During a recent visit to the adults-only Go Sexy store at Flamingo Las Vegas, we encountered a new item this blog definitely doesn’t condone.

It’s a riding crop.

In the shape of a flamingo.

Which is so wrong, we can barely stand to share a photo.

What is the matter with people?

Find out more about the Go Sexy store at Flamingo Las Vegas. We plan to. You know, as research. For our blog.

We’re just saying.

We never claimed Las Vegas was perfect.

The Last Frontier hotel-casino opened in 1942, and was one of the first casinos on The Strip. Believe it or not, at one time, the hotel transported guests to and from the airport in a horse-drawn stagecoach.

Back in the day, you could tip limo drivers in chaps. Or something.

In 1955, the Last Frontier became the New Frontier. In 1967, it was re-named just Frontier. In 2007, the hotel became vertically challenged. Specifically, it was imploded.

Here’s another little tidbit that might help win you a bar bet, someday: The New Frontier was the site of Elvis Presley’s first appearance in Las Vegas, in 1956.

Because we’re mature like that.

Mature and restrained. That's us, all right.

Check out other newness at The Quad Las Vegas.

Just about everyone has visited Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas. The food and cocktails are great, and the sweets are even better.

The next time you stop by, look up. The Paris has some incredibly detailed statues on its facade, including one that seems especially appropriate in a spot up above the Sugar Factory.

Told you it would be useless.

No, that’s not a typo, it’s just an odd coincidence. This statue is that of Suger, a French abbot who was instrumental in the development of the Gothic style of architecture. More here.

Apparently, being a French abbot didn’t pay particularly well, because Suger could only afford one name, but he was nevertheless an important historical figure, now immortalized at Paris Las Vegas.

Bonus Suger trivia: Suger’s closest friend in school later became King Louis VI. It’s good to know people in high places.

So, the next time you’re strolling The Strip with your Sugar Factory Couture Pop, look up and give a lick in honor of Suger. Because now you know somebody in a high place, too.

Boys will be boys!

Popular NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a few spins in the Caesars Palace limo lot today. Through the miracle of YouTube and this blog’s lackluster videography, you can take a look.

Earnhardt Jr. did the burn-outs as stunt for his sponsor, AMP Energy drink.

Earnhardt Jr. has won NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award 10 times.

He was joined by fellow AMP spokespersons MMA fighter Urijah Faber and Olympic snowboarder Scotty Lago (pictured below).

Lago, Faber and Earnhardt Jr. A trifecta of "This blog should've brought ear plugs."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be racing his No. 88 Chevy in the Kobalt Tools 400 on March 10 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Umm, donuts.

Please note: Earnhardt Jr.’s circles will be slighter bigger, and much faster, at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about what the luckiest number on a roulette wheel is. But here’s a fact about roulette you probably didn’t know: The funniest number on a roulette wheel is 32.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. It’s something along the lines of, “Despite your being an award-winning Las Vegas blog, which orifice did you extract that from?” Actually, we didn’t just make that up. The number 32 has been deemed the funniest number on a roulette wheel by none other than a group of the most acclaimed comedy professionals in the history of funny.

The undisputed funniest number on a roulette wheel.

One of the most lauded shows on television, ever, was “Your Show of Shows.” It starred Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca, and the show’s writing staff was a who’s-who of the greatest comedic inkslingers ever to put yucks to paper.

Back in 1996, the Writers Guild of America gathered the former “Your Show of Shows” (and “Caesars Hour”) writers for a free-wheeling panel discussion. The panelists included Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Larry Gelbart, Mel Tolkin, Aaron Ruben, Danny Simon, Sheldon Keller and Gary Belkin.

During their discussion, these masters of their comedic domain revealed they’d explored the question of which number on a roulette wheel is funniest, and landed upon 32. Take a look.

Ultimate insider trivia: After the Writers Guild event, the “Caesar’s Writers” panel was made available on VHS tape. The photo on the packaging was taken by none other than this very blog, who served as the official photographer at the event. We are not making this up. Ah, the circularity of the universe. And don’t even get us started about the fact our roulette wheel photo, in a post about “Caesar’s Writers,” was taken at (wait for it) Caesars Palace.

So, now you know! Some always bet on red or black when they’re in Las Vegas, but this blog always bets on 32.

If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in Las Vegas, and nobody’s blushing, you’re doing it wrong.

Happy Valentine's Day!

If you stand in just the right place when you’re entering Planet Hollywood, and tilt your head at just the right angle, and if the sky is crystal clear just after sunset, and if you move to the perfect spot so you can get a glimpse of the Paris Las Vegas balloon, too, this is what you’ll see.

It's even jazzier in real life.

