I have seen several posters on the message boards reference the "Christmas Tree Pass" route from Vegas to Laughlin. One poster even mentioned a waterfall. Can you shed some light on this route?

There was a news item in the Las Vegas Sun (8/30/2008) that indicated the ban on cell-phone use in Nevada race & sports books had been repealed. I personally felt this was great news and way overdue for such an antiquated law. My question is related to this, in that I was wondering if I can take a laptop into a sports book? My favorite time in Vegas in during the NCAA Basketball Tournament (March Madness), and I would love to have access to my computer to use as a resource to determine my next bets.

Are there any male "burlesque" shows in Vegas? We have heard a rumor about male burlesque at Ivan Kane’s 40 Deuce on Mondays. Are there any other types of shows like this? Kind of in-between the Chippendales and an outright strip club. Thanks.

I’ve heard that the new Brand Steakhouse at the Monte Carlo is offering a deal where if you can eat 120 oz of steak with fixings, the meal is on them. Has anyone tried or even finished this meal? Also, are there any other hotels/restaurants that offer ’deals’ like this?

A bunch of high school buddies are all turning 21 in the next few months and we’re coming to Vegas over Christmas to tear up the town. One of the girlfriends claims that the cops bust guys for getting too close to strippers in topless clubs. I can’t believe this. I mean, Las Vegas? C’mon! She insists it’s true, but I think she’s just trying to scare us off. What’s the real deal out there?

Given the number of quality and celebrity kitchens in Las Vegas, what hands-on cooking classes are available for those of us not interested in a culinary career?

This one's a dual Q&A, since we've received numerous questions from opposite ends of the spectrum. For example: "Every time we visit the Venetian I get a severe headache and have to leave. What is the fragrance/smell they use in the casino? We noticed it in the Palazzo too." And: "I love the scent when you walk through the Venetian casino and lobby. Can you find out what exactly it is, and whether I can buy an air freshener or candle to create the same scent at home?"

Is it inappropriate to tell your bellhop that you'd rather bring your bags up to your room yourself? I don't have a problem with tipping, but I'd rather do things like this on my own.

During this economic downturn, where could I find a list of all the publicly traded casinos that I could research and invest into?

My friends and I remember there being a cigar shop at the Monte Carlo and one other on the strip near the MGM. Do any casinos have cigar shops or are there any near the Strip?