Columnist Kate Maddox: Forecast rosy for Tannenbaum

Kate Maddox

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000 | 12:36 p.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Reach her at kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

Meteorologist and bow-tie lover Nate Tannenbaum has a new gig. Wednesday was the weatherman's last day at KVBC Channel 3 after six years at the station.

Tannenbaum returns to KTNV Channel 13 (his home from 1989-94) early next month, but due to contractual noncompete obligations he won't be an on-the-air presence until September.

No matter. He's still making big bucks.

When asked why Tannenbaum was suddenly up and leaving Channel 3, one source cited the astronomical pay increase offered by KTNV, the local ABC affiliate.

"He got a much better deal," the insider said. "This guy's now going to be making more than most anchors in town, not to mention forecasters."

Tannenbaum's new deal is rumored be well into the six-figure range.

The generosity of Channel 13 is reportedly the work of a new and ambitious management staff. Another reliable source said that in addition to the new weather lineup, changes at the Channel 13 anchor table are expected in coming months.

"They want to clear the decks ... those guys won't be around next year," the insider said.

Channel 13's current chief meteorologist, Ted Textor, is reportedly leaving the station early next year. Neither Tannenbaum nor Textor could be reached for comment.

Chances are KTNV will try to get Tannenbaum on the air before his noncompete clause expires, but insiders insist KVBC will fight to make them wait it out.

Our very own Sen. Harry Reid might end up in an Oscar-winning flick. Reid shot a scene with fellow politicos in Washington last June for the drug-war movie, "Traffic." Now it looks like "Traffic" might be an Oscar contender.

The movie snagged Best Film honors at the New York Film Critics Circle awards. In an unpredictable Oscar year, the award might be a sign that Reid and his acting debut are headed for the big show.

Changes are happening at the Las Vegas Art Museum. After four years at the helm, Executive Director Joseph Palermo is reportedly stepping down. Palermo, who was instrumental in the recent bid to make the LVAM a Smithsonian affiliate, has apparently decided to quit corporate and return to his first loves, painting and sculpting.

Marianne Lorenz, executive director of the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings, Mont., is slated to fill Palermo's shoes when he departs in March.

Whether or not Carmen Electra's long-rumored show at the Aladdin takes off, it won't be a financial burden for the hotel. Just as most Vegas production shows these days, Electra's mysterious Strip plans will most likely be a four-wall deal, essentially making the Aladdin her landlord.

Negotiations are still in the works to bring Electra to town, but the Aladdin is said to be getting antsy about opening its showroom, which will be across from the tony London Club on the second floor.

"They want to get it up and running as soon as possible," one source said. "But without a signed deal, they're worried."

An announcement on the Electra show was expected Dec. 8, but sources now speculate we won't be hearing anything until after the new year.

Robin Leach's dating lifestyle has kept him in the company of some attractive local women, and this week was no exception. Leach was spotted cuddling with Stephanie Ruttenberg at Thursday's Bandits game at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Name doesn't ring a bell? Well, maybe you'd recognize her by her bronzed behind. The 24-year-old Ruttenberg is one of the Riviera's Crazy Girls dancers, whose rear ends have been immortalized for posterity in statue form.