I just saw a review for a band called The Mapes. Did it get its name from a hotel in Reno?

Why doesn't Hard Rock let me take alcohol into the hotel room? There is a guard watching for violators.

Over the past couple of years a number of condo/condo-hotels have opened on or near the Strip: Allure (428 units), Boca Raton (756), Juhl (341), Loft 5 (168), Panorama Towers (600), Turnberry Place (636), Platinum (255), MGM Signature (1,728), Palms Place (599), Trump International (1,282). These (there may be others) total 7,293 condos. Yet to come in the next or two are some additional thousands at CityCenter, Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, and others. Considering the current real estate market, how have the sales gone for the projects already open? Are many in foreclosure? Were many deposits (made several years ago when prices were still escalating) forefeited?

I have asked this question a couple of times and cannot get an answer from LVA. My wife and I play blackjack at several different places. When we have the opportunity to double down, we find that many casinos give us the card face down, but others do not. Can you explain this variation of conduct?

What is the oldest Strip hotel-casino that still exists? I know that none of the original Flamingo is still around. I've heard that part of downtown's El Cortez is from the original 1941 building.

I’ve seen the big neon cowboy downtown, I think he’s called Vegas Vic? Is it true that there are other versions of him elsewhere in state? I’ve heard of a Laughlin Larry.

What do casinos do to "clean" the chips used at their table games? The issue of disinfection/sanitization of these multi-handled items has to be of interest to many people. What's the scoop -- or are you afraid to annoy your casino friends if admitting they do nothing about germ-laden chips?

I’ve seen a few references to Claudine Williams recently passing away. They say she was a gambling pioneer in Las Vegas. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I thought she was a French torch singer married to Andy Williams. Who was Claudine Williams and what did she have to do with Las Vegas?

If you are lucky and win a huge jackpot, one that pays annually, say, $50K or so, what happens if the casino or game manufacturer files bankruptcy or goes out of business?

I've noticed that many casinos have great old rock and roll playing continuously in the background. I've enjoyed this terrific music at casinos ranging from El Cortez to South Point and even at The Aquarius in Laughlin. Is this from a service like satellite radio, a great collection of CDs, iTunes or what?