After a three-week run at the Rio, the resort has signed comic-ventriloquist Ronn Lucas to a year-long contract performing his one-man afternoon show through December 2002. He'll return on Nov. 16 and continue daily with 3 p.m. shows, Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $19.95 plus tax, call 702-777-7776.

Lucas' unofficial title is "The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk," because he can literally do just that. He can make a basketball yodel, a toaster sing and any inanimate object talk. His show consists of a mixture of standup comedy, audience interaction, improvisation and incredible vocal feats.

Lucas' sidekicks are not conventional wooden or plastic dummies. Some of them have giant humorous heads and others have a distinctive look like "Scorch," the teenage dragon. He's a life-like talking reptile who refers to himself as "Kermit the Frog on acid."

Among his awards and recognition, the "New York Times" and the "London Times" have named Lucas the "world's best" ventriloquist. He has performed twice for England's Royal family, as well as for Presidents Reagan, Clinton and, most recently, George W. Bush. Guest television series appearances include "L.A. Law," for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Neil Diamond is set to take center stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and ring in the New Year. He'll do an 8 p.m. performance on Dec. 30 and a 10 p.m. show on Dec. 31. Tickets are $50, $85 and $150, call TicketMaster at 702-474-4000.

Diamond's most recent album, "Three Chord Opera," was released this past summer and reach No. 15 on the Billboard 200 album chart. In late September, Diamond embarked on his first major tour in nearly two years. The show has a few surprises including new horn and string sections.

Mark your calendars for a great holiday event. On Dec. 11, the "Colors of Christmas" show at the Riviera will star Peabo Bryson, Oleta Adams, Michael McDonald and Sheena Easton in the Royale Pavilion. This is always a "feel-good" show!

Wolfgang Puck's Chinois at the Forum Shops at Caesars has introduced "Dim Sum Sundays," from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The eatery's new happy hour specials include half-priced sushi at the main sushi bar Monday through Thursday, 3-6 p.m. and half-priced drinks at the bar, 2-7 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Chinois features Hong Kong Chinese-style cuisine with French and American influences. For information, call 702-737-9700.

The Aladdin's new Broadway show schedule has been switched around. "Blast" that is a hit in New York has been pushed back by almost a year and won't stop on the Strip until October next year. As a result, "Tommy" is set for January, "Rent" was moved to April and "Guys and Doll's" to May. Ann-Margret will return to Las Vegas in April as the leading lady in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas."

"Evita" winner of seven Tony Awards will move into the Aladdin from Nov. 28-Dec. 2. Tickets are $35, $55 and $75.

"Splash" at the Riviera currently is the only show in Las Vegas to feature an ice stage and 2006 Olympic hopeful Jered Guzman. At 12 months of age this Garden Grove, California native had on a pair of blades and by age five, he was on the singles competition circuit. He began appearing in pair competitions when he was nine. Now at age 20, Guzman is in the top five in the United States competing for a spot on the 2006 U.S. Olympic Team with his partner Jennifer Don.

Twice nightly at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Guzman can be seen skating in "Splash" with World Silver Medallist Cindy Landry-Davis. They cast a spell in wedding whites doing an ice ballet in a thin layer of fog to the music from the hit-movie "Titanic." Another routine is a sexy ice dance performed to Brian Setzer's "A Town Without Pity.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) launched a new advertising campaign on Sept. 30 that used the never-before-released Frank Sinatra song "It's Time for You." The LVCVA is also offering customers a new toll-free, operator-assisted phone number for Las Vegas travel information.

Call 1-877-VISIT-LV for hotel reservations as well as for the most up-to-date information about everything Las Vegas has to offer, including special promotions and show and event information.

Five top-selling country artists will headline at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Mark Chesnutt and Aaron Tippin will share the stage on Dec. 9 and 10. Tracy Lawrence and Clay Walker will team p Dec. 12 and 13. The platinum-selling trio SHeDAISY will appear Dec. 15. Tickets are $35 and $45, call 702-785-5000.

Tickets are on sale for Barry Manilow's show, Dec. 13-15, at the Mandalay Bay in the Storm Theatre. This is a new concert tour and he's promoting a new album. For tickets, call TicketMaster at 702-474-4000.

