I have visited Las Vegas since 1969 and moved there in 2004, now living in Pahrump since 2009. I mention all these dates for a reason. I recently explored the downtown streets in Las Vegas, searching for a business that I no longer found in the phone book but did exist when I moved to Las Vegas. I was dismayed at the state of the downtown businesses, many closed and in disarray, littered with homeless. It all seems ripe for cheap realty acquisition and renovation of downtown casino businesses. Has all hope abandoned Las Vegas or is there some positive future in the works?

Certainly there have been several false starts, but what would you project the north Strip area (from Wynn to Stratosphere) will have available five or so years from now? Or will it continue to be basically a blight -- one abandoned construction project after another?

Are there any websites that keep jackpot payout statistics by casino? Particularly jackpots in the million-plus range?

Can you still bypass the line at the Bellagio by sitting at the bar?

Today I heard on the radio that MGM and Caesars are planning to cut back on free drinks while playing. Any thoughts on this? I was thinking this was going to happen, now it has. What has happened to the free drinks in Vegas? I was at Cromwell last week and the bar has gone to a voucher system. No longer can the bartender there make a decision on when you can have a comped drink. The slot machine lights up a green light for yes drink, and red no. I had to run through $6 for the green light! The beer value probably $4?

Do any Las Vegas buffets take reservations?

What effect, if any, do you feel the outcome of the presidential election will have on the gambling industry in Nevada? Do you see the run up to the election as a good time or a bad time to invest in casino stock?

I was reading David McKee's column about the Moulin Rouge and how so many in the Las Vegas area love the idea of bringing it back but no one will commit the cash because the original is in a bad area. Why not pitch to Derek Stevens the idea of bringing back the Moulin Rouge at the Las Vegas Club downtown?

A bit off the Las Vegas topic except I thought Caesars was going to run the casino, but do you have any history or update on the very troubled Baha Mar Hotel Casino in the Bahamas? Thanks for the excellent job you do.

It has been awhile since I last wrote to you folks about the status of the Blue Angel. Not exactly sure why, but I have to go see her every time I visit Las Vegas. She was still in her spot as of March of this year. Will she be moved anytime soon?