July '08 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 7-05-08

Barkley is miffed by debt publicity

Former NBA star Charles Barkley says Wynn Las Vegas and Clark County District Attorney David Roger "will get theirs" for the way they handled his $400,000 gambling debt.

In town for a World Series of Poker celebrity tournament, Barkley told a Las Vegas radio station that he "didn't appreciate" how the Wynn and Roger handled the civil complaint.

"It pissed me off. I'm going to get the DA here one of these days," he told ESPN affiliate KWWN-AM, 1100, in an interview at the Rio, site of the World Series of Poker.

"I paid it the next day, and then they wanted another $40,000," said Barkley, an NBA commentator for TNT.

"But like I said, every dog gets their day, and they will get theirs at some point," he said.

After the gambling debt hit the headlines, Barkley said he was taking a hiatus from gambling. He showed up in Las Vegas this week to play in Don Cheadle's $5,000 buy-in charity tournament, Ante Up for Africa.

Barkley complained that the media have been hounding him in Las Vegas about his gambling.

"The media is monitoring me. Only the idiots monitor me. I should be able to gamble, but I stopped to take the pressure off of TNT. They are afraid of the media."

MICHAEL DARRIN R.I.P.

Emmy-winning choreographer Michael Darrin, who helped Paula Abdul's "Cold-Hearted Snake" video debut at No. 1, died Wednesday at a Las Vegas hospital.

He was 62.

Darrin's dance partners on world tours included Juliet Prowse and Cyd Charisse, and he choreographed some of the biggest shows in Las Vegas.

He choreographed his last show in Australia from a wheelchair about a year ago. He died from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

He won the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography for "Cold-Hearted Snake" in 1990. He also was a choreographer for the Academy Awards.

Friends gathered around Darrin on Wednesday at St. Rose Hospital at Durango and 215. Darrin was watching the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" before he died.

ROMANO'S ALL-INTO IT

About 1:15 a.m. Friday, a flurry of activity erupted around a table and numerous camera flashes went off during the World Series of Poker's main event action.

At the center of the hub-bub was "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Ray Romano, a participant for the second year in a row.

His opponents at the table had requested photos with the popular funnyman and he accommodated them.

Asked if he minded all the attention, Romano told one of my spies, "I just love it. What makes poker so special is the bond you make at the poker table. You don't get that anywhere else."

He's playing much more confidently this year, he said, after reading Doyle Brunson's poker book "Super-System."

The Scene And Heard

Harry Morton, whose father, Peter Morton, sold the Hard Rock Hotel about two years ago, recently bought the Viper Room in Los Angeles. He has hired Jeff Beacher to bring his "Madhouse" characters for the grand opening weekend, which coincides with MTV's Video Music Awards weekend in early September.

The Square Apple, the new nightclub at 1000 E. Sahara, was misidentified here based on misinformation provided by someone who indicated he was part of the ownership. The club offers '70s, '80s, and '90s live music every night.

Sightings

Former "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Brian Austin Green and Hollywood newcomer Megan Fox, at "O" (Bellagio) on Thursday, amid reports that their engagement was called off. ... Shannon Elizabeth, getting a surprise visit from her boyfriend, Derek Hough, her partner on "Dancing With the Stars," while she was dining at Tao. She had just told reporters on the red carpet that Hough was out of town, working with his band. ... Wayne Newton, flanked by Bally's "Jubilee!" Showgirls, making the "shuffle up and deal" call, followed by the UNLV marching band performing "Viva Las Vegas" to open the main event of the World Series of Poker.

Sunday 7-06-08

Larson a no-show at Audigier event

It's never a big surprise when Michael Jackson, with his history of unpredictability, doesn't show up. But Sarah Larson's absence was another story.

Larson, who was announced last month as the new face of French designer Christian Audigier's clothing line, was a no-show at the opening night of Audigier's first nightclub venture in Las Vegas.

Insiders said she had been invited and Audigier told reporters late last week that he was expecting Larson, George Clooney's ex, on the red carpet for the christening of Christian Audigier the Nightclub at Treasure Island.

Telephone and e-mail messages left for Twee Tran, who heads up Audigier's celebrity relations, were not returned by deadline.

Without Jackson or Larson, the biggest stars on the red carpet were Audigier, French singing superstar Johnny Hallyday, Mariah Carey's new husband, Nick Cannon, and "My Name is Earl" star Jaime Pressly.

Cannon blazed down the carpet in record time, less than 60 seconds, on his way to deejaying at the nightclub, a partnership between Audigier, Pure Management Group and MGM Mirage.

Also on the red carpet: Pressly's deejay husband, Eric Cubeechee; Jeremy Jackson, perhaps best known for his role in "Baywatch" for his portrayal of David Hasselhoff's son, Hobie Buchannon; actress Bai Ling and Damon Wayans.

