We're looking for a certain type of casino in Las Vegas. We go to the Pioneer in Laughlin 4-5 times a year, and we love the environment and friendly feeling of the place. Is there something comparable in Las Vegas? You know, a smaller place with nice clientele?

Just returned from Vegas and it was depressing to see so much construction at a standstill. Anything positive to report for the near future.

My friend just came back from Las Vegas and asked if I knew about the bar and glasses that are made of ice. She said her friends went there, but she could not remember the name or location. I thought she was crazy, but it is Las Vegas. Does this place exist? Could you provide any details?

My wife and I come to Las Vegas from Michigan 4-6 times per year. I play poker, and she spends my winnings. Her brother from Wisconsin bought a 2nd home in Summerlin with Robin Camacho’s help, and he keeps pushing us to do the same. But I get comped rooms and meals at nice hotels, and don’t see why I’d want to spend $220,000 on a home like he did. My son and his fiancee just stayed at a Strip hotel for $19. For $600/mo I can live there for less than a house payment, and have maid service. I love Las Vegas, but I’m leery of losing money. What’s your sense of where the market is headed? And why would anyone buy a 2nd home when they can stay in a hotel on the Strip for less? - Mark R

Is it true the Castaways (Showboat) hotel closed on the weekend prior to the Super Bowl? Why was Castaways unable to compete?

Whatever happened to the old Black Forest restaurant that used to be on the Strip, I believe? I thought I heard that it burned down. If so, why was it not replaced? I have many fond memories of good food there.

I will be in Vegas in December for two weeks and I want to know if there are day trips by bus that we can take. I heard that there are some that we can take that will take us across state lines.

What will the Las Vegas Hilton do with the large banner on the building when Barry Manilow moves to the Paris Hotel?

Can we get a Ted Binion update? Is Rick Tabish out of prison? What about Sandy Murphy? After watching the movie, it left a lot of questions.

Battista's was the first restaurant my wife and I ate at on our first trip to LV in the '80s and we always try and go back once each trip. My question is who was/is Battista? He seems to have had his photo taken with every celebrity of the '60s and '70s. He seems to have thought he was quite the athlete.