Though not as high profile as last week's announcement that construction would be suspended for up to a year on the $4.8 billion Echelon Place, MGM Mirage has announced that it is scrapping plans for a master-planned community on 166 acres in Jean, 20 miles south of Las Vegas. The plans had led to the demolition of the Nevada Landing casino at the site, which will remain undeveloped for now.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has opted to slow the pace of a $900 million overhaul of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The project will now be spread out over three phases, in as many years, with a completion date scheduled for 2011.

CANNERY IN THE CAN: With all the stoppages of late, it might seem like all bad news, but not so — the Eastside Cannery ("ECan") is poised to open Aug. 28. It's futuristic design stands out, especially compared to the old joints out on the Boulder Strip.

'LIVE' POKER: In a first-of-its-kind move, Excalibur has replaced its poker tables with poker machines. Automated PokerPro poker tables, which allow players to compete against each other without a human dealer.

Q. You've referenced the big Las Vegas pool season lately. Do any stay active after the Labor Day weekend?

A. While a few of the big parties will wind down after Labor Day, the pool season runs well into October at most casinos.

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