Branson takes bumps on stunt

British billionaire daredevil Sir Richard Branson suffered a cut hand and bruises during a wind-blown 407-foot plunge at 80 feet per second Wednesday from atop the Palms' Fantasy Tower.

A shaken Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group, limped away to his room within minutes after the jump in 20 mph gusts that nearly postponed the promotional stunt.

"I got a bit bruised on my way down," said Branson, while addressing a crowd of about 50 onlookers and media. He appeared to hit an outcropping about halfway down the 40-floor glass tower.

"He cut his hand and scraped his hip," said Palms owner George Maloof. "He survived it."

Just before his descent in a full-body harness, Branson outstretched his arms and took the plunge down the south side of the tower. His jumping-off point was near Moon nightclub.

Even though it was a controlled drop, using a high-speed cable winch similar to those used in "Spider Man" films, it was still a wild ride for the 57-year-old thrill-seeker who has survived at-sea hot-air balloon crashes and rappeling stunts. Seconds into the drop, he released thousands of dollars worth of airline tickets, which appeared to head for Las Vegas Boulevard in the strong wind.

Branson performed the stunt to mark the inaugural flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas for airline Virgin America.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Pamela Anderson is two months' pregnant, according to In Touch magazine. Anderson and Rick Salomon got married on Saturday in The Mirage Villas. ...

Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton was ousted from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" on Tuesday night. Newton and partner Cheryl Burke were back in the bottom two for the second week in a row, but this time it was Las Vegan Floyd Mayweather Jr., the boxing champion, who survived. Newton, the oldest participant at age 65 in the show's history, and Burke scored an 18 (out of 30) this week for their tango. ...

Former CNN Headline News anchor Sophia Choi will join co-anchor Kendall Tenney on KVBC-TV, Channel 3's weekday 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts, it was announced Wednesday. Choi formerly co-hosted the CBS 2 Morning Show at KCBS in Los Angeles.

SIGHTINGS

Rocker Dave Navarro and DJ Skribble, performing together Tuesday for the first time in the U.S. at Moon nightclub (Palms). Also at Moon nightclub: Members of the Las Vegas-based band The Killers and Washington Nationals infielder Robert Fick. ... Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, celebrating his team's sweep of the Los Angeles Angels with a trip Monday to Las Vegas. He was spotted at Wynn Las Vegas on Monday and Tuesday. ... Actor Kevin Sorbo, having lunch Tuesday at Wolfgang Puck's Postrio restaurant at the Grand Canal Shoppes (The Venetian). Sorbo also was spotted dining there Monday. ... Nicky Hilton, viewing designs for Velvet: A Salon by Michael Boychuck, which is planned for Caesars Palace. Faye Resnick, a friend of the Hilton family, is designing the salon.

THE PUNCH LINE

"There was some positive news over the weekend: The blessed nuptials between Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon -- heretofore known as 'Salomonella.' " -- Jimmy Kimmel

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