Here's something that's bound to disrupt the digestion of the potential targets of the FBI's investigation of collusion by local attorneys and physicians in personal injury cases: Federal agents recently interviewed at least one major insurance company in their search for facts, an informed industry source confirms.

It's a sign that agents are still gathering evidence and building their case, which means it's unlikely that indictments of major players are imminent.

Local trial consultant Howard Awand, a man considered to be a central figure in the government's theory of the case, has already received a letter targeting him for prosecution.

Local attorneys continue to speculate that the insurance industry has played an active role in pressing the federal investigation.

That may be true, but it's also true that those same insurance companies have taken a number of major hits in cases in recent years.

If the ugly tales of overbilling, witness tampering and courthouse manipulation are true, then some lawyers and doctors will eventually have some explaining to do in federal court.

STARDUST MEMORIES: I'm not the only one waxing nostalgic lately about the closure of the Stardust. A five-day auction resulted in the sale of a mountain of memorabilia and hotel and casino goods, but it's memories that will be most cherished by the Stardust's fans and visitors.

Mike Lewis writes, "One of my memories of the Stardust is from when I was in high school back in the '60s: Taking your prom date to dinner at the Aku-Aku Polynesian restaurant, which was on the grounds of the Stardust."

Paula J. Swanson adds, "It's very sad that another icon has to disappear. I first saw Siegfried & Roy there. What a show! I think I also saw the guy with the orangutans (Bobby Berosini) also at the Stardust.

"It was a very long time ago -- the early '80s -- and my first trip to Las Vegas, and I fell in love with the light and the weather. I miss getting souvenirs from the Dunes and the Desert Inn, also. I am sorry to see the 'real' Las Vegas go."

Music director Joe Guercio observes, "It's too bad we save none of our Las Vegas history. Colonel Tom Parker would probably say, 'The Strip has become an expensive midway.'"

And Jim in Tulsa says, "We stayed there the last five years. I took my son to Vegas when he turned 21. Where did we stay? The Stardust. It was the last classic. He saw old Vegas at a young age.

"Who gives a shout about another 'mega-hotel' you can't afford to gamble in? ... Soon there will be nowhere informed average gamblers can play but downtown."

SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER: Mr. Claus and Mayor Oscar Goodman have something in common beyond their red noses. Both will be on hand starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Hogs & Heifers Saloon downtown for another edition of Martinis with the Mayor. The networking mixer has become a popular tradition in Goodman's administration.

Bring an unwrapped toy for donation to the Hogs & Heifers Second Annual Toys for Tots motorcycle run, and your first drink is free.

The bike run benefits the Sunrise Children's Hospital and the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation. And you can call Martinis with the Mayor "Toddies for Tots" if you want.

RESTAURANT 'ROUND-UP': The Round-Up for Goodness' sake, which enables restaurant patrons to give to worthy charities by adding a little change to their checks, is under way through Dec. 31. The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation and Keep Memory Alive, the foundation for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, are behind the worthy fundraising effort. Call 228-2625 for more information on participating restaurants.

ON THE BOULEVARD: "Tales of Real and Dream Worlds," local author Bart Stewart's first book, is an entertaining and chilling short story collection. ... "The Brotherhoods" co-author William Oldham, the former New York police detective who helped crack the "Mafia Cops" case, will sign the newly published book at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Borders at 2190 N. Rainbow Blvd. "The Brotherhoods" follows the investigation of former New York cops Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa, who retired to Las Vegas.

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