Sunday, July 28, 2002
Glimpses of Glee in Las Vegas
I could use a little help here. There we were in Las Vegas. 110 degrees and crowded. Who'd think that there'd be so many people willing to endure the heat and the prices (which didn't convey the least hint of off-seasoning) just so they could roam amongst the remarkable similitudes of Italy, New York, Paris, and the Disneyed world whilst gambling and spectating, dining and purchasing kitsch.
Before leaving for Vegas, I promised myself that I'd carry forth my newly restored dedication to the Guruness of Gleefulness that I am, and seek signs of actual delight amongst the myriads. For the most part, I failed. People, especially those with families, appeared stressed and lost. People were gambling like factory workers, pulling handles, pressing buttons, the same expression of tense boredom regardless of win or loss. When I saw something gleelike it was usually from a child celebrating life in general, or, in particular, a cookie.
We were there for a wedding. Odd thing, weddings in Vegas. The chapel we used had a new wedding every half-hour. The service was like another Disney ride - a smiling, rotund chaplian (if chaplain he was), speaking sweet, ecumenical (no mention of uneartlhy powers), carefully timed and choreographed wishes for eternal happiness. I got to hold a baby (glee there). I got to kiss my neice and nephews and manifest the eternity of our relatedness. I got out of there as soon as I could.
Tell me, what did I miss? What is the attraction? Where is the joy? I asked Rocky. She said "in the casino-owners' wallets."
But nowhere in their hearts.
Before leaving for Vegas, I promised myself that I'd carry forth my newly restored dedication to the Guruness of Gleefulness that I am, and seek signs of actual delight amongst the myriads. For the most part, I failed. People, especially those with families, appeared stressed and lost. People were gambling like factory workers, pulling handles, pressing buttons, the same expression of tense boredom regardless of win or loss. When I saw something gleelike it was usually from a child celebrating life in general, or, in particular, a cookie.
We were there for a wedding. Odd thing, weddings in Vegas. The chapel we used had a new wedding every half-hour. The service was like another Disney ride - a smiling, rotund chaplian (if chaplain he was), speaking sweet, ecumenical (no mention of uneartlhy powers), carefully timed and choreographed wishes for eternal happiness. I got to hold a baby (glee there). I got to kiss my neice and nephews and manifest the eternity of our relatedness. I got out of there as soon as I could.
Tell me, what did I miss? What is the attraction? Where is the joy? I asked Rocky. She said "in the casino-owners' wallets."
But nowhere in their hearts.
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