I first read Comp City many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, repeatedly referring to it over the years in order to maximize my comps. Given the residual effects of the Great Recession, the exponential progress of tracking/analyzing technology, and the almost-absolute stranglehold that the corporate mindset has on the gaming industry (which puts profits above all else including customer satisfaction/loyalty), I wonder how much of the techniques or even the practice of comp wizardry is feasible today. Any thoughts?

As a break from the norm, we decided to go with pictures rather than words today, since some kind readers sent us some cool links to visuals that complement a couple of recent QoDs, and we have more than a few on file ourselves or have since located additional images. So, take it easy today -- like we are, for a change!

What ever happened to the giant Big Six Wheel at Vegas World, and the "space junk" hanging from the ceiling?

On May 19, 2014 in my email I saw the following in a QoD email from LVA: 'Has there ever been a strip club in Vegas in a casino?' When I clicked on the link, it was a totally different question. When are we going to get the answer?

Just read about the Peppermill temporary closing, hope the "temporary" is true and the remodel is more functional than aesthetic, yes??

The recent residency QODs have me wondering about Debbie Reynolds' history in Vegas. I know for awhile she owned a small off-Strip casino where she performed but how did all of that come about? We saw Kenny Kerr at her showroom but the casino seemed too small (with few machines and possibly no table games) to have ever generated any revenue.

Have MGM properties eliminated shoeshine stands from all of their properties? Recent trips found both MGM and Mandalay Bay shoeshine stands missing. I used to have at least one shine per trip and miss this service.

There was a place near Boulder Hwy. and Sahara Ave. called Spring Fever. It was a place for "lovers" to rent a room with a hot-tub jacuzzi and a bed. Now, the rumor was the proprietors were recording people through a one-way mirror and then the tapes ended up in European adult theaters. It also burned down, some say suspiciously. Can you shed more light on this place and the rumors?

Over the past several Sundays, we’ve highlighted our books on poker (The Moneymaker Effect), blackjack (Blackjack Blueprint, The Blackjack Life), history (Cult Vegas), fiction (The Vegas Kid), prostitution (Madam), and gambling classics (Comp City). This week we focus on one of our many books on the mob, Cullotta – The Life of a Chicago Criminal, Las Vegas Mobster, and Government Witness.

I saw a steel girder superstructure on the former Holy Cow site, opposite SLS and the Bonanza gift store. Are they building something there?