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.

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, we followed the Boyds through their grind-joint beginnings to their cornering of the Hawaiian market. In today’s installment, Boyd Gaming takes two fateful steps.

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.

"Iconic" Las Vegas restaurants: Part II.

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?

I'm headed to Las Vegas in June. Taking lots of cash and traveler's checks has always made me nervous, especially going through security at O'Hare and McCarron's airports. Here's my question: Is there a standard practice that security check-in uses at airports for people who want to hold on to their cash and traveler's checks? I don't want to be physically separated from my money but also don't want to be considered a security risk/cash-smuggling criminal by tucking away the money on my person when going through security checkpoints. Thanks for your help and keep up the excellent QoD work!

Is there a reason, structural or otherwise, that window sections continually fall out of the unfinished Fontainebleau?

My son and daughter-in-law are going to Las Vegas in early June. Being a musician and a music-lover, my son would like to go to a blues club. Are there any good blues clubs on/near the Strip?

I love looking at pictures of old Vegas. Just about every vintage casino picture I see has a sign promoting faro. It seems that back in the day faro was the game. Can you talk a bit about faro and how it went out of favor. Could it come back?