STRIP SCRIBBLES
Wicked Whispers & Racy Rumors: The drumbeat bangs louder that one of our major resort-hotel groups has agreed to take back a troubled nightclub situation with the approval of its out of state bankers if it becomes necessary as a result of the ongoing IRS investigation. … Just asking if a problem has developed between Bette Midler and the Nevada Ballet Theater’s decision to name her their “Women of the Year” honoree next February? … Is it true that one allegedly hot new restaurant-lounge is already very quietly up for sale? … One of the longest running Strip nightclubs may very well shed its old name and image and be fully made over with a completely different modern look and management. … One high-ranking nightclub executive is “in the dark” as to why his longtime live-in lady love is telling her co-workers she’s nicknamed him “LD” for his lack of physical attributes when they slip between the covers! …. MGM brass assure me there is no truth whatsoever to the current rumor that it’s “Lions Lair” is to be converted into another new nightclub attraction although they did admit it’s a rumbling that crops up with regularity every six months or so and something they would eventually like to see happen for real. … Is sexy Jenna Jameson pitching a Strip club concept that would put her in the burlesque nightclub business.
*Mindfreak magician Criss Angel moves into his new Luxor Theater this week as rehearsals for his new Cirque du Soleil show Believe pick up the pace.
His cast and crew have been working on routines and costumes in a large warehouse dance studio the past few weeks while workmen put the finishing touches on the reconfigured and re-designed theater. Now the new look is ready and everything moves over, safely behind ever-tightening security and locked doors so no secrets are spilled!
*Vegas-headquartered boxing promoter Bob Arum has pulled his title fight between reigning WBC super featherweight champ Manny Pacquiano and WBA champion Edwin Valero from The Venetian Macau arena. To make it financially viable it had to be telecast as a PPV event worldwide but to be live in primetime here that would have meant a 10 a.m. Sunday morning bout in Macau and not sufficient people get up early enough there to pack a stadium let alone the boxers showing up on time! The new location will be announced later!
*Congratulations to former rival nightlife columnist and celebrity reporter Jeremy Pond on his appointment as new Media and PR Director for Victor Drai’s venues (Tryst in the Wynn & Drais After Hours at Center Strip) and the launch of his new XS nightclub in the new Encore resort when it opens in December.
*Congratulations to our ecologically-themed Springs Preserve 180-acre attraction for its 1st anniversary success in setting a new one-day attendance record of 7,400 visitor who went through over 825 gallons of ice cream during the eight-hour party!
*Star surveillance: comedienne Roseanne Barr, headlining at the Sahara, finally got to see the Jersey Boys musical at The Palazzo while comedy count Eddie Griffin helped Marcus Stroud celebrate his 30th birthday at Jay-Z’s nearby 40/40 Club. … Dressed as a uniformed UPS deliveryman in brown short shorts, Spamalot star John O’Hurley was the star host of the 22nd Golden Rainbow Ribbon of Life fundraiser for AIDS affected families at the Paris resort casino. … Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton backstage in Sir Elton John’s dressing room at Caesars Palace as a birthday treat for the notorious writer’s sister. … No sooner did Jared Leto check into the Hard Rock Hotel than the ravenous traveler hit the Pink Taco for its Mexican taste treats. … For two consecutive nights actor Ethan Embry,
(Rusty Griswald, a.k.a. “Mr. Pappagiorgio” in Vegas Vacation, Sweet Home Alabama and Can’t Hardly Wait) was at The Beatles Revolution Lounge in The Mirage where in between his birthday toasts he played on the interactive cocktail tables