April '08 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 4-12-08

	Angel's comment gives Trump pause Donald Trump has another Miss USA controversy on his hands, and you get the impression he would like to make illusionist Criss Angel disappear. Trump opened Friday's Review-Journal and learned that Angel had told a Miss USA judge, "I hope you're going to give my girl high marks." His "girl" is Miss Nevada USA Veronica Grabowski. "We're going to have to look at that," Trump told me Friday after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at his new 64-story tower. "That's not good," Trump said. "We don't like that." The judge, Sandy Mecca, wife of Planet Hollywood Resort CEO Mike Mecca, said in a telephone interview with the Review-Journal on Thursday that Angel's comments Tuesday in the valet area of the hotel made her uncomfortable. She acknowledged to me that she immediately had concerns that the conversation might be considered improper, even though her two-day preliminary judging duties had ended on Sunday. She balked at the idea of the three of them taking an escalator into the hotel. Angel publicist Steve Flynn responded Friday: "Criss has been friends with Sandy and Mike Mecca for years and was absolutely joking around with her when he said that. The fact that it happened two days after Mrs. Mecca had completed her judging, I fail to see the relevance." Asked whether Angel had contact with any other Miss USA judges or executives, Flynn said, "That's ridiculous." Grabowski failed to make the top 15, and Crystle Stewart, of Missouri City, Texas, was named Miss USA. Another preliminary judge, KVBC entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs, said, "Criss is a friend of mine, but I've had no discussions with him about the Miss USA pageant." It's the latest Miss USA bump Trump has had to endure. Miss USA Tara Conner almost had her crown stripped over a year ago for hard partying, sexual indiscretions and a general lack of reliability. Miss Nevada USA Katie Rees was terminated in December 2006 after scandalous photos of her surfaced on the Internet. MILLS HAS A LONG MEMORY Heather Mills got a laugh Friday during a Miss USA judges briefing. When the accounting firm of Ernst & Young informed the judges how the points would be calculated, the ex-wife of Paul McCartney jokingly asked the company rep, "How can I trust you when you said my husband was only worth ($400 million)." During the hearing in which she was awarded $50 million in a divorce settlement, she poured a glass of water over the head of McCartney's divorce attorney, Fiona Shackleton. "Mrs. Shackleton said something under her breath, so I cleansed and baptized her," Mills told a British TV show on Friday. "I thought she looked fantastic. I thought it did her a world of good." The Scene And Heard Former Las Vegas headliner Earl Turner underwent a cardiac procedure Friday in Miami after blood clots formed in his lungs. Turner, who was on his way to Miami for a cruise ship engagement, had a cardiac catheter installed Friday and the blood clots were being dissolved, according to Kitti Heaton, his executive assistant. Turner is in good spirits, she said, and hopes to be back in Las Vegas by Monday. ... Profanity blamed on an editing error led off the noon news Friday on KLAS-TV, Channel 8 in a report about the inquest into a shooting involving a Henderson police officer. The segment featured testimony by Henderson police officer Alan Olvera, who recalled language from the day of the shooting, including several F-bombs. A woman answering phones at the station said the profanity aired because of an editing error.

Sunday 4-13-08

So, that's why it's titled 'Mindfreak'

Illusionist Criss Angel, the star of the "Mindfreak" reality show, freaked out Friday after his girlfriend, Miss Nevada USA Veronica Grabowski, didn't make the finals of the Miss USA pageant.

Shortly after Grabowski was eliminated, Angel was seen flashing a middle finger during a NBC telecast when a roving cameraman attempted a celebrity-in-the-crowd shot at Planet Hollywood Resort's main theater.

Angel was still fuming after the pageant when he threatened this columnist in an F-bomb-laced tirade that ended with Angel, after being restrained, saying, "Don't ever write another word about me, or you'll need an eyepatch over your other eye."

Although he didn't specifically mention it during the loud altercation outside the pageant's VIP party on the hotel's mezzanine, Angel was still angry about my reporting in Friday's column.

