HASSELHOFF HAS SURGERY

David Hasselhoff of Baywatch and Knight Rider fame was taken to the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center Saturday to have something removed from his eye according to reports. He also is one of the judges on America's Got Talent. His publicist Judy Katz said the actor's hospital visit had something to do with some "minor patching up." According to reports, Hasselhoff had something removed from above his eye last week, although his rep wouldn't specify what was removed.  When the incision began bleeding, his assistant became concerned and took him to UCLA. “He's fine, he had something removed, he's coming out tonight,” Katz said, declining to elaborate on what happened. Just last week, Hasselhoff agreed to pay $25,000  a month to support his ex-wife Pamela Bach and children in his divorce settlement. Fans can catch Hasselhoff as he reprises his judging duties on America's Got Talent, which returns for a third season on June 24 on NBC.

TOO MUCH MGM DOUBLE TALK

MGM Mirage is now claiming the recently-announced layoffs are because of a “corporate restructuring” rather than a sign of failing business. But almost in the same breath, MGM Mirage President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Murren acknowledged to the Las Vegas Sun that the economic downturn did affect the amount of layoffs. He still contends the majority of the about 400 manager positions cut companywide would have occurred even if the economy were booming. He counters that point with: "I don't want to minimize the fact that the economy has affected MGM," he said.  Yuh-huh. Sounds like he’s talking out of both sides of his mouth. MGM Mirage was formed from MGM Grand's acquisition of Steve Wynn's Mirage Resorts in 2000. In 2005, MGM Mirage swallowed Mandalay Resort Group by divvying up Mandalay properties between the two operating units, the Sun reported.
"We found many redundancies that were a hangover from the Mirage and Mandalay acquisitions," Murren said. "We extracted a lot of value from these deals...but there was a substantial amount of further benefit that we couldn't have accomplished under the old corporate structure." Besides the layoffs, the company has streamlined its interactions with vendors and has reorganized several departments, including technology, purchasing, design and construction, which are like "major companies in themselves," Murren said. "This is one chapter in a very long process that will be happening as long as I'm here."
Back to our original point. You can’t have it both ways, Jim. Either the failing economy is responsible for your restructuring or it’s not. Would your company have done it if dollars weren't flying into the toilet? NO. Bottom line, if it wasn't tanking, you wouldn't be reading this story on thevegaseye.com.

VICTORIA BECKHAM .. ONE NIGHT ONLY?

Victoria Beckham will apparently follow in the steps of Paris Hilton and pal Eva Longoria by joining The Pussycat Girls on stage. The Spice Girl will perform with the girl band for one TBA night only at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. "Victoria’s been in talks with the Dolls for some time and will be joining them onstage.  She would have done it sooner but it’s been a question of her busy schedule.  But it will be happening very soon," Pussycat Dolls spokesperson Alisa Boushey told the media.

TORRID NIGHTCLUB GRAND OPENING APRIL 25-26

David Burke, the mastermind behind Hawaiian Tropic Zone's menu, was spotted at Hawaiian Tropic Zone last night. Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Miracle Mile Shops, BTW, celebrates the grand opening of Torrid nightclub April 25 and April 26 with two nights of drinking, dancing and partying. DJ phenom Samantha Ronson will team up with Playboy Playmate Amanda Paige and American Curves cover model Brooke Banx to host the Friday evening. DJ Direct will turn out an irresistible hip-hop and top 40 mix from 10 p.m. to midnight with a special performance on the turntables by Samantha Ronson from midnight to 4 a.m. On Saturday, April 26, Torrid hosts Strip Las Vegas’ May release party with cover model Valentina Vaughn. In addition, Penthouse Pet and author Dr. Z will host her book release party with fellow "Pets" Cassia Riley, Justine Jolie, Jamie Lynn and Penthouse Pet of the Year Erica Ellyson. From 10 p.m. to midnight, DJ D Miles will get the party started with enticing hip-hop and top 40 hits. DJ Samantha Ronson will return for a second night to spin a mind-blowing set from midnight to 4 a.m.

 

GEORGE MICHAEL TICKETS STILL ON SALE

Tickets are still on sale for George Michael’s smashing, dashing 25 LIVE tour, which stops in Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday June 21. Trying Ticketmaster is a good start. Get them while you still can!

 

GOO GOO DOLLS HEADLINE BENEFIT

The Goo Goo Dolls will headline the Lili Claire Foundation's 6th Annual Benefit Dinner and Concert sponsored by Colliers International and Links for Life Foundation on Saturday, April 26 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Sugar Ray and Josh Kelley will open for the Goo Goo Dolls and "Extra's" weekend edition co-host, Tanika Ray will host the dinner fundraiser prior to the concert. She will be joined by celebrities Robin Leach, Sara Rue, Jonathan Silverman and others. Swiss jewelry company Piaget is donating jewelry that will be worn by celebrities and auctioned at the event. The Lili Claire Foundation is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of children living with Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Autism and other neuro-developmental conditions. The Lili Claire Foundation's Danny Gans Family Resource Center in Las Vegas provides free intensive, supportive and comprehensive services to meet the complex needs of these individuals and their families. 

THE CHRONICLES OF RODDICK

 

Andy Roddick and James Blake were among the tennis pros at JET Nightclub at The Mirage last night to celebrate the bachelor party for fellow tennis ace, Mardy Fish . Fish is marrying Stacey Gardner, a briefcase-holding model on the NBC hit gameshow “Deal or No Deal." Roddick, recently engaged to Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, Brooklyn Decker, was reportedly on “good behavior” throughout the night, as he and the group enjoyed Grey Goose, Jack Daniels, Patron, and Red Bull in the comfort of the club’s VIP section.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS AND CONCERTS

Beginning May 1, the Springs Preserve makes Thursday nights exceptional by offering upbeat concerts at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck and a special Farmers Market every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Featuring a variety of music including the talented Raj Rathor Quartet and the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic, the Café Concert Series creates an entertaining and relaxing environment for people of all ages. In addition, every Thursday the Springs Preserve is home to the Las Vegas Farmers Market® showcasing the region’s finest produce and unique arts & crafts. For a complete schedule of performers and special menu offerings check our website at www.springspreserve.org . ON A MORE CULINARY NOTE, on Tuesday, May 6 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., the ACF Chefs Las Vegas Advisory Board is sponsoring “A Taste Of Downtown,” a fundraising event for Southern Nevada Culinary scholarships, which features many downtown properties and their finest in wine, beer and wine tasting for 21 and over at the Freemont Street experience between Fitzgerald’s and four queens. It will be $30 admission which includes drinks food and a raffle ticket. Tickets are now available inside Fitzgerald’s Gift Shop. Ticket sales open 4 p.m. on day of the event, or call Rick Albrecht, (702) 400-1378.

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