to playing at the El Cortez, Plaza, Golden Gate, Wild Wild West and other non-strip joints. But, even when I was at Paris in January 2006, I still played $5 craps. It's getting harder and harder to find a good dive. All this fancy-schmancy.

I once went into the Venetian, to see a show. My daughter and I left as soon as the show was over - We were way out of our comfort zone - I'm hoping I'll get through the convention OK. I've never actually stayed on the strip before - only downtown and locals. Is it safe?