* Famous financial wizard Kirk Kerkorian, is once again in the news with his recent purchase this week of 12 million shares of General Motors ($260 million). For those of you who do not know of Mr. Kerkorian, he also owns one of the largest casino conglomerates in the world, the MGM Mirage which includes MGM Grand, Mirage, New York New York, Treasure Island, Boardwalk and other famous casinos. He also owns large holdings in companies like Chrysler Daimler and according to Forbes he is ranked the 19th richest American for year 2005, with a net worth more than $10 billion.

* Every Wednesday night starting at 10p and again at midnight you can catch The Price Tribute Show at the Monte Carlo Pub and Brewery, and they are called Purple Rain. So far, no cover charges.

* Menopause is coming to the Las Vegas Hilton. Yes, Menopause, the Musical is set to open in February 2006 in the Shimmer Lounge at the Hilton. The musical is a parody which takes place at a Bloomingdales lingerie sale.

* A LeRoy Neiman display of his work depicting famous poker players is on display in the Bobby's Room at the Bellagio. This poker room was named after Bobby Baldwin who was the 1978 World Series of Poker champion and is President and CEO of Mirage Resorts. The painting features Bobby Baldwin, Lyle Berman, Doyle Brunson Chau Giang, and Chip Reese

** On February 3, 2006 is the scheduled Grand Opening of the newly remodeled Hotel San Remo ($60 million estimated cost) as it has been transformed into the new Hooters Casino. Located next door to the Tropicana, we hear rumors this Grand Opening is up to the standard Vegas tradition, not ready and late.

* The Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio has gone all out to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This magnificent display is open daily to the public for free until February 25.

* If you live or visited Las Vegas in the past few months you probably noticed the new double decker buses running up and down the Las Vegas Strip. Fifty of these gorgeous new buses are in service and operate daily. The new buses are called the Duece. The buses were built in Scotland and daily cover the 17.25 mile loop along the Strip, making 73 stops. Price is $2 one way and $5 for a 24-hour pass.

* Roseanne Barr returns to her standup roots with a six-night engagement at the Stardust Casino February 21-26. Barr will appear at 10p and the ticket price is $39.95 plus tax.

* The rock group Little River Band is scheduled for one performance Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 8p at the Silverton Casino Entertainment Pavilion. Tickets are available at $30.

* One of the newest attractions soon to hit Las Vegas is courtesy of General Motors, The Las Vegas Monorail and the Sahara Casino. General Motors is opening a test track for people to try almost any new car, truck or suv that GM manufactures. The 11-acre test track is expected to be open by the middle of March 2006.

* The University of Nevada Las Vegas has collected 60% of their fund-raising goal of $500 million by June 30, 2008. Already collecting more than $300 million the University is confident they can reach the goal. The fund-raising campaign is called Invent the Future.