Speaking of the Big Apple, Burlesque boss Ivan Kane ran into a speed bump last week when a Manhattan landlord pulled out of a deal that would have given Kane his third Forty Deuce outlet on West 21st Street. Kane who already has outlets in Los Angeles and Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay) and counts rockers David Bowie and Sting as his investors, will continue his efforts to land an east coast outpost. "I'm coming to New York next week, and I'm not leaving until I find a place,” Kane told the New York Post.

It has officially been announced that Las Vegas’ newest headliner, Prince, will be performing at halftime of the country’s most watched sporting event, the Super Bowl. But then again, we already told you that last week! Here’s hoping there are no wardrobe malfunctions this year!

The healthy and delightful POM Wonderful pomegranate juice seems to be everywhere these days. POM kicked off the holiday season with 18 events directed at influencers from Los Angeles to New York and everywhere in between. From celebrity-studded awards shows and beauty events to non-profit fundraisers, the POM Iced Tea’s are a hands- down hit!

SCORES Las Vegas hosted the Boots & Bikini’s “Miss Cowgirl”competition last week, with over 60 gorgeous participants. The original prize pool was slated at $5,000, but with such an attractive final six women, SCORES raised the prize pool to $6,500 and awarded all six finalists instead of just the top three.

BODIES…The Exhibition and UBS will be hosting an inaugural blood drive at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino this Saturday from 11 a.m. until  5 p.m. United Blood Services (UBS) is the only blood collection organization in Las Vegas and serves 24 hospitals in Southern Nevada, as well as California and Arizona. All donors will receive one free admission to BODIES…The Exhibition, plus one admission to either Folies Bergere or Xtreme Magic starring Dirk Arthur. Anyone interested in donating can make an appointment in advance at www.bloodhero.com or walk-in the day of the drive. Individuals must be 17 years or older and weight at least 110 lbs and have proper identification.

We were checking out the pictures from last weeks Official Billboard Music Awards Pre-Party hosted by the Eye on Vegas, and think we found the city’s newest odd couple. On the right is clock-sporting hip-hop icon Flavor Flav, his running mate that night, Billy Hinsche, former member of The Beach Boys and Dino, Desi and Billy, a trio that included Dean Martin’s son Dino Martin and Desi Arnaz Jr., son of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena will be hosting Eric Clapton’s performance Saturday, March 10, which will feature Robert Cray as the opening act. The performances feature a varied set list, including rarely played Derek And The Dominos’ masterpieces “Got To Get Better In A Little While,” “Layla” and “Tell The Truth,” along with Clapton classics such as “Pretending,” “I Shot The Sheriff” and “Cocaine.” Tickets are priced at $150, $85 and $45, and are available for purchase by calling Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or online at www.mgmgrand.com.

Makino Gourmet Sushi and Seafood Buffet has opened its third Las Vegas location in Summerlin, at the corner of Fort Apache and Charleston. At 9,600 square-feet, it is the largest of the Makino outlets in Sin City. “Today is a happy day for myself and the entire Makino Restaurant Group,” said owner and international sushi chef Kaku Makino. “Our ultimate goal is to provide our patrons with the highest quality authentic Pan-Asian food at a reasonable price. I am confident the Summerlin restaurant will be a huge success.”

After rocking through New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines, Vegas’ own all-girl rock band Jaggedy Ann made a stop back in Las Vegas at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Saturday to take the stage and prepare for its debut album, “Boiling Point,” which is set to be released in early 2007. Could they be the next band on a growing list of Vegas-born bands to make it big?

Speaking of the good ol’ days, our condolences go out to the family of former three-term Las Vegas Mayor Bill Briare. His term of mayorship, which began in 1975, came at a time when the city was shifting control of its casinos from organized crime to legal corporations.

Last week, the match-up for the Las Vegas Bowl was announced, pitting the 10-2 Cougars of Brigham Young University against the 7-5 Ducks of Oregon on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Sam Boyd Stadium. Last year’s match-up, which featured these same Cougars and the University of California, attracted a sold-out record crowd of 40, 053. "We are ecstatic to have a game featuring two national programs in BYU and Oregon in front of what is sure to be another record-setting crowd," said Las Vegas Bowl executive director Tina Kunzer-Murphy. "The southern Nevada community and fans of both BYU and Oregon just can't wait for Dec. 21 and what promises to be a memorable meeting."

Now through Jan. 6, visitors can enjoy a whimsical winter wonderland at Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The shimmering display features a towering holiday tree, flower-clad polar bears, flying reindeer, and a soaring, 45-foot-tall Shasta Fir that is surrounded by candy-cane stripes of pink and red poinsettias. This beautiful fantasyland enchants visitors of all ages.

A few weeks back, we wrote about the amazing team of DJs that the N9NE Group has accumulated for residencies at their various nightlife properties: MOON Nightclub, Playboy Club, ghostbar and Rain Nightclub. The latest addition to the list is the renowned DJ P, who had been enjoying a residency at the MGM Grand.

Opportunity Village is a non-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social services that makes their lives more productive and interesting. On Saturday morning, The Las Vegas Great Santa Run served as the official warm-up event for the New Las Vegas Marathon and as a fundraising effort to benefit Opportunity Village, breaking the world record for the Largest Santa Gathering at the Fremont Street Experience.

OK, we know we have our big holiday party taking place at Rain Nightclub on Thursday, Dec. 14, but we had to give some love to our boy, and fearless Glitterati columnist, Mike Snedegar. He will be celebrating his birthday party at Tao with another birthday boy, and local favorite, Tao resident DJ 5. We’re thinking Rain first and then late-night shots with the birthday boy. How about you?

Giorgio Italian Restaurant is offering a special three course-tasting menu featuring “The Region of Umbria” from now until Thursday. Umbria is one of Italy's "unspoiled" regions and is often referred to as the “Green Heart of Italy.”  Guests are invited to enjoy Chef Nico Chessa’s interpretation of a few classic dishes, such as the tagliatelle with sausage, cream and black truffle sauce, or the braised guinea fall with lemon, sage and rosemary, among other fine ingredients from the unique land.

It’s official: Pamela Anderson has signed on to host the New Years Eve bash at Tao Nightclub – barely a dice throw away from JET Nightclub, where ex-hubby Kid Rock will be hosting the festivities. Tickets for the Tao party are ringing up $250 per person, but include a hosted bar and passed food from 8:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.

We wanted to wish a “Happy Birthday” to the Chairman of the Board,
Frank Sinatra.

“The Voice” would have turned 91 years old on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
We miss ya’, Frank!

Don't forget to tell them "Eye" sent you.
Quick Bites ©Eye On Vegas and reprinted with permission.