Las Vegas: Confessions from Sin City

This document from the Real World's Las Vegas episodes (apparently notable for their sexual content) consists of many photographs of and short interviews with the cast members, reminiscing about the only topic they can manage to converse on-namely each other, the crew that surrounded them, their constructed adventures and especially themselves (""I"" is the de facto subject of everything). They recount their crushes, both consummated and unconsummated, and assign various stereotypical labels to each other (""southern belle,"" ""diva,"" etc.). In printed form, the narcissism of the young participants plays out with slightly more thoughtfulness than on TV, and at moments even hits a certain note of retrospective shame-such as when Trishelle, in reflection, avers, ""I want everyone to know that the real Trishelle does not get drunk every night."" No matter how seemingly shallow or self-involved the participants have been, the show somehow finds mildly interesting vignettes to record. But does it work in book form? Only barely, and if the people weren't so attractive, not at all. (Dec.)THE 90/10 WEIGHT-LOSS PLANJoyce Bauer. St. Martin's/Griffin, $13.95 (288p) ISBN 0312303971 The age-old conundrum that what's forbidden is most enticing doesn't faze nutritionist Bauer, who crafts a diet philosophy and three two-week diet plans around the idea of all things-even Cheetos, Doritos and Oreos-in moderation. Her message, as well as her frank, encouraging attitude, will be a breath of fresh air to frustrated dieters who missed the 2001 hardcover edition: chuck the ""useless guilt"" and ""eat whatever you want"" in small, carefully monitored portions. Bauer sensibly suggests that when about 10% of the calories in a weight-loss menu can come from typically verboten ""Fun Foods,"" people will find that cravings, which might otherwise derail their diets, are satisfied. The chapter ""Your Diet Questions Answered"" delivers what it promises, with Bauer breezing through what she sees as common misconceptions (that carbohydrates will make you fat, or that consuming certain foods together will somehow lessen their impact), discouraging various weight-loss herbs and supplements, and generally offering the basics of healthy dieting. Her meal plans weigh in at 1,200, 1,400 and 1,600 calories per day, and for each meal she provides a variety of suggestions and full-blown recipes, that, if not gourmet, are satisfying. Those who want to drop a few pounds quickly but maintain healthy eating habits for the long haul have a wise guide in Bauer.