Columnist Kate Maddox: Goodman sets firm goals

Kate Maddox

Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 | 8:13 a.m.

Goodman the younger, 31, grew up in Vegas and graduated from Clark High School. He passed the bar this month, but says he's still learning the ropes at his father's law practice and isn't sure if he even has an official title yet. Asked if he was an associate, Goodman replied, "You know, that's a good question. I'm not sure."

Well, one thing is certain: There is pressure for Goodman to follow in his old man's footsteps. "People talk to me about it," Goodman said. "But I'm just trying to walk before I run." (Nice double entendre. Spoken like a true pol.) But you wouldn't rule out a run for mayor, or any Nevada political position, in the future, right? With the same upbeat attitude as his famous pop, Goodman said, "It's definitely not out of the question."

One of the things that might make a $3,000 personal membership to the Palms' new nightspots worth the cost (and that's a big might) is the space-age VIP entry to Rain's private party level. The nightclub is equipped with luxury skyboxes, most with personal lighting systems. But getting to the super-special area is only possible via private elevator -- and thumb-scan identification.

The expensive status symbol also gets you perks at N9NE, Skin Pool Lounge and ghostbar. Should you pony up the cash, prepare for your thumb to be duplicated in the nightclub's security system.

Aladdin's new "Broadway" show schedule switch has nothing to do with the hotel's financial woes, despite recent rumors to the contrary. The real story is that "Blast," the show that is a hit in New York, had to push back its touring schedule by almost a year and won't be on the Strip until October. As a result, "Tommy" is set for January, "Rent" was moved to April and "Guys and Dolls" to May. Also, Ann-Margret returns to Vegas in April at Aladdin. Elvis' former favorite leading lady will star in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

Howling with Coyotes to raise money? Gov. Kenny Guinn has scheduled a fund-raiser for Nov. 14 at Vegas' sexiest new bar, Coyote Ugly. Guinn and his supporters are apparently opting out of swankier Four Seasons-style functions this go-round and instead are trying to push for a younger, hipper, GOP crowd, so says one insider. Guinn, the Coyote girls (female bartenders who spit fire, snip neckties, down whiskey and dance on the bar) and supporters who have donated $500 or more are expected at the invite-only political hootenanny.

We're still a day away from Halloween, but that minor issue didn't stop costume-clad tourists from parading about the Strip this weekend. A friend was privy to this, um, interesting tale about a duck ... and a pit boss.

A young man dressed head to toe in an elaborate feathered costume, complete with makeup and full beak, was literally flapping his wings in an uproar Saturday night at Bellagio. Seems the duck, who had already been told by security that he was not allowed to gamble, became irate when a pit boss (obviously not in the mood to be yelled at by a grown man in a duck suit) told the feathered freak that he couldn't even float among the gaming tables.

The two proceeded to get into a heated argument. The wannabe gambler, who never even doffed his beak during the melee, was finally asked to waddle elsewhere -- escorted by security.