MEDIA UPDATE

Political pundit Chuck Muth has joined KTNV-TV, Channel 13 as a commentator. Muth, who lives in Carson City, is president and CEO of the nonpartisan advocacy organization Citizen Outreach. He is a professional political consultant, a campaign trainer and a regular on radio and TV.

"On Air with Ryan Seacrest' is now airing on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Clear Channel's KPLV-FM, 93.1 (The Party).

Veteran broadcaster Carmy Ferreri has joined the morning show at the jazz station KOAS-FM, 105.7 (The Oasis) with Dana Crawford on weekdays, from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

NO CARLIN MEMORIAL

Friends and fans of George Carlin had hoped there might be a memorial service in Las Vegas for the comedy icon.

Turns out Carlin stipulated otherwise in his will.

Shortly after Carlin's death on June 22, his daughter Kelly went on CNN with Larry King and said there would be a memorial service for Carlin's peers and for the public. However, he requested in his will that a casual (not public) funeral be held with plenty of R&B and blues music, with no religion at all, just friends and family sharing a lot of laughter.

Sightings

"American Idol" finalists Brooke White and Michael Johns, out on the town Friday in different groups. White was at Revolution Lounge (The Mirage) before attending "Love," while Johns camped out at the Palms' ghost bar. ... Paris Hilton, bouncing from fight to fight on Saturday. She made an appearance at the "Rampage" Jackson-Forrest Griffin UFC fight at Mandalay Bay on Saturday and then headed for Planet Hollywood Resort and the Kendall Holt-Ricardo Torres WBO junior welterweight title fight. She was with her boyfriend Benji Madden of Good Charlotte and ever-shrinking showman Jeff Beacher. Hilton and her group left after one round of the last preliminary fight at Planet Hollywood to make it to Good Charlotte's poolside concert at the Hard Rock. ... Good Charlotte's Joel Madden, his girlfriend Nicole Richie and their baby Harlow, staying in a Sky Villa in the Palms Fantasy Tower. Also in the Fantasy Tower: Mary-Kate Olsen. ... At Ovation (Green Valley Ranch) for Steel Panther on Friday: Sully Erna, lead singer of Godsmack, jamming with the band to the AC/DC hit "Highway to Hell." Also in the audience: members from the '80s bands Warrant and Great White. ... At Blush (Wynn) on Friday: Eddie Murphy's brother Charlie Murphy and actor Shemar Moore. ... At the 40/40 Club (Palazzo) on Friday: Morris Day of The Time, watching fireworks.

Monday 7-07-08

Hilton, Richie stir things up in Vegas

No strangers to drama, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie had local security on high alert over the weekend.

Things got tense around 2 a.m. Sunday when Hilton's ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos realized she and boyfriend Benji Madden of the rock group Good Charlotte were being seated close to the Greek shipping heir at Blush nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas.

Witnesses said Niarchos dashed out of the club as soon as he saw the couple. The rocker reportedly has a beef with Niarchos, who wasn't taking any chances, given his hasty solo exit.

About 45 minutes earlier, Richie, who recently had a baby with Joel Madden, Benji's brother, was involved in a catfight in the valet area at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Security whisked Richie away, according to spies.

Hilton and Richie had attended the Good Charlotte concert at the Hard Rock pool before joining the Maddens and entertainment producer Jeff Beacher at Wasted Space, Carey Hart's new club at the hotel.

Richie, whose daughter is 5 months old, recently vowed she would not be getting in trouble anymore "because I want my child to look up to me. ... I want to show her the right path."

RED CARPET INTRIGUE

The Sarah Larson story is getting weirder.

No one connected to French designer Christian Audigier has come forward to explain why Larson wasn't at the opening of his same-named nightclub at Treasure Island on Friday.

And now we're hearing that she was in San Diego for the weekend. Her absence has fueled speculation that something's amiss with her recent deal to become the face of Audigier's clothing line.

Meanwhile, the New York Post's Page Six column reported that Larson underwent breast enlargement about the time that she and George Clooney split. Word is he advised her not to go through with it.

The Scene And Heard

A quick trip through the parking lot outside the Rio convention center, site of the World Series of Poker, yielded a couple of vanity-plate gems: A11-1N, HOTEMPR on a red Mercedes with Arizona plates, ONADRAW (Idaho plates) and 4TIPS on a Black Mercedes with Nevada plates.

