Lots of people think Las Vegas is a cultural wasteland – that its residents seldom read anything more sophisticated than a keno ticket. That's just not true. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of many caring organizations, southern Nevada is experiencing a burgeoning interest in the arts. The Vegas Valley Book Festival, now in its seventh year, is a case in point. I popped in on some of this year's programs to see for myself. Continue reading »

Most books about Las Vegas miss the mark, but the new mystery “Vegas Die” serves up an over-the-top cast of characters -- mobsters, strippers, Elvis impersonators, card sharks and politicos -- that will have you shaking your head and turning the pages. And that's not all. Author Stephen Grogan has cooked up a real-life treasure hunt to add to the mystery. Join the quest for a dagger hidden somewhere in Clark County. The clues are buried in the pages of the book, and the prize is $25,000. Continue reading »