Rickles' new contract marks his 46th consecutive year as a Las Vegas Strip headliner, a feat unmatched by any other performer. The freewheeling, no-holds-barred comedian debuted at the Sahara in 1959 and finishes up an appearance tonight at the Stardust with singer Lainie Kazan.

The veteran comedian recently earned critical acclaim in a dramatic role in "The Wool Cap," appearing with William H. Macy, Ned Beatty and Catherine O'Hara.

He's also appeared in major films such as "Run Silent, Run Deep," "Rat Race" and "Kelly's Heroes." He received plaudits for his supporting role in "Casino," appearing with Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. His live theater appearances include co-starring with Ernest Borgnine in a West Coast version of the "The Odd Couple." TV credits include the starring role in the hit NBC sitcom "C.P.O. Sharkey."

The Sam's Town 300 race will take place on Saturday, March 11 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It will also mark the first round of the 2005 Sam's Town Challenge, where a special $20,000 prize is awarded to the driver who is the cumulative points leader in the two Sam's Town-sponsored races. Now entering its third year, the Sam's Town Challenge rewards the winning driver following the completion of the Sam's Town 300 and the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park in October 2005.

Race weekend, March 9-12, includes a host of special promotions and the wildly popular seventh annual NASCAR Drivers Auction, which will be hosted at Sam's Town Live! on Thursday, March 9. Winning bidders for Nextel Cup drivers will ride with their favorite drivers on a special parade lap prior to the start of the eighth annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup 400 on Sunday, March 12. Lucky bidders for Busch Series drivers will get to meet their driver in the pits before the start of the Sam's Town 300 on Saturday, March 11.

Many of the biggest racing names in the Nextel Cup and Busch Series are expected to appear and participate in the event, which raised more than $146,000 last year for needy local area children. NASCAR's drivers and teams also generously donate hundreds of specialty items for the evening's silent auction, including NASCAR memorabilia and autographed collectibles.

Tickets for the auction are $35 and available at the Sam's Town Live! box office or online at www.tickets.com.

Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night, and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals will appear at The Club at the Cannery in North Las Vegas on Saturday, May 14.

Tickets are $9.95, $14.95 and $19.95 plus tax and applicable fees, call 866-287-4643 or 702-617-5585.

Negron was a founding member of Three Dog Night, a band with top 20 singles such as "One (Is The Loneliest Number)," "Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Black and White." Negron, the voice behind the famous lyric "Jeremiah was a Bullfrog" in the multi-Grammy nominated song, "Joy to the World," is considered one of the greatest singers in rock and pop.

Legendary artist, Felix Cavaliere, founded The Rascals and since has earned four number one hits, six top 20 singles, and six top 20 albums. Their hits include "Good Lovin'," "Girl Like You," "I've Been Lonely Too Long," "Groovin'," "How Can I Be Sure," "A Beautiful Morning" and "People Got To Be Free."

Anita Lanahan, the Polish "Crazy Girl," has returned to the show at the Riviera after a two-year hiatus studying at the University of Texas. She noticed that she is still on all the "Crazy Girls" advertising like the posters and billboards. Now she's taking a break from school even though she wants to continue getting a business degree.

Her background in her homeland includes attending one of the best ballet schools in Poland, being in national competitions, and training for nine years from ages 9-18.

Morgan Fairchild will be starring in the play "The Graduate" at the Cashman Theatre, April 19-24. For tickets, call 702-474-4000.

The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards will appear in the Grand Ballroom at the J.W. Marriott on March 26. Tickets are $35 plus tax and applicable fees.

Bob Dylan and His Band will appear in concert at the Aladdin on Saturday, March 19. For tickets, call 702-785-5000.

"KA," the latest creation from Cirque du Soleil, will be dark for an extended period of time from March 23 - April 14. Tickets are $150, $125 and $99 (including tax) and are available 120 days in advance of the performance date, call 800-929-1111.

Beacher's Madhouse is back at the Hard Rock Hotel and taking place every Saturday at 10 p.m. through March 26 with additional shows on March 11 and 18. The pre-show offers an excessive party atmosphere that includes a DJ, go-go dancers and sideshow performers before the stand up comedians take to the stage. Tickets are $28, call 702-693-5066.

One Las Vegas is a high-rise luxury condominium planned for a 20-acre site at Windmill Lane and Las Vegas Boulevard. Vertical construction is expected to being in July on the first two 20-story towers. Prices will start from $275,000 for a one-bedroom, 831-square-foot floor plan.