Sightings

Pamela Anderson, having Mario Barth, the owner of Starlight Tattoo, paint "Just Too Hot" on her leg during her birthday party at LAX (Luxor) on Saturday. Also at the party: French superstar singer Johnny Hallyday. ... Forrest Griffin, celebrating his UFC win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson with an appearance at Jet nightclub (Mirage) on Saturday. A limping Jackson made an appearance at Privé (Planet Hollywood Resort). ... Bette Midler, her choreographer Toni Basil and some of the dancers from "The Showgirl Must Go On," in the audience at "Bite!' (Stratosphere) on Saturday. They were there to support Michelle "Boston" DiTerlizzi, who dances in both shows. ... Audrina Patridge, a star of MTV's hit "The Hills," dining with Palms owner George Maloof, her sister and friends at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Saturday. Patridge and her party showed up at the Playboy Club at 3:30 a.m. after attending Good Charlotte's concert. ... At Tao Asian Bistro (Venetian) on Saturday: actor Billy Zane, dining with George Chanos, former attorney general of Nevada. At separate tables: actor Damon Wayans and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons. At Tao nightclub: UFC lightweight champion BJ Penn and WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber, joined by UFC ring girl Arianny Celeste at their private skybox. Also there: Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson. About 3 a.m., R&B singer Tyrese performed for 45 minutes. ... Sylvester Stallone, stopping at Starlight Tattoo to go over some new tattoo design work with Barth and his wife, Carol. ... At Tryst (Wynn) on Saturday: Tyrese, Marlon Wayans and UFC fighter Josh Koscheck. On Friday: Zane, Andy Dick, Charlotte Bobcats standout Emeka Okafor and Playboy model Shannon Sunderlin. ... Chuck Liddell, hosting a UFC after-fight party at Studio 54 (MGM Grand) on Saturday. Earlier, he made a special appearance at the Hard Rock Hotel as a guest blackjack dealer. ... At the Planet Hollywood Resort boxing event Saturday: boxing promoter Bob Arum with New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, singers Steve Lawrence and Clint Holmes, former 'N Sync manager Johnny Wright and Mike Tyson. ... Sunset Tan's Janelle Perry, taking the mobile unit to Paris Hilton and Benji Madden's room at the Mirage villas to give them both an airbrushed tan. ... New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush, watching the UFC fight at the 40/40 Club at Palazzo on Saturday.

Tuesday 7-08-08

Norm is taking Tuesdays off

Wednesday 7-09-08

Norm took the day off

Thursday 7-10-08

Gov. Gibbons is man about town

You couldn't miss beleaguered Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event Saturday.

He was seated on the apron of the octagon, near the judges, and in full view from most camera angles.

Later, he was spotted on the dance floor at Tao nightclub at The Venetian, chatting with former Nevada Attorney General George Chanos and "Titanic" actor Billy Zane.

An old saying comes to mind: When you're being run out of town, act like you're leading a parade.

You'd never know this was a governor with abysmal approval ratings, a messy divorce, one of the state's worst budget crises and a never-ending string of negative headlines.

Gibbons' high-profile seat at the UFC event at Mandalay Bay and the appearance at Tao suggest he's living in a "Happy-Days-Are-Here-Again" world.

He was spotted snapping photos of celebrities at the UFC fight and in a private sky box at Tao with a couple who appeared to be in their mid-30s.

SARAH CAMPAIGN UNDER WAY

Sarah Larson's first billboard as the face of Christian Audigier's clothing line was unveiled over the weekend on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.

Larson's status with Audigier has been in question since she did not appear at the opening Friday of Christian Audigier the Nightclub at Treasure Island.

Kenya Knight of Nous Model Management in Los Angeles said Larson "had family in town" and had a commitment in San Diego, and was unable to attend the opening.

CHANNEL 13 SHAKEUP

KTNV-TV, Channel 13, morning anchors Rikki Cheese and Ron Futrell were informed this week that they are being moved to reporting jobs.

They were teamed up about five years ago with weatherman Mark Pfister.

Casey Smith, former morning anchor at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, has moved to the morning anchor desk with Tiffany Sargent. Evening anchor Steve Wolford will take on the additional duties of the 4 p.m. newscast.

The morning team of Cheese, Futrell and Pfister reached No. 1 in the 6 a.m. time slot about two years ago. Futrell, the station's sports director for 20 years before the switch to news, confirmed that he is out as anchor but declined to comment on rumblings that his contract won't be renewed in five months.

Futrell said he has no plans to leave Las Vegas. "My family is here, my life is here, so I'm staying here in some capacity." He added that Cheese "has been an absolute joy to work with."

The Scene And Heard

Turns out, Caesars Palace headliner Elton John vacated his suite at the hotel about two years ago. A falling-out? Not according to an insider, who says it was a case of Elton and his team falling in love with the Rio's Palazzo Suites. ...

Today's Women in Communication luncheon at Maggiano's at Fashion Show mall features a roundtable discussion with four local female TV anchors. The lineup includes: Paula Francis of KLAS-TV, Channel 8; Monica Jackson of KVVU-TV, Channel 5; Tricia Kean of KTNV-TV, Channel 13; and Kimberly Wagner of KVBC-TV, Channel 3. Tickets: call 991-9991 or visit www.women incommunicationslv.org.

