October '08 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 9-27-08

	LV all shook up about Elvis star Elvis Presley is once again a star on Las Vegas Boulevard. In a ceremony Friday that featured three of his old pals, the Las Vegas Walk of Stars honored The King with a celebrity star that will go in front of the Riviera near those of fellow icons Liberace and Sammy Davis Jr. "Elvis has come home to stay," Elvis fan club president Sue Laurenz told a cheering crowd. Her group, the Viva Las Vegas Club, raised most of the $15,000 needed for the star, the 27th to go on The Strip. With that mission accomplished, the next step should be getting a street named after Elvis, said Joe Esposito, one of the three members of Elvis' Memphis Mafia who attended the ceremony in the Riviera's Le Bistro Lounge. "I don't understand why there isn't a street named after Elvis," said Esposito, Elvis' road manager and best man at Presley's wedding to Priscilla. That brought down the house, too. It's become a sore point to Elvis fans, after seeing a half dozen other entertainers get streets named in their honor. Elvis, said Riviera president Bob Vannucci, didn't just fill the showroom, "he filled the city." Also attending was Sammy Shore, Elvis' opening act for years during his long run at The International (now the Las Vegas Hilton), and Sonny West, Presley's bodyguard and close friend, and Pete "Big Elvis" Valle, who played a big part in getting Elvis his start. The Scene And Heard Cher has cancelled her weekend shows at Caesars Palace because of an undisclosed illness. She also cancelled her Tuesday and Wednesday performances, along with another on Sept. 7. There is no word on when she may return. She has been dogged by health issues in recent years. She was hit with a mystery illness late last year, at a time when there was speculation whether she was going to sign a deal with Caesars. ... Good-guy John O'Donnell, longtime local bartender, is being roasted Sunday at McMullan's Irish Pub to help raise money for a friend in need. O'Donnell, who has made a lot of friends during his bartending tours at The Palm Restaurant, Morton's and N9NE Steakhouse, is taking his buddies' best shots to raise money for the Eric Savage Cancer Fund. Another popular Irish bartender, Johnny "Pops" Cusack of Smith & Wollensky, will be emceeing the event which starts at 6 p.m. It's open to the public. Information: www.RoastJohn.com. ... Minnie Madden, who has covered the entertainment scene for almost 20 years, is turning over her publishing duties of the Callback Entertainment News to her partner, Sharry Flaherty. Madden said she's ready to slow down, spend more time with family and friends "and walk the dog." Callback started as the gossipy "Dirt Alert" as a way for the dance community to stay up to date. Sightings Pro cycling veteran George Hincapie, with rising British star Mark Cavendish at Spago (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Thursday night and Postrio (Venetian) on Friday. Cavendish, 23, won four stages in the 2008 Tour de France, a record for a British rider. ... Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl, giving a shoutout to Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul in the balcony during the Foo Fighters show Thursday at The Joint (Hard Rock Hotel). Grohl pointed him out and told the audience how Paul influenced his music, then dedicated a song to him. ... Denay Thompson was named "Miss Hawaiian Tropic Zone Las Vegas" on Thursday. Judges included Randy and Kim Couture, Miss America runner-up 2007 Elyse Umemoto from Washington and Dr. Samir Pancholi of Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas. ... At LAVO (Palazzo) on Thursday: celebrity hair colorist Kim Vo and Scott Mechlowicz, best known for his role in the comedy "EuroTrip." ... Corey Brewer of the Minnesota Timberwolves at ghostbar (Palms) on Thursday.

Sunday 9-28-08

50-year marriage got its start here

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's 50-year marriage, eons by Hollywood standards, started in Las Vegas at the El Rancho on Jan. 29, 1958.

They had met on the set of the production "Picnic," where he made his Broadway debut at 27 and she was a 21-year-old understudy.

Their wedding came a week after Newman, then 33, divorced his first wife, Jackie Witte. Woodward, 27 at the time, was briefly engaged to writer Gore Vidal.

Newman, who died Friday at 83, was race director of the 1981 Las Vegas Grand Prix, when Caesars Palace hosted the Formula One event.

Newman showed up at "Catch A Rising Star" at the Excalibur in March 2002.

He was in town with his lifelong friend, Ray Lamontagne, who owned "Catch A Rising Star" for many years, said Lynn Garlock-Wright, Lamontagne's business partner in the comedy club from 1997 to 2003.

"They were here to meet with scientists from UNLV who were working with hydrogen to power automobiles," said Garlock-Wright, who left the comedy club in 2006 to open The Wright Entertainment, a public relations, marketing and entertainment company.

Her first meeting with Newman was at a Bakersfield, Calif., auto racing track, after Lamontagne asked her to join them. Garlock-Wright drove into the pit area, and "as soon as I opened the door, there was Paul, handing me a cheese sandwich and Pepsi. It was like my welcoming."

