Hugh Hefner introduced her for the first time yesterday at his Playboy Mansion when he made the official announcement and today, less than 24 hours later she arrives here in Vegas on her first assignment.

Palms owner, George Maloof will welcome her at noon to kick off his Ditch Friday’s summer pool party season.

Jayde, who will be at the Palms for 6 hours today was the Miss January 2007 contestant. She comes from the tiny Northern Ontario town of Port Perry on Lake Scugog and it doesn’t yet have a movie theater or shopping mall! This will be her first ever visit to Vegas.

She told Playboy yesterday: “I definitely remember my first Playboy Halloween party. I was kind of naive before I was in Playboy. I had never seen a Playboy magazine, I obviously had heard of Playboy and the Mansion. I didn’t have an idea of what it was going to be like. I was an ice queen. I was wearing a full dress to the ground. It was a strapless, big poofy dress. I was the most dressed person there. Probably an hour or so into the party I went back and changed into a white crystal lingerie piece, because I felt so out of place.”

“It’s so hard when I try and look ahead, because I feel like if you would have asked me two years ago where I would be right now, I wouldn’t be standing in the Playboy Mansion. I know that I want to be doing something that has to do with health and fitness and wellness. I hope to be in the same field, still traveling, still enjoying my job. I don’t want to be sitting behind a desk.

“It’s crazy. Everyone’s been saying ‘I hope you win,’ but I’ve said, “You know what? I’m Canadian, so there’s no way, we haven’t won Playmate of the Year in 30 years. So, it made it a much greater shock. And I feel it’s a little bit more responsibility, because I’m not just representing Playboy here in the U.S., but I’m going to be representing my whole country.”

Club No. 1 has just recently begun experiencing problems of lowered guest counts since it opened in a flurry of great press headlines from its superstar owner-partners who had bankrolled it. I’ve learned reliably that because of recent events the hotel-resort landlords have successfully “persuaded” the club to cut itself in half thus shrinking its original concept space and then converting the new ‘vacant’ half into a far-wider appealing ultra lounge hangout.” Official word is “No Comment” but my story is solid and upset execs didn’t deny the successful project had been “an isolated Vegas market misunderstanding”.

Club No. 2 has been the subject of a near two-month long series of rumors that its “going to be sold.” Everytime I’ve asked for comment as more and more wicked whispers and racy rumors trickle in, I’ve been emphatically told “it is not for sale.” But the drumbeats grow louder from San Diego to Vegas and even local liquor distributors say the deal is finally in place for licensing applications to reflect a change of ownership. I’m reliably told that a seven-club nightlife operator headquartered in Orange County is allegedly prepared to shell out up to a rumored $90 million in the complicated transaction which includes an apparent payment of a supposed existing $70 million Los Angeles investment bank hedge fund loan. I’m also told that one of the celebrity owner-partners has been actively pushing for the sale to prevent problems of other recent events spilling into his own business life.

For the record let me state that the official word “There is no sale and we are not seeking a sale.” Has remained unchanged for the past seven weeks! However this week the stories concerning both nightclub operations escalated to where I’ve been told to expect announcements within the next ten days or so. Final deal sticking points, contractual sign-offs and legal transfers have to have dotted I’s and crossed T’s just wrapped up and then all of the above guessing game will become crystal clear.

Two other connected Strip rumblings: a new $4 billion privately financed resort-casino serving up the “ultimate in luxury” is being readied for announcement . Plans call for it to be located on the far south section of the Strip not far from the prestigious McDonalds Highlands residential project. Plans for a Vegas nightclub operator to co-own and manage two new clubs in Miami and Vegas hotel group properties have been rumored to have been “put on hold” for now due to the nation’s tightening economic situation.

Some people went so far as to say there was no way they would be able to live up to their promise of an “on-stage magical moment appearance” for next February’s Lou Ruvo Brain Institute charity fundraising dinner. Now I can put the skeptics to rest because Siegfried himself has confirmed to me that the two wizards have begun their advance preparations.

“The process is underway” he told me at their Spago dinner after Cher’s premiere at Caesars Palace. “It’s a little slow going but we have started. We have been playing with some new ideas and polishing some more familiar ones. It wont be ambitious, fairly small in fact but we will definitely have our one time magical moment and it is great for Roy to have this new target in front of him. He is as excited as I am about accomplishing what we have promised.” The two former Mirage headliners who sold out for an amazing 14-year-plus run have been pulling out past tricks and magic props at their warehouse and both say they are pleased the process has started and continues onward.

They will have their preliminary swimsuit contest tonight at the Golden Nugget’s spectacular pool and shark aquarium known as The Tank. Afterwards all 65 of the sexy ladies will host a pre-midnight bash at the Hawaiian Tropic Zone hangout in Planet Hollywood Resort.

