Las Vegas Weekly

February 15, 2010 · 6:24 PM

Strip Scribbles: What’s next for Hef after divorce and Shannon twins?

By Robin Leach

The Shannon twins (Karissa and Kristina), Ida Ljungqvist, Hugh Hefner, Crystal Harris and George Maloof.

Photo: Denise Truscello/WireImage

People are still trying to figure out what plans Hugh Hefner has now that he’s kicked twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon out of The Playboy Mansion and agreed to divorce longtime wife Kimberly Conrad. The twins were part of a three-pack residency with Crystal Harris, and Hef introduced them when he visited The Playboy Club at the Palms last year. He told me then that Crystal was his main girlfriend.

Now those in the know are asking if the divorce from Kimberly announced last week and the move by the Shannon sisters across the road to the Playmates’ dormitory will lead to the 83-year-old magazine mogul tying the knot again, this time with Crystal, who told me that she’d say yes if he asked.

A friend who knows them both well told me yesterday: “It would be crazy for both of them, but maybe he’s feeling the need to be settled with one girl finally at this stage of his life. They are certainly very, very close.” In recent days, Hef has been seen solo with Crystal, and the Shannon sex sirens have dropped out of sight -- and at least for now they are not on either of his arms.

*It’s a shame that President Obama, who has slammed our great city’s fragile economy twice, isn’t staying longer when he lands here Thursday night from Denver. Otherwise, he could stay for the opening of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, but The White House says he’ll return to the Nation’s Capital on Friday afternoon. Brilliant Las Vegas Sun political columnist Jon Ralston reports that Palms hotel mogul George Maloof will host a Democratic Party fundraiser at his home in Spanish Trail for the president just around the corner from mine. (Smiling slightly and wondering where the Playboy Bunnies will go for the evening?)

Meantime, I can tell you that George Harrison’s widow Olivia will be attending the premiere. Cirque founder Guy Laliberte personally sent invitations to Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and Olivia, and she’s the first to say yes.

*A replica of The Oval Office was unveiled this morning at Madame Tussauds in The Venetian to mark Presidents Day. The Oval Office Experience comes complete with a replica of President Obama, which cost more than $300,000 to make. He’s not expected to stop by to see that, either, on his short visit.

*90210 beauty AnnaLynne McCord hosted a season wrap and birthday bash for her best friend and agent Melissa Hirschenson at Eva Longoria Parker’s Eve the Nightclub in MGM CityCenter’s Crystals on Fright night. They were joined by The Spy Next Door star Katherine Boecher and Twilight hunk Kellan Lutz. The lovely ladies all walked the red carpet before heading inside to Eva’s celebrated steakhouse Beso for dinner in a party of 25. Although the sisters announced that they were both single this Valentine’s Day, AnnaLynne and Kellan flirted, laughed over dinner, danced and shared cake. Before the party people called it a night in the pre-dawn hours, there was a surprise visit by the Oompa Loompas to add to the fun.

*The Guinness World Record for hugs on Valentine’s weekend was broken outside the Paris when Teddy McHuggin (aka Jeff Ondash, 51) recorded 7,777 hugs in 24 hours, beating the record of 5,000 set in Ireland. We reported on Friday that the world champ was raising money for the American Heart Association during American Heart Month. He averaged just under 210 hugs per hour, or nearly four hugs per minute. He plans to return here to beat the Guinness Record for the world’s longest single hug (24 hours and 1 second) and his own record.

*Dancing With the Stars Season 7 champion Brooke Burke was at Tabu Ultra Lounge in MGM to host a posh Valentine’s weekend soiree. The host of She’s Got the Look, in a little black dress, kicked up her heels and danced the night away on top of the tables. Brooke and her friends also played Cupid by matching up lucky clubgoers.

*MTV cameras from Cribs, which their producers admit is a copycat of my old Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, filmed the prison-designed fortress home of The Rio magician Penn Jillette here today.

Star surveillance

Jersey Shore sensation Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and his entourage of six enjoyed their late visit to Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile yesterday after the grand opening of the Sugar Factory. After dining at the Cantina, The Situation led the group over to Vanity in the Hard Rock Hotel, where he joined MTV’s The Hills and Bromance star Brody Jenner, who hosted a Valentine’s party that brought out Oakland Raiders star Javon Walker.

