The big $1.75 billion deal that was to put Las Vegas' Cannery and Eastside Cannery casinos in the hands of Australian media king James Packer has been scuttled, though it's not necessarily finished. Packer's Crown Ltd. didn't meet specified conditions of the deal, but has indicated it may still go through with the acquisition on an extended timetable (up to two years).

Crown also had plans fall through earlier this year for a 1,064-foot tower and casino on the Strip. Meanwhile, the "Can" and "ECan" will continue to operate as they have since opening, which is a good thing for consumers, as these are two of the best value-oriented operations in Las Vegas.

FABULOUS FATOR: The critics are raving about the new Terry Fator show at the Mirage, and rightfully so. Fator is reminiscent of impressionist Danny Gans, when Gans burst onto the scene more than a decade ago. Ticket prices are $59 to $125.

COMEDY STOPPED: After 18 years, the Tropicana has declined to renew its contract with the Comedy Stop. The club will reportedly relocate.

MADNESS: The annual March Madness frenzy is on. While last week's opening rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament drew the biggest crowds, the next couple weeks through to the Final Four and Final will also be big in the casinos, with sports books televising all the games and supporting them with promotions and food and drink specials. Three casinos that hold big March Madness parties are the Las Vegas Hilton, the Orleans and South Point.

Q. Is it warm enough to get in the pool? When does the big pool season start?

A. With temperatures in the 70s, it's warm enough to swim now (plus many of the big pools are heated). Las Vegas' vaunted "Day Life" pool scene officially begins its season on Memorial Day weekend, but several of the bigger operations have already opened, including the Hard Rock Beach Club, MGM Grand's Wet Republic, and Mandalay Bay's Moorea Pool (weekends only). Check out "Cool Pools" at the Web site below for updates all season long.

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