Opening dates for CityCenter, the gigantic resort on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, have been confirmed. Four of the six primary components of the complex will open in December: Vdara on Dec. 1, Crystals on Dec. 3, Mandarin Oriental on Dec. 4, and ARIA on Dec. 16. Veer (the residential component) and Harmon (in the midst of a redesign) will not open until 2010. MGM Mirage has begun hiring the more than 12,000 employees for the metaresort from a field of about 160,000 applicants.

WAYNE NEWTON IS BACK: The long-circulating rumor that "Mr. Vegas," Wayne Newton, is returning to the Las Vegas Strip has finally been confirmed. He'll be celebrating his 50th year in Las Vegas with a residency at the Tropicana beginning Oct. 14 and running until April. Tickets for the Tuesday-Saturday schedule are already on sale ($80 to $150).

NEW CLUB FOR ENCORE: Steve Wynn says he'll build yet another nightclub, which will be the fourth for Encore/Wynn. Plans call for closing the Strip entrance to Encore, removing the driveway, and building a Strip-facing combination nightclub and beach club set to debut next summer.

NEON: The first neon signs have been installed on Las Vegas Boulevard north of downtown as part of the Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byways plan. The vintage sign from the Bow and Arrow Motel has been erected at the corner of the Boulevard and Bonanza Road. Soon to be installed nearby are the slipper from the Silver Slipper casino and the horseshoe from the top of Binion's. In all, 17 restored neon signs will grace the boulevard between Washington and Sahara avenues.

Q: Does video poker expert Bob Dancer still offer free how-to-play lessons?

Yes, Dancer's excellent free classes run every Wednesday at Eastside Cannery. The classes are in Marilyn's Lounge — beginner classes at 1 p.m. and intermediate at 3 p.m. You must be at least 21 to attend.