"Buffalo" Jim Barrier has forgiven Kid Rock for the blown engine on a 1961 Cadillac convertible he loaned him in April 2002. Photo by K.M. Cannon.
Directer Steven Soderberg's "Ocean's 13" will return to the Bellagio, site of most of the indoor action for the remake of "Ocean's Eleven'' in 2001, it was confirmed Thursday.
Soderberg and producer Jerry Weintraub were in town last week, along with 40 members of the creative team, scouting out locations for the shoot, according to Bernie Yuman, Weintraub's assistant.
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New cast member Al Pacino was spotted in Las Vegas on Thursday, meeting with MGM Mirage executive Bobby Baldwin, who ran the Bellagio until recently.
Crews will film Aug. 6-9 at the Bellagio. Most of the Warner Bros. film will be shot in Hollywood.
ALL IS FORGIVEN
"Buffalo Jim" Barrier isn't one to hold a grudge.
In April 2002, the auto shop owner got burned when he rented out a pink 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz to Kid Rock, who used it as a prop for his proposal to Pamela Anderson.
The caddy, formerly owned by boxer Sonny Liston, wasn't to be driven more than a mile or two, because of a sick engine.
Barrier was steamed when he learned the car's engine blew up on the way back from Primm, not far from where Kid Rock popped the question during a desert sunset.
Uncle Kracker, who had delivered the engagement ring in the convertible, was driving it.
Barrier went public and made national news when he let it be known he wanted about $10,000 to cover costs for a new engine and towing.
Kid Rock never got back to him.
Anderson mentioned Barrier's caddy in her 2004 book, "Star: A Novel." She announced this week that she and Kid Rock are getting married next week in St. Tropez, France.
Barrier is ready to forgive and forget.
"If he wants to come down and meet me, I will give them that car as a wedding present," he said.
Anderson will be at the Rio, site of the World Series of Poker, for the launch Wednesday of her Internet poker site, pamelapoker.com.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Fox's "Best Damn Sports Show Period" is shooting three days of shows from the Hooters Casino Hotel pool, starting today. Hosts Chris Rose, John Salley, Rob Dibble and Jalen Rose will be interviewing LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, among others. Filming starts at 10:30 a.m. all three days. ...
Toga, toga! Caesars Palace will mark its 40th anniversary with a toga party at the Roman Plaza amphitheater on Aug. 2. Anyone over 21 who arrives in a toga gets in free to the party, which will feature Otis Day and the Knights from "Animal House" fame. Toga-wearing revelers will also be granted free admission to Pure nightclub after the outdoor concert. ...
Local talent agent Jaki Baskow is in talks to return Jimmy Hopper to a local property and land a showroom for psychic John Edwards' "Crossing Over" show. ...
An open casting call for a Fox TV series tentatively titled "Show Me The Money" is being held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Palms' nightclub, Rain. Participants must be over 21.
MAY I RECOMMEND ...
For a new take on the Las Vegas pool party scene, there's the Rock 'n Roll Wine event tonight at the Flamingo pool, starting at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment includes two bands, one rock, one reggae. Tickets: $30 purchased in advance, $35 at the door. Check out rocknrollwine.com for more information.
SIGHTINGS
Bernie Taupin, Elton John's longtime collaborator and lyricist, dining Wednesday at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab (Forum Shops at Caesars). ... Gennaro Gattuso, a starter on Italy's World Cup team that put together a closing unbeaten streak of 25 games, at Fix restaurant (Bellagio) on Wednesday. Also at Fix: actor/poker aficionado James Woods.
THE PUNCH LINE
"It's so hot that Christie Brinkley's husband stood next to her just for the cold shoulder." -- David Letterman
