Michael Jackson plans Europe tour

Unable to drum up interest in Las Vegas, Michael Jackson is focusing on a European tour.

Sources say Jackson, who moved to Las Vegas in December, is counting on his popularity abroad to spark a comeback after more than a decade of tabloid headlines over child abuse allegations.

Las Vegas entertainment executives consider him too radioactive "at this time," a casino talent booker said.

But a source with deep ties to the music industry and Jackson's camp said, "He's still big in Europe and Japan. He's very popular in England. He's planning a tour."

Jackson's last concert was in 2001, and his last No. 1 hit, "You Are Not Alone," came 12 years ago. It has been almost two decades since his megahot run of five consecutive No. 1's between 1987 and 1988, when he topped the charts with "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man in the Mirror" and "Dirty Diana."

SYLVER RETURNS

Hypnotist and infomercial hawker Marshall Sylver is returning to a stage on the Strip.

Look for a mid-July opening at Harrah's showroom for the controversial entertainer who was sued by The Venetian for bouncing a $201,000 check and accused by the state of Nevada of bilking self-help seminar attendees.

The Nevada attorney general's office investigated Sylver on suspicion of theft, racketeering and violating the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

After a four-year legal battle, all charges were dismissed in late 2005 by District Court Judge Valerie Vega, and the attorney general's office withdrew all charges in their case of taking money under false pretenses.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Toni Braxton's reps and the Flamingo are in talks for a six-month extension. She opened there a year ago in August. ...

A "Zumanity" performer who goes by the name Jesus Halfanimal will attempt to break a Guinness world record on jumping stilts on July 4th at John Carroll University in Cleveland. A world-class gymnast who has appeared in more than 5,000 Cirque du Soleil shows, Halfanimal will try to perform "whips," a difficult back flip, from end zone to end zone on the football field at the opening ceremonies of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's Continental Cup soccer tournament.

SIGHTINGS

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, meeting with Steve Wynn on Friday ... Party gal Tara Reid, hitting four venues on Friday: N9ne Steakhouse (Palms), Moon (Palms), Pure Nightclub (Caesars Palace) and Jet (Mirage). ... Bob Guiney, who starred as "The Bachelor" in season four, and his wife, Rebecca Budig of "All My Children," at the Heart Bar in Planet Hollywood Resort for Warren Moon's Sports Dream Foundation kickoff party. Also there: Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay Bucs), Robert Horry (San Antonio Spurs), Gary Baxter (Cleveland Browns), Zack Crockett (Oakland Raiders), Chris Harris (Chicago Bears), Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Kirk Morrison (Oakland Raiders) and the actor D.B. Woodside ("The Unit"). ... Da Shop Boyz, performing their No. 1 hit "Party Like a Rockstar" at OPM (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Friday. The song's inspiration came from a visit to OPM, where a banner over the door read, "Party Like a Rockstar!" Also in the house, after their show at the Hard Rock Hotel: old-school hip-hop legends De La Soul. ... NFL players Junior Seau (New England Patriots), Will Demps (New York Giants), Crockett and Baxter, lounging Friday at Venus Pool Club (Caesars). Also at Venus, boxer Sergio Mora. ... Actress Missy Peregrym, from NBC's TV show, "Heros," dining Friday at Social House restaurant (Treasure Island) with friends before heading downstairs to Tangerine nightclub to celebrate her 25th birthday. ... Sacramento Kings point guard Mike Bibby, dining with friends Friday at N9ne steakhouse at the Palms before moving to Rain nightclub. ...UFC president Dana White, dining with Phoenix Coyotes star Jeremy Roenick and friends Friday at N9ne steakhouse. ... Sweet Louie of the Checkmates, at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on Friday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Hillary Clinton has picked 'You and I' by Celine Dion as her campaign theme song. And in a related story, John McCain's campaign song is also by Celine Dion -- it's the theme from 'Titanic.'" -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.