That reputation followed him to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Before long he was being recruited to help fellow students with homework.

"Remember the Tarkanian glory days?" he told the morning show at KKLZ-FM, 96.3, last week.

He said that the Thomas & Mack Center "was always packed with guys watching the champion Rebels who played on national TV seemingly every Monday night. ... While they were there, I was at the library writing their term papers for them and getting paid for doing it!"

Zuiker told deejays Mike O'Brian, Jim Tofte and Charly Kayle that he figures he put about 300 guys through school.

KNOCK HOFFS

The owners of Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas found it curious when a recent Saturday night reservation came in under the name of "David Hasselhof" (and the caller misspelled it).

The former "Baywatch" star was a VIP guest a few weeks earlier, and Hofbrauhaus managers tried to reach the actor's handlers to confirm, but with no success.

When the "Hasselhof" party of 12 arrived, it was clear it was going to be a Hofftastic night.

It was a bachelor party, and everyone showed up in wigs and costumes to pay homage to The Hoff.

They stayed the entire evening and rocked the 'Haus.

SIGHTINGS

At the Palms' N9NE Steakhouse on Saturday: Mario Lopez celebrating his 36th birthday with a large group; actress and producer Debbie Allen at another table; actor Eddie Cibrian at the bar; hockey great Gordie Howe, dining with friends; and pro golfer Natalie Gulbis, with girlfriends. ... At the Palms' Nove Italiano on Saturday: Pete Rose, with a bachelor party. ... Rita Rudner and her daughter, joining Lance Burton on stage during his show Saturday night at the Monte Carlo. He performed his floating routine with them. ... At Luxor's LAX on Saturday: Kristin Cavallari, hosting; Luxor headliner Criss Angel, former NFL standout Willie McGinest and tattoo artist Mario Barth. ... Comedian Carlos Mencia, with his wife and friends at The Venetian's TAO Nightclub on Saturday after attending "Mystere" at Treasure Island.

THE PUNCH LINE

"NASA is shooting a rocket at the moon.The government says don't worry; they're pretty sure we'll be greeted as liberators." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.