Q. What is happening with New Year's Eve festivities in Las Vegas this year?

A. The Las Vegas sky will again light up at midnight as a $450,000 fireworks display, dubbed "Vegas Royale 2007" will be accompanied by music from James Bond movies. The fireworks will be launched from seven Strip-casino rooftops — MGM, Monte Carlo, Flamingo, Venetian, TI, Circus Circus and Stratosphere. The main "America's Party" downtown will feature performances by five bands.

BUYOUT OFFER

Harrah's has announced it is accepting a buy-out offer of $27.8 billion from Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group, two private equity firms. Harrah's has until Jan. 15 to solicit higher offers, the stockholders must approve the takeover, and the buyout won't close for around one year. But if it goes ahead, this will be the largest deal in the history of the gaming industry.

HYATT CLOSES CASINO

The small casino at the Hyatt Regency Lake Las Vegas has closed, pending the sale of the resort. Loews Hotels is buying the 493-room Hyatt, rather than build its own hotel at the location as previously planned.

'VIVA' CLOSES

After a 10-year run of afternoon performances at the Stratosphere, "Viva Las Vegas" is closing. "Viva" is said to be searching for a new venue.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.