She added, "The man was a treasure."

Newman and Lamontagne, who both lived in Connecticut, were partners in creating the Hole in the Wall Gang, a charity that provided recreational camps for children with cancer.

THE ELVIS QUESTION

Elvis Presley fan club president Sue Laurenz sent an e-mail Saturday, clearing up the question of why there isn't a major street named after the entertainment icon.

Elvis' longtime road manager, Joe Esposito, had raised the issue during Friday's Walk of Stars ceremony for Presley at the Riviera.

Elvis Presley Court was granted to a cul de sac in the north end of Las Vegas in 1988.

Two other versions have Elvis in the name, including Elvis Alive, near Mount Charleston.

According to Laurenz' Web site for the Viva Las Vegas Club, the fire department, for 911 emergency purposes, will not approve another street for Elvis. Laurenz' club raised every penny for Elvis' ceremonial star.

The Scene And Heard

Cher's health issues remained under wraps Saturday after missing three shows in a row at Caesars Palace, and four in September. Her next show is scheduled for Tuesday, and there was no status change announced on that. She has a history of abdominal problems and Epstein-Barr virus, a chronic condition.

Sightings

Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson, on their way Saturday to a Sky Villa in the Palms' Fantasy Tower. Ronson was deejaying at Rain. ... O.J. Simpson, hanging out Friday at Cherry nightclub at Red Rock Resort. ... Gin Blossoms drummer Scott Kusmirek, jumping onstage Friday to join Zowie Bowie at Red Rock Resort. The Gin Blossoms, in town for a corporate show at Mandalay Bay, hung out backstage with the Zowie Bowie duo. Their friendship goes back to Tempe, Ariz., the hometown of both groups. ... Actor Zach Levi, celebrating his birthday Friday at LAX (Luxor) with fellow "Chuck" cast members Yvonne Strahovski, Joshua Gomez, Sarah Lancaster, Scott Krinsky and Ryan McPartlin, and also his friends, actress Amy Adams and actor Joel David Moore. ... Aubrey O'Day from Danity Kane serving as celebrity host Friday at Christian Audigier The Nightclub (Treasure Island). ... Country singer Trent Tomlinson, partying at Pure (Caesars Palace) with friends.


Monday 9-29-08

Illusionists given royal recognition Siegfried and Roy are in London this week for some royal recognition. They were honored Sunday with a video tribute at London's famed Palladium for the launch of MAGICARES, an international charity. The legendary Las Vegas illusionists were honored for their contribution in the world of magic, their Las Vegas achievements, humanitarian contributions and work in animal conservation. In attendance was their friend and royal author, Princess Michael of Kent, who is hosting a private luncheon at Kensington Palace on Wednesday to mark Roy's 64th birthday. Siegfried and Roy are planning to revive their old magic for one night at Larry Ruvo's annual Alzheimer's fundraiser at the Bellagio on Feb. 28. The Scene And Heard Local favorites The Killers return to "Saturday Night Live" this week as musical guests for the third time. They will be performing two songs, including "Human" from their new album "Day & Age," which comes out this week. "We're not sure about the second song just yet," said their manager Robert Reynolds. The group has just finished shooting the video for "Human" in Goblin Valley, Utah, a state park known for its strange rock formations. ... Former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach won CMT's "Gone Country 2" on Friday, beating out a group that included Las Vegan Mikalah Gordon, Irene Cara, Jermaine Jackson and former 'N Sync member Chris Kirkpatrick. ... David Osborne, longtime local lounge performer, was in Americus, Ga., on Sunday to perform a special piano concert for former President Carter, who turns 84 on Tuesday. Osborne, who has performed at White House Christmas parties for several presidents, is a regular performer at Bellagio. He performed at Caesars Palace for 14 years. ... Correction: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were married at the El Rancho Vegas, which was on the site of the El Rancho, which burned down June 17, 1960. They were married on Jan. 29, 1958. Sightings O.J. Simpson, arriving at the Stirling Club at the Turnberry Towers about 11 p.m. on Saturday with a group. Simpson didn't join the group at a table right away. Instead, he greeted "everyone like he was a politician," said a spy. ... At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Saturday: the cast of NBC's hit series "Chuck," celebrating the launch of their second season. The group included actors Zachary Levi, Joshua Gomez, Yvonne Strahovski, Sarah Lancaster, Ryan McPartlin, Scott Krinsky, Marc C. Lawrence and Julia Ling, producers McG, Chris Fedak and celebrity friends Amy Adams of "Enchanted," Joel David Moore and J.D. Nicholas. ... Ian Schrager, hotelier and founder of the original Studio 54, at Tao (The Venetian) on Saturday. Schrager was overheard offering to buy his server's costume and thigh-high boots for his girlfriend. ... Lauren "Lo" Bosworth of "The Hills," dining with friends and family, all dressed to the nines to celebrate her birthday weekend. Also dining: hotelier Ian Schrager. ... Shanna Ferrigno, dining at CatHouse Saturday before heading to the Olympia bodybuilders banquet to meet her dad, Lou Ferrigno, who starred as the Incredible Hulk in the 1970s TV hit. ... At Poetry Nightclub (Forum Shops at Caesars on Saturday): Rapper Paul Wall, performing a one-hour set. During the night he gave away two custom-designed grills, gold and diamond mouthpieces that fit over front teeth. ... World Wrestling Entertainment star Batista, at Tryst nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas.

