Two readers respond: "Your 10/24/13 QoD answer says, 'Places like ... Panaca ... have at least one bar with some bartop video poker and slot machines, though no bona fide casino.' The Wikipedia entry for Panaca, NV says, 'It is the only municipality in Nevada to be 'dry' (forbidding the sale of alcoholic beverages), and the only community in Nevada besides Boulder City that prohibits gambling.' If Wiki is right, it sounds as if a Panaca bar with video poker would present a couple of conflicts -- what's the real story?" And: "Doesn't Cal-Nev-Ari have a casino, contrary to what today's QoD says? Not a huge one, but 30+ machines and at least one table."

After Tony Spilotro was found dead, did his wife stay and live in Las Vegas? If so, what became of her and her son?

What stood on the plot of ground prior to Fashion Show Mall? I know FSM was built in 1981 but have absolutely no recollection what stood there previously.

Las Vegas boasts a history that few cities can match and I have bought every book that Huntington Press offers on the subject. Unfortunately, I do not believe the town itself values its unique past, as scant little exists that focuses upon it. The Sahara had a wonderful collection of pictures on the way to its buffet and the Riviera has a plaque that lists all the performers that have appeared there. The Tropicana had a great museum of Vegas history but alas, that itself is also "history". We will be in Las Vegas soon for a long-awaited vacation and will see the Mob and Neon Museums, but are there any other attractions that focus on Las Vegas history? Does UNLV offer a class on local history as part of any degree program and if so, what might the textbook(s) be? Thanks

"Al Sachs and Herb Tobman" Part II

Concerning privately owned casinos, as addressed in a recent QoD, what about: Tuscany, Ellis Island, Emerald and Rainbow (in downtown Henderson), and other smaller casinos in the Las Vegas valley?

I enjoyed the history lessons last week. However, I am curious about this statement: "An attempt [by Boyd Gaming] to merge operations with Michael Gaughan in 2004 was a shotgun wedding that went to divorce court within two years." Why was merging considered to be a shotgun wedding? Was it out of financial necessity?

You asked, "[Jackie Gaughan] was also a friend of Bill Boyd and we'd be interested in hearing about him, too. How about some background on the Boyds?" Yesterday, the Boyds pioneered the Boulder Strip, cleaned up the Stardust and began a celebrated tradition of philanthropy. In today’s installment, Boyd Gaming goes public and grows to undreamt-of scale.

I really enjoyed reading about Jackie Gaughan and respect him even more than before. I'm sure he had many other donations and philanthropic things which weren't mentioned. He was also a friend of Bill Boyd and we 'd be interested in hearing about him, too. How about some background on the Boyds?

I just saw your recent "Today's News" item about Carmines coming to Las Vegas. The flood of chain and branch restaurants from other cities coming to Vegas depresses me. I first noticed the trend when Caesars closed its signature Italian place for Rao's, followed by the iconic Nero's for some New York steakhouse that can be found in Atlantic City and God knows where else. I feel like Las Vegas is losing it special uniqueness. Are there any iconic Las Vegas restaurants left? If yes, would you please list them?