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Beginning on Nov. 21, the third annual gingerbread Holiday Village will be unveiled at the Four Seasons Hotel. This year's village will feature 20 gingerbread real estate properties that are "for sale." Lots are available from $250 to $750 and can be purchased with your name/company name showcased on the property. All houses/lots are built to last, and may be taken home by owners on Jan. 4. Proceeds benefit the Terry Fox Foundation to find a cancer cure.

Another Four Seasons treat throughout the holiday season is the Afternoon Tea featured daily from 2-5 p.m. The tea is served in The Verandah restaurant with pianist accompaniment. Full tea includes homemade scones, finger sandwiches and sweets. Cost is $21 per person.

The Four Seasons will also offer a selection of homemade seasonal specialties that will be ideal for holiday gifts. Items will be on display and available for sale at The Verandah restaurant. The treats will range from a half pound of Christmas cookies for $9.50 up to a 21 inch chocolate Santa Claus for $32.

The international music industry legend, Paul Anka will take The Mirage stage Dec. 1-8 (dark Dec. 2 and 5) in the Siegfried & Roy Theatre. Tickets are $60 inclusive, call 702-792-7777

Anka recently set a milestone by being the only artist to have a record on Billboard's Top 50 charts for five consecutive decades. Before he turned 18, he had five Top-20 hits. Now in his sixties with more than 900 songs to his credit, he revels in his timeless musical career as he celebrates the success of his 125th album, "Anka Live 2000."

For the second time since 1999, Pietro's, the gourmet restaurant located on the Upper Casino Level of the Tropicana, has been awarded the prestigious 2002 DiRoNA Award, on behalf of The Distinguished Restaurants of North America. The designation remains in effect for three years, after which time the inspection process begins again.

The DiRoNA Award is the only independent and anonymous restaurant inspection program, evaluating on everything from reservations to departure, with emphasize on the food quality and presentation. To qualify, restaurants must be in business under the same ownership and concept for at least three years and pass a 75-point evaluation.

As part of the recognition, the restaurant receives a die-cut "Happy Diner" award figurine, an award certificate, and is featured in the "2002 Guide to Distinguished Restaurants of North America." Dinner is served from 5 to 11 p.m., Friday - Sunday, call 702-739-2341.

The CineVegas film festival will have a new time and place next year. The event has been changed to June 1-15, and will be shown at Brenden Theatres' 14 screens at the new Palms.

The downtown Race Rock Caf‚ plans to auction off a majority of its assets in January. More than 150 items from the themed-eatery including race cars, monster trucks, drivers' suits and racing memorabilia will be auctioned Jan. 17-20 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

In celebration of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Tropicana will release commemorative chips available in $5 and $25 increments. The WNFR 2001 chips are the 8th and 9th chips in the 2001 commemorative chip series. The WNFR chips will be available on Nov. 20. For information, call 702-739-2783.

New Year's Eve packages are being unveiled. Caesars Magical Empire will offer two seatings on Dec. 31. The first will be from 4:30 to 6:50 p.m. with a champagne toast, priced at $75.50. The second will follow from 7:30 to 9:50 p.m. Priced at $120, it will include a special holiday menu, champagne toast and party favors.

Tickets for both seatings will include a three-course dinner with magic, wine and beverages, entertainment in the Secret Pagoda Theatre and the Sultan's Palace Theatre, the Luminaria show, plus taxes and gratuity. A disc jockey will play music for dancing in the Sanctum Secorum beginning at 10 p.m., and a countdown to midnight with fireworks is also planned.

The hour-long special, "The Secrets of Animal Magic" will feature magician Lance Burton and be narrated by him for an Animal Planet special to air next February. The show will feature Burton and fellow magicians at home and on stage with various animals.

Other celebs who will be featured include Penn & Teller, Rick Thomas, Joseph Gabriel, Steve and Maria August and Johnny Thompson.

Comedy star Jimmie "J.J." Walker will supply the marquee name at the Riviera Comedy Club, Nov. 19-25, along with fellow comedians Don Learned and Stanley Ullman. Tickets are $17.95 plus taxes, call 702-794-9433.

Walker is best known for his starring role as "J.J." in the popular television sitcom, "Good Times," that ran for six years. On the show he made the phrase "dyn-o-mite" a household word.

These days Walker spends 30-35 week a year on the road, writes material for comedy specials, creates television and motion picture scripts, appears on game shows and visits David Letterman's show.

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