Sightings

At the Palms Place Swim-With-the-Fishes pool party Tuesday; Lindsay Lohan's galpal DJ Samantha Ronson; illusionist David Blaine; motocross legend Carey Hart; UFC's Dana White, Chuck Liddell and Lorenzo Fertitta; chefs Paul Bartolotta and Jeff Henderson; Planet Hollywood's Robert Earl; UNLV basketball star Joe Darger; author Michele Jaffe; Luxor President Felix Rappaport; Jeff Beacher; food critic John Curtas; and Las Vegas dealmaker Jack Wishna.

Friday 7-11-08

Wedding bells forecast for Cher

Caesars Palace headliner Cher has a new beau: a 6-foot-5 biker/adventurer who appeared in a 2006 Disney Channel miniseries about a Mount Everest climb.

He's 38-year-old Tim Medvetz and, according to The National Enquirer, a Las Vegas wedding is in the works for later this year.

Medvetz was introduced to Cher through the owners of Chrome Hearts, a high-end jewelry store in the Forum Shops at Caesars.

He appeared in the Discovery Channel's "Everest: Beyond the Limit."

AGASSI EVENT DETAILS

Major changes were predicted when Andre Agassi moved his Grand Slam for Children to a smaller venue this year.

Details were confirmed this week with the arrival of invitations to the Oct. 11 mega-event at Wynn Las Vegas. Crowd size will be significantly smaller than previous events that averaged about 7,000 people at the MGM Grand Garden, and the tickets will be much higher.

The specific venue at Wynn was not specified.

The move to the Wynn, after 12 of the events were held at MGM Grand Garden, was announced in April.

Because of other major charity events it was supporting, the MGM Mirage stated there was no way it could continue at the previous commitment level. MGM Mirage agreed to continue its $1 million commitment.

Agassi has raised about $70 million for his foundation through the Grand Slam event.

One of the biggest disappointments is bound to be the format change that makes the event more exclusive and doesn't include seating for the concert alone.

No individual tickets will be sold, meaning it is table-only sales, with 10 to a table.

Pricing levels include silver ($10,000 per table) which are sold out; gold tables cost $17,500; and platinum sells for $40,000.

The highest-level option, diamond, will cost $85,000 per table, and includes 10 invitations to a private VIP performance hosted by Agassi on Friday, Oct. 10. It will feature entertainment by James Taylor and John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting and 10 invitations to the unveiling of the commemorative 2008 Grand Slam for Children artwork by James Rosenquist that same night.

The diamond level includes premium seating for the Saturday event.

MELTDOWN AT THE MIC

Sunset Station has offered refunds and an apology for the "lack of professionalism" by the lead singer of Warrant at a concert on Saturday.

Jani Lane had all kinds of problems, from remembering the words to a pitchy voice and the shakes, according to several Internet music sites.

Some of his issues surfaced during his participation in "Celebrity Fit Club" three years ago, with a cast that included Gary Busey and Victoria Jackson of "Saturday Night Live" fame. He had left the band several times, citing personal matters.

Sunset Station issued a statement that read: "As one of the premier concert providers in the community, and because we pride ourselves on providing quality entertainment for our guests, we will gladly refund purchased tickets to any guest who was not satisfied. Please return to the location you purchased your tickets with your ticket stub. If you purchased your ticket online or via phone, please call 702-547-5300."

The Scene And Heard

Jeff Beacher is back in the entertainment ring again. After a long run at the Hard Rock Hotel, he's relaunching "Beacher's Madhouse" at The Mirage on Halloween with a showdown between Wee Man (of "Jackass" and "Celebrity Circus" fame) and Beacher's sidekick, Wee Matt, a "Madhouse" regular. ... A sprained back has forced Don Rickles to cancel his engagement at The Orleans July 31-Aug. 3. He has multiple contractual dates at The Orleans in 2009.

MAY I RECOMMEND

The six-man group Mosaic is performing two full-length shows Sunday and Monday at Harrah's main showroom. Clint Holmes will host the 75-minute shows for the group, the opening act for Flamingo headliner George Wallace. Mosaic was named the "Next Great A Cappella Group" by CBS' "The Early Show" earlier this year.

Proceeds from both events will benefit the Public Education Foundation of the Clark County School District. Sunday's show begins at 1:30 p.m. and Monday's is at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $45 plus tax and applicable fees; $30 tickets (plus tax and fees) for CCSD employees, seniors and students with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Harrah's Las Vegas box office, online at www.harrahs.com or by calling (702) 369-5111.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Cuba announced they will send a rowing team to the Olympics. They started training last month and haven't been seen since." -- Conan O'Brien

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