From Wynn to Lewis to Agassi, 2010 was rife with great commentary

By John Katsilometes

Friday, Dec. 31, 2010 | 6:37 p.m.

To fully appreciate 2010, I had to retrace my steps.

And I have done that, through a year of writing.

It was a hell of a year.

It was that, judged largely by the quality of conversations with amazing individuals I participated in over the past 12 months. There are far too many to choose from to highlight one or two of my favorite interviews, though I will say I was struck nearly speechless in October when Steve Wynn talked of kicking his addiction to pain medications. I’ll also say that meeting Jerry Lewis was a uniquely gratifying experience, as Lewis is an otherworldly figure who remains otherworldly even as you sit across from him on a sofa drinking Diet Sunkist. He’s not everybody’s cup of tea, or can of soda, but watching him battle through what might well be his final Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon was an unforgettable experience.

One of many, actually, in 2010.

So it is, one last nod to the year past, with some of my favorite quotes, all of which appeared in columns and stories dating to January:

“I think it is very good for the neighborhood, actually, and we own the neighborhood.” -- MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren, on The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, at the opening of The Strip’s newest resort.

“I’m pretty lucky, actually.” -- Bareback contestant Ryan Gray, grateful he suffered a mere lacerated liver during competition at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Our cars never had seat belts. Well, they actually did, but they were tucked under the seats with the empty beer cans.” -- Encore Theater headliner Garth Brooks, waxing nostalgic from the stage about his family’s vehicles.

“I absolutely would love to play a comic role, or be in a Western, or a romantic comedy.” -- MMA star Randy Couture, outlining his post-fighting acting preferences.

“A couple of things maybe I should not mention are ketchup and Coke.” -- Star chef Joel Robuchon, when asked if he had any culinary guilty pleasures.

“I am kind of afraid, to be honest, of dancing again. It was a very scary thing. It’s not like just jumping back on the horse.” -- Burlesque queen Tempest Storm, 82, talking of her trepidation after suffering a broken hip after a fall during a performance at the Burlesque Hall of Fame at the Plaza in June.

“Who else are we going to invite? When you’re in Las Vegas, you have to invite Mr. Las Vegas.” -- Peter Sagal of NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” explaining the decision to invite Wayne Newton to play “Not My Job.”

“Elvis was a dear friend, but to use Graceland as a way to promote what we’re doing would not be right. It’s Shenandoah, and it will always be Shenandoah.” -- Wayne Newton, on why calling his in-development museum and showroom attraction across from Casa de Shenandoah “Graceland West” is wrong.

“You can’t fight it. Don’t bother trying, either.” -- Broadcast legend Larry King, on the inevitability of social media, during the Nevada Cancer Institute’s “Rock for the Cure” event at Aria

“I’ve been through some tough things in my life. This is the hardest thing I’ve been through. -- Marie Osmond, during an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” talking for the first time publicly about the suicide of her son, Michael Blosil, in February.

“I was in hell. It’s impossible to describe the feeling, but when you take a heroin junkie, and it’s either cold turkey or the alternative, you understand why they commit crimes.” -- Steve Wynn, on the hazardous effects of chemical withdrawals he suffered while coming off the painkillers Dilaudid and Fentanyl, prescription medications prescribed to him as he underwent four back surgeries from November 2009 through February 2010.

“It’s supposed to be for a month, and we’re just testing the waters. We’ll see how it works, see if I enjoy it. I don’t know, month after month? We’ll just see how it goes.” -- Rod Stewart, on the possibility that his limited engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace might lead to an extended engagement, similar to Elton John’s “Red Piano” performances at the theater.

“People ask, ‘Do you just get sick of people talking about it?’ It’s just, I have no more snappy answers. The fact that we’re still talking about it 15 years after the fact amazes me.” -- Jason Alexander, portraying Donny Clay at MGM Grand’s Hollywood Theater, on the impenetrable popularity of his “Seinfeld” character George Costanza.

“As meticulous as I can be onstage, and I am a real perfectionist about the act, I’m really quite messy around the house” -- Teller, confiding his untidiness at home, at Penn & Teller’s 10th anniversary show in October, where their contract extension was announced.

“I wouldn't turn her down, I'll tell you that.” -- Hugh Hefner, celebrating Claire Sinclair’s opening in "Crazy Horse Paris" at MGM Grand, when asked if he would ever consider using Sarah Palin as a Playboy model.

“Jerry will be asked to play a key role in the 2011 telethon.” -- Jim Brown, MDA vice president of public relations, addressing the possibility that Jerry Lewis is on his way out as host of the MDA Labor Day Telethon after it was decided (without Lewis’ input) that the telethon would be shortened from 21 ½ hours to 6 hours for 2011.

“The love in her eyes is the love you get from children. It’s the love you get from healthychildren. I know the feeling of all my kids, who are so lucky to have you.” -- Jerry Lewis, speaking to MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali, at the end of this year’s telethon, which raised just under $59 million.

