How did Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City get their names?

In the QoD dated March 27, 2013, you discussed a former Las Vegas horse-race track. Was there not also an auto-race track that was run (I think) by the Stardust hotel? I remember going to it once about 1965/1966 to see a Can-Am race featuring the cars of Carol Shelby. Could you fill in any more details?

My sister and I made our annual trip to your wonderful city in November and we took my daughter with us on this trip. It was her first visit and I had to take her to one of my favorite things to visit: I'm made fun of, but I have to take a bus ride by the Blue Angel motel on every trip to Las Vegas. I just love that angel! Is there any update on her fate?

In 1954 there was a amusement park built in Las Vegas called Funland. Do you have any information on it? I am also looking for a picture and have not found one.

My husband and I went to Las Vegas on our honeymoon 16 years ago (and many times since). We walked all the way from one end of the Strip to the other (when I was younger and healthier) visiting every single place, just be able to say we did it! I remember having really good beer at a small place that brewed their own on site..I think it had a cow theme or something. Do you know what it was called and if it still exists? Have all those charming smaller places disappeared?

In your "Today's News" section, you talked about the U.S. Mint at Carson City and the 150th birthday. Can you give us a brief history of the mint? I heard it closed for a few years, then started production again for a while before finally closing for good.

I recently read about a new book that just came out called American Coin. Apparently it's about some scandal and didn't end very well. Can you share some light on this?

Don Laughlin: Part II

Is it true that MGM at Foxwoods in Connecticut is pulling out and that Foxwoods will taking over the whole operation and not using the MGM name anymore?

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."