Reading "Video Poker Lost & Found" in the Advisor, month after month I'm amazed at how often casinos install video poker machines, then move them, then remove them, then put them back, then change their pay schedules, then move them, then finally get rid of them for good. Why? It seems like so much effort. If they have good machines, why don't they leave them where they are? If they have bad machines, why don't they replace them with something better? Why the constant revolving door for video poker (and I assume slot) machines?

While visiting Las Vegas, Sept. 27 thru Oct. 3, we noticed a helicopter filming up and down the Strip, but mostly close to the Wynn. There were also signs in the Wynn that filming was taking place. On our last day we noticed signs in the Riviera about filming taking place there. There was also a film crew set up in the lot next to the Riv. What was being filmed and when can we catch it?

The National Finals Rodeo is coming up and every year it seems like a big deal. But what is it, exactly?

A large group of us (15) are meeting in Vegas and want to have dinner at an old-school Rat Pack-style Italian restaurant with large tables, great spaghetti, and killer martinis. Suggestions?

How did Frank Rosenthal get his nickname "Lefty" in spite of the fact he was right-handed?

After saving for months, we purchased tickets for Cher on September 28, 2008. She CANCELLED, much to the heartbreak of my wife. What happened?

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?

Do any of the Nevada tribal casinos pose a competitive threat to Las Vegas, Reno, etc.?

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?