John Katsilometes reminds South Point owner Michael Gaughan about a bit of poetry

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.

When Michael Gaughan sold his interest in Boyd Gaming in exchange for the South Coast (now South Point), he left something personal behind - a poem in stained glass.

The ode to imbibing is behind the bar at Brendan's Irish Pub at the Orleans, which was originally part of Gaughan's Coast Casinos (which became a subsidiary of Boyd Gaming). The piece reads, "In all this world why do I think there are many reasons why we drink. Smooth whiskey, a cold pint - least we be dry, good friends, great times or any other reason why." Gaughan's name appears at the bottom of the poem.

"You know, I'd forgotten about that. It's beautiful glass, and I wish I'd made keeping that part of the deal," Gaughan said Monday. "If they end up tearing (Brendan's) down, I might ask to buy it."

It is rumored that, under Boyd Gaming management, Brendan's will become a nightclub with a different theme and design. The pub was named for Michael Gaughan's son, Brendan. Also rumored to be taken out of the Orleans are Terrible Mike's deli and Kate's Korner ice cream parlor, named for Gaughan's daughter, Kate. ("She wanted royalties," Gaughan joked.)

"All the names are (Boyd's), other than Michael's (restaurant), over at Barbary Coast. That's moving to South Point," said Gaughan, who is friendly with Boyd Gaming Chief Executive Bill Boyd. "They can do whatever they want with them."

In remembering the poem, Gaughan said, "I wanted it to sound like an old Irish drinking poem. "And it does," he added, laughing. "It should. I wrote it while I was drinking one night - Irish whiskey."

NoteMart

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 720 is planning a protest of the "Blue Man Group" production at the Venetian. The protest is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Venetian (better not hold it in the parking garage; no one will find it). The group says it is planning the informational picket to protest the actions of Blue Man founders Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton. The group contends the protest is the result of "the failure of Blue Man Group owner Matt Goldman's promise to recognize the results of an NLRB election for union representation his employees won earlier this year." The news release also features this none-too-oblique warning: "While a peaceful protest is planned, Local 720 has asked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to assist with tourists and their families who may get caught in the crush of activist union members, spoiling their Las Vegas vacation experience, while on the sidewalk in front of the Venetian."

On Sunday, the day after pulling overnight duty in her free "gypsy" performance at the Luxor for fellow entertainers, physical marvel Liza Minnelli attended a 4 p.m. performance of the Luxor production "Burn the Floor," then had dinner with a party of 14 (including hotel President Felix Rappaport), then took in performances of "O" and "Love." Rappaport said he is hoping to book her at the Luxor in the spring ...

In another pyramid program, the Luxor has announced the opening of the Criss Angel Mindfreak store. This is where you can find merchandise bearing the Angel logo. (He's also planning to front a production with Cirque du Soleil at the hotel, which will serve as the home to the third season of "Mindfreak" on A&E) ...

In case you're curious (and even if you're not) there is no conflict between the restaurant Pearl at the MGM Grand and the new Palms showroom, also called Pearl, which will open in February. The reason is they are not like businesses. (If both were restaurants, then we'd have a problem.) ...

I have a feeling this vehicle belongs to Steve Lawrence: Parked outside the Stardust just days before it closed was a silver Jaguar XK with the vanity plate VOICE.