Tuesday 9-30-08

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 10-01-08

O.J. leans against leaving Las Vegas

O.J. Simpson has been enjoying Las Vegas so much, he'd like to make his home here.

That's not a punch line.

The NFL Hall of Famer has been telling locals that he's considering a move from Florida to Las Vegas.

One of my spies heard him say, "I've already told my kids, if it were my choice, I'd like to move to Las Vegas."

Simpson may not have any choice in the matter of residency if his current trial goes badly. He's charged with armed robbery and kidnapping. His defense attorneys could wrap up their case today.

A PAINFUL WEEK

It's been a tough week for magicians.

Flamingo headliner Nathan Burton underwent surgery for a herniated disc on Tuesday at St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson.

He'll miss six days before returning on Sunday.

"He woke up unable to walk," said his sister/assistant Emily Burton.

The comedy magician has been involved in heavy workouts lately, she said, adding, "It's the first time he's ever canceled a show."

Concern over "Believe," Criss Angel's highly anticipated collaboration with Cirque du Soleil at Luxor, continued to swirl on Tuesday, a day after a critical story by R-J writer Doug Elfman based on fan reaction.

Las Vegas-based Richard Abowitz, who writes an entertainment blog for the Los Angeles Times, offered some analytical advice.

After watching Friday's sneak preview, Abowitz wrote that the show has "serious challenges," among them the need for Angel to deliver more personality.

While acknowledging that several illusions will be added, Abowitz wrote, "Right now, 'Believe' loses energy the moment Angel enters the mystery world of Cirque and becomes, for the most part, a spectator," instead of a compelling personality.

With another month of previews remaining, there's time for Cirque and Angel to turn it around, Abowitz said, but Angel "needs to equal his media claims that this show comes from his personality, because right now his personality is the most glaringly missing element."

New York magician David Blaine took his lumps for his bungled "Dive of Death" ABC special in Central Park.

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who rarely has a bad word for anyone, dissed Blaine.

"I'm sick of him," said Cooper. "I don't get the deal. I'm sorry. They're not magic tricks."

The Scene And Heard

A follow-up on that recent sighting of Michael Jackson and his three children, dining at Benihana at the Las Vegas Hilton. A spy who was walking past the private room glanced over and saw Jackson singing softly to his kids. ...

Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is signing her new cookbook, "Giada's Kitchen: New Italian Favorites," from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Sur La Table, inside the Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood Resort. A ticket is necessary to gain access to the cookbook signing and meet and greet. Fans must purchase a copy of the book at Sur La Table beginning Oct. 1 to get a ticket to the event.

Thursday 10-02-08

Wynn ready for another big finish

Casino developer Steve Wynn is going to new heights for his latest TV commercial.

He's recruited Hollywood director Brett Ratner to film a follow-up commercial to promote Wynn's new 638-foot luxury tower, Encore, which opens in December.

"Encores are big finishes, right?" Wynn said in an interview Wednesday.

Ratner's action films include "X-Men: The Last Stand" and the "Rush Hour" series, one of which was filmed at the Desert Inn before Wynn opened Wynn Las Vegas on the site in 2005.

Standing near the edge of the tower, Wynn will be equipped with safety straps when he delivers his spiel today to a camera on a helicopter.

"I've done the 'Rush Hour' films," said Ratner. "Jackie Chan is the most fearless actor I've ever worked with. Steve Wynn is the most fearless casino operator I've worked with."

"That's a rather small group," Wynn said, adding, "I think actually the most fearless casino operator is Sheldon Adelson. He's a swashbuckler."

That's high praise from Wynn, given the well-documented bitter rivalry with next-door neighbor Adelson, whose casino empire includes the Palazzo and The Venetian.

The chopper will be flown by the same pilot who shot many of the most dangerous scenes in "Cliffhanger," a 1993 thriller starring Sylvester Stallone and John Lithgow.

Wynn's 2005 commercial, like his Golden Nugget commercial featuring Frank Sinatra, ended on a self-deprecating note: "Can I get down now?"

Wynn and Ratner promise another laugh-out-loud finish.

