There has been no formal announcement yet, but the buzz printed in a variety of relatively reliable outlets is that Elton John has inked a deal to take over the stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace when Celine Dion is off, as many as 150 nights a year. For his two-year commitment, Elton is rumored to be getting more than $50 million.

That's going to buy a lot of rhinestone-encrusted glasses.

The Clark County Planning Commission has approved three big projects for the Strip, but only one of the three is a sure thing to get built. That would be the new tower at Caesars Palace, which will feature 1,000 rooms and more than 175,000 square feet of retail, dining and meeting space. It is under construction already -- that's what all the dirt and machines are on Flamingo, just west of the Strip -- and should open by early 2005.

The less "sure thing" projects include a 300-room casino hotel from Luke Brugnara (the controversial developer who once tried to build a San Francisco-theme resort) and the proposed Tropicana site redevelopment.

According to the published reports, the Tropicana would mostly be demolished, although the southernmost room tower and part of the building that supports it would remain. The rest of the hotel would be rebuilt, with a new room tower or towers adding more than 2,500 rooms to the remaining tower's 800 or so. The company that owns the hotel is still denying it has 100 percent decided to do all of this, but it's looking more and more likely every day.

Square-hamburger fans rejoice! Wendy's is coming to the Strip. The hamburger chain will open its first two locations on Las Vegas Boulevard by next month, one at the Showcase Mall near the MGM Grand and one at the Fashion Show Mall's new food court. No. 2 with no pickles or mustard, biggie size, and make the drink a Sprite. Just thought you'd want to know.

One of the slots debuting at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas this month will feature the face and voice of Elizabeth Taylor. The legendary film actress has signed a deal with IGT to produce a series of slot machines that will reward players with jewelry she designed.

And cash, of course.

This Week's Trivia

Q: In what year did Binion's Horseshoe open? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

• Binion's Casnio Great, Everything Else Not
• 'Folies Bergere' Gives Taste Of Classics
• Bellagio Tops Several Categories In Reader Voting
• Other News: Elton To Fill Celine's Dark Houses?
• Vegas Q&A: Is The Strip Safe For 16-Year-Olds?
• Vegas Q&A: Do I Really Have To Tip For Drinks?

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.

Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors

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