Holly Madison’s resume mushrooms

Holly Madison's career keeps blowing up, thanks to her move to Las Vegas three years ago to headline in a burlesque show.

So her latest title - Miss Atomic Bomb - is the perfect metaphor.

Blonde bombshell jokes were flying around Wednesday's luncheon at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the dual unveiling of the new Miss Atomic Bomb and a bronze sculpture of the iconic photograph taken in 1957.

The "Peepshow" star, who left Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Mansion, has cashed in on her girl-next-door appeal, beauty and business smarts like few other showbiz newcomers.

She embraced everything Las Vegas - charities and causes - and the city embraced her back.

Madison was introduced as Miss Atomic Bomb 2012 in front of 500-plus movers and shakers who gathered to mark the 65th anniversary of the Las Vegas News Bureau. The event was co-sponsored by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, former home of the news bureau, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It was 55 years ago that news bureau photographer Don English took the famous photo of Copa showgirl Lee Merlin with the mushroom cloud made out of cotton.

Madison said she was "really flattered" when contacted to re-create the pose, which was shot by the news bureau's Darrin Bush. Madison said she isn't "as tall or leggy" as Merlin so she wore platform shoes.

Asked about her post-"Peepshow" plans, Madison said she is working on a new project that will take place in Las Vegas.

Also on hand was local artist Steve Ligouri, who crafted the bronze statue of Merlin that will be temporarily on display soon at the National Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road.

Past and current news bureau photographers and their families were introduced and posed for photos in front of the statue. Most notably missing was Merlin, who has been the subject of an intense search for years. Call me at 702-595-3604 if you have information about her whereabouts.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Former Republican state Sen. Elizabeth Halseth, who resigned in February amid controversy after a year in office, has shown up in Maxim magazine's Hot 100 contest. She is pictured in a bikini in a desert setting. In her resignation letter, Halseth said she had to "focus my efforts completely as a mother and job seeker."

Adam Rapoport, editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit, said a "really strong cast" will be on hand for Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit, the food extravaganza, which kicks off today. "We're really excited about how many chefs are taking part." A cork-popping Saber-off ceremony takes place in front of Caesars Palace today at 1:45 p.m. Schedule and ticket information: www.VegasUncorked.com.

SIGHTINGS

Under heavy security, Elton John, taking his 1-year-old son, Zachary, on rides at the San Gennaro Feast at the Rio on Wednesday. The Caesars Palace headliner and his partner David Furnish adopted the child last year.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Most people can't go 10 minutes without lying. We have a name for those 10 minutes - 'job interviews.' " - Jimmy Fallon

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