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Screen Time
Katherine Nichols
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Emme visits Vegas, but not to gamble
E
mme Tomimbang reveals the side of Las Vegas few of us ever think about tonight at 9 on KHON Channel 2. "Emme in the New Las Vegas" has nothing to do with gambling. Instead, Tomimbang anchored herself at Ceasars Palace Resort & Casino on the strip, and focused on the way that hotel in particular is "moving toward entertainment, dining, shopping and golf." Of course, she highlights the city's ties to Hawaii.
Examples include a food segment on chef Jean-Marie Josselin, who owns the 808 restaurant at Caesars Palace, professional golfer Dean Wilson, originally from Hawaii and now residing in Las Vegas, Radford grad Bette Midler, who dishes about her upcoming show in February, and the Society of Seven performing in the Flamingo Hilton.
"I felt it was time to honor this group that has been around for almost four decades," said Tomimbang. She also spoke with American Idol Jasmine Trias, making her Vegas debut with the SOS.
The longest-running show in Las Vegas -- a Polynesian luau show with local performers -- gets some air time in this special as well.
What exactly is the allure of Las Vegas for Hawaii folks?
"It's the ninth island," she joked. Tomimbang said she asked Hawaii residents why they travel to Vegas so regularly. " 'In Honolulu we no like show our family we like gambling,' " Tomimbang said people told her. "It gives them permission to be a little naughty -- in a fun way."
Even so, "gambling is not necessarily the main focus anymore," said Tomimbang. The younger generation flocking to Vegas includes plenty who "don't even do the gambling."
Tominbang will indulge in the slot machines or spend a few minutes at the poker table, but admits she's not much of a gambler. Most of the time, her working trips to Las Vegas leave little time for recreation. Even so, Tomimbang said, "I felt sort of at home in there."
Her show will rebroadcast Saturday at 3 p.m.
Home-grown actress/singer Tia Carrere will appear on the season premiere of "Seinfeld" creator Larry David's acerbic and hilarious "Curb Your Enthusiasm" on HBO in September. Her recurring role in the upcoming season has her playing Richard Lewis's "annoying" girlfriend, according to Carrere. The star of "Wayne's World," "True Lies," "Rising Sun" and "Dancing with the Stars" also will be featured on the premiere of "Nip/Tuck."
"After having time with my daughter (18 months old now) and being mommy, and getting back in tip-top shape, I'm ready to dip my toe in the water and see if the water's fine," Carrere said from Los Angeles. Also in the works: a couple of movies that she'll produce. She'll be in Honolulu this weekend, promoting her new CD of classic Hawaiian songs (my personal favorite is her lovely, effortless rendition of "Sing a Song," with a subtle Hawaiian flair). Check out previews at www. danielho.com/html/tia.html.