Vegas, Baby

Wendall -- every other Thursday

I got married in Vegas.

 

Goofing around on my wedding day.

 

It’s one of the few decisions I’ve made in my life that I have never regretted for one instant. 

 

In Caesar's Palace the day before our wedding.

I actually hit a jackpot on the night before our wedding.

The scene of the crime.

 

James and I joined the ranks of Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Michael Jordan, “Bennifer” and many others in tying the knot in The Little White Wedding Chapel on the “downtown” end of the strip. Here’s the link if you’d like to take a look. https://www.alittlewhitechapel.com/page/famous-couples

 

One of our "professional" photos

We were married in the tiniest chapel (not the drive through!) by the Reverend Roy, with the receptionist as our other witness. When James went to kiss me at the end of the ceremony, he accidentally knocked a column over and the whole backdrop went down. It was perfect. 

 

A series of “professional” photos came with our $200 wedding package.

 

 

That column is about to go down.

 

Sunglasses are a must for a Vegas wedding.

Almost twenty-one years later, as my (same!) husband and I watched a documentary on the history of Sin City, I thought about what the city has meant to me over the years and why I’m not sure I want to go back.

 

The dearly departed Stardust, my old writing haunt.

 

When I first moved to Los Angeles in 1986, it took a while for me to make my way to Las Vegas. I had heard about the cheap hotel rooms and buffets, so when I needed to hide in a hotel room to finish my first script, I headed out in my 1965 Ford Galaxie 500, found a room at the Stardust for $19.99/night and settled in.

 

I would get up, work over a huge, cheap breakfast and hole up writing in my room until dusk. Vegas hotel rooms are incredibly quiet during the day. Then I would have a $3.99 prime rib buffet, take a drink to the slots, give myself $20 to lose, then head back up to write for another hour or so, watch cable—which I didn’t have at home—sleep, and start over. When I was stuck, I would walk the strip.

 

When Vegas tried to pull in gamblers with cheap buffets and free drinks.

 

In those late days of the 80s, some of the classic casinos had disappeared, but the Stardust, the Sahara, the Tropicana, Flamingo, Harrah’s, Maxim’s, the Riviera, Excalibur, the Thunderbird, Bally’s, etc. were still around, along with Caesar’s Palace. 

 

Excalibur, astonishingly still around.

 

During the early 90s, a whole new wave of themed casinos opened, as Steve Wynn and others blew up many of the older properties and added Treasure Island, the Luxor, the Stratosphere, the Monte Carlo and in the late 90s, New York-New York, the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, the Venetian, and Paris.

 

Courtyard at the Bellagio.

 

James's "hand eyelashes" in Caesar's.

 

The lobby of the Venetian.

The Venetian outside.

So the strip was an interesting mix of old and new by the time we got married. By then, the Stardust was gone, so we settled on the Sahara as our go-to hotel, with room deals as low as $25, free parking, and a fabulous history. 

 

The entrance to the old Sahara.

 

The free parking garage.

 

Heading in from the pool.

It originally opened in 1952 and, over the years, hosted performances by Sammy Davis, Jr., Liberace, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Cher, Tina Turner, and hosts of other others. Comedian Don Rickles started his career there and performed frequently.

 

It was at the far end of the strip, but we loved to walk, so that was no problem. 

 

Always loved the oversized feel of Vegas. See below as well.

 

We spent our wedding night at the Sahara and went several times a year from 2002 until the hotel closed in 2011. We always, always had fun. Although the property was sold and has been remade three times since, we can’t bear to go back, as it’s unrecognizable.

 

The Mirage before demolition.

 

They blew up the Tropicana not long ago and now the Mirage is just a large hole in the ground. There are no more cheap buffets, no free parking, and not many places for couples on a budget to hit the strip. However, the last time we went, we did visit some of our old favorites in the Neon boneyard, adjacent to downtown. 

 

You can still see the Stardust sign in the Neon Museum.

 

Sob.

So many casinos gone.

We all have to accept change, every day, but there are some experiences that need to be protected, intact.

 

So Vegas is somewhere we’ve decided, for the moment, to keep in our very happy memories, rather than in our itinerary.

 

--Wendall

Oligarchy Unmasked: Why It Matters To You and Me

 Wed--Kwei

I'm afraid my creative juices have dried up, so I’m cheating a bit and reprinting a blog from my website. Our readers are probably more sophisticated than the average, so forgive me if this seems a bit basic.