Then, go inside and gamble or grab a bite. Because if you continue to stand there with your head tilted, people are going to think you’re weird.

Las Vegas is experiencing, and embracing, some briskness at the moment. All right, maybe it’s not all that brisk compared to your hometown, but for Sin City, anything under 50-degrees is a cold snap!

A chilly few days has provided Vegas visitors, and this blog, a rare opportunity to capture the Caesars Palace fountains in all their shimmering, mid-winter glory.

You thought we were kidding?

We’ve already pitched “Cleo on Ice” to the powers-that-be at Caesars Palace.

There are 12 crystalline states of ice and two amorphous states. Which we totally knew off the top of our head.

Time to brush up on our ice fishing skills.

Gorgeous, no matter the weather.

The nozzles in the fountains are made to resist widely varying temperatures (from winter chills to toasty summers), so the fountains pretty much always continue to, you know, fountain.

How cold is it in Las Vegas? Why, let’s ask our friends at Photoshop!

Yes, just the ears are covered. What part of "Sin City" don't you understand?

Thankfully, the sun’s still shining, as it does 361 days of the year in Las Vegas.

This, despite the fact, we just made that number up.

Sunny and cool, baby.

The ice on the surface of the ponds surrounding the fountains is estimated to be about 2-3 inches thick. Sorry, no ice skating. Or whatever people do with on ice. Typically, in Vegas, the only ice we see gets crushed into tasty beverages.

We risked frostbite to get these photos, so you'd better look at all of them.

Our dazzling winter fountain wonderland isn’t expected to last long, but we’re enjoying it while we can. Bring along a sweater if you’re visiting within the next couple of weeks. Or someone wearing a sweater. If you know what we’re saying. Because we’re not entirely sure we do.

Just add margarita mix. Or something.

Enjoy a few more exclusive photos from the fabulous fountains of Caesars Palace. Who wants to ride on the Zamboni? Again, if you know what we’re saying.

From the looks of the trailer for “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” some of comedy’s biggest names are about to take a playful jab at the world of Las Vegas magic.

“Wonderstone” (which is what one must call the film if one’s ever been even marginally involved in the film industry, which this blog has) is slated for a March 15, 2013 release. Take a look.

Nice tagline, movie trailer copywriter person: “In Vegas, you’re only as hot as your last trick.” We see what you did there.

This big screen comedy, about a Siegfried & Roy-inspired pair of magicians, played by Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi, filmed several sequences in Las Vegas earlier this year, in January of 2012.

Tread softly when it comes to our Las Vegas legends, fellas.

The film’s story follows a Las Vegas magician, Burt Wonderstone (Carell), who must reunite with a former partner, Anton Marvelton (Buscemi), to match wits with a David Blaine-esque street magician, Steve Gray, portrayed by Jim Carrey, who tries to steal the limelight.

Various Sin City locations were used during the shooting of “Wonderstone,” including Bally’s Las Vegas (see below) and hotels in downtown Las Vegas.

A Strip-stopping stunt filmed outside Bally's and Paris Las Vegas.

The movie also stars Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Brad Garrett, Jay Mohr and even real-life Las Vegas magician, David Copperfield (he plays himself), who created an illusion just for the movie.

The Fremont Street Experience gets some time in the spotlight.

Here’s some “Wonderstone” trivia: It’s based on a script originally entitled, “Burt Dickenson: The Most Powerful Magician on Planet Earth,” by Chad Kultgen.

The movie is directed by Don Scardino and was co-written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, with story credit going to Chad Kultgen and Tyler Mitchell.

The world of Las Vegas magicians is a fascinating one, and we can’t wait to see this movie’s take on it all.

The holiday season is a time when miracles happen and wishes come true, so here are some holiday wishes we’ve slapped together at the last minute because, hey, even award-winning blogs deserve a couple of days off for the holidays.

1. May all your Las Vegas buffet lines be short.

Please do not lick the holiday decorations, thanks.

2. May your visits to the Champagne room not result in purchasing someone a new convertible.

3. May all your dealer’s up cards be sixes.

Best. Stocking. Ever.

4. May the view from your Vegas hotel room always look down upon a topless pool.

5. May your “what happens here” never end up featured in an episode of “Vegas Strip.”

Naughty. Nice. In Sin City, it all gets a little murky.

6. May one of your Christmas gifts this year include the secret to that Penn & Teller trick where they shoot at each other and catch the bullets in their mouths. That’s been bugging us for years.

7. May all your cab rides from the airport be swift and direct.

This blog loves it some holiday bling.

8. When nightclubbing in Las Vegas, may you always be a group of girls.

9. May your free play turn into Megabucks jackpots. (No, seriously.)

Don't drive and eggnog.