In an interview Thursday with Vegas Confidential, Sandy Mecca, a preliminary judge and wife of Planet Hollywood Resort CEO Mike Mecca,

Criss Angel, celebrity hosting at Luxor's LAX hotspot Friday, poses with girlfriend Veronica Grabowski.

mentioned that Angel had brought up his girlfriend in reference to the pageant on Tuesday. Angel told Mecca, "I hope you're going to give my girl high marks."

Mecca's two-day judging duties had ended on Sunday, but the comment made her uncomfortable and she and her husband separated from Angel before entering the hotel.

Angel's publicist, Steve Flynn, said Friday that Angel was "absolutely joking around."

Donald Trump, who owns Miss Universe, the umbrella group for Miss USA, told me Friday that he was disturbed by Angel's encounter with a judge and added, "We're going to have to look at that."

Angel's blowup happened shortly after the pageant ended. Angel, his two brothers and a bodyguard ran down a corridor to catch up to this writer near the entrance of a VIP post-pageant party.

"You're a (bleeping) idiot," screamed Angel, who kept repeating it. He added that he wanted nothing to do with me or this column in the future.

Angel, who starts rehearsals this week on Cirque du Soleil's $100 million magic production at Luxor, has a 10-year contract.

When he repeated his no-contact edict at nose-to-nose range, my response was, "I will try to get over it."

Flynn stepped between us and led Angel away, as he delivered his parting shot: the eyepatch threat.

"Good one, Criss," I told him. "Never heard that one before."

"It was an emotional night for everyone," Flynn said Saturday.

Monday 4-14-08

Daughters say Barrier left sign

The grieving daughters of James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier are convinced they received a sign their father didn't die of natural causes.

Jennifer, Jessica, Elise and Jerica gathered Saturday night in a $2,400-a-night suite at The Skylofts at MGM Grand after their father's funeral for a 16th birthday party he had arranged for Jerica, aka "Little Buff."

Barrier, 55, was found dead Sunday, April 6, in a Motel 6 on Boulder Highway.

When one of the daughters opened the motorized window shades with a push of a button, the room fell silent.

"We looked out and there was a Motel 6 sign," said Jennifer Barrier, 24.

The family took it as "a sign that it wasn't his time," said Jerica," a sophomore at Trinity Christian High School.

Family and friends are convinced the mysterious death was a mob hit.

Barrier, the owner of the Auto and Marine Electric repair shop, had been receiving death threats for some time, and someone broke into his business over Easter weekend. Nothing was taken, Barrier told reporters, but a tax document with his home address on it was left in plain sight.

His daughters, joined by their mother, Roxanne, and a few of Jerica's friends, spent the night watching TV coverage of the funeral and "trying to make each other smile," said Jennifer.

Their father had thought of everything to make it a special night: "We had a butler who brought us watermelon juice," said Jennifer. "There was an espresso machine."

It's inconceivable, they say, that he would go to such lengths for a special birthday party and then take his own life.

"And he never left us without instructions," said "Little Buff."


This message was left for James "Buffalo Jim" Barrier on a car parked outside his memorial service Saturday. Photo by K.M. Cannon.			"Buffalo Jim" Barrier's daughters believe he's telling them through a sign that he did not die of natural causes.

MORE TESTS FOR BRAXTON

Flamingo headliner Toni Braxton has canceled her shows this week to undergo further medical tests after a heart scare.

She was hospitalized overnight last Monday after suffering heart palpitations.

A previously scheduled two-week break was to begin at the end of this week, which means she won't return until May.

'BUFFALO' TALES

During his eulogy honoring "Buffalo Jim" on Saturday, Barrier's attorney Robert Lueck revealed how his client got his colorful nickname.

Barrier was leaving the Showboat Hotel and Casino on Boulder Highway in the mid-1970s when "a big Texan wearing a 10-gallon hat was strolling in. He was also rather drunk," Lueck told mourners at Palm Mortuary in downtown Las Vegas.

The tipsy Texan stopped and stared at the hulking mechanic whose long hair draped over his shoulders.

In a loud, booming voice, the Texan said that many years earlier he had gotten drunk and had sexual relations with a buffalo.

He told Barrier, "I think you might be my son." And the name stuck, said Lueck.

