El CortezThe El Cortez was the first hotel owned by Bugsy Siegel and, unlike the second, it’s kept the original pink neon intact. The rooftop hotel sign is a classic easily imagined in the background of a film noir, while the sideways “GAMBLING” sign is admirable for its forthrightness.

Two new eateries try to mix casual and classy.In a city that sustains itself on imported resources, it’s sometimes easy to miss what’s right under our nose.

By challenging our fond belief that Showgirls sucked, a new book offers thoughts on how to evaluate cultureAll these years later, it might be hard to recall the critical stink bombs that rained on Showgirls when it came out in 1995. Trust us: Reviews were brutal.

Jon Spencer Blues ExplosionThe Beauty barCall it “alternative pop/rock,” call it “punk blues” — allmusic.com can’t make up its mind, either — the music of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is rowdy, greasy, noisy and an affront to all that is decent, white-bread and middle-of-the-road.

A fiery 1942 plane crash on Mount Potosi rattled the Las Vegas Valley — and sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond Editor’s note: On the evening of January 16, 1942, TWA Flight 3 slammed into Mount Potosi just west of Las Vegas, bursting into a ball of flame. On the plane was film star Carole Lombard, returning to Los Angeles from Indiana, where she was performing to promote war bonds.

Room with a you:Ordinary doesn't live hereEvery picture tells a storyHeld firmly in placeExperimenting with natureShe’s a little bit symphony; he’s a little bit rock and roll.The first two things you notice when you walk into the home of Warwick Stone and Bethany Swain define their guiding design intention.

Room with a you:Neon stars and guitarsOrdinary doesn't live hereEvery picture tells a storyHeld firmly in placeIndoors meets outdoors in this home-as-laboratory.On the north-facing wall of Sierra Slentz’s living room is a photogram-like painting of several flower bouquets laid out, overlapping each other, against a background of her signature colors: aqua, magenta, pink.

Freshen up the warm months with this season's liveliest floral designs. Photography by Robert John Kley.

What should I celebrate in April? Do I like my co-workers with the white-hot intensity of 1,000 suns? Or just a lot? April Fools Day is the holiday for me or I can up the ante with Take Your Child to Work Day on April 24. Perhaps I am fond of outdated cultures.

Ladies and gentlemen, direct from “The Wasteland,” here’s T.S.