VegasBeat — Timothy McDarrah: Bush kidded about Porter offspring

Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 | 9:19 a.m.

Who said political folk do not have a sense of humor?

Traci Scott, the overworked and supremely talented press aide to congressional candidate Jon Porter, was in the holding area with her boss and former President George H.W. Bush before a fund-raiser at MGM Grand last week.

First, Porter introduced his wife, Laurie; mother, Bette; son Chris; and daughter, Nicole, to the former president.

Then, Scott stuck out her hand and said to Bush, "Pleased to meet you. I am his illegitimate daughter."

Scott is black.

After a few uncomfortable seconds, Bush laughed, finally realizing that Scott was joking.

When it comes to the local press, Scott also shows a sweet side.

At the same fund-raiser, one clever reporter tried to use Starburst candy to induce Scott to escort her to the president.

Scott has a known passion for the sour fruity squares -- especially the green ones.

The reporter waved the candy in front of the press aide, offering to trade the entire package for a private introduction to the husband of Barbara Bush.

But Bush didn't want to talk to the media.

Maybe if he was offered the candy, instead of Scott? But that was his predecessor, and Ronald Reagan liked jelly beans, not Starburst.

Oh, mama

Caught Bob Dylan at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel on Sunday night.

Very civilized place to see a show, or a ballgame.

The soundboard guys upstairs had the thrilling 11-10 World Series game between the San Francisco Giants and the Anaheim Angels on their video monitor.

Best part of the show was guessing what song the poet laureate of the 1960s was singing; few of the songs sounded like they did on vinyl.

It made both the evening, and the songs (some of which were first released when Lyndon Johnson was president), fresh for both performer and fans -- except for the dolt who kept yelling from the balcony, "Bob! Remember where you came from!"

But for $155.50, I guess you can shout whatever you want.

Mike's likes

Guess Mike Piazza doesn't like to watch.

The New York Mets all-star catcher has been all over Las Vegas the last several days -- everywhere but in front of a television watching the World Series.

One night he stopped at the hot new Simon Kitchen and Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Another evening it was BullShrimp at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino.

He was also spotted at the gaming tables inside two other casinos, the Bellagio and Caesars Palace.

Well, he needs something to do until spring training.

More channel changes

KLAS Channel 8 reporter Renata Troiani e-mailed VegasBeat after we reported Friday on her move to weekends, saying it is only a temporary move until another staffer is hired to do weekend duty.

Then Troiani says she will return to the Monday-to-Friday grind.

Meanwhile, six weeks after respected veteran newsman Bob Stoldal returned to KLAS as vice president of news operations, the station hired Eric Hulnick as managing editor.

Hulnick has done time at KVVU Channel 5, the local Fox affiliate; and KVBC Channel 3, the Las Vegas NBC station.

Hulnick will focus on the station's morning news show.

Soft money

As this is the homestretch of the political season, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is having a fund-raiser Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ghostbar, the club atop the Palms.

However, unlike dozens of pols who face the voters on Nov. 5, Goodman isn't actually running for anything this year.

The invites are cleverly designed and feature such funny slogans as, "Stay focused on the issues, like what kind of martini tastes best."

Or, "It's important to show party leadership. For instance, try starting a conga line."

Hosted by George Maloof, Scott DeGraff and Michael Morton, the event aims to raise funds for Goodman in his next mayoral bid.

Contributions are voluntary -- they will take as much as you can spare at the door.

Buzz wax

This column uses boldface type when listing celebrity names.

But what if the celebrity is made of wax?

Well, fame is fame.

Today at 5:30 p.m., astronaut Buzz Aldrin -- the second man to set foot on the lunar surface -- will cut the ribbon dedicating the new Spirit of America exhibit at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum at The Venetian.

A wax Aldrin is on display, next to Neil Armstrong, who preceeded Aldrin down the ladder from the lunar module Eagle onto the surface of the moon.

As part of the festivities, Aldrin will escort a group from William E. Snyder Elementary School through new displays featuring presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, and other icons ranging from John Wayne to Princess Diana.

Dollar Desi

Gotta respect Desi Arnaz Jr.

Decades ago he was in a garage band with Dean Martin's son Ricci and neighbor and pal Billy Hinsche.

But on Saturday night Arnaz attended Martin's tribute to Dean, which features musical director Hinsche, at Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre. Arnaz whipped out his credit card to buy seven tickets for his party instead of requesting comps.

Among the group was Arnaz's wife, Amy, and his ex-wife, singer and actress Linda Purl.

Lucy and Ricky -- er, Lucy and Desi -- would have been proud.

Kiddie cook

Leave it to the uber-original Chef Michael Mina.

He is about to launch a new cooking show for children.

Mina's Aqua Development Corp. runs such high-end local eateries as Aqua in the Bellagio and NOBHILL at MGM Grand.

Fremantle Television -- which produced a little show called "American Idol" -- begins filming Mina in February.

No air date has been set.

Check out

Crooner Enrique Iglesias, Las Vegas Food Service magazine publisher Michael Politz and several Los Angeles Lakers late late late Saturday night at Rain in the Desert at the Palms ... Lions, tigers -- and dogs, oh my: Siegfried & Roy presenting the awards at the 14th annual Metro Police K-9 Trials at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday ... Veteran radio newsman Jerry Gordon and his wife, KTNV Channel 13 off-air talent Phyllis Gordon, at Blue Wave on East Sunset Road.