Housekeeping Olympics

I was a Housekeeping Olympics first-timer. This event, so quintessentially Vegas, pits the housekeeping teams of all the major casino-hotels against each other in feats of strength, dexterity, speed and spirit. Cheering, costumed teams packed the stands to root for their casinos. There were cheerleaders, mascots and pom poms everywhere. The focus of the athletes was fierce. After watching the intense competition -- flourishes of bed making, intense vacuum cord winding, and blindfolded buffer toss -- I left with a deep admiration for those who keep this town looking shiny and new, day in and day out. And for anyone who's keeping track, the Mirage upset three time champion Mandalay Bay.

The Eldorado

I love being able to hang out in casinos and take photos freely. It is a rare occurrence in this town. Usually at the fancy Strip casinos the PR machine keeps an eagle eye on any visiting media. The Eldorado Casino in beautiful downtown Henderson recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. It's a casual local place with a pleasant, if not slightly seedy vibe. They also have bingo. They let me wander around and it was awesome to not feel the hot breath of a high heel clad PR woman on my neck at all times (no offense to PR ladies who wear high heels).

Party Pits

What are party pits, you ask? They are sexy casinos within casinos, of course! With sexy dealers and sexy dancers and....that's about it. Party Pits!! Here's the Hell's Belles Party Pit at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the self-proclaimed first party pit in town. Read more about party pits and see more party pits pics here.

Sahara's Last 24 Hours

The Sahara closed its doors for good at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 16, 2011. I was there to document the last 24 hours of operation inside the historic hotel casino, starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday. It was one of the toughest and most physically exhausting assignments of my life. But it was also one of the most rewarding. Here are 24 photos from the Sahara's final 24 hours.

(find tons more Las Vegas Sun Sahara coverage, including awesome stories and historic photos here)

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 2:21 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 3:28 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 5:03 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 5:53 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 6:52 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 8:07 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 8:21 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 9:51 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:22 p.m.

Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 11:51 p.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 1:05 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 1:50 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:02 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:57 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 5:33 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 6:33 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10:02 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 10:11 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 11:17 a.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 1:36 p.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:06 p.m.

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 2:13 p.m.