Sometimes modern life seems upside-down. Our private homes are stocked with the stuff of public amenities: They’re our movie theaters and espresso bars and arcades, spun into cocoons of distraction and stimulating entrapment.

1. The Kronos Quartet has classical chops but an untamed heart, choosing to explore and celebrate the work of experimental composers such as Philip Glass and Clint Mansell.

Our favorite recent dishes that have us coming back for seconds Kalua Pig Burrito at Braddah’s Island Style You’re probably used to building your own burrito, but not with sweet and smoky meats these. The newly arrived Braddah’s combines the convenience of your favorite fast, fresh Mexican-American eatery with traditional island flavors, so feel free to customize as you wish, but we can’t help ourselves when it comes to tender, shredded kalua pig.

Spring Valley State Park is famous for being the best fishin’ hole within driving distance of Las Vegas. In fact, it’s so famous for fishing, most Southern Nevadans think it’s called Eagle Valley (the name of the park’s reservoir).

How the accidental Republican became an infamous party firebrand, learned how to lose and joined the City Council to become ..

October means one thing to thirsty, beer-loving road-trippers: Oktoberfest! Sure, Las Vegas has its share of brew festivals, but if you’re looking to get out of town, a short drive to Southern California, with its thriving brewery scene, can satisfy your lust for suds and adventure. The fest: Lake Elsinore Oktoberfest, Oct.

Could it be that Nevada is starting to get a few things right when it comes to health care? Consider: While many Republican governors rejected Medicaid expansion and balked at setting up state health exchanges as laid out in the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Sandoval has both approved Medicaid extension and led the effort to set up what some are calling a model exchange.

Don’t let our video poker bars and high-end mixology hot spots fool you: The Las Vegas libation scene is surprisingly diverse. For out-of-the-ordinary tastes, you just need to know where to look.

Mad scientist of mixology at RX Boiler RoomNathan Greene’s quiet voice is muffled under the avalanching sound of ice being shoveled into the bar wells. At Rx Boiler Room, and probably at the other bars inside Mandalay Bay, that means it’s about four o’clock.