Barrier's daughter Jennifer told the funeral attendees her dad insisted on being her campaign manager whenever she ran for office in junior high and at Las Vegas High School.

He came up with a placard featuring a photo of himself and the campaign motto: "Don't be buffalo'd with your vote. Vote for the best ... Jennifer 'Buffalo' Barrier."

"And every year I won."

The Scene And Heard

KSFN-AM, 1140 switches from a talk-show format beginning today to sports talk, with former ESPN anchor and radio host Dan Patrick on the air from 9 a.m. to noon.

Tuesday 4-15-08

Norm is taking Tuesdays off

Wednesday 4-16-08

Reid book reveals 'Casino' mystery

Sen. Harry Reid's new book offers a glimpse into how Hollywood bad guys sometimes end up looking good.

In his upcoming autobiography, "The Good Fight -- Hard Lessons From Searchlight to Washington," Reid recounts a star-studded dinner at Oscar Goodman's home during the filming of "Casino" in the mid-1990s.

Steve and Elaine Wynn were there at the invitation of Goodman, who was the film's technical adviser and had a cameo as himself.

The conversation turned to the script, and director Marty Scorcese asked Wynn about it. Wynn wasn't happy with the portrayal of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, played by Robert De Niro. Neither was Reid.

"In Wynn's experience, as in mine, the mobsters weren't romantic figures," wrote Reid.

In the movie, Rosenthal came off as a genius, said Wynn, when, in fact, "He was a moron ... so dumb he couldn't spell 'it' if you spotted him the 't.' "

Scorcese asked who put in the line that made Rosenthal look so good. Around the table, the question went, from writer Nicholas Pileggi, to Sharon Stone, before stopping at De Niro.

"OK, so I took a little license," said DeNiro, who had asked that the part be rewritten.

BUTT SERIOUSLY FOLKS

Paris Hilton is not an admirer of Kim Kardashian's famous derriere, but it sounds like Donald Trump is a fan.

Hilton, during a radio interview Monday on a Las Vegas morning show, called Kardashian's booty "gross" and "disgusting" after being asked what she would prefer: Jessica Simpson's bust or Kardashian's backside.

Hilton, who severed her relationship with her fellow socialite about two years ago, said Kardashian's butt "reminds me of cottage cheese inside a big trash bag." She made the comment to Chet Buchanan and The Morning Zoo (KLUC-FM, 98.5).

Meanwhile, Trump made it clear during a Las Vegas news conference on Friday that he's noticed Kardashian's rump.

During a champagne toast at the ribbon-cutting for his 64-story tower, Trump was onstage when Stefanie Schaeffer, winner of the sixth season of NBC's "The Apprentice," bent over to help pass out the champagne.

Trump checked out Schaeffer's posterier, pointed it out to the audience and twice said, "Kim Kardashian." Schaeffer is helping Trump market the Las Vegas Trump International Hotel & Tower.

The Scene And Heard

Al Pacino and his co-stars will be on the red carpet at 6:45 tonight at the world premiere of his new movie "88 Minutes" at Planet Hollywood Resort. Joining Pacino are Leelee Sobieski, Amy Brenneman, William Forsythe, Amy Witt and the villainous Neil McDonough. The public is invited to the red carpet, but the showing is private. ...

The Enormous Norm-athon fundraising concert for Norman Kaye, bassist for the Mary Kaye Trio, begins at noon Sunday in The Orleans showroom. Almost two dozen entertainers are showing up to support Kaye, recovering from a stroke and facing mounting financial challenges. The Mary Kaye Trio, along with Louis Prima, Keely Smith and Sam Butera, are often credited with pioneering the Las Vegas lounge era in the 1950s. Their all-night entertainment turned Vegas into a 24-hour party town. ...

The puppy tug-of-war is over at KVBC-TV, Channel 3. Meteorologist John Fredericks' young lab, L.J., returned to the on-air forecasts Monday after being involved in a negotiation dispute that kept him in his doghouse for more than a month. "Everybody's happy," said KVBC general manager Lisa Howfield. ...

