Lamb’s presence missed at rodeo
One tough old cowboy may have seen his last rodeo.
Legendary lawman Ralph Lamb has been missing of late from the National Finals Rodeo, but he's not forgotten.
Shawn Davis, the NFR's general manager since it moved here 25 years ago, called Lamb last week and invited him to the gold buckle ceremony, where the winning cowboys of each session are honored nightly.
Another call from Davis' office came in Wednesday, asking Lamb if he could make it down to the Thomas & Mack Center for an interview.
The straight-talking former Clark County sheriff told 'em the truth: He's nearly blind.
"When I couldn't see no more, I quit going (about two years ago)," Lamb said Wednesday.
Having grown up in a cowboy family near Tonopah, Lamb loved being around the NFR and helped it flourish.
He was on the NFR's board of directors for about 20 years.
Lamb was Clark County's longest-serving sheriff and, by many accounts, the toughest.
He held the office during a wild era, from 1961 to 1979.
Meanwhile, Lamb, who turns 85 in April, is expecting a status report any day now on a CBS project.
The TV studio announced in August that it was teaming with Nicholas Pileggi to develop the set-in-the-1960s drama "Ralph Lamb." Pileggi was the author behind the classic mob films "Goodfellas" and "Casino."
'IMMORTAL' NOTES
The Jackson family, including Michael Jackson's three children, spent time backstage congratulating "The Immortal" world tour cast and crew after Saturday's opening night at Mandalay Bay.
I'm told tour crowds have been going crazy for the one-legged dancer who is reportedly from France.
He is an amazing talent and story, but he prefers to stay in the background, according to a Cirque du Soleil representative.
The older Jackson brothers were hinting on the red carpet about some big news breaking soon, and it may have been the "Glee" announcement by TV Guide.
The King of Pop's music will be featured in the Jan. 24 episode, which will be Season Three's sole tribute episode. Past tribute episodes were dedicated to Madonna and Britney Spears.
There are some early signs "The Immortal" tour planners may have put together a too-ambitious schedule, given the weak economy.
Planned second shows have been canceled in Portland, Ore., Eugene, Ore., and Boise, Idaho.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
The morning deejay duo of Mark and Mercedes has signed a new multiyear deal at CBS Radio's KMXB-FM, 94.1 (Mix). They are currently in their 15th year on the 6-10 a.m. slot, most of it with producer J.C. Fernandez.
SIGHTINGS
Tryst and XS nightclubs, presenting KLUC's Chet Buchanan and The Morning Zoo with $170,000 worth of toys in four 50-foot trucks. Also stopping by: R&B singer Ne-Yo, a Las Vegas native ... Irish singer Sinead O'Connor is planning to get married here today for the fourth time, according to various reports.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Herman Cain has suspended his presidential campaign, but he has asked the Secret Service if they could continue to provide him protection, at least until his wife cools off." -- David Letterman
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
