Lass Vegass

Let me first make one concession. After a night in Las Vegas I texted Jon wondering what he could possibly see in the place. Food and gambling was his answer. So yes, one can gamble in Vegas.

Gambling is a rather dull sport which I have mastered in my own way-- look as if you are gambling just enough to get free drinks. My elaborate ruse became unnecessary once I had endeared myself with the staff. I did so by openly mocking the clientele. My favorite was Captain Kirk. He, a Mormon preacher, explained that by rubbing the machines in a certain way one could share DNA with the computer. The logic was that “man invented computer, so computer can read man.” The caveat being one could only play blackjack. By playing this game you could move faster than the conniving, computer blackjack dealer. And he was right, I won $6.45!

The Captain’s story is a sad one. This man of God, who was visited by Jesus twice, has been asked by the Church to stop ministering. I don’t know why, but I think the Church may be wrong on this one… an anomaly of course.

I suppose I would liken the casino experience to a night club where the dress code allows fanny packs. But, maybe it is more akin to a money viewing gallery for pretty girls from Iowa. What ever Vegas is, it will forever be free from glowering Rob in the way of the elevated, air-conditioned sidewalks.

Stepping outside of the casino is to behold a vast landscape. Dotted every few inches is architecture I would call neo-Pulte. Owning a great debt to Rococo period architecture, the simple form of the Las Vegas suburban expanse is breathtaking; one should note the limited use of windows, craftsmanship, sidewalks, authenticity and material. I take solace remembering that the un-sustainability of this desert city is a fait accompli.
I was at least rewarded by a rare summer rain the day I left. The Hoover Dam was pretty.