Brad Keating, assistant to Gov. Jim Gibbons and first lady Dawn Gibbons for four years, resigned Monday, effective May 15. He's working toward a master's degree in business administration to "explore other opportunities" and recently told R-J political writer Molly Ball that he hopes to pursue a career in politics.

Thursday 4-17-08

Oprah to tape in LV with Tina, Cher

Oprah Winfrey is taping her show in Las Vegas on April 26 with guest stars Tina Turner and Cher, according to reports.

Oprah brought her syndicated show here for Celine Dion's launch of "A New Day" in March 2003.

Turner will join Cher on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which will be shot at a yet to be announced Caesars venue.

Cher opens her new show at Caesars Palace on May 6.

STOLDAL RETIRING

Bob Stoldal, vice president of news at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, announced to his staff on Wednesday that he is retiring from the position June 30.

Stoldal said it was time after a 40-year career to "make a change." He will remain with the station on several projects, he said.

KLAS general manager Emily Neilsen said news director Ron Comings has been working with Stoldal to ensure "a smooth transition."

"No one person has had more impact on broadcast journalism in Las Vegas and on KLAS," Neilsen said of Stoldal. "His work developing the industry and shining light on issues in our community will be felt for many years to come."

She added, "You'll find graduates of the 'University of Stoldal' spread throughout the state and around the country -- including yours truly."

The Scene And Heard

The May issue of Conde Nast Traveler names CatHouse, the new Luxor restaurant and loungerie, among the magazine's "Hot Tables of 2008," a review of "the world's most exciting new restaurants" covering 32 countries. Conde Nast called "Iron Chef" winner Kerry Simon's new eatery "the best fusion of upscale cuisine and Vegas-style erotic spectacle to come along since the early days of Caesars Palace's legendary Bacchanal." ...

"Beacher's Madhouse" producer Jeff Beacher, on hiatus to recover from some diet-related health issues, had one of the best seats in the house during "Saturday Night Live" last weekend. He watched from producer Lorne Michaels' office, which overlooks the set. Beacher announced last month that he was taking some time off to enter a medical center back East to be treated for problems associated with a diet program. Also in Michaels' office during the show: Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, Rumer Willis and Beacher's girlfriend, Tara Sherwin, a contortionist who is joining Nathan Burton's upcoming show at the Flamingo.

Friday 4-18-08

Gans to take his bows at Encore

With Las Vegas already "clogged with big production shows," Steve Wynn prefers to embrace the smaller-stage days.

He misses the days when Harry Belafonte and Frank Sinatra left crowds spellbound.

Cirque du Soleil shows "have defined the city for two decades now," said Wynn, who started the Cirque era with "Mystere" at Treasure Island. "I don't think anything takes the place of the single performance artist," said Wynn, in announcing the return of singing impressionist Danny Gans to the Wynn family.

Gans will replace "Monty Python's Spamalot," which is closing in July after a year-and-a-half run.

Wynn lured Gans away from the Rio in 1999 and transplanted him in The Mirage, just weeks before selling Mirage Resorts to what is now MGM Mirage.

Gans will be the entertainment centerpiece of Wynn Las Vegas' sister property, Encore, which opens late this year.

Gans will close Nov. 22 at The Mirage.

AGASSI SERVES IT UP

This time, there wasn't as much pressure when chef Michael Mina had Andre Agassi as a sous chef.

Mina had strict orders the last time, before Agassi retired.

"Perry Rogers (Agassi's manager) told me, 'Whatever you do, don't let him burn or cut his hands. Especially because he wants to do everything,' " said Mina, who had the tennis icon help prepare a lobster BLT and a tomato, lobster and bacon soup at Mina's StripSteak (Mandalay Bay) on Wednesday.

They teamed up at an event for Resorts Destination, a Colorado-based luxury destination club.

The Scene And Heard

Porn icon Jenna Jameson, during an appearance on "The View" on Thursday, blamed her dramatic weight loss on a rough nine months about two years ago. She had a miscarriage, a malignant melanoma and a divorce. "It wreaked havoc, and I got down to 92 pounds," she said. She was on the show to promote her new film, "Zombie Strippers," which comes out today.

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