‘Pawn Stars’ star outshines senator
Hanging out with a celebrity can be humbling.
Rick Harrison of the hit show "Pawn Stars" was having lunch at the Capital Grille (Fashion Show mall) when two people approached the table.
A 20-something couple from the United Kingdom had a question for Harrison's lunch guest. Would he take a photo of them with Harrison?
Members of U.S. Sen. Dean Heller's staff were seen pulling out their smartphones to take pictures of the senator snapping photos.
An international phenomenon, the show is airing in 150 countries. It's the No. 1 show on cable in the U.K.
OSCAR WEEKEND
The Palms rolls out the red carpet for a Las Vegas-style Oscar weekend featuring Academy Award winner Shirley Jones.
The parties kick off tonight in Penthouse A at Palms Place with a 6:30 p.m. welcoming reception for Jones, who won the Academy Award in 1960 for best supporting actress as a prostitute in "Elmer Gantry."
Sunday's lineup of events begins with Saks Fifth Avenue's "Red Carpet Ready" runway show running hourly from noon to 6 p.m. at Fashion Show mall.
From 3-5 p.m., limos start arriving for the Oscar Night Las Vegas red carpet at the west entrance of the Palms and Brenden Theatres lobby. Joining Jones on the red carpet will be Hal Linden of "Barney Miller" fame and a slew of local headliners.
Co-hosting it will be Chet Buchanan, host of "The Morning Zoo" at KLUC-FM, 98.5, and Dao Vu of "The Morning Blend" on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.
The viewing party for live telecast of the 84th Academy Awards runs from 4-8 p.m. inside The Nevada State Bank Celebrity Theater. "Defending the Caveman" star Kevin Burke hosts the event, which costs $50.
The doors open at 9 p.m. for the after-party in the Playboy Club. There's a $20 cover charge for those who didn't purchase event tickets.
Various levels of VIP packages are available at www.ONALV.org. The Academy-sanctioned events are hosted by Variety Children's Charity of Southern Nevada.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
A new Mrs. Nevada America will be crowned Sunday at the Suncoast, with 2011 pageant winner Amanda Kouretas on hand for her final duties. For more information: MrsNevadaAmerica.com.
SIGHTINGS
Zappos founder Tony Hsieh, with Ivanka Trump at one of his favorite food stops, Le Thai, on East Fremont on Friday. "Insanely delicious," Trump later told Rutt Premsrirut via email. His sister, Puoy, put the restaurant deal together. Earlier in the week, DJ Steve Aoki stopped in. ... Jacob Lusk, who finished fifth on last season's "American Idol," downing chicken and waffles at Hash House A Go Go (Imperial Palace) on Thursday before attending George Wallace's 10 p.m. show. Wallace invited him on stage to sing a medley of songs. Lusk is performing at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ... UFC legend Forrest Griffin, having a bison burger and Thai ginger soup at Greens & Proteins on Friday at the Henderson eatery. ...
The cast of "Jersey Boys," having lunch at Eiffel Tower Restaurant after their photo shoot Thursday at Paris Las Vegas, where they will start their headliner residency March 6.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Lindsay (Lohan) is making a remake of an old equestrian movie (that starred) Elizabeth Taylor called 'National Velvet.' I think it's a trick. She just wants to get her hands on some horse tranquilizer." -- 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.
