Laxalt, 90, may have ‘man cave’ birthday

Former political powerhouse Paul Laxalt will likely celebrate his 90th birthday today, like most days, "in his man cave, watching sports."

His daughter, Kathleen "Neena" Laxalt, said that probably means he's keeping up with the Summer Olympics when he's not working.

Still active as a political consultant, he'll probably take a break soon from Washington, D.C., to return to his beloved Nevada to visit the high Sierra sheep camp that's been in the family since the 1920s, she added.

The son of a Basque shepherd, Laxalt went on to become Nevada's 22nd governor, a Republican U.S. senator from 1974 to 1987 and a powerbroker through his longtime friendship with Ronald Reagan.

President Reagan and Laxalt were so close the national media began referring to Laxalt as "First Friend."

Laxalt's daughter, a lobbyist, said the family continues to live by the core values he preached.

"Being raised in a prominent political family in a relatively small state such as Nevada has both benefits and drawbacks," she said via email.

"Dad instilled in us to be humbled by the benefits. The big rule for our family, I believe, is that there's no such thing as self-entitlement."

'THE TELL' RETURNS

Dayvid Figler's latest installment of the storytelling series "The Tell" returns to El Cortez tonight at 8.

The theme: "My Oh &^%# Moment! - Taking on the Unexpected For Better or Worse."

The lineup includes Daniel Kucan, a Las Vegas native who appears on A&E's "Sell This House: Extreme;" off-Broadway performer and actor Joshua Bitton; Cassie J. Sneider, host of "The Worst!" reading series in San Francisco and Brooklyn; Las Vegas cellist Zoe Kohen Ley, a member of the electric string quartet, Phat Strad; local hairstylist Samantha O'Brien and investment banker Leslie Bocskor. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission: $5.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Steve Rossi is back on the job as director and co-producer of Rich Little's show after having a pacemaker installed. Rossi, best known for teaming up with Marty Allen as the Allen & Rossi comedy duo, turned 80 in May. Little's "Jimmy Stewart & Friends" is nearing its 18th week at The LVH.

SIGHTINGS

Christian Bale, Batman in the "Dark Knight" films, shooting scenes Wednesday in the Garden of the Gods pools at Caesars Palace among a multitude. According to imdb.com, Bale is currently filming "Knight of Cups," which co-stars Natalie Portman and Cate Blanchett and is directed by Terrence Malick. ... Domenico Dolce of fashion design giant Dolce & Gabbana at Celine Dion's show Wednesday at Caesars Palace. ... Cast members of "Jubilee!," the long-running revue at Bally's, at Pure (Caesars Palace) early Wednesday, celebrating the show's 31st anniversary. ... Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Martha Reeves, celebrating her 71st birthday with visits to Frank Marino's "Divas Las Vegas" and "Human Nature" at Imperial Palace.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Tonight's an amazing show. It might be our best show ever. In fact, the show tonight is so good the Chinese have accused us of doping." - Conan O'Brien

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.