In the classic Sinatra commercial that aired during the 1987 Super Bowl, Ol' Blue Eyes doesn't recognize a youthful Wynn as the Golden Nugget owner and asks the "kid" to fetch some towels.

On another topic, Wynn, asked to address the U.S. financial crisis, said he has "a strong personal belief the government should not buy all the paper. I think the government should ... make the banks and institutions clean up their own mess before they ever see a dime of profits, distribution or special bonuses."

That interview with me appears on the Web site www.NormClarke.com.

NEW DEAL FOR OSMONDS

Flamingo headliners Donny & Marie Osmond, barely a month into their six-month engagement, are doing such strong business that a two-year deal is being discussed with the hotel. "That's the magic number we're hearing," Donny Osmond said, while confirming talk with Don Marrandino, president of Harrah's Las Vegas and the Flamingo. Nostalgia has been a big part of the allure, Osmond said. It's the first time in 29 years that the duo have been Las Vegas headliners.

The Scene And Heard

We hear Celine Dion, currently on a break from her world tour, is returning to Las Vegas this month. She's taping a special "Oprah" episode in Chicago to promote her upcoming greatest hits album, "My Love ... Essential Collection," a single disc with 17 songs. It's being released Oct. 28. ...

Cher returned to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Tuesday, after missing four shows in a row with an undisclosed health issue.

Friday 10-03-08

Lineup gelling for golf tourney

Josh Duhamel, John O'Hurley and George Lopez will be among the celebrity lineup for the Oct. 15 Pro-Am for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Joining the Golf Digest-sponsored pro-am at TPC Summerlin will be Olympic swim star/model Amanda Beard, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley and Timberlake's former *NSYNC sidekick Chris Kirkpatrick. More names will be announced later.

The tournament, which runs Oct. 13 - 19, is the first in a five-year deal between the Shriners and Timberlake.

For more information, go to www.jtshrinersopen.com or call 702-873-1010. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

BEERS WITH PAUL NEWMAN

A home purchased in the late 1990s by former Las Vegas TV anchor Harley Akers came with some history.

"We bought the place, and neighbors came to welcome us as we moved in," Akers said in an e-mail.

"We were told the home was the 'Paul Newman House,' " said Akers. The house was previously owned by Eddie Futch, fight trainer and cornerman for almost two dozen world champion fighters, including four of five who beat Muhammad Ali.

Futch died in 2001.

"Every time Newman came to Las Vegas, he stayed at Caesars Palace and had the hotel's limousine take him to Eddie's, where they would sit on the patio, talk and drink beer."

Word got around the neighborhood about an appearance by Newman, who died Sept. 26. Futch's neighbors "took great delight," said Akers, "in getting their dog, their cat, their goldfish and anything else alive or dead that would fit into a collar or harness and walk them around the pool to get a look and say 'hi.' "

The Scene And Heard

Happy 64th birthday, Roy Horn. He's in Germany celebrating with family members and his longtime fellow illusionist Siegfried Fischbacher. ...

The Latin-themed show "Raw Talent Live" opens at the Sahara tonight with high-tech digital imaging, dancers, singers and musicians. There's more information at RawTalent.com. ...

Wynn Las Vegas Race & Sports Book will host The Breeders' Cup Legends Tour featuring legendary Hall of Fame jockeys Pat Day, Angel Cordero Jr. and Laffit Pincay Jr. on Thursday, Oct. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a question and answer session, meet and greet and photograph opportunities.

May I Recommend...

Joël Robuchon, winner of an unprecedented 18 Michelin stars, is in town for a long weekend to oversee his kitchens for the third-year anniversary of his two restaurants at the MGM Grand. He's also creating new menus, including a white truffle dinner, for Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, the only three-star recipient in Las Vegas for 2008, and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, which received one star. L'Atelier is marking the anniversary with a $148, 10-course special through Oct. 15. Courses include: Foie gras parfait with Port wine and Parmesan foam, langoustine carpaccio, free-range quail stuffed with foie gras and served with truffled-mashed potatoes (or French-style hanger steak with fried shallots) and green chartreuse souffle with pistachio ice cream.

Sightings

Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, shopping Thursday at The Shoppes at The Palazzo, with stops in Edidi, Ralph Lauren, Catherine Malandrino and Barneys New York. Lunch-on-the-run included the warm spinach salad with duck confit and roasted almonds from Emeril Lagasse's Table 10. ... George Wallace at Adam Carmer's Adams Ribs, trying the babyback ribs and chicken on Tuesday. ... Mike Tyson, buying smoothies for his galpals during a stop Thursday at the Tropical Smoothie Café, 4001 S. Decatur Blvd. ... Actor Molly Sims, at a luncheon at Barneys New York at The Palazzo.

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