Assorted sordid thoughts about the big new casino in town.

I decided to take a walk this afternoon, an exercise break from a work routine which too often requires that I be hovered over a keyboard and phone. On a lark, I headed toward the northeast corner of downtown St. Louis to check out a well-promoted "Burger Bar," which happens to be located in the largest casino in St. Louis, the Lumiere. Everyone in St. Louis knows about the Lumiere Casino thanks to its huge electronic sign right in front, only a few feet from busy Interstate 70. On that huge video screen, you can often see pictures of buxom women beckoning you to have fun at the casino. Some of them are showing you to your room, showing you the bed on which you may sleep once you have been relieved of your money downstairs. I've often wondered how many accidents have been caused on Highway 70 by people who were watching the gorgeous women instead of watching where they were driving. Image by Erich Vieth I'd never been inside the Lumiere Casino until today. I wasn't prepared for what I saw: slot machines and other gambling stations as far as my eye could see. The muscle-bound greeter (or was he a bouncer?) told me that there are 2,000 gambling machines and 80 gambling tables on the 75,000 square foot floor. The Lumiere, which has only been open for a couple of years in St. Louis, is quite a step up from the smaller casinos previously serving St. Louis area gamblers. This is definitely a major league casino. As I stood there, transfixed by the thousands of blinking lights decorating the thousands of slot machines, the Greeter told me that business has been good, even in these difficult economic times. With a stiff smile, he advised me to come by if I had any further questions, and to otherwise go have a good time.

Continue ReadingAssorted sordid thoughts about the big new casino in town.

Note to John McCain: We can’t trust you around America’s nuclear weapons.

Yes, John McCain. We know quite well who you are, and we don't want anyone with your ego and your temper to have the power to fire American nuclear weapons. While we're on the issue of violence, are you consciously trying to get one of your enraged followers to inflict…

Continue ReadingNote to John McCain: We can’t trust you around America’s nuclear weapons.

Many detailed reasons to fear John McCain

The Rolling Stone has just published a highly detailed, article written by Tim Dickenson. This article is must-reading for anyone who really wants to understand John McCain by his words and actions over his disturbing life.  The more you know, the less you'll trust this fake maverick.  In fact, the…

Continue ReadingMany detailed reasons to fear John McCain