Sunday, January 30, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
NORM: FBI interested in charity's records
Steven Spielberg makes "Baywatch" deal.
Quentin Tarantino pays to entertain employees.
Joey Fatone gets 28th birthday tattoo.
Cher, in town for the latest version of her farewell tour, meets 'Ka' cast and crew.
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The FBI is investigating Christine Anderson, after questions arose about a fund-raiser for the former "Rat Pack is Back" cast member. Local entertainer Doug Starks, founder of Vegas Cares, confirmed the FBI contacted his charity and scheduled an interview on Monday.
"They wanted to see bank records," said Starks, who organized the initial fund-raiser for Anderson last August after she told friends she had cervical cancer.
Starks, who performed as Sammy Davis Jr. in the "Rat Pack is Back" show with Anderson, later froze the funds when she didn't produce medical documentation.
Several celebrities, including ABC talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel, made donations to assist the mother of three.
Anderson's attorney, Jeffrey Posin, wouldn't comment on the case. Anderson released a statement through Posin in September, saying she would not dignify the "baseless accusations" from "faceless accusers."
Starks said a fund-raiser at Boulder Station for Anderson raised about $6,000, which was given to Shade Tree women's shelter.
"Our goal has never changed. It's been to be a responsible steward of public trust and to be of service to the Las Vegas community."
The Scene and Heard
"Baywatch" co-creator Michael Berk of Las Vegas has struck a deal with Steven Spielberg for a DreamWorks version of "Baywatch." ...
The party of the centennial year, at least so far, figures to be the grand opening bash for "Ka" on Thursday at the MGM Grand Garden. Four thousand invitation-only guests will find a global village that features a temple, erotic performances, food stations, a 360-degree video screen and international deejays. The party, which starts after the 7 p.m. show, will go until noon. ...
What's up at the Sand Dollar Blues Lounge? Patrons of the local institution, at 3355 W. Spring Mountain Road, swear it's closed and no one's answering the telephone. ...
Another mystery: I've left messages for reps of Tsunami Asian Grill at The Venetian, asking if a name change is in the works, given the magnitude of the Indian Ocean disaster. No response.
Sightings
Cher, taking in the 10:30 p.m. show of "Ka" Friday and then meeting the cast and crew backstage. She was in town for her concert at the MGM Grand on Saturday. ... Hollywood writer-director Quentin Tarantino, on the town at Club Paradise with 15 galpal employees on an all-expenses-paid trip funded by Tarantino. ... "Cousin Sal" Iacono of ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," pulling stunts on customers at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe at Russell and Pecos roads on Friday. Among his annoying bits for future airing: putting customers' change in a tip jar without asking and adding a raw fish to a smoothie as the protein boost. ... 'N Sync's Joey Fatone, celebrating his 28th birthday with a party of 12 that included Lance Bass and George Maloof at N9NE Steak House (Palms) on Friday. Fatone stopped at Hart & Huntington tattoo company to get a Venus' flytrap on his left shin, a link to his "Little Shop of Horrors" role on Broadway. ... Local buzz band The Killers, featured in People's Feb. 7 issue, two weeks after they were on "Saturday Night Live."
The Punch Line
"They couldn't find a multicolored weasel." -- Johnny Carson, asked why the NBC logo was a peacock
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.
