We're considering coming to Las Vegas for Christmas this year. Does the city decorate and celebrate the holidays? Is there anything special that goes on during that time? Do you know of anything going on this coming holiday season?

Drug dealer Jimmy Chagra, who was said to have put a contract out on a federal judge in San Antonio, was eventually sent to prison after years of high rollin' in Vegas. I heard that he got out awhile back. What is his current status? Details, please.

Why are the colors red and black associated with gambling? You've got your red diamonds/hearts and black spades/clubs on cards; red and black roulette wheels/squares; and aren't pai gow tiles black with red dots? Perhaps these colors are the palette of risk-taking?

On my last visit to Vegas, I was in a slightly altered state one evening when I walked down the Strip and into Imperial Palace to watch the "dealertainers." Surrounded by dealers in costume, impersonating pop stars, I got to wondering about Las Vegas in 50 years. Anyone there care to speculate about what the future of the city and gambling games -- blackjack, perhaps -- might be?

I'll be in Las Vegas in about four days, so I know it's unlikely you'll have an answer for this by then, if you answer it, BUT, here it is: The Luxor has been touting its table reservation program where you and friends can reserve a blackjack table all for yourselves if you meet certain minimums ($300 cash in and $15 per bet, I believe). Since it's always more fun, I think, to play with friends at the same table, do you know of any other casinos who offer this table reservation option, or might be considering it?

It seems to me that you guys know a lot ... like when you answer questions about certain buffets, you even know what champagne is served. Do you have the types of champagne listed anywhere on the site? Or can you include this in a Question of the Day with a list for us?

Is there any player advantage for doubling down on a blackjack in an even-money or 6-5 game rather than taking the sure payoff?

I went to Arizona Charlie's on Boulder to try the $100 rebate deal. I was told that I could get up to $100 rebate credit (assuming that I lost that much) on my players card and that it was only good for slot play on certain machines. I was under the impression that we could get our money back. Can you clear this up?

We moved to Las Vegas about a month after Thanksgiving last year so we are not sure what the places around Las Vegas do for Thanskgiving. Can you tell me some places to go and have a nice dinner and save my wife a lot of time? Since it's just the two of us now, we have no reason to fix a big feast.

In the recent QoD on eggs, you mentioned drinking your special Ellis Island eggnog. You piqued my curiosity. Do tell. Will it still be available when I arrive in town on January 16, 2008?