Following President Joe Biden’s farewell address, in which he warned of an emerging oligarchy in America, online searches for the term “oligarchy” spiked. This reflects how few people are familiar with the concept, let alone know the word or how to spell it.

What is an oligarchy?

An oligarchy is a system of governance where power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or families, often distinguished by wealth, nobility, corporate, religious, or military control. Unlike a democracy, where power distributes itself among the populace, an oligarchy centralizes authority, allowing a select group to make decisions that serve their interests.

Examples of this in American history are the “robber barons" of the late 19th Century. Industrialists like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan solidified the framework of oligarchy in America. 

Their massive wealth enabled them to control key industries such as steel, oil, and banking. They influenced politics and labor laws to maintain their dominance. They wielded their power not only through lobbying but also by creating monopolies, suppressing unions, and funding political campaigns.

The Modern Tech Oligarchy

Tech giants like Amazon, Google, Facebook (Meta), and Apple have amassed extraordinary wealth and influence in recent decades. Leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg wield immense power over information, communication, and commerce. They shape public discourse through control over platforms, influence policy through lobbying, and amass global economic power rivaling that of nation-states.

The fundamental difference between oligarchs and "ordinary" rich people lies in power and influence.

        Ordinary Rich People: These individuals may have significant wealth but primarily focus on                 personal or business interests. Their influence on government and society tends to be limited or                 indirect, achieved mainly through lobbying, philanthropy, or business operations.

• Oligarchs are ultra-wealthy individuals whose wealth is directly tied to political power and control. They often leverage their financial resources to influence or manipulate government policies, secure favorable laws, and maintain their status. In many cases, their wealth comes from exploiting connections to the state, often blurring the line between public service and private gain.

The Kremlin Aglow

        Russia is a quintessential example of oligarchic rule. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a             small group of individuals gained immense wealth and control by acquiring state assets during the             privatization of industries in the 1990s. These oligarchs secured their positions by aligning closely              with the government, particularly Vladimir Putin's administration.

• Political Ties: Russian oligarchs maintain their wealth by being loyal to the Kremlin. In return, they receive protection and opportunities for further enrichment. This symbiotic relationship ensures the oligarchs' continued influence while bolstering the central government's power.

• Economic Control: Oligarchs often dominate key sectors like energy, mining, and telecommunications. This creates an economic environment where wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, and competition is stifled.

• International Impact: Russian oligarchs often use their wealth to exert influence abroad, including funding political movements, media outlets, and think tanks that align with Russian interests.

In essence, Russian oligarchs are not just wealthy—they are gatekeepers of power, wielding influence that extends beyond their wealth to shape the political and social landscape of the country and, at times, the world.

The Yawning Gulf Between Oligarchs and Everyday People

Prominent billionaire tech leaders like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, will be seated in a reserved section alongside Cabinet officials and elected leaders during the Presidential Inauguration. The ceremony, relocated to the Capitol Rotunda ostensibly due to forecasts of severe cold, has sparked cynical comment that it reflects President-elect Trump's priorities: As he and his affluent guests remain warm indoors, MAGA supporters, some of whom have purchased tickets, are left outside in the freezing weather unable to witness the event firsthand, arguably a perfect metaphor for how little real regard Trump has for his base. 

Neither Trump nor his fellow oligarchs have ever had concerns about the supermarket price of eggs and bacon. Don't expect them to change now.

Gasoline Prices: A Case Study

 The president's influence on gas prices is minimal due to a complex web of factors, including global supply and demand, geopolitical tensions, and market speculation. While leaders often promise lower fuel costs with slogans like “drill, baby, drill,” such measures have limited impact. The United States has been the world’s largest oil producer for the past seven years, achieving record production in 2023. Yet, gasoline prices remain subject to unpredictable global market forces that no nation can control.

 The Preoccupations of the Ultra-Rich

 At a time when ordinary individuals grapple with daily financial concerns, many ultra-rich individuals focus on ventures disconnected from the immediate needs of the general populace. For example, billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have invested heavily in space exploration through their respective companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin.