“I think an NBA team would be electric here. I think it would be fantastic.” -- Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, speaking from the Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children red carpet at Wynn Las Vegas, speculating about Las Vegas’ chances at landing an NBA franchise someday.

“There won’t be a team in Las Vegas unless there’s an arena. It’s not going to happen.” –- Palms owner (and Sacramento Kings part owner) George Maloof, clarifying what would have to happen to make that electricity a reality.

“I drive a smart car and a pickup. I don’t think those are exotic cars.” -- Donny Osmond, dismissing a contention made in court papers by Chip Lightman, the former producer of Donny & Marie at the Flamingo, that Osmond drives exotic vehicles (the two sides settled a breach-of-contract suit filed by Lightman out of court).

“I’m a prime candidate for hip-replacement surgery.” -– Andre Agassi, simplifying the wear-and-tear he still suffers four years after retiring from professional tennis at age 36.

“Tony said, ‘You're going to make it. You're going to make it. Just keep taking your acting classes and get rid of some of this accent. You're going to make it -- don't pay any attention to those guys.’ ” -- Arnold Schwarzenegger, speaking at Tony Curtis’ funeral at Palm Mortuary, on the support Curtis’ showed Schwarzenegger early in his acting career.

“He said, ‘I’m a fan of your work,’ and I about crapped my pants!” -- Adult film legend Ron Jeremy, recalling his first meeting with Curtis, who became a close friend.

“I found out the other day that the set we're using is the old ‘Seinfeld’ set. There's actually a plaque there, commemorating the show. So we've got a lot of history on our side.” -- Marc Saggese, a partner with Michael Cristalli in the law firm Cristalli & Saggase, the basis of the CBS legal drama “The Defenders.”

“They have more than 1.5 million Facebook fans.” -- Anton Nikodemus, providing just one reason why his Monte Carlo cut a deal to bring Jabbawockeez to the theater once occupied by the far more traditionally themed Lance Burton.

“Most people understand the concept of Plinko.” -- Former 'N Sync member Joey Fatone, appreciating the familiarity of “The Price Is Right” stage show at Bally’s, which he guest hosted in September.

“I feel the same as the day we lost Liberace. I feel kind of empty right now.” –- Anna Nateece, Liberace’s longtime costume designer, on Sept. 11, the day it was formally announced that The Liberace Museum would close Oct. 17

"Cy Waits has been separated from the company and is free to pursue other interests.” -- Steve Wynn, in a statement, releasing the 34-year-old nightclub executive who was arrested while driving with Paris Hilton on misdemeanor suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Aug. 31 in front of Wynn Las Vegas.

"I saw B.B. King perform in San Francisco, and from the first note, he started to cry. All I could see was the tears, and those diamonds he had on that hat that said 'B.B. King.' And I said, 'Damn! That's what I want to do. That's who I want to be.' ” -- The Joint headliner Carlos Santana, recalling the first time he saw one of his heroes, B.B. King, perform live.

“"No, I lived all that. I don't need a virtual reality version of it." -- Santana, when asked if he’s seen “Love” at The Mirage.

“I’ve been against a gated community. My neighbors and my wife (Carolyn) are for it, and it takes unanimity under present ordinance to have a gated community. Now, I can do whatever I want to do as the mayor, but I have to live with my wife, so I have to be careful.” -- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, on why he hasn’t pushed harder for a gate to be built in his Scotch 80s neighborhood.

"My nerves will come when I have to take off my top." -- Angel Porrino, on when she’ll get the jitters substituting for Holly Madison in “Peepshow.” Porrino played Bo Peep for a week in September.

“My parents somehow rented an accordion. Every Jewish and Italian kid had to play an accordion. They won't let you out of Brooklyn unless you can play 'Lady of Spain.’ ” -- Barry Manilow, on the first musical instrument he learned to play.

“We don’t seem to have a lot in common. -- Harry Reid, on the unlikely pairing of he and longtime Republican Wayne Newton, two men instrumental in bringing the USO Lounge to McCarran International Airport.

“About ’68 was when I got divorced. I haven’t really been close (to remarrying) since. I feel that one foot’s already in the grave, so why should I let some lady put the other in?” -- B.B. King, explaining his long history of bachelorhood.

"If they have electricity and class-three weapons owners, I've probably been there. -- Ted Nugent, when asked if he’d ever played Buffalo Bill’s Star of the Desert Arena before his date in August (he had not).

We blew up literally everything you could see in a half-mile radius! Anything that was standing was not standing when we finished the movie!" -- Terry Crews, at the Las Vegas premiere of “The Expendables” at Planet Hollywood.

"Every time I go through that arch, it's BEEEEEP!" Then all the people around are looking at me, saying 'He's Capt. Kirk! What's going on?" -- William Shatner, who has an artificial hip, on why he hates flying.

"I advise that you get up off your couch, put down the Gameboy, get on your bicycle and pedal over to the Pinball Hall of Fame!" -- Pinball Hall of Fame owner Tim Arnold, drumming up business at the attraction’s new site on East Tropicana Avenue, across from the now-latent Liberace Museum.

