Friday, November 21, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

JOHN L. SMITH: Casinos moonwalked away from Michael Jackson show and attraction

Sometimes it's a good thing when a dream doesn't come true.

It's only a guess, but I'll bet casino exec Steve Wynn is relieved he passed on an idea in the early 1990s to create a family-themed Michael Jackson attraction at the Mirage.

More recently, Jackson was strongly rumored to be shopping a Celine-like deal with a major casino corporation. Alas, another Vegas dream deferred.

Now Jackson is shopping for a good bail bondsman.

While local police report they haven't yet been called to work with law enforcement authorities in Santa Barbara, where Jackson faces multiple counts of child molestation, don't be surprised if the pop star tabloid freak's after-dark Vegas shopping antics with children in tow make their way into the record if the case proceeds to trial. Word is the young boy who reportedly is the source of the criminal complaint might be on a videotape shot while Jackson was chillin' with the children in Las Vegas.

Unlike a 1993 molestation investigation, which ended after Jackson effectively silenced a key witness by settling a civil suit for millions, this time Santa Barbara authorities appear to have a more reliable case against the regular Las Vegas visitor.

BERMAN MURDER: Justice may yet prevail for murdered Mafia daughter Susan Berman, now that a Texas jury has cut loose her suspected killer, oddball New York trust-funder Robert Durst, on separate homicide charges.

Trouble could come from reporter/author Cathy Scott, whose interview with the suspected killer's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, shatters Durst's expected alibi. The information is contained in the Las Vegas author's book, "Murder of a Mafia Daughter."

DeGuerin told Scott his client had an alibi for Dec. 22, 2000, the day Berman was murdered in her Beverly Hills home. Trouble is, Scott reports, the alibi actually placed Durst near the scene of the crime -- close enough to put a bullet in her head.

Durst was recently acquitted of murder charges in Galveston, Texas, in the death and dismemberment of Morris Black, a one-time neighbor. Durst is also a suspect in the 1981 disappearance of his wife, Kathleen Durst.

CALL ME A CAB: Western Cab owner Herb Tobman says I know nothing about the taxi business. And he's probably right.

Tobman says the recent release of dozens of additional cabs, which has led veteran drivers to complain about too much competition, was overdue.

"The cabs that were just put on by the board are filling a need in this area because we're getting more business," Tobman says. "We're never going to satisfy the drivers. Every driver wants to be the only driver out on the street."

I don't wonder whether drivers will have something to say about this.

CLASSY CLAUDE: Singer Claude Trenier, who died recently at age 84, was loved by many and was respected as a gentleman and journeyman on the stage.

Documentary filmmaker Lynn Zook says, "He helped turn the old LA Highway into the Strip and post-war Las Vegas into the Entertainment Capital of the World. They probably won't dim the lights on the Strip for him, but they should."

DAZZLING DOLORES: The shining lights on the Strip grew dimmer with the passing of long-time casino marketing executive Dolores Owens, the Middle East specialist who most recently had generated high-roller play at the MGM Grand after a successful career at Caesars Palace. Owens died Monday after a lengthy illness.

Owens was so well-liked by customers at Caesars she was considered a one-woman dispute-resolution committee and could charm the toughest customers -- even those with whom she shared no common language.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Interesting that MGM Grand officials have been cast in a shadow over the recent money laundering investigation involving high-rolling reputed Japanese loan shark Susumu Kajiyama. It was hotel security which assisted Tokyo police in its investigation and ensured no money stored in safe-deposit boxes disappeared, shall we say, prematurely. ... Will Opportunity Village honor its good friend, embattled County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, in time for the holidays? Bet on it.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call 383-0295.