Workers can take a bow for their efforts during Monte Carlo’s crisis

It has been said true character is measured during a time of crisis. With that in mind, I would say the Monte Carlo's many employees measured up nicely after last week's fire at the hotel and casino.

Now that the smoke has cleared, it's good to learn that the hotel's 2,800 employees will continue to receive their pay and benefits. They deserve all that and a bonus for their efforts.

Those employees put in long hours to assist hotel guests and casino customers. Cleanup efforts began almost immediately, and the Monte Carlo is on its way to making a rapid comeback in large part because of the work ethic of the employees.

When the hotel was once again secure, guests were escorted back to their rooms. I have heard no report of anything turning up missing from the approximately 2,000 rooms that were occupied when the fire broke out.

Although there will be plenty of news stories to come about the foam material that caught fire atop the Monte Carlo, there should also be room for praise for the hundreds of employees who came through in a crisis and made their employer and Las Vegas look very good in the process.

ESCORT EXPORTS: Never let it be said that Las Vegans aren't contributing to this Sunday's Super Bowl XLII experience in Glendale, Ariz.

Advertisements on the Internet and in alternative weekly publications in the Phoenix area are inviting female "escorts" to come and party in the week leading up to Super Sunday. Women from Los Angeles and Las Vegas have been descending on the celebrity-studded scene, according to news reports.

From one advertisement: "Super Bowl week will be very busy ... we need more entertainers." And, "Looking for help very soon because we will be very busy with all the big events coming. Lap dancers and strippers needed for outcall services."

Do our state agencies count traveling sex workers and exotic dancers on Nevada's list of "exports?"

For dollars generated, I'm guessing trafficking in skinny girls exceeds Yerington garlic and rivals Newmont gold.

Of course, some of those ladies will be staying home this weekend. Las Vegas is expected to draw upward of 300,000 visitors for the Super Bowl and related events.

CAR TALK: Buffalo Jim and the Polish Maverick. It almost sounds like a sitcom, and as it turns out, there's plenty to laugh about after these two local characters crossed paths.

Bob Stupak, the maverick mind behind the Stratosphere Tower, took his 1979 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in for repair at Buffalo Jim Barrier's Auto & Marine Electric shop before Christmas. The vehicle repair bill was just under $20,000, and Barrier attempted to encourage payment from the former casino man. When the bill remained unpaid, Barrier took possession of the car.

When the car turned up missing from Barrier's shop, a search found it back on Stupak's downtown residential property. Barrier notified Metro, but before theft charges were filed, the vehicle was returned to its new owner.

So if you see the bearded Buffalo Jim behind the wheel of a Rolls, you'll know it's not because he's moonlighting as Stupak's chauffeur.

I wonder whether Stupak will try to bet Barrier double or nothing.

JOYCE FOUNDATION: In life, Jim Joyce was the dean of Nevada's political mechanics, a man who understood the campaign and legislative lobbying process perhaps better than anyone in state history.

His legacy continues with the Jim Joyce Endowment for Political Communications. The endowment's first event is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno campus in association with the Reynolds School of Journalism.

The timely topic of discussion, "The Impact of Debates on the Presidential Nomination Process," will be moderated by Joyce's son, Las Vegas advertising and government affairs specialist Robin Joyce.

Although big Jim's political presence was often felt but rarely seen, he surely would be proud to have an endowment in his name at UNR.

ON THE BOULEVARD: Nye County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Bill Wagnon is mourning the death of his horse, Shadow, the mustang he rode in many honor guard programs. The horse was so popular the sheriff's office sent a press release noting its passing. ... You can still sign up for Kendall Tenney's seventh annual Run for a Wish event, which benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. The race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fremont Street Experience.

Have an item for the Bard of the Boulevard? E-mail comments and contributions to Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.