In a couple of recent QoDs, you've mentioned two old-time Vegas casino owners named Al Sachs and Herb Tobman. I'd never heard of either of them -- can you give us some more information, please?

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?

My question is about restaurant trends in Las Vegas. First, every casino needed at least one or two fancy restaurants manned by "celebrity chefs." Then, the casinos all started opening "gourmet" burger joints, run by their celebrity chefs. Now, all of a sudden, every other casino is in a hurry to open a "gastropub" of some sort ... run by a celebrity chef. It seems like all of the casinos copy each other in a desperate rush to jump on the next "hip and trendy" fad. What's next, gourmet breakfasts to-go? Celebrity-chef juice bars? What do your food critics make of all of this?

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?

To what extent, if any, does Jimmy Buffett have anything to do with Margaritaville? Is he the owner or does he just sell his name to the properties? Great place, by the way - good food, good music.

The "legendary" Jackie Gaughan: Part II

You mentioned the "legendary" Jackie Gaughan in a recent QoD, but I don't recall ever seeing an article about him, his background, whether he's still alive (I know he had health problems) and active. He always treated his employees with respect, and spoke to them and to customers in a friendly manner. He even did things for customers, like getting change for some elderly folks. How about some background and info about him?

Can you tell us which major casinos are now owned by individuals and not big corporations?