February '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 01-31-09

Elaine Wynn says 'rumblings' wrong

Elaine Wynn, addressing for the first time published accounts of a split with her husband, Wynn Resorts chairman and CEO Steve Wynn, denounced a report that appeared here Friday that referred to "rumblings" that he was planning to move his alleged girlfriend into one of his resorts.

In a statement relayed by a company rep, Elaine Wynn characterized that information as "completely inaccurate."

She continued, "There is no intention of anyone else residing in Las Vegas.

"There will only be one person that will occupy the villa and that will be Mr. Wynn.

"There are no plans for him to have a relationship while Mrs. Wynn is in Las Vegas.

"For now she has no plans to leave."

The rep added, "She is a director in the company and will remain to be one in the company."

Details of the rumored split were first reported in the New York Post's Page Six column earlier this week.

Reporters were told the Wynns would not comment on their private lives.

MODELS TO APPEAR

Models featured in Sports Illustrated's upcoming swimsuit edition - traditionally a launching pad to supermodel status -- will be making a first-ever party appearance in Las Vegas on Feb. 12 shortly after the unveiling.

A group numbering between "several and a half dozen" will be visiting a variety of different locations here leading up to the party at an undisclosed resort, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spokesman Vince Alberti said Friday.

Details are still being worked out, Alberti said, but the models are likely to be introduced to shopping, dining, entertainment and nightclub venues.

They will fly in from New York where Sports Illustrated historically has a trade event related to the popular issue.

Their Las Vegas appearance will be part of a three-way promotion involving Sports Illustrated, Southwest Airlines and the convention and visitors authority.

There have been Internet reports that the 2009 cover girl is Jessica Gomes, an Australian model of Singaporean and Portuguese heritage. She was in the swimsuit edition for the first time last year.

Marisa Miller was the 2008 cover girl, her seventh appearance in the swimsuit edition.

The Scene And Heard

ABC's "Nightline" is back in town, this time to cover the talk about legalizing prostitution and the Mob Museum. So far, the ABC crew has interviewed Mayor Oscar Goodman, state Sen. Bob Coffin, and Steve Hill, chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. ...

Flamingo headliner Donny Osmond, after hinting on a number of talk shows that he was considering an appearance on "Dancing With the Stars," says now there was no official offer. He's teaming up with Alicia Jacobs, entertainment reporter, on a puppalicious Valentine's Day project. Send your cutest-puppy photo to puppylovech3@gmail.com. Jacobs will announce the winner and Osmond will host the winners on stage, where he will sing his hit "Puppy Love."

Tony Curtis has another book project in mind, this one would reveal his dealings with the studios he worked for, he told Variety's Army Archerd...

Former Miss Nevada Sandy Kastel issued a press release this week, saying two of her Egyptian-themed bronze sculptures have disappeared from her gallery space at the Southern Nevada Art Center in downtown Las Vegas. Together, they are valued at $10,000, she said, and the police are involved. ... The next addition to The Palazzo's restaurant lineup will be First, a popular concept that had a 10-year run in New York City. From its second-floor location in the Shoppes at Palazzo, First will overlook the pirate battle at Treasure Island . A spring opening is planned for the eatery, which hopes to capture the convention crowd by day and the late-night crowd. Jon Newton will be the general manager and Sam DeMarco the executive chef.

Sunday 02-01-09

Bernstein didn't air talk with 'jerk'

Of the 600 television shows he's hosted over 20 years, Ed Bernstein's most memorable one might be the one that didn't air.

"He was such a jerk we never aired it," said the Las Vegas injury attorney who hosts "The Ed Bernstein Show" (KVBC-TV, Channel 3, 4 p.m. Sundays).

"He" was late-night talk show host Jay Leno.

"He was so condescending. I got the impression in the middle of the interview that he didn't want to be there. He got sarcastic," said Bernstein, recalling an interview with Leno not long after the latter replaced Johnny Carson in the early 1990s.

