VegasBeat — Timothy McDarrah: Doing some weeding at Grand Garden

Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 | 9:25 a.m.

Plenty of idle time at the "American Idol" taping at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Wednesday night.

Because of some technical problems, the two-hour reunion concert featuring the show's 30 finalists took nearly four hours to complete, which actually wasn't bad for a live TV taping.

But some of the commentary by co-host Brian Dunkleman is sure to be edited out before Monday's 8 p.m. broadcast on Fox.

Likely to not make the cut: "Boy, is it hot in here. I am sweating so much I feel like Michael Jackson in a day-care center."

At that, Justin Guarini's father, Eldrin Bell, who was sitting to the left of me, cracked an embarrassed smile.

But the girls in the two seats to my right, Kaylan Jiminez and Julie Tsai, who are in the fourth and fifth grades, respectively, at Bendorf Elementary School, weren't laughing.

Later, Dunkleman said he was "as hot as R. Kelly at the prom."

After the show, outside the arena, when a passer-by asked Dunkleman where the post-concert party was, he answered, "In my pants."

During his week in Las Vegas, Dunkleman quickly earned a reputation as one who will not say no to another cocktail.

With such off-color remarks -- when he knew most of the audience was preteen -- it isn't hard to see that facet of Dunkleman's personality.

And how was the concert?

Well, as evil judge Simon Cowell would say (none of the judges -- Cowell, Paula Abdul or Randy Jackson were there): "There's a reason 29 of them were losers."

Still Rich

Offensive humor must have been in the air Wednesday night.

Rich Little offered some politically incorrect barbs at Paris Las Vegas during the American Gaming Association's awards dinner honoring Merv Griffin.

Little hit the audience with his Andy Rooney impression ("Why is it that kamikaze pilots wear helmets?").

Then it was on to his compatriots from north of the border; Little was raised in Ottawa.

"The only problem with Canadians coming down here is that they are taking jobs away from our Mexicans."

We are just the messenger; direct your complaints to Mr. Little.

'Le Monde Verite'

MTV's popular "The Real World" series is moving to another city for its 13th season.

Production begins on "Real World Paris" in January with a targeted summer 2003 premiere. Casting details have yet to be announced.

"Real World Las Vegas" premiered this week and garnered a strong rating, drawing in more than 3 million viewers.

Sweet look

The sweetest thing about Fashion Week in New York, which continues through Sunday, is something from Las Vegas -- Ethel M chocolates.

Six renowned fashion designers -- Kenneth Cole, Marc Bouwer, Carolina Herrera, Rafe, Douglas Hannant and David Dalrymple from House of Field have selected their favorite Ethel M chocolates and designed their own "collections" around them.

And wrapped them in designer ribbons.

The chocolate collections are one of the hits of the show, according to New York Sun reporter Colin Miner. "Even the reed-thin models who don't eat anything are eating that candy."

Mercedes Warrick of Ethel M told us that the designer chocolate collections will also be available on the company's website (EthelM.com) through Oct. 30 -- and that all of the net proceeds will be donated to Sue Shifrin-Cassidy's charitable organization, KidsCharities.org.

War games

A recent poll conducted for KVBC Channel 3 showed 69 percent of those responding supported a potential invasion of Iraq, and another 20 percent did not. The remaining 11 percent, according to Ira David Sternberg's Las Vegas Notebook, were in favor of Danny Gans doing an impression of an invasion of Iraq.

Pop up

Look for former University of Nevada, Las Vegas Lady Rebel softball star Lori Harrigan to pop out of her outfit this weekend.

Hey! Head out of the gutter, fellas.

The two-time Olympic Gold medal-winning athlete stars in a television commercial, where she'll perform as the Rebel mascot Hey Reb.

At the end of the 30-second spot, she removes the mascot's head and reveals herself as the UNLV Hall of Famer she is.

The spot airs during the UNLV-Toledo football telecast on Saturday.

Homegrown

Guess there's no local talent good enough for the Las Vegas Housing Authority.

Not only did the agency take out a classified ad in the national edition of The New York Times looking for an executive director, but responses are directed to a Los Angeles headhunter.

The ad reads: "Must be exp'd in housing mgmt, development & financing. Resume by 10/11 to The Hawkins Co." on Wilshire Boulevard in the Big Orange.

A local Housing Authority official said it was also advertising the position locally, but wanted to get as broad a range of responses as possible.

Extra! Extra!

The movie "Looney Tunes," starring Jenna Elfman and Brendan Fraser, starts filming around Las Vegas at the end of the month.

In preparation, there's an open casting call for extras today and extending through this weekend.

Producers are looking for about 900 people, as well as stunt doubles for Elfman and Fraser, and several fancy cars -- such as Ferraris, Bentleys and Lamborghinis.

Frankly, if I had a $280,000 car it is unlikely I'd lend it out. My Honda, however, remains avaliable.

If you're interested, go to 3355 W. Spring Mountain Road today from noon to 6 p.m. Same schedule Saturday. Sunday is by appointment; call Wild Streak productions at 252-8382 to schedule a time.

In the bag

Crossdressing "La Cage Aux Folles" star Frank Marino is celebrating his 20 years as a kitsch icon by treating himself to a pair of $5,000 Judith Lieber handbags.

Marino debuted his killer Joan Rivers impersonation during his first "La Cage" performance at the Riviera on Sept. 18, 1985. But he first cross-dressed at a New York City Halloween party in 1982, portraying pop diva Diana Ross.

Check out ...

Desi Arnaz Jr.'s wife Amy and his sister Lucie in the audience at Ricci Martin's (Dean's son) late show at Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre ... Bob Costas dining on Dover sole at 3950 inside Mandalay Bay ... Actress Jamie Pressley poolside at the Palms, in a barely there red bikini, downing vodka shots ... Nikki McKibben, drinking, chain-smoking and wearing a spiked leather collar, at olio! in the MGM Grand.