Then tomorrow they move to the Fremont Street Experiences stage for the final competition and a live performance by multi-platinum Grammy-nominated band, Everclear. The contest will be shown on the giant Viva Vision screens and recorded for syndicated broadcast this summer. Luxe Life will have the full report on the finalists and ultimate winner on Monday.

Rocker Slash and wife, Perla Ferrar turned up for the opening and even discussed sitting for a photo shoot with the legendary lensman! All the first night guests raved about the stunning and candid photos including his new one of supermodel Kate Moss. His classic shots of everybody from David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Deborah Harry and Lou Reed wowed guests who sipped wine while listening to gentle violin music, that’s about as far away from his subject’s onstage sounds as you could get.

*Real-estate tycoon Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump checked out the family’s new Trump International Hotel & Tower for the first time since it opened two weekends ago.

A connoisseur of fine cuisine, Eric dined at the hotel’s signature restaurant DJT where he enjoyed the Chilled Maine Lobster for an appetizer and the Seared Day Boat Scallops for his main course. He also tested one of the hotel’s luxurious suites where he said he had the “best sleep of his life.” He should have, since he and sister Ivanka tracked down and developed the fabulous beds with 500-thread-count Bellino Italian sheets, feather-down comforters and pillows and Trump signature sleep systems by Stearns & Foster. Eric, Ivanka and Donald Jr. work closely with their father on the newly-launched Trump Hotel Collection brand, which includes properties in Chicago, Manhattan, Ft. Lauderdale, Waikiki and New Orleans in addition to the one here opposite the Wynn.

*Robert DeNiro’s chef partner, Agostino flew in from Los Angeles to personally cook for Sopranos actress Lorraine Bracco at his Ago restaurant in the Hard Rock resort casino. She was there introducing her new Italian wines to the customers and staff!

*Sex and the City hunk, Jason Lewis will join Sopranos actress Lorraine Bracco and Spamalot star John O’Hurley for today’s “Masters vs Rookies” Pro Am cooking contest with Iron Chef Cat Cora as emcee at the Caesars Palace Roman Plaza. Jason was Samantha Jones boy-toy in the TV series and now in the new hot summer movie version.

*A lot of people didn’t believe me when I wrote about the $1000 high-roller sushi roll at the Koi celebrity studded restaurant in the Planet Hollywood Resort. Some scoffed and sneered!. So I have no choice but to present it to you in its full and glorious colorful glory!

I just wish you could break through the computer screen and grab it to taste for yourself! It’s not on the menu so you must ask for it and promise not to blink at the bill! It’s made from marinated Foie Gras and poached in sweet sauterne dessert wine, shaped into a roll and then top-loaded with sweet baby lobsters and cut into sashimi shape and brushed with vanilla bean butter! Now that’s a taste treat! But the chef hasn’t finished yet! He then places shaved white truffles atop and drizzles 100-year-old Balsamic vinegar all over the platinum platter!!!

*Congratulations to Connie Thiele from Austin, Texas for hitting a $21 million jackpot at the Palms Casino Resort, the third Megabucks jackpot there since 2004. Connie and husband Robert were at the Palms playing slots hoping to earn enough for a free lunch when it turned into a $21 million smorgasbord!

*Renowned artist Dale Chihuly will sign copies of his new book and DVD set, Chihuly in the Hotshop that captures his creative commotion and collaborative artistry. Shot at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Wash., the two-part set offers captivating video and more than 90 still images of the famous artist in action. Known for revolutionizing the skill of glassblowing with his masterpieces showcased around the world, he also designed the extraordinary chandelier ‘Fiori di Como’ located in the Bellagio lobby. He’ll be at his gallery alongside the Conservatory & Botanical gardens there during the weekend. It’sthe first and only store featuring his work and where you can purchase the artistic legend’s exquisite glass masterworks.

*Elegant English actress Jane Seymour is also an accomplished artist and there’s a 10-day exhibition of her paintings at Barbara Lee Woollen’s Art de Vignettes Too gallery in Henderson. Jane herself will be in the gallery both today (FRI) and tomorrow and check out my friend’s floral artwork inspired from the gardens of her magnificent English castle. Now its time for us to pick up the canvas for the weekend of eye-appeal Vegas happenings and fill in all the colorful artistic attractions that around here we affectionately refer to as the ROYAL ROBIN RUNDOWN:

FRI., May 9

* Beauty is the name of the game and today is a day of blonde and brunette bathing bombshells. The brand new 2008 Playboy Playmate will jet right from the Playboy Mansion announcement in Beverly Hills to her first public appearance unveiled right at poolside for George Maloof’s Ditch Fridays party in the Palms. Then all 65 exotic swimsuit stunners competing in tomorrow’s Miss International Hawaiian Tropic pageant will parade at the Golden Nugget’s pool and then host at the new Torrid nightclub in their own HT Zone at Planet Hollywood Resort’s Miracle Mile.

