by Norm Johnson Send Me E-mail

Well, gang, guess a lot of you readers out there seem to have taken an interest in last weeks column, regarding The CAST and the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. I had no intention of writing about either this week, but a couple of facts needed to be explained or corrected, thus what follows.

Nelson Sardelli, who dreamed up the idea of the original CAST, resigned five months after it was formed. The first meeting was actually held at Freddie Bell's home where some resistance was encountered to Nelson's idea. However, after talking to others in the community it was finally organized. Sardelli was the first to pay $1,000 for a lifetime membership, but upon resignation the money was never refunded. No big deal, right? By the way, for those with interest in this saga, there is a tape of that original meeting that includes the names of those who were present.

I mentioned the late actress Jayne Mansfield (mother of Law & Order Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay) in my column as one of the entertainers who should be honored on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. It was strictly a personal thought, as Ms. Mansfield had not even been nominated as of this writing. She, however, did perform here a couple of times - once that I know of at the old Dunes Hotel in the early 60s. I should have mentioned someone like Pearl Bailey or the Mary Kaye Trio. Sorry about that!

And finally, I hope, I want to make it perfectly clear that this writer was not the first to write about The CAST and its internal troubles. A good investigative reporter, who is semi-retired but does write a weekly column online, has been on top of the story for quite some time.

Now down to some other news.

Known for her incredible humor, over-the-top imagination and captivating charisma, the Divine Miss M. has titled her new Las Vegas production "Bette Midler the Showgirl Must Go On." The show, which has been created exclusively for The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, will make its debut on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008. By the way tickets go on sale this Sunday (Dec. 8th).

Ms. M will be bringing a lot of her personal favorites and colorful characters, from Delores Delago - the wheelchair-bound mermaid - to the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas, old Soph.

Midler and her entourage of talented performers, comprised of the staggering "Harlettes" (Jordan Ballard, Kyra Dacosta and Kamilah Martini), a 13 piece band and 20 female dancers are currently rehearsing in New York and Los Angeles, before heading to Las Vegas for final rehearsals in January. Once she opens Ms. Midler is scheduled to perform more than 100 shows a year at the Colosseum, with five shows per week at 7:30 p.m. She will take a break on Mondays and Thursdays. Ticket prices range from $95 to $250.

Now all of you readers know that I love to go fast - legitimately of course. There's a new race track in town and it's called Pole Position Raceway. It's an indoor, and very innovative, karting track located at 4175 S. Arville. The facility has two features found nowhere else in Las Vegas (according to a news release): a quarter-mile, European-inspired indoor race track and electric race karts. The track winds throughout a 60,000-square-foot facility, which incidentally was co-designed by NASCAR Champion Kurt Busch (who grew up right here in our little village).

They have 58 Italian-designed electric karts, which emit no exhaust fumes, with 18-horsepower engines that are capable of speeds up to 45 mph.

Pole Position Raceway is open to racing novices as well as those with racing experience. So, gang, if you have felt the urge to speed (sensation is fantastic with karts), then take a spin out to the new track and see just how much fun it can be. The track is open Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more info go to www.PolePositionRaceway.com.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY: If you haven't purchased your tickets to the Clint Holmes Christmas Show at the Suncoast this weekend, don't even try. He sold out earlier this week... His new bride, Kelly Clinton, will be at the Suncoast every Wednesday in December with her one-person show (you can believe there will be a few surprise guests appearing with her). Showtimes are 7.30 p.m.... Inspirada, a new master-planned community, invites residents of our village to receive FREE professional holiday photos with friends or family members. It takes place Saturday, Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Model homes (where photos will be taken) are at 1890 Via Firenze, Henderson... Ronnie Milsap will be at the Golden Nugget during the National Finals Rodeo on Wednesday, Dec. 12th at 10 p.m. as part of the Nugget's rodeo celebration. In addition, Ricky And The Redstreaks will perform nightly following the rodeo in the Nugget's ballroom, The Grand. Check the Nugget Web site for other performers during the NFR... This Saturday (Dec. 8th) from noon to twilight will be the annual Festival of Lights at The Lakes, with a car show and all kinds of food and entertainment during the daylight hours. When it gets dark (around 5 p.m.) it'll be time for the electric boat parade on the lake - which is really a beautiful event to watch or participate in... Don't forget this Tuesday is when the FIORE Christmas Party takes place, downtown...

Well, gang, that's about it for this week.

I'm outa here!

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