I understand the Stardust is due for implosion in March. Can you give some history on the joint? A friend of mine thought it had some connection to the Chicago organized-crime scene. True?

After visiting Las Vegas several times a year for the last 30 years, we've decided that it is time to see the Grand Canyon. We want to fly, either in a small plane or helicopter. Any recommendations? Which has the best safety record? How many companies fly the Grand Canyon? How can a person check on the safety record of each company?

How much did the Nevada casinos win in 2006? And how much of that did Las Vegas win?

My sister is celebrating her 30th birthday in Vegas in a few weeks and I am in charge of making a welcome gift for the guests. I would like to put together a Vegas survival kit as the gift. So far, I have come up with bottled water, aspirin, lip balm, and a snack to add to the kit. Is there anything that you or the other readers suggest I add to the survival kit?

Do QoDers, LVAers, or friends of LVA have any special memories of the Stardust?

I would love to do a cigar bar crawl -- maybe with cigar factory tours -- during the day, then enjoy various piano bars at night. (Going off-Strip and/or away from downtown would be okay.) You commented on this in March 2006; could you please print an update?

Our family has a trip planned to Vegas over the Easter weekend and we were told we won't be allowed downtown most of our stay unless we have rooms there because of a car race on city streets. What gives?

My sister and I are planning to go to Las Vegas this year. She is hearing impaired and would like to go see the shows. It has to be something very visual and not geared to music or comedy, something like Blue Man Group. What else do you suggest?

We're planning a surprise 40th birthday party for a friend in 2008 and want to celebrate it at a lounge/club/restaurant that has an outdoor terrace with a Strip view. We know of Voodoo Lounge, Pure, and Tangerine. What others have a great view of the Strip?

I have heard there's a huge aquarium in the Forum Shop area of Caesars Palace. Since my son loves fish and owns several (much smaller!) aquariums, are there any other fish-tanks of interest in the town?