"Girls Next Door" Kendra Wilkinson, left, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt will be honored with celebrity stars at noon today at Brenden Theatres.
Carolyn Schneider's childhood memories of her uncle Bing Crosby are, in the words of his most famous song, merry and bright.
Her early years were spent in the company of Hollywood giants at Crosby's Pro-Am golf tournament and on the set or in the commissary at Paramount Studios.
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Among her most treasured photographs is one of Bob Hope wearing a dress on the set of "The Lemon Drop Kid."
"When you grow up in a celebrity family, you take things for granted," said Schneider, a Las Vegas resident.
With the 30th anniversary of Crosby's death this year, Schneider has drawn the attention of the British Broadcasting Corp. because of her book, "Me & Uncle Bing."
The BBC has a six-part series coming up on Crosby, one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century and an Oscar-winning actor ("Going My Way").
Schneider was taken under the protective wing of her iconic uncle when his sister (Schneider's mother) encountered a serious gambling problem when she picked up his love of betting the ponies.
Uncle Bing may not have been a saint, but he treated his niece like royalty.
When she took an early interest in theater, he paid her way through college and got her in a private dormitory reserved for young women pursuing entertainment careers.
There she met Barbara Huffman, a nightclub dancer who wanted to be an actress. After a nose job, Huffman changed her name to Barbara Eden. Another friend, Marilyn Novak, had her name changed to Kim Novak by her studio.
But Schneider's fondest memories are of the annual family Christmas parties that ended with Uncle Bing standing next to the piano from "High Society" and singing "White Christmas."
For information about her book, contact Schneider at artist71635@msn.com.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
After 11 years at Caesars Palace, pianist-to-the-presidents David Osborne is leaving his Sinatra Steinway. He'll be at the Baccarat Lounge at Bellagio starting April 6. Osborne has performed at White House Christmas parties for several administrations. The aforementioned Steinway was specifically purchased by Caesars for Sinatra engagements. ...
Hugh Hefner's "Girls Next Door" will be presented with celebrity stars at noon today in the lobby at Brenden Theatres. On hand for Johnny Brenden's star dedication will be Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt and Kendra Wilkinson.
SIGHTINGS
Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, dining with Steve Wynn and Marc Schorr at the Country Club Grill (Wynn) on Thursday night. Duke was knocked out of the NCAA Tournament last week by Virginia Commonwealth in the first round. ... Spotted at The Tank, the Golden Nugget's new pool and shark aquarium: CNN's Larry King, who is in town with his wife, Shawn, who opens for Don Rickles this weekend. Also in town for Rickles' show is Suzanne Somers, her husband, Alan Hamel, and director John Landis. ... NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, on Les Kincaid's nationally syndicated radio show "Les' Wines & Vines" Thursday at Texas Station. Ditka was on to promote his new wines, including his Kick Ass Red. ... Kevin Federline, taking in the sights at the Venus Pool Club (Caesars Palace) on Friday. David Hasselhoff checked it out on Thursday. ... Rocker Dave Navarro, showing he's got pluck. He bowled a "turkey" -- three strikes in a row -- at Lucky Strike Lanes (Rio) on Thursday night. ... At Aureole (Mandalay Bay) on Thursday: John O'Hurley of "Monty Python's Spamalot" and, at another table, Clive Pearse of the HGTV series "Designed to Sell." ... Wayne Brady, shooting segments for his new improv show "Making It Up!" on Thursday at The Venetian. ... Music legend Dick Clark, in a wheelchair, greeting admirers at the Grand Cafe at the Green Valley Ranch Resort on Wednesday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Last week a dead passenger was upgraded to first class on a British Airways flight. That's one of the perks of being Keith Richards." -- Jay Leno.
Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