The 30-minute show was never about putting guests in the hot seat. Early on the format was segmented, with consumer, political and medical reports "and a quick interview."

But the interviews were more fun, so he focused on guest interviews.

Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins was a prince. No bodyguard, no entourage. "He spent 15 minutes going page to page through a Playbill of 'Equus' with our producer Cristian Lemoine," who had seen him on Broadway.

Marie Osmond was a sweetheart. "Very flirtatious, but I think that's her nature," he said.

The wildest show occurred when LaToya Jackson's three small dogs went into a frenzy and ran around the set, even jumping on a table.

Talk show legend Steve Allen was on the vain side, making sure the cameraman didn't get close enough to see the wrinkles, back in the pre-Botox days.

"Star Trek" icon William Shatner was a bit arrogant, singing legend Frankie Valli "felt underappreciated" and Jerry Springer had bad breath.

DONNY'S FAUX TROT

The Orange County Register asked the burning question: "Are Donny Osmond's pants on fire?"

Or put another way, what was that all about?

For several weeks, Osmond, half of the Flamingo's Donny and Marie Show, has been telling talk show hosts that they had a scoop, that he had "just let the cat out of the bag."

The "exclusive" was that he was "seriously considering" joining "Dancing With the Stars."

The Register noted: "A day after all-but-telling Bonnie Hunt that he's on the cast of the next season of 'Dancing With the Stars,' Osmond told 'Entertainment Tonight' the exact opposite."

"I'm definitely not doing this upcoming season," he told ETonline.com. "If there was an offer on the table, I'd do it in the fall."

Meanwhile, the Register added another name -- Andre Agassi's -- to the list of those "invoking various degrees of believability."

Season eight begins on March 9.

The Scene And Heard

Encore headliner Danny Gans, whose gala opening is Friday, appears on Bonnie Hunt's syndicated TV talk show Monday (KVVU-TV, Channel 5, noon). Hunt enjoyed Gans' appearance so much she said she's flying in for opening night. Also coming: CNN's Larry King.

Lance Burton kicks off "Magic Week" on "The Late Late Show" hosted by Craig Ferguson on CBS (KLAS-TV, Channel 8).

Sightings

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre, in town for the weekend after a week of sound and fury over his new book, "The Yankee Years."...

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Kenny "The Snake" Stabler, celebrating his granddaughter's birthday with family at Lavo (Palazzo) on Friday. ...

At Pure (Caesars Palace) on Friday: Wilmer Valderrama, hosting his 29th birthday bash, which included Nicky Hilton and her boyfriend David Katzenberg, comedian and television personality Joe Rogan, comedian Nick Swardson, actor Adam Rodriguez of "CSI Miami," Stavros Niarchos III and NFLers Melvin Fowler (Buffalo Bills), Jevon Kearse (Tennessee Titans), and Kellen Winslow (Cleveland Browns). ...

Reality show star Tila Tequila, hosting at Jet (The Mirage) on Friday. Her group included WWE superstar Diva Tiffany (aka Taryn Terrell), and rock vocalist Alaina Beaton.