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Magician Nathan Burton held a casting call last Friday to find 100 showgirls (no dance experience or talent required) to each do a four-hour shift in a Plexiglas box suspended in front of the "V" Theatre at the Aladdin's Desert Passage from March 9-15 for the stunt he's doing. The "E!" Network will be filming the event for an upcoming special. It will be standing room only in the box.

Harrah's headlining comedic magician Mac King has been named the inaugural spokesman for The Public Education Foundation's Clark County READS initiative. As an ambassador for literacy, King will embark on a year-long tour of Clark County Schools performing magic and comedy for Nevada's youth. In addition, King will work within the community to raise awareness about literacy issues that affect Clark County through book drives, public service announcements, and fundraisers.

King takes the stage twice daily at Harrah's, Tuesday through Saturday, at 1 and 3 p.m. in the Clint Holmes Theatre. Tickets are $16.95 plus tax, call 800- 392-9002 ext. 5111.

Former "Folies Bergere" showgirl Janu Tornell began her career with the world-renowned French production revue at the Tropicana on May 25, 1995. When she was offered to extend her Folies contract at the beginning of November 2004, she decided to go from a Las Vegas showroom to the Jungle to pursue a rare opportunity as a contestant on "Survivor: Palau." She made it through the first episode that aired on Feb. 17, using her rock climbing skills.

Over the past two years, Tornell was considered the spokesperson and poster girl for the "Folies Bergere," appearing on the Tropicana marquees, several billboards, national television shows, magazines and newspapers.

As long as she stays in the competition, the public is invited to watch Tornell on the giant big screen television in the Celebration Lounge as she takes on challenges on "Survivor: Palau." Drink specials will be available.

Las Vegas Leisure Guide is celebrating 10 years as a vital Las Vegas' tourism Web site. It is considered a target-marketed Web site containing Las Vegas information and reservations access for tourists. Unlike most other tourism Web sites, Las Vegas Leisure Guide does not accept commission on room bookings. Instead every reservation is made directly through each linked vendor. This Web site is also where my column appears.

Las Vegas will be home to the United States' first freestanding Playboy fashion boutique where the signature Bunny symbol will be prominently displayed. Plans call for the 2,100-square-foot store to opening in April inside the Forum Shops at Caesars near the Stage Deli restaurant in the mall's original wing. Playboy opened its first fashion boutique three years ago in Tokyo's trendy Aoyama District. A Playboy-themed entertainment venue is planned for the Palms.

The $1.1 million LPGA Takefuji Classic tournament will feature the greatest women golfers competing April 11-16.

Gustav Mauler is holding wine dinners this month at two of his restaurants. The first will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at Sazio in the Orleans and feature Ravenswood wines. Cost is $39 per person, plus tax and gratuity, call 702-948-9500 for reservations.

The second dinner will feature Mondavi Vineyards and be held on Tuesday, March 29 at Spiedini in the J.W. Marriott in the northwest part of the valley. The price is $58 per person, plus tax and gratuity, call 702-869-8500.

For years, the Italian Venetian Ristorante located at 3717 W. Sahara Avenue on the corner of Sahara and Valley View attracted locals as well as out-of-town visitors. Veteran restaurateur Mark DiMartino, owner of the famed restaurants The Tillerman, Tilted Kilt, and DiMartino's. has reopened the location as The Slanted Clam Tavern, a beach-themed restaurant and video poker bar.

The Slanted Clam Tavern features a festive d‚cor with beach themed memorabilia, video poker, pool table, 24-hour menu, sports on high-definition plasma televisions, and the Clam Diggers - sexy ladies dressed in modern beach attire.

"Happy Hour" is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and features 50-cent draft beers and well drinks. A $2.99 "graveyard" dinner special - including fresh linguini with red or white clam sauce, a side salad and garlic bread is offered Monday through Friday from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. For information, call 702-364-9657.

Award-winning pit master Mike Mills, owner of Las Vegas' Memphis Championship Barbecue has been named the President of the National Barbecue Association (NBBQA).

Each year Mills travels to barbecue competitions and conventions all over the country. He judges contests, assists colleagues and acts to preserve the traditions and culture of barbecue. The only winner of three World Grand Championships, Mills also holds four World Championships and countless other barbecue titles.

Memphis Championship Barbecue has four off-Strip locations in Las Vegas with one location being inside the Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino in North Las Vegas.

Flirt Ultra Lounge, a new ultra lounge at the Rio, is now open to the general public.

Last month Bouchon, the fine elegant eatery at the Venetian created by entrepreneur Chef Thomas Keller, celebrated its first anniversary.

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