Columnist Muriel Stevens: Christophe set for swap meet

Wednesday, May 12, 2004 | 8:20 a.m.

The opening Memorial Day weekend of the elegant Christophe Salon Las Vegas for men and women at MGM Grand will be followed June 9 by a dazzling fund-raiser for the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Christophe, an acclaimed celebrity stylist, and his internationally trained team of specialists will "swap hair care for cancer care" by contributing all money raised during the 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. styling sessions to Nevada Cancer Institute.

This newest Christophe Salon overlooks the MGM's Grand Pool area. Among the many services offered at Christophe Salon are a makeover studio with specialized makeover packages, spa services, wedding services and beaucoup specialties.

Relax as the experts pamper, shampoo, cut, make up, manicure, beautify and transform. Plasma TV screens, wireless connections for Internet access and other high-tech enticements are included.

Among the many celebs who flock to Christophe Salons are Nicole Kidman, Liv Tyler and Mariah Carey.

Brighton Collectibles at The District: On May 20 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Brighton Collectibles will celebrate the opening of its newest location in The District at Green Valley Ranch with a benefit for the Assistance League of Las Vegas.

Brighton Collectibles features fine leather goods -- including signature luggage -- home accessories, candles, clocks, napkin rings, handbags, shoes for men and women, fine leather belts and much more.

Look for the new store in The District below the distinctive clock tower. Brighton Collectibles will donate $5 from every sale made at The District location from May 20 through June 20.

Among the longtime Assistance League's many worthy programs is Operation School Bell, an annual fund-raiser that contributes new clothing and other necessities to needy school-age youngsters. For more about the Assistance League call 870-2002. For more about the newest Brighton Collectibles location, call 270-0100.

Stowaway on Queen Mary 2, a strange tern of events: It was on the Maiden eastbound crossing from New York to Southampton on May 1 that the stowaway, a bodacious adolescent tern, not yet in full feather, landed on the balcony of Cunard's President Pamela Conover. Conover, of course, reported the presence of the interloper to "on-board authorities."

By this time Queen Mary 2 was 485 miles due east of Cape Race, Newfoundland. Dr. Martin Carroll, principal medical officer, examined the bird in the ship's medical center under the supervision of Commodore R.W. Warwick.

While in custody the stowaway fledgling feasted on a diet of smoked salmon and caviar. If that's what birds peck on the Queen Mary 2, imagine what magnificent morsels the passengers pick at.

Our plucky bird was released the following Friday as Queen Mary 2 neared the UK. Peter Shanks, Cunard's senior vice president Europe, said: "I can't believe the audacity of this tern trying to hitch a free ride, but I suppose it has shown great taste by deciding to stowaway on Queen Mary 2, the most luxurious liner in the world."

Poor little birdie. Just wait until he finds out that not all the fish in the sea taste as good as caviar and smoked salmon.