Monday 02-02-09

Wynn statement raises questions Elaine Wynn's carefully worded statement the other day about her marriage left many Wynn watchers hanging on two key words straight out of "Avenue Q," the Broadway show that Steve Wynn brought to Las Vegas. At issue was whether her husband, who has been acknowledging to his inner circle that he is in love with a British woman, would move her to Las Vegas. An Elaine Wynn intermediary called me Friday night and made it clear Elaine Wynn wanted her comments published immediately. "There are no plans for him to have a relationship while Mrs. Wynn is in Las Vegas." "For now, she has no plans to leave," the rep said. The two words that raised eyebrows: "For now." Has she considered leaving? I don't pretend to have that information, and she won't be taking my calls since she also made it clear we wouldn't be chatting "going forward," in the words of her rep. But there's buzz among management that something's in the wind, and not just the D-word. It has something to do with the Beverly Hills Hotel, a source told me. News of the split hit like an earthquake. "Some executives are saying, 'If she's leaving, I'm leaving," the source added. Sightings Lauren Conrad of the hit TV show "The Hills," celebrating her 23rd birthday Saturday at Lavo and Tao with rumored boyfriend, actor Kyle Howard, and her best friend, Lauren "Lo" Bosworth. Conrad's friends surprised her by buying Venetian masks, which they all donned throughout dinner at Lavo. Also at Tao: NBA legend Charles Barkley, who was in for a second night in a row, and Ashley Newbrough, who plays Sage Baker on CW's "Privileged." ... At the Luxor's private Super Bowl party on Sunday: Carolina Panthers star receiver Steve Smith, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, Luxor headliner Criss Angel and his girlfriend, Holly Madison, Jesse Turner Kristofferson (Kris Kristofferson's son), and NBA great Spencer Haywood. Also at Lavo: Nicky Hilton and David Katzenberg, at a table with Jeff Beacher and comedian Nick Swardson, before they moved on to Tao. Also at Lavo: Stavros Niarchos III, and Washington Redskins cornerback Shawn Springs, with a group from his hometown in Virginia, and Chris Pine, star of the upcoming new "Star Trek" film. ... At N9NE: Hilton and her group, including Harry Morton, who was back in town for the first time since his father, Peter Morton, sold the Hard Rock Hotel. Also at N9NE: UFC legend Chuck Liddell, members of Disturbed and Southern Cal's star linebacker Rey Maualuga. ... At Rain: Chris Cooley of the Washington Redskins. ... At Ghostbar: Liddell, rock band Sevendust and Stephan Bonnar, who lost his UFC match earlier in the evening. ... Avant-garde rock icon Tom Waits in the crowd at Penn & Teller (Rio) on Saturday night. ... Laura Prepon of "That '70s Show" and her new boyfriend, actor Scott Michael Foster, at Blush (Wynn) on Saturday night. They met at Blush's first anniversary party on Oct. 18 and have been dating since. She and Christopher Masterson split last year after an eight-year relationship. ... Miami Dolphins All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter, partying with a party of 20 at Poetry Nightclub (Forum Shops at Caesars) on the eve of the Super Bowl. ... At XS nightclub (Wynn) on Saturday: baseball slugger Frank Thomas, Niarchos and UFC stars Dan Henderson, Chuck Liddell and Michael Bisping. ... Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, at Drai's After Hours on Friday inside Bill's Gamblin' Hall. Also at Drai's: Rapper Too Short, poker star David Williams, boxer Joe Judah and UFC fighters Tiago Alves and Bisping.

Tuesday 02-03-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 02-04-09

'20/20' casts eye on Siegfried, Roy

ABC film crews have been in town working on Siegfried & Roy's farewell show, which will air March 6 on the newsmagazine "20/20."

The network's cameramen will be taping Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn's final stage appearance Feb. 28, when they perform their trademark illusions during the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute's "Keep Memory Alive" Alzheimer's gala at Bellagio.

Siegfried & Roy will be performing for the first time in 51/2 years, since Oct. 3, 2003, when Horn nearly died from tiger bites during their show at The Mirage.

Elizabeth Vargas, co-host of "20/20," will be in charge of the piece, which will feature Horn's remarkable recovery.

An ABC announcement about the show is expected this week.

The Scene And Heard

Several busloads of Las Vegas students -- 50 from Chaparral High and 50 from the Academy for the Performing Arts -- are in Los Angeles today for Grammy Career Day, a first for locals. Today's schedule includes a panel discussion featuring Las Vegan Ne-Yo, who is up for several Grammy Awards on Sunday at the Staples Center (CBS, KLAS-TV, Channel 8, 8 p.m.) The Grammy trip was funded by Palms owner George Maloof, Spi Entertainment and AEG.

