Encore

When you break out Superman's cape, finding the proper encore can prove difficult. Nevertheless, Dwight Howard promised theatrics in his defense of his Superhero-flavored 2008 slam-dunk championship Saturday night during All-Star weekend. And, being the sultan of slam that he is, Howard knows what won't fly. "Angel wings?" Howard said in mock anger at one suggestion. "I'm not a Victoria's Secret model."

I am a frequent visitor to Las Vegas and I appreciate the great picture you painted of the new Encore resort ["Encore Steals the Show," Dec. 28]. Normally, I pass right by the Travel section, but this article caught my eye. I'm going to Vegas for New Year's (as I do every year), and I think you helped me make up my mind about where to stay, eat and play. Christopher Reynolds' review was comprehensive, funny and informative. When I thought it was over, then came more with the restaurant reviews.

Is this the worst moment ever to open a fancy new casino? You're entitled to wonder that, given that Steve Wynn's 2,034-room, $2.3-billion Encore took its first bets Monday in the middle of a national financial nervous breakdown. But here's a question more suited to the time and place: What's in it for me? The answer at Encore is plenty.

A few days before his 90th birthday, Bebo Valdes contemplates his memories and melodies on a hotel terrace with a view of waves dancing in an African breeze. Valdes puts aside the coffee he is nursing and examines two CDs. One is "Lagrimas Negras" ("Black Tears"), the surprise crossover sensation that made him an international star four years ago.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has the build of a linebacker, the mentality of a coach and the skills to play just about anywhere on the field. Off the field, he's just as engaged in his Christian faith. Florida's star quarterback spends much of his spare time going on mission trips, working with underprivileged youth and visiting hospitals and prisons. He even helped perform a few circumcisions in an impoverished Philippines village -- during spring break.

Casino mogul Steve Wynn says hiring will begin Sunday for 5,300 positions at his new Encore resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Company executives said hiring would be handled online. Encore, with 2,034 rooms, is scheduled to open by the end of the year.

A day after making his "coaching" debut Friday night, Chris Pronger was back in his customary spot on the ice Saturday and did his best to downplay his experience behind the bench in the Ducks' 3-1 victory over Calgary. "I don't plan on retiring any time soon," Pronger said after practice. "I'll leave it at that. You're only six feet from the ice, but it's a lot different perspective than playing, that's for sure."

The fake October news conference held by the Federal Emergency Management Agency was not the first time a Homeland Security public affairs official acted like a reporter by asking questions during a briefing. On Feb. 3, 2006, an official with Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked a question during a news conference in San Antonio, according to an investigation by the Homeland Security Department -- the parent agency of FEMA and ICE.

JUST close your eyes and listen. A Chinese restaurant in the midst of dim sum service sounds like nothing else. You can pick out the percussive beat of plates clattering against each other, the whir of tablecloths unleashed in the air and thrown over tables. There's the soft thud of a full teapot as it's set down, the splashing of tea against the bottom of the cup, and the staccato commands of the ponytailed manageress in charge of the dining room.