A storm blew through a few days later and destroyed Cloud 9, billed as the largest tethered helium balloon in the world. After the clouds cleared all that was left was some tangled metal and the deflated skin on the ground. Luckily no one was on board at the time.

Operators of the attraction say they will rebuild and hope to have it up and running again within a month or so.

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Seems that the folks at the magazine of the same name were not amused by the moniker and were seeking not only a cash payout but a part of the profits of the hotel, which considering its tortured history, may have been aspirational at best. Apparently Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is enough of a difference for the magazine people to ensure that no one will accidentally wander inside the building looking for a quiz on how to satisfy your man. Although that might make an interesting slot machine.

Meanwhile, no word from the vodka companies over whether they will be suing over potential confusion with a big building and a cocktail.

The Cosmo OLV, as I have decided to call it, is a 3,000 unit hotel/condo/casino project wedged onto a tiny strip of land between CityCenter and Bellagio. It was originally supposed to open last year but bankruptcies, lawsuits, and other assorted financial drama delayed the project. Now owned entirely by the bank that was funding it, Cosmo OLV is scheduled to open in September or December or sometime in 2011 depending on who you feel like listening to at any given moment.

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No, the elevators weren't out. Instead, Scaling the Strat is a race designed to raise money for American Lung Association in Nevada. The second annual event was held March 13th and 14th and drew approximately 135 participants to the ultimate stairmaster challenge.

Javier Santiago of Mexico placed first overall with a time of 7 minutes and 26 seconds. For the math inclined out there that's about three stairs per second, which makes me tired just thinking about it.

Local Las Vegan Courtney Swenson grabbed the top spot for the women's category with a time of 9 minutes 59 seconds.

The event raised more than $90,000 for the charity.

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Of course sometimes you don't have the option to leave the kids with grandma, so if your vacation plans have to include the offspring, there is one resource you should check into for more in-depth information on how to plan a family friendly Vegas visit: LasVegasKids.Net is a comprehensive guide to family friendly hotels, child care, activities, fun stuff, and more.

Find a place to stay is always a challenge. You basically have two choices: a hotel with a casino or one without. The pro side of staying in a casino-hotel is that, if you choose the right one, there is often a lot more on-site to do that you kids may enjoy. The downside is that you also have to keep them out of the actual casino, cover their eyes as they are walking past posters of the topless revues, and cover their ears as they are walking past the group of drunken frat boys spewing obscenities.

The following hotels offer the most choices for kids including pools, arcades, and attractions, while still offering the grown-up fun of a casino. Please note, however, that many of these hotels still offer "adult" oriented entertainment including gambling, drinking, shows that are not appropriate for children. Click on the name of the hotel for details.

Eastside Cannery
With rooms that are just as nice (if not nicer) than many Strip hotels and an intimate vibe that is more comfortable than the 4,000 room megaresorts, this newer property on the east side of town has a lot to offer.

Green Valley Ranch
If you're looking for a true resort getaway feel without needing to head completely out of town, Green Valley Ranch is a no-brainer. Gorgeous rooms, insanely comfortable beds, a great spa, a fun casino, plenty of good (mostly affordable) restaurants, and more.

M Resort
The newest of the locals joints, located on the far south side of town, does just about everything right. It has comfortable and stylish accommodations, a huge and lively casino, some really terrific restaurants, and prices that are significantly cheaper than what you'll pay on The Strip.

Orleans
Although it is comparatively basic when lining it up with the grand palaces on The Strip, Orleans offers a solid value that often can't be beat. The huge casino and affordable dining options make up for rooms that are nice but nothing to write home about.

Palace Station
A remodeling a couple of years ago turned this also-ran into a contender with simple by chic rooms, a casino that offers lower limits and often higher payouts, and plenty of budget dining offerings. Plus, it's very close to The Strip!

Red Rock Resort
By far the most luxurious of the local hotels, this desert getaway style property is perched on the edge of the Red Rock National Conservancy Area offering some great views of the nearby landscape and the Strip off in the distance. That, of course, is if you can tear you eyes away from the gorgeous design of the place.

South Point
With rates that are often a fraction of what you'll pay just six miles up The Strip, South Point offers a host of gaming and dining options, nice rooms, and bunch of entertainment options including movie theaters and a bowling alley.

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