*Gorgeous Alicia Keyes is a visual stunner and incredible vocalist but also a brilliant pianist able to tickle the ivories for Boogies or Beethoven. She’s had an extraordinary super-successful journey since her 2001 MTV music awards show debut, racking up five Grammy awards just 12 months later. Tonight with her new As I Am near million-copy seller she headlines at MGM Grand, and we’re all “Fallin’” for her!

*Tall and talented funnyman Brad Garrett is a laugh a minute tonight and tomorrow at The Mirage shedding his Everybody Loves Raymond role for the challenges of stand-up comedy. Over at the Improv in Harrah’s my pal Hal Sparks of E! TV’s Talk Soup and Queer Eye headlines with his unique comedy tonight through Sunday evening.

*He can play Chopin as a classical concert pianist or jazz saxophone and even a fiddle and banjo. Tom Dane is a musical genius who has mastered 12 different instruments and is also a living sound machine with his on-target impressions. He’s at Steve Wyrick’s Planet Hollywood Theater for one unique night.

*”Wild Boys” Duran Duran are still “Hungry Like The Wolf” and rock ‘n’ roll out the Red Carpet Massacre 2008 tour with two nights of back-to-back-shows tonight and tomorrow at the Hard Rock with special guest
Your Vegas. Hard to believe that handsome studs Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhoades have been with the group since it was originally formed almost 30 years ago and have sold over 70 million records. Then Reggae legend and Jamaica’s outrageous and bizarre hip-hop rhyhym–master Eek-A-Mouse squeaks out a poolside concert also at the Hard Rock tonight.

*Veteran jazz singer Etta James began singing at age 5 in a California Baptist church choir. In her 50-year career she’s nabbed four Grammy’s and been inducted into all three Blues, Grammy and Rock and Roll halls of fame! Her special throaty sounds will thrill at the Orleans tonight through Sunday evening.

*It’s standing room only for the country sounds of Emerson Drive at Ovation in the Green Valley Ranch while Tower of Power stands tall through Sunday night at the Suncoast and DJ Jazzy Jeff stars at Rain in the Palms for Mu$ic is the Currency.

*The 13th annual Motorhead Festival starts downtown at 10 a.m. today and continues on tomorrow, but for something truly completely different check out the amazing never-before-seen break-dance moves of Jabba-Wockeez at the Jet nightclub in The Mirage.

SAT., May 10

*With over 40 million worldwide album sales Rush is still in a hurry speeding along with its “Snakes & Arrows” tour slithering in bullseye at Mandalay Bay with guitarist Alex Lifeson, singer Geddy Lee and drummer Neil Peart.

*Clean-cut comedian Daniel Tosh, who has wowed with his cutting-edge one-liners on both Jay Leno and David Letterman’s late night talk-shows is at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay.

*Actress model Ali Landry celebrates her first Mother’s Day Tao nightclub’s first ever “Hot Moms” event at The Venetian hot spot. The former Miss USA, her first daughter Estela was born last June, is best known for her role in the Doritos TV commercials and as Rita Lefleur in the sitcom Eve. Her husband, film director Alejandro Monteverde will join the festivities.

*Beauty and The Geek sexy stunner Jillian Beyor has agreed to strip down to her lusty and lacy lingerie for a Pillow Fight party in Studio 54’s nightclub at the MGM Grand.

SUN., May 11

*Happy Mothers Day and remember gals can join their guys out at the first ever special “adventure” high speed Hot Pursuit day at the new Spring Mountain Club raceway just 45 minutes from the Strip out at Pahrump. From noon to 6 p.m. drivers can race go-karts at speeds of over 80mph, drive Corvettes through a training course and take “hot laps” in radical racecars. Nightlife executives from Privé, Tao, the Hard Rock, Light Group and The Palazzo will compete for the firstst Vegas Hot Pursuit trophy.

When visiting Vegas, be sure to see Las Vegas Magazine in your hotel suite featuring a print edition of Vegas Luxe Life, and an incredible directory of attractions, shows and restaurants.

VEGAS—THE ONLY PLACE TO PLAY!

I’m reliably told that a former girlfriend of 63-year-old Governor Jim Gibbons is at the heart of his current divorce case with attractive wife of 22 years, Dawn Gibbons. Allegedly they were more than friends years ago, but broke up when both went off to marry others. However, a while back the gal pal got a divorce and our studly Governor found time to both IM and text her.

What do you know? One text led to another and one IM to yet more and Mrs. Gibbons was none too pleased about the apparent escalating affair that progressed from the keypad to another. Two of the trio are trying to keep it all under wraps with the judge’s secrecy gag-order but the other is privately hoping that the drumbeats of wicked whispers and racy rumors get loud enough to go into VOICEMAIL!

For the moment the 54-year-old First Lady is fighting an eviction order to exit the 23-room State Mansion and return to the four-bedroom family home 25 miles away, which the Governor will vacate so he can live, work and play as the bachelor Governor in his official Residence!

If you were a Hollywood scriptwriter you couldn’t dream this stuff up! Truth is better and stranger than fiction.