notes," is how a British newspaper put it.

Jackson moved to Las Vegas a year ago at Christmas with his three children but left after six months when he was unable to find any takers for his hoped-for comeback.

He has been living in northern Virginia. His parents, Joe and Catherine, have a house in Las Vegas.

The Scene And Heard

When I heard Pete Rose bought his wife super-luxury wheels, I figured his autograph gig in Las Vegas was beyond anything he imagined. Far beyond. For signing four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 6 p.m., the Cincinnati Reds icon "makes over $1 million a year," said Jim Nagourney, general manager of Field of Dreams, the collectible shop at the Forum Shops at Caesars. Nagourney, former vice president for business and marketing for the New York Mets, said he's seen no sign of a decline in fan interest when it comes to Rose's autograph. ...

A relatively obscure Web site, MediaTakeOut.com, reported that Beyoncé and music mogul Jay-Z got married in Paris this week, but don't send your gifts just yet. A music industry source said he would be surprised if it were true, "as busy as both of them are at this time." Jay-Z is opening a spinoff of his 40-40 club on Dec. 30 in Palazzo, the soon-to-open sister property of The Venetian. ... Photo by The Associated Press

Jamie Foxx celebrates his 40th birthday tonight at Jet Nightclub at The Mirage.

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