10. May all your Vegas cocktails require neck straps.

11. May your suitcase be filled to overflowing with comfortable shoes. (Las Vegas hotels are always, always farther away than they appear.)

A few holiday flourishes at Central restaurant inside Caesars Palace.

12. May all your observation wheels be fully financed before you start building them. Ahem.

13. May all your showgirls suffer wardrobe malfunctions.

Fingers crossed.

14. May your special someone understand a “quickie wedding” need not also apply to the honeymoon.

15. And may all your Elvises be big.

Happy holidays from the entire Pulse of Vegas blog team, and since we’re just one guy, no need to go overboard on the holiday cookies. Probably.

It’s sort of the Vegas version of “Punk’d.” You arrive at Planet Hollywood, and the hotel staff is apologetic because they can’t find your reservation. The rest is an “Only in Vegas” moment, courtesy of dozens of Miss Universe contestants. Have a watch.

The unsuspecting guests, several of whom seem to go into a mild state of shock, actually did get to stay in upgraded, panorama suites for taking part in the hotel’s little prank.

No, Albania isn't in upstate New York. Please try and stay focused.

Catch the lovely contestants on NBC, Dec. 19, as they metaphorically thumb wrestle for the Miss Universe crown. Gratuitous pageant contestant photos here.

It’s National Dice Day! Each year, on December 4, casinos across Las Vegas celebrate this momentous occasion by hosting “craps games” and “providing complimentary beverages when certain gaming thresholds are met.”

Dice are one of the oldest known gambling devices, along with domino tiles and the middle finger.

“Why are dice called bones?” you ask. The Greeks and Romans made dice from sheep anklebones, and the name stuck.

“What are the dots on dice called?” you ask. The spots on dice are called “pips,” we answer. You make a pip by drilling a small indentation and filling the hole with paint.

You take photos of your kids, we take photos of our dice.

“How deep are those indentations?” you pester. Exactly 17/1,000th of an inch deep. Yes, we measured.

“What’s it called when someone tries to predict the future using dice?” you ask. Sort of a weird question, but the answer is “astragalomancy.”

“Do the sides of dice have names?” you inquire. “Why, yes,” we answer. “The six sides of a die are called ace, deuce, trey, cater, cinque and sice.”

There is a high probability you’ll win a bar bet with that one someday.

In craps, a pair of fives is also known as "puppy paws."

On the subject of “die,” you inquire, “Where does the term ‘die’ come from?” Actually, “die” comes from the word “datum,” which means “something played.”

“Hey,” you shout. “Is there a name for the pattern of a five on dice?” My, you do ask some peculiar questions, which we don’t mind, because you’re only asking questions we know the answer to. That pattern, with four pips in the corners and one pip in the center is called a “quincunx.”

“Dice clocks and Vegas,” you ask. “What’s all that about?” We’re not sure, but we know these popular Vegas souvenirs were invented by Reve White, although that’s the subject of some debate among dice clock enthusiasts. (Hint: Never invite them to a party.)

Insert your "hot hand" joke here.

“Oh, all-knowing Pulse of Vegas blog,” you continue. “Do you have any other amazing facts about dice you can share?” Thanks, but we are not all-knowing. We are all-knowing and humble.

And here’s another dice fact. At any given time, you can only see three sides of a casino die.

Craps isn't the only casino game that uses dice, obviously.

“Just one more?” you plead. Oh, all right, did you know that in the 18th century, in English gambling dens, there was a person whose sole job was to swallow the dice in case of a police raid?

Now you know!

Dice are the ultimate random number generator, so celebrate National Dice Day by getting out there and letting ‘em fly! Just keep your dice arc lower than eyeball level if you’re playing craps in a Las Vegas casino. Keeps the pit bosses happy.

In what has somehow become an annual ritual, this blog will now rattle off 21 things to be thankful for in Las Vegas. Post your own things in the Comments section.

1. Mini Plates

We love buffets, like the new Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace, where the food is served in little plates. It’s like the food was made just for us. And don’t worry, while small, you can have as many as you’d like.

What say we cut turkeys a break this Thanksgiving and have chicken parm?

2. Engineers

Among the many things engineers are bringing to The Strip soon is the High Roller observation wheel. It’s massive, and the more you know about it, the more miraculous the efforts of the engineers appear. Yay, smart people. Learn more about the High Roller at The Linq.

This ain't your grandpa's Ferris wheel.

3. Hooch

No list of Las Vegas things to be thankful could exclude liquor, so this one won’t. Big, small, fancy or otherwise, cocktails are part of what makes Sin City so sinful.

We almost remember taking this photo.

4. To Hell With Rules

Seriously. We’re thankful Vegas doesn’t live by society’s rules. If we want #4 on our list to be more cocktails, cocktails it is. Disappointed #4 is like #3? We don’t care! Get your own Las Vegas blog!

