Living Las Vegas

Real Life in the Shadow of the Strip

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Top Vegas Hotels: Bellagio, Luxor, Rio

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Neighborhood Pyrotechnics

Come the Fourth of July, the law-abiding citizens of Clark County can be found sitting on their porches, singing the national anthem, saluting the flag, and firing off incendiary devices worthy of a shock-and-awe campaign. The home-launched fireworks are, of course, entirely illegal — but they are also thrilling. Is there a better way to celebrate independence? I don’t think so.

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July is Flash Flood Month

Though better known for its scorching summer heat and bone-dry aridity, Las Vegas also turns out some violent summer rainstorms. And when storm water encounters parched earth, what you get is a flash flood. It’s a fascinating weather phenomenon — and sometimes a killer. Here’s what you need to know.

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Coming Up: The Colorado River Bridge

Hands down, the biggest off-Strip attraction in the Las Vegas area is Hoover Dam. Now, as the grand dam approaches its centennial, a companion marvel is joining it in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. While not as huge as the dam, the new Colorado River Bridge is every bit as impressive a feat of engineering. For the last couple of years, I’ve been driving down U.S. Highway 93 every month or so to watch the progress. As work continues, watching gets ever more fascinating.

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Horsing Around at the South Point

Ever wonder about all those horse trailers pulled up to the South Point Hotel and Casino? What could be going on? Horse racing? Rodeo? Blacksmiths’ convention? Nope – at least not during the third week in May, when I stopped in at the 2008 Breeder’s Invitational and Derby for an edifying display of loping and cutting – old-time cattlemen’s skills executed with great seriousness and the intrinsic “Cowboy Way” sense of humor.

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Getting to Planet Hollywood

The northeast corner of The Strip and Harmon Avenue has seen an odd assortment of Las Vegas dreams over the years. First an English Tudor-style motel occupied the spot, later the kitschy Aladdin casinos. Last fall, the property orbited into the big time when the sophisticated Planet Hollywood opened its doors. Join me as I take a trip down memory lane and check out this next new thing.

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Living in Las Vegas -- what's it really like? Ten local writers share news & views from Southern Nevada.