“I became a vegan. Vegan is where no animal products. No livestock products. Nothing. I just did a lot of training and try to become more faithful in life. I wanted a different life.” –- Mike Tyson, who disclosed life-altering information during a pop-in interview with Paul Howard, Mitch Moss and Seat Williams on ESPN Radio 1100's "Gridlock" sports chat show.

"It could turn out to be like -- oh, the great musical starring Susan Sarandon. The name, I can't remember ... Wait -- 'Rocky Horror!' " -- Olivia Newton-John, during an appearance at the annual Amazon Summit at The Venetian, musing about the potential for the “Grease Sing-A-Long” film adaptation.

““I got some looks, believe me.” -- Michael Hollick, a member of the cast of Disney’s "The Lion King” at Mandalay Bay, on showing up to the birth of his wife Angela and his first baby, Ziggy, while Michael was still in full Scar makeup.

“I'm a very strict judge when it comes to Elvis.” -- Amanda Latham, on the night she wed Pete Vallee -- aka Big Elvis -- at the lounge at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon.

“Hopefully it will be a really great movie. I don't see why it wouldn't be.” -- Matt Damon, on portraying Liberace’s onetime lover Scott Thorson in the announced Liberace biopic, comments made during Don Cheadle’s Ante Up for Africa at The Rio in July, months before Michael Douglas (who is portraying Liberace) was diagnosed with throat cancer and The Liberace Museum closed.

"I had a friend who took 3 months to watch tape of hundreds of comedians," he said. "He found hours and hours of guys hitting the same punch lines and premises. He wanted to put this out there, so I could defend myself, but I told him, 'I get why you're doing that, but if you do that, you're going to make comedy look bad.' ” -- Carlos Mencia, who has been accused by his fellow stand-up comics of lifting the material of others and passing it off as his own, before his dates at Treasure Island in June.

"I would like to be more politically active. I would have to start at the ground level, though. I'd say I want to be an intern, but Monica Lewinsky ruined that option for everyone." -- Holly Madison, at the premiere of “Holly’s World” at Planet Hollywood, waxing philosophic about her political aspirations.

“I’m not trying to find Miss Conservative. I’ve done that.” -- Miss America judge Rush Limbaugh, during his only meeting with the media at last year’s pageant (when asked which state Miss Conservative represented, Limbaugh just laughed).

“That’s how bad my deal is. The rabbi met me out at the car and said, ‘You’re the type of Jew who would make Schindler re-think his list!’ ” –- Brad Garrett, on his four-wall business deal with the Tropicana to operate his Brad Garrett Comedy Club.

“Let's just say it was irreconcilable differences.” -- Magician Lance Burton, on why he left Monte Carlo after spending 14 years as the hotel’s headliner.

“I don't like it. It shouldn't be there. It's a neon nightmare. It's a mistake, I wish that a tiger would get loose and just eat everyone there." –- Russell Brand, during an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman” to plug “Get Him to the Greek,” opining about Las Vegas.

“I'm gonna grow old, but I don't want to stop performing. I don't want to be old.” -- Former Checkmate Sonny Charles, 70, who has been rejuvenated as a member of The Steve Miller Band.

“The difference is, by the time we reached national TV, we were professionals. These kids are amateurs. … They are not professional entertainers. Not yet.” -- Human Nature at Imperial Palace presenter Smokey Robinson, drawing a distinction between his group, The Miracles, and the contestants who compete on “American Idol.”

“All I want is an even playing field. If he does a blood and urine test, Olympic-style testing, I'll fight him. If he doesn't, we have no fight.” -- Floyd Mayweather Jr., in the May 1 news conference after he beat Shane Mosley by unanimous decision, speaking of Manny Pacquiao.

We’re ‘American Chopper’ one week, ‘Antiques Roadshow’ the next week, ‘Pimp My Ride’ the next. We’re a little bit of everything.” -- Rick “The Spotter” Harrison, explaining the popularity of “Pawn Stars” on The History Channel.

“What we do recognize is that this is, quote-unquote, cowboy country, both from the standpoint of getting into the saddle and running up and down the field. But I am a lot more passionate about the Cowboys who put on a football helmet.” -- Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, on the possibility that he might try to lure the National Finals Rodeo to Cowboys Stadium.

““The girls and guys who came up to see Elvis were always surprised that he was so shy. You’d go into the bedroom, he’d be sitting with his back against the wall so no one could stand behind him. He’d be reading from the Bible with five, six, seven girls in the room with him. Just reading the Bible, and these were all beautiful women.” -- Longtime Las Vegas entertainment journalist and PR man Frank Lieberman, interviewed for Elvis’ 75th birthday, on the scene at the International/Las Vegas Hilton when Presley headlined there.

“Let me set the record straight. I love Vegas, always have. I love Vegas. I enjoy myself every time I've got an opportunity to visit.” -- President Obama, during an appearance at Aria in February to support Sen. Harry Reid, lavishing the love on Las Vegas.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.