 On January 17, 2025, Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking its entry into the orbital space race. This achievement positions Blue Origin as a significant competitor to SpaceX, which has dominated the reusable heavy rocket category. While these advancements are monumental in aerospace innovation, they offer little immediate benefit to individuals struggling with everyday expenses.

 Similarly, Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to make strides in space technology, embracing a “fail-and-fix quickly” strategy to drive rapid progress and innovation. Despite recent test failures, this approach facilitates faster development and lower costs, critical for commercial viability. However, these endeavors are remote from the pressing concerns of those living paycheck to paycheck.

The Impact on Everyday Americans

 While the ultra-rich focus on ambitious projects like space exploration, many Americans face financial hardships. Rising food prices, housing costs, and healthcare expenses remain pressing concerns. The endeavors of the wealthy elite, including ventures into space tourism and cryptocurrency, rarely address these immediate needs. This disconnect highlights the growing chasm between the oligarchs’ priorities and ordinary citizens’ everyday struggles.

 Recognizing the presence and influence of oligarchies is crucial for preserving democratic values, so, we must remain vigilant and closely monitor those coming into power. By the time the Oh, my God, what have we done? moment strikes, it may be too late to repair the damage quickly.

Florence in January

Annamaria on Monday

It's January 20, 2025.

I know.  But I am not watching, and I hope you, too, are focusing on staying sane.  Here are some distractions.

An exhibition of photographs of Florence, made by a photography studio during the century between 1924 and 2024.  Here are the highlights.    

The venue is a newly restored palazzo, now the

headquarters of the region of Tuscany, a 

treasure in itself,

Florence during the flood of 1966. The little square

Windows that you see just above the water are at

the top of the second floor.

What is that?  A bird? 

A woman diving into the Arno.

(Not during the flood, though.)

The street in front of my apartment building as it looked

after the Nazis bombed it on their way out. 

Some of the attraction was the view out the windows.

Do you recognize her?

On the way to an exhibit in the Palazzo Vecchio

The subject of the exhibition. Do 

you recognize him?

A plaster cast of the head of David. Something I 

always wanted to see close up.  These photos emphasize 

how, as one looks at his expression from different

angles, you see all the emotions of the boy about

to do battle with a giant!

These two are for Stan, to show him

that I too am spotting animals.

TOMBS IN SANTA CROCE:

Gallileo

Victorio Alfieri

Rossini

  

Machiavelli 

May the Jabberwocky Forgive Me

 

Jeff– Saturday

Can anyone make sense of the madness wreaking havoc these days across our planet? Everywhere we look existential threats loom draped in the finest of modern-day Mad Hatter explanations and justifications. Simply put, we live in nonsensical times. 

And who better to lend perspective to what we face than the master of the greatest English language nonsense poem. Yes, I’m talking about Lewis Carroll’s “The Jabberwocky,” included in his 1871 novel, Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, published as the sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. 

But, alas, poor Lewis passed away 127 years ago last Tuesday, leaving me no choice but to offer my perspective on our times in a nonsensical parody of “The Jabberwocky.” For the purists of you out there, the original version follows my effort to “shun the “Frumious Bandersnatch.”:

 

 MY VERSION

’Twas broiling, and while slimy toes

      Did gore and grapple with the knave:

Pure Whimsy out there in the throes,

      Showed passion for the Brave.

 

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

      The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun

      The trumpious Meandersnatch!”

 

Brave took his justice sword in hand;

      Long time the manic foe he sought—

He rested by the Dumbdumb tree

      His thoughts on who before him fought.

 

And, thinking of those who next would,

      The Jabberwock, with eyes aflame,

Came wafting turgid through the wood,

      Pooting on as it came!

 

One, two! One, two! Brave thrust straight through,

      But justice blade went flicker flick!

Its power lost all drained and blue.

      Now Brave must gallop back.

 

To face not slaying Jabberwock.

      And seek to rally hope not coy,

For those who wish to see the day

      When lives return to joy.

 

T’was broiling, and while slimy toes

      Did gore and grapple with the knave:

As Whimsy out there in the throes,

      Show passion for the Brave.

 

 

 

Lewis  Carroll

The Original Jabberwocky

By Lewis Carroll

 

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

      Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

      And the mome raths outgrabe.

 

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!

      The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!

Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun

      The frumious Bandersnatch!”

 

He took his vorpal sword in hand;

      Long time the manxome foe he sought—

So rested he by the Tumtum tