Woods in town for trainer aid

Tiger Woods, still noticeably limping from knee surgery, showed up at his Las Vegas trainer's physical rehabilitation center on Thursday.

Woods has been working closely with longtime Las Vegan Keith Kleven for almost a decade. Their friendship dates back to the early 1990s when Woods was being recruited by UNLV, which narrowly missed landing the California high school sensation.

Woods had season-ending reconstructive surgery on his left knee after winning the U.S. Open in June. Doctors grafted a piece of his right hamstring during the surgery.

He is not expected to return to the PGA tour until next spring, with the Masters firmly in his sights.

Woods announced some good news this week: His wife, Elin, is pregnant with their second child in "late winter," he said on his Web site.

Back in July the world No. 1 player, whose U.S. Open victory was his 14th major, said his left leg was in a full-length cast and he expected to be on crutches for weeks after that.

During his rehabilitation, he has traveled recently to Dubai to check on the golf course he designed, and to New York for business.

PHELPS IN VEGAS

American swimming star Michael Phelps was seen leaving McCarran International Airport late Thursday in one of the Palms' lime-colored Escalades.

Phelps won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, giving him a record career 14 Olympic gold medals and 16 medals overall in Olympic competition. Phelps was later seen moving into the Palms Hardwood suite which features a basketball court.

MAYOR IN HOT SEAT

The roster of roasters continues to grow, with Louie Anderson, David Brenner, Carolyn Goodman, Vinnie Favorito and David Chesnoff lined up to needle Mayor Oscar Goodman at the Plaza on Saturday.

The event, which starts at 2 p.m. in the showroom, benefits The Showbiz Society, which is honoring Goodman for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the entertainment industry in Las Vegas.

The Showbiz Society, formed by local TV personality Tony Sacca, is a non-profit Nevada corporation that encourages, acknowledges and honors entertainers for outstanding service in the entertainment industry, as well as assisting entertainers in time of need.

Brenner said he's bringing a different perspective to the roast.

"A lot of people know the mayor, but I am one of the few who lived in his old neighborhood, West Philly, and went to the same elementary and junior high schools, so I've got some unique dirt on his life, B.M. (Before Mayor) and B.C. (Before Criminals.)"

For ticket information: call 364-8669 or visit the Web site at www.theshowbizsociety. com. The donation is $75 for members of The Showbiz Society and $100 for non-members.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

DJ Christopher Lawrence was named America's Best DJ during an awards event at Rouge at the MGM Grand on Tuesday. DJ Qbert was second, Skribble third and Scotty Boy fourth. They were chosen by electronic and dance-music fans from across the country. ... An all-new audio/visual extravaganza will feature soundtracks by Grammy-winning musicians. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be on hand for the 10 a.m. gathering at the "Love" theater. ... Donny Osmond hinted during an interview with Melanie and Michael on KSNE-FM, 106.5 (Sunny) that the Donny and Marie show will be in Las Vegas for a year. They begin their six-month engagement at the Flamingo on Tuesday.

SIGHTINGS

TV talk-show host Montel Williams, playing poker Thursday at the Hard Rock Hotel.

MAY I RECOMMEND

Donny and Marie Osmond open their six-month headliner run at the Flamingo on Tuesday. The show features their greatest hits, multimedia highlights and a large dance troupe. The show will run Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with an additional Saturday matinee at 3:30 p.m. Tickets range from $85, $99, $115 and $250 (plus taxes and fees). Reservations: 702-733-3333.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Joe Lieberman, who ran as a Democrat in 2000 as Al Gore's vice presidential nominee, spoke at the Republican Convention last night. A Democrat at the Republican Convention. That's like Bill Clinton speaking at a sexual abstinence rally." -- Jay Leno

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