Local teen actress Meaghan Jette Martin has landed in two TV shows. The pilot she did, "10 Things I Hate About You", for ABC Family was picked up for 10 episodes. Filming starts in April. When that wraps, she'll be filming "Camp Rock 2." She appeared in "Camp Rock" with the Jonas Brothers.

Sightings

Newly acquired New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia with friends at XS nightclub inside Encore Las Vegas on Monday, during the venue's grand opening. Also there: poker star David William. ... Steve and Elaine Wynn, sitting together and chatting at a preview performance of the Danny Gans Show at the Encore Theatre on Monday night. They joined friends at Switch restaurant at Encore. ... At Greg Maddux Night at Tuesday's UNLV-San Diego State game at the Thomas & Mack Center: NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, who is in town promoting the NASCAR Weekend; baseball Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers; and former UNLV standout Kevin Kruger. ... Usher and producer Jermaine Dupri, at Prive (Planet Hollywood Resort) on Monday with Grammy-nominated singer Keyshia Cole and singer Monica in their entourage.

Thursday 02-05-09

Explosive tabloid report coming?

A significant Las Vegas casino owner is bracing for an explosive story linking him to an out-of-wedlock child.

A major tabloid newspaper has been contacting insiders about a spa employee who has been receiving child support for more than a year from the well-known executive, a source said.

The mother of the child worked at the resort at the time.

MADISON LEAVES PLAYBOY

Holly Madison's Playboy era is officially over: she confirmed on Wednesday that she quit her photo editorship so she could "move on."

Madison, in a blog entry on her Web site, said she left Playboy because she has moved to Las Vegas and the Playboy job didn't pay enough to "make a commute worthwhile."

Her blog continued:

"No. 2. After two years of it, I no longer found it challenging. It got to be routine, which was sad for me, since I was initially so passionate about the job and the creative aspects involved.

"No. 3. It was awkward. Not that anyone tried to make it awkward or didn't treat me fairly ... it just was.

"It annoys me when people call the job fake as if it was just a set up for the show. If I had wanted a fake career for 'Girls Next Door,' I would have stuck with the jewelry line because that required very little of my time. I spent way more than full time directing shoots, editing, making mock layouts and approving retouching. "So as you can imagine, when one is trying to move on with their life, it isn't beneficial to spend so much time on something that doesn't pay much and sadly enough is no longer rewarding to you.

But I loved my job while I had it, appreciate the opportunity and the experience greatly and wish whoever takes my place the best."

The blog entry didn't mention her boyfriend, Las Vegas illusionist Criss Angel. They began dating last fall while she was living at the Playboy Mansion, she told CNN's Larry King during an interview that aired in late December.

Madison's publicist, Steve Flynn, said she resigned from Playboy a couple weeks ago.

"For all intents and purposes, she outgrew the position. It was no longer challenging, and she wants to concentrate on the next phase of her life," Flynn said.

MEDIA UPDATE

Layoffs at Lotus Broadcasting's KWWN-radio, 1100 AM, have claimed eight jobs, including on-air personality Pauly Howard.

He's been a member of the "Afternoon Gridlock" team from 3-6 p.m. with Mitch Moss and Seat Williams for more than a year.

Moss, the program director, announced the news at the start of Tuesday's show, saying "economic news will not allow us to continue the show as it was."

Contacted on Wednesday, Moss praised Howard as "ultratalented ... someone who loved his job and had a passion for it."

Howard, who spent seven years at the station, five of them with Williams on the "Clubhouse" show, said he plans to remain in Las Vegas and hopes to return to radio.

The parting was amicable, he said, adding "they're great people over there. Things will work out."

The Scene And Heard

Hot stuff: Zowie Bowie, the high-energy duo of Chris Phillips and Marley Taylor, are rumored to be heading for the Palms, with a March 6 debut at the lounge space. They have been building steam and buzz at Red Rock Resort with their hot show, which includes a vintage Vegas act. ...

"Tony n' Tina's Wedding" opens Friday at Planet Hollywood Resort on Friday, days after ending a seven-year run at the Rio. It's going in a newly created space in the high-limit area, formerly known as the London Club. The show starts at 7 p.m. It is dark on Sunday. ...