*Terry Fator and his audience at The Mirage had a delightful surprise when comedian Ron White made an appearance. Terry was near the end of his own show when Ron walked onstage with a lit cigar and glass of scotch. Terry introduced him and then reminded Ron that his late show didn’t start until 10 p.m. Ron replied that he was sorry to interrupt, but he forgot something the night before. He went near the back of the set and grabbed a half-full bottle of Macallan 18 scotch, hoisted it to the crazed crowd and said goodnight!

*UFC legend Chuck Liddell took the night off from training for his upcoming battle against Tito Ortiz to take his family, including children Trista and Cade, to see Le Reve at the Wynn. After the show, they were taken backstage for a tour, and Chuck posed with the ballroom dancers, saying it reminded him of his days on Dancing With the Stars. Chuck also turned up at Victor Drai’s XS in Steve Wynn’s adjoining Encore.

*Producer and reality TV star David Gest, Liza Minnelli’s ex, hit the high-roller slots at Green Valley Ranch and won $10,000, so he promptly treated his friends to dinner at Hank’s. The group included singer Smokey Robinson and his wife, record producer Ron Dante and actor Tristan Rogers of General Hospital fame who is producing and directing a Michael Jackson documentary here with the Jackson brothers for David. He wants to take Ron and Monkees star Davy Jones for live 1960s vintage shows in Britain.

*Actor, director and producer Jason Alexander, currently performing his comedy show The Donny Clay Experience at Planet Hollywood, enjoyed dinner there last night with friends at Strip House. ... Jennifer Tilly and poker player boyfriend Phil Laak watched Viva Elvis along with his mom. The ladies are here to give support to Phil, who is participating in NBC’s Poker After Dark. ... Reality TV sensation Shayne Lamas met up with Human Nature after their Imperial Palace show. … Hair mogul John Paul DeJoria of Paul Mitchell fame took two guests to lunch at his friend Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in the Caesars Palace Forum Shops.

*Miami Dolphins guard Justin Smiley and offensive tackle Jake Long enjoyed dinner at N9NE Steakhouse with friends in the main dining room. Justin and Jake returned for a second dinner party there last night. Former MLB player and manager Pete Rose also dined at N9NE with friends. … Dana White entertained friends at a VIP table in The Playboy Club. The group sipped vodka cocktails and gambled before moving the festivities upstairs to Moon. … Mix Master Mike, sporting a Boston Celtics jersey and cap, took the stage during Z-Trip’s Revolution party in Rain.

*Chef Cat Cora enjoyed a night off with Wynn chef Paul Bartolotta at Tryst in the Wynn. Cat is still the only female Iron Chef in its franchise. Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko also partied at Tryst and posed for photos with fans. … Swedish soccer star Freddie Ljungberg, who plays for West Ham United in the English Premiere League, partied at XS, as did reigning Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.

Tonight’s tips

Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner makes a pit stop at Fashion Show mall on his cross-country driving tour raising awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He’s competing against Danica Patrick, Patty Loveless and Michael Strahan to see who can screen the most people -- at least 1 million -- by driving 6,000 miles in four days and making stops in 14 cities. For more info, go to Drive4COPD.com. … The Men’s International Fashion Show begins tomorrow, and actor David Arquette comes in a day early to host a private cocktail party at Lavo in the Palazzo to unveil his clothing line ProPr. … Foreplay of Hollywood sponsors the first of the MAGIC parties at Prive in Planet Hollywood for the lingerie fashion showcase. … Veteran stand-up comic Richie Minervini is at the Riviera through Sunday with Mike Merryfield and Ron Babcock. … Expect beauties by the boatload at Jet in The Mirage, as a $5,000 cash prize is up for grabs by the industry party promoter who brings the most girls with him in his entourage.

Tomorrow’s teases

We’ll check in with Seinfeld star Jason Alexander now that he’s opened his new hilarious one-man The Donny Clay Experience, and we’ll party with The Real Housewives of Orange County and Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard now that the Winter Olympics are underway in Vancouver, B.C. Plus, even more shocks and surprises with the ever-changing Strip theater scene!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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