Rules, schmules.

5. James and Jaymes

This team of similarly-named Chippendales dancers is currently doing Las Vegas proud on “The Amazing Race.” Yay, you guys. See them in the flesh at Rio Las Vegas.

Shirts, schmirts.

6. Shock Value

When you’re in Las Vegas, you’re bound to hear or see something shocking. Great example: Penny Pibbets and her hand puppets in Absinthe at Caesars Palace. Even Ivory doesn’t make enough soap for Penny’s mouth. And we mean that in a good way.

Granted, we should have said "sock value."

7. The Payline

We love it when objects align on the slot machine payline. Cha-to-the-ching.

Yes, this is #7 on our list. We are a trained professional.

8. Community

It did our hearts good to see juggler Jeff Civillico crowd-fund (to the tune of $10,900) an inflatable arch for his show at The Quad (formerly the Imperial Palace.) It’s amazing what people can accomplish when they join forces.

Behold "The People's Arch." And a ladder on a guy's face.

9. George Wallace

He’s just flat-out hysterical at Flamingo Las Vegas, as well as being a Las Vegas institution (with an epic Twitter feed).

We think he's on our Thanksgiving list every year.

10. Buskers

Come on, admit it, street “performers” (also called “buskers”) help make Las Vegas the people-watching capital of the universe.

We think creative costumes like this mirror man reflect well on our city.

11. Eye Candy

Not that kind of eye candy, although we’re certainly thankful for that kind, too. We mean this kind.

"Wow" should be a French word. Unless it already is.

12. Freebies

From check-ins on Foursquare to loyalty club programs (like Total Rewards) to comps from your favorite casino host or pit boss, Vegas is overflowing with freebies. Free. Is. Good.

The Foursquare badge for Bally's Las Vegas features a woman with a reverse tan line. Probably.

13. The Superstitions

We love superstitions! Don’t let the craps dice hit your hands. Avoid staying on the 13th floor of a hotel. Never gamble without your good luck charm. And when you’re at Caesars Palace, rubs Caesars’ hand (see below) for good luck. A visit to Cleopatra’s Barge may be in order, too. (Although it’s not her hand you’ll want to rub for good luck. Ahem.) Oh, and never, ever list “The Superstitions” as #13 on your list of things to be thankful for in Las Vegas. Note: We know what you’re thinking. Refer to #4.

Caesar has doled out a lot of luck in his day.

14. Publicity Stunts

When it comes to stunts, Vegas continues to deliver on a grand scale. The latest example? Singer Shania Twain was welcomed to Caesars Palace in the company of a herd of 30 horses on The Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas rarely suffers from a lack of imagination.

This was even more exciting than you may have herd.

15. The Neon

With the recent opening of the Neon Museum, Sin City’s neon is finally getting its time in the spotlight.

This also could've been filed under "Eye Candy."

16. These Chairs

We think these bar stools at Carlos’n Charlie’s at Flamingo are great. Feel free to either agree or agree.

We shall have these in our dream home.

17. Zombies

Zombies have invaded Las Vegas, and not just during Halloween. They’re at the new Goretorium attraction, and you can fend them off at the Zombie Apocalypse Store. There are even zombie runs. Use your brain, and don’t miss our post about How to Survive a Zombie Invasion in Las Vegas.

You thought we were kidding?

18. Desserts

Sure, other cities have desserts. But that’s like saying other cities have magicians. Las Vegas tends to take things to a whole new level. The sweetness below, which sometimes does double duty as an engagement ring delivery device, is courtesy of the Eiffel Tower Restaurant at Paris Las Vegas.

Fact: 94% of Vegas desserts are calorie-free. Hey, we are a blog, not a nutritionist.

19. Yeah, It’s Another Dessert

This blog is not just about doubling up on the cocktails, you know.

Oh, now we're just padding.

20. Our Seedy Past

Las Vegas doesn’t just acknowledge its sometimes seedy history, it embraces it! If you want to see what we mean, check out the Mob Museum, downtown. It’s a fascinating look at organized crime and the legal eagles that brought them down.

Embracing is not the same as glorifying. You'll see what we mean. There will be whacking.

21. The Vegas Attitude

We’re thankful Las Vegas remains a place where irreverence and outrageousness thrive. Don’t love that we have a Heart Attack Grill? Bite it! Think toplessness is offensive? Tough! The people, the places, the sounds, the games of chance, the sleaze, the utter beauty, and even the enduring schmaltz, it’s all here, and it’s all part of what makes Las Vegas the most exciting destination in the world. Not that we’re biased or anything.

Actual results may vary.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and special thanks to you for visiting this humble blog. Actual results may vary there, too.