Yeah, I know.  I grew up here, I should be used to the heat.  But one thing I have learned over the years is that there is a big difference between 110 and 117.  I know, seven degrees doesn't make that much difference when we are talking abstractly about it.  But in real life, there is a world of difference between the two.

 It's 110 out.  I will still go visit Donna and Gail in Nelson, I'll still go visit Dennis in Boulder City, I'll still drive around town with RoadsidePictures checking out historical sites.  My car will be happy doing all these things and the air conditioner will be happy.  But most important, the car won't be thinking I could overheat now.

It's 117 out.  And I have a sinus and chest cold.  I opted not to go anywhere.  Yesterday, I had to.  Got back in the car and the temp said it was 124!!!!  Once the car got going, the temp went down to 117.  In 117, my car is not as happy.  It still keeps me cool but the temp. gauge runs a tad hotter than at 110.  Being the superstitious type, I don't like to court disaster so I head for home where the car can rest.

At 112 and above, going outside is like walking into a blast furnace.  Especially if there is a breeze.  There are descriptions of hell that sound kinder and cooler than the last few days of excessive heat in Las Vegas. 

They say a cooling trend is coming this weekend and temps will be back down in the 110 or slightly lower range.

Can't come a minute too soon.  As for the cold, hopefully it is on the way out, too! 

Thanks to RoadsidePictures for this great shot of 114 in the shade! (and letting us use it!)

There was a shooting early this morning at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.  A man standing on the walkway above the gambling area opened fire wounding four patrons.  He was tackled and subdued by a combination of hotel security and other patrons.

The four wounded patrons, two men and two women, are at local hospitals.  None have life threatening wounds. 

The gunman is a male, said to be in his early 50s and a resident of Las Vegas.  He entered the hotel from the walkway connecting NY-NY and the MGM Grand about 1:00 am  He began firing randomly at the patrons below. 

The hotel and casino are open and investigators are questioning witnesses. 

The Las Vegas Hilton will have a fireworks display just after dark.

Summerlin's 9th Annual Star Spangled Spectacular
When: July 4 -- gates open at 4:30 p.m., concert 8:00 p.m.
Fireworks will folllow the concert.
Where: Hills Park in Summerlin
Prices: Adults are $25 in advance; Kids ages 6-12 are $20. Prices go up at the gate.
More Info: 895-ARTS

The Las Vegas Philharmonic,

under Music Director David Itkin, opens its ninth season with the "Star Spangled Spectacular." With Associate Conductor Richard McGee, Itkin will lead patriotic tunes and marches in this family-style Independence Day event. The finale, starting with the "1812 Overture," will display a full fireworks show by legendary pyrotechnics company, Zambelli Internationale.

Visit the Las Vegas Philharmonic onlineara

59th Annual Boulder City Damboree
When: July 4
Where: Boulder City
Schedule: Pancake Breakfast - Bicentennial Park - 7am
Parade - Nevada Way - 9am
Damboree Ceremonies and Midway Booths - Broadbent Park- 11am
Fireworks Festivities - Veteran's Memorial Park - 6pm
Visit the Boulder Dam Damboree online

Henderson Fourth of July Fireworks & Celebration
When: July 4, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Water Street at the Events Plaza
How Much: FREE
More Info: 702-267-2171

All of Henderson will be celebrating this prestigious holiday in the Water Street District at the Henderson Events Plaza and beyond. There will be music for everyone with Jazz on the Events Plaza stage, The Henderson Symphony Orchestra at the Justice Court park stage and Randy Anderson on the Convention Center front lawn stage featuring "line dancing in the street" by Birdie Bridges on Atlantic Avenue.

There are plenty of things for the kids. Dinner will be easy with food vendors and all those great snacks and sodas too. The fireworks will begin at 9p.m. with front row seating on the Events Plaza.

Water Street,
The Henderson Events Plaza and Amphitheatre
Justice Park
The Henderson Convention Center Lawn
200 South Water Street

Freedom Fest 2007 - 4th of July Celebration
When: July 4, 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Freedom Park at Nellis AFB. 
Food, entertainment, Kidz Zone & fire works. 
FREE event to all DoD ID card holders.

Las Vegas 51's and Fireworks
When: June 30 and July 3, after the game
Where: Cashman Field 
Admission: $13 (for the two days) 
More info: 702-798-7825

O u t  o f  T o w n  ::::  F  I  R  E  W  O  R  K  S

Laughlin's Annual Rockets Over the River
When: July 4, the festivities begin just after dusk
Where: Laughlin
How Much: FREE to the public along the Laughlin River walk
More Info: 800-227-5245 or 702-298-2214
Enjoy one of the most spectaular fireworks display in the West choreographed to fabulous patriotic music simulcast on various local radio stations.

Please note that the County's Red, White & Boom has been cancelled and is being replaced by Red, White & Splash -- smaller community events at the following county pools: