MGM Mirage has announced that it's downsizing one of the main components of its CityCenter project at center Strip. Originally slated for 49 stories, the Harmon Tower will top off at only 24, and in the process, eliminate 200 residential condo units for a saving of $200 million. The adjustment is being attributed to a serious construction mistake involving rebar-reinforced concrete. The Harmon Tower will debut in late 2010, while the 4,000-room Aria, the 400-room and 227-residential-unit Mandarin Oriental, the 670-residential-unit Veer, and the 1,495-room hotel-condo Vdara are on schedule to open in December of this year.

Get a job: On a more positive note, MGM Mirage has begun the hiring process for up to 12,000 positions, spread across Aria, Vdara and the Crystals mall.

Munchkin in HoF: Richard Munchkin, that is. The noted blackjack expert and author of the book "Gambling Wizards" is the latest inductee into the Blackjack Hall of Fame.

Silverton Twofer: The Silverton has extended its great 2-for-1 dining offer throughout January in any restaurant from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. You must be a players club member.

Q. Everyone's complaining about the New Year's fireworks on the Strip. What's the scoop?

A. Las Vegas' experiment with launching the fireworks from ground level drew the most criticism since the city's decision to forego a show in 1999. The change from prior rooftop launches was implemented as a result of new safety rules (likely as a result of last year's Monte Carlo rooftop fire). Most complaints about the $600,000 show were related to restricted visibility.

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