Branson delivers another memory

Another trip to Las Vegas, another boatload of publicity for Sir Richard Branson.

Back in October 2007, Branson limped away from a wind-blown 407-foot plunge from atop the Palms’ Fantasy Tower.

He made another big splash on Wednesday, this time by racing a Jet Ski around Lake Bellagio with one of his Virgin Airlines flight attendants on board. The British billionaire, known for his daredevil stunts, ended up being fished out of the lake after capsizing his watercraft on a final loop.

The exploit was part of his promotional visit marking the 10th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic’s nonstop flight service to Las Vegas from London.

After landing on Tuesday, Branson and burlesque star Dita Von Teese posed on the wing of his jumbo jet at McCarran International Airport.

Later in the evening, Branson donned a black leather jacket and rode a pink Cadillac during a cameo in “Viva Elvis” at Aria at CityCenter.

His Lake Bellagio photo opportunity included him conducting the Dancing Fountains in tuxedo and tails to the music of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” a fitting nod to the founder of a major airline and the suborbital flights he offers to the paying public.

The idea for the water stunt came after brainstorming by Branson and MGM Resorts International.

“We came up with several ideas including a zip line over the lake,” said Sandy Zanella, public relations director for MGM Resorts International.

The only other time the gaming giant allowed someone on the lake was when a platform was built for Britney Spears for the 2001 Billboard Music Awards in 2001. The program aired live on Fox TV.

Another memorable Lake Bellagio event came in November 2004 when it was arranged to have the water turned pink for a Victoria’s Secret Angels Across America promotion.

SIGHTINGS

The History Channel’s “Pawn Stars,” on a Los Angeles-to-Las Vegas Southwest Airlines flight about 4 a.m. Wednesday, with Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison and his buddy Austin “Chumlee” Russell sporting plenty of Los Angeles Lakers gear. They had reason to be celebrating: They had the No. 1 telecast on all television for the second week in a row among adults 18-49 with an average of 2.9 million in Monday night’s 10-11 p.m. time period. ... U.S. flamenco guitarist Roni Benise at “Human Nature” (Imperial Palace) show Wednesday night. ... UFC veteran Rich Franklin, fresh off his first-round victory over Chuck Liddell, with friends at Blush Boutique Nightclub (Wynn) on Tuesday. Also there: “America’s Best Dance Crew” Season 2 champions Super Cr3w, break dancing in front of their table.

THE PUNCH LINE

“You know it’s a real catastrophe when the biggest hope of getting something done is Kevin Costner.” — Craig Ferguson on the BP oil spill.

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.