Radio host Stock loses job at KXNT

Veteran KXNT radio host Alan Stock was let go Wednesday after 12 years with the CBS affiliate.

Stock, who confirmed the dismissal, had been moved to the afternoon drive-time slot a year ago after more than a decade as a morning drive host. Reached at his home, Stock said he was informed of the move after his show ended at 6 p.m.

"They made a huge mistake," he said. "These people are brand new in this market. They want to change the direction of the station. They wanted somebody who was part of the 'CBS culture.' "

Asked what he thought that meant, Stock said, "I think they wanted their own people."

He added, "I am looking to land something better in this market and I will come back and kick their ass."

Stock said his colleagues "were absolutely great. I plan to stay here. I love this town. I've got my family and I've got my faith."

The California native has been selected to Talkers Magazine's Top 100 talk show hosts every year since 2000.

ENGELBERT RECEIVES STAR

When Engelbert Humperdinck's exploding career landed him in Las Vegas in 1968, fellow headliner Liberace offered him some stardom advice.

"He told me 'don't mingle' (with fans.)' Always come in through the back of the house. Make yourself scarce," Humperdinck said.

The strategy wasn't intended to snub fans, but to maintain an air of mystery.

"The first time they should see you is when you walk on stage," said Humperdinck, during a backstage interview at the Paris Theatre on Wednesday after his Las Vegas Walk of Stars ceremony.

Humperdinck, who is appearing in the Paris Theatre tonight through Sunday, is the 55th recipient of a star on Las Vegas Boulevard. It will be placed in front of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant.

His first Las Vegas engagement came about a year after his breakout debut, "Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)," soared to No. 4 on the Billboard charts in 1967.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

About 50 showgirls will participate in a brief Strip-blocking solidarity march at 9 a.m. today in front of Bally's. They are promoting what is being billed as an announcement involving support of the U.S. consumer. Rio headliners Penn & Teller, along with some surprise celebrity guests, will join the showgirls.

SIGHTINGS

Former NBA star Dennis Rodman, in town to celebrate his 50th birthday, joined lounge singer Peter Monroy on stage at La Scena Lounge (Venetian) on Tuesday. He made the rounds: He had shots of Jagermeister with friends at Crazy Horse III at the Playground complex and got the crowd going by "making it rain" with dollar bills. ... Ed Henry, who left CNN to join Fox News as chief White House correspondent, dining at Rao's (Caesars Palace) on the eve of his 40th birthday with his wife, Shirley, a CNN producer. The night before, Democratic strategist James Carville and his wife, Mary Matalin, a GOP strategist, dined at Rao's. ... Humperdinck, with family and friends Tuesday night at the Hofbräuhaus, sharing schnitzel. He returned again Wednesday after his Walk of Stars ceremony with a party of 13. ... At Cut restaurant (Palazzo) on Tuesday: Roberto Mancini, manager of British soccer club Manchester City, NFL All-Pro running back Steven Jackson and comedian Ron White. ... Cast members of "The Lion King" (Mandalay Bay), taking in Skip Martin, formerly of Kool & the Gang, at The Freakin' Frog on Tuesday night. Martin just returned from entertaining U.S. troops in Kuwait and Iraq. ... New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, dining at N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Tuesday.

THE PUNCH LINE

"How did he get past the pie detector?" -- From David Letterman's "Top Ten Thoughts Going Through Rupert Murdoch's Mind During the Pie Attack"

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.