<DIV>Following in the tradition of Hunter S. Thompson, award-winning journalist Marc Cooper describes his longstanding love affair with Las Vegas. Cooper's kaleidoscopic journey begins in October 2001 with the dynamiting of the Desert Inn?the moment when old Vegas "cool" died and the new corporate model claimed definitive victory. From there he takes us on a journey from the glitzy Strip to the frayed downtown, indulging in his lifelong love of blackjack, hanging out with Mormons, mobsters, MBAs, born-again virgins, strippers, lap dance union organizers, gambling addicts, priests, and Vegas's colorful and controversial mayor.</Div>