I'll be signing my new book "Sinsational Celebrity Tales" at the Hard Rock Hotel from 6-8 p.m. tonight.

Sightings

Longtime NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, dining at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Forum Shops) on Tuesday. ... At the Hard Rock Hotel on Tuesday night: Actor Dominic Purcell, who plays the lead in the hit TV series "Prison Break," and Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun.

Friday 02-06-09

Museum yearns for Ol' Blue Eyes

Frank Sinatra's presence will loom large over the mob museum, if the project survives some political and economic hurdles.

Museum organizers have big plans for a Sinatra exhibit, if things go their way.

One of the featured pieces in the museum would be a rare self-portrait of Sinatra, which depicts him as a sad-faced clown.

It was quietly purchased in October 2007 from Peggy King, widow of Sinatra pal Sonny King, the Las Vegas lounge legend who died three years ago this week.

Peggy King is convinced the museum is the perfect home for the artwork.

Christie's, the famed auction house, has been pestering her for several years, she said, "but I didn't want it in a private home, where the public wouldn't see it.

"This is what Sonny would have wanted, and it's what Frank would have wanted."

Sinatra, who was the godfather of King's daughter, gave the painting to King in 1964 after they completed filming "Robin and the 7 Hoods." King played one of Robin's hoods in the 1964 film, which featured Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals.

Sinatra painted the self-portrait seven years earlier, while filming "The Joker is Wild." He portrayed Joe E. Lewis, a successful Chicago nightclub entertainer who got crossways with the mob and was left for dead after having his face slashed and his vocal chords cut.

After recovering from his injuries, Lewis returns as a stand-up comedian who battles alcohol problems.

Sinatra, who had a lifelong affinity for clowns, wore clown costumes during the film.

King's widow has been selling 16-by-20-inch canvas-like reproductions, known as giclees, from the King estate. About 100 of the 300 remain, and one recently sold for $5,500 at a charity for a children's cause, she said.

COMPLETING THE DREAM

Zowie Bowie is living the dream.

The duo of Marley Taylor and Chris Phillips made it official on Thursday: They're heading for the Palms.

It's been on their wish list since, oh, forever.

Eight years ago, they came to town on a first date, "and as we were driving past the Palms, Marley pointed to the Palms and said, 'That's where I want to go,' " recalled Phillips. "We went home and put a show together to eventually bring to Vegas."

They start March 6 in The Lounge, which is being renovated.

"It's the perfect fit for what we're trying to do and who we're trying to reach," Phillips said.

"They've got a great local following," Palms owner George Maloof said.

Phillips said Zowie Bowie's "bread and butter is our Top 40 show," and they'll continue to perform their vintage Vegas show with a 13-piece big band.

Zowie Bowie has been a fixture at Red Rock Resort for almost three years. ""We have to thank the Fertittas for bringing us here and changing our lives," he said.

Sightings

Joe Pesci, at CatHouse (Luxor) early Thursday with friends at the club's weekly after-hours party. Earlier, he was at LAX Nightclub. Pesci has a major role in the upcoming "Love Ranch," a story line that bears a close resemblance to the Mustang Ranch brothel operated by Joe Conforte at the time of the 1976 murder of boxer Oscar Bonavena. ... Also at LAX: "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Eric Green and Atlanta Falcons veteran Lawyer Milloy. ... Former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, having lunch Thursday at the Wildfire Casino on Rancho. ... Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx spotted Thursday night at the Venetian.

Pre Order Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales

Norm Clarke's newest book, Vegas Confidential: Sinsational Celebrity Tales ($12.95, Stephens Press, February 2008), dishes up a feast from Sin City's Ace Insider on celeb's club hopping, spending sprees, outrageous behavior, feuds and meltdowns, and the best (and worst) tippers. Discounted pre-orders are $9.95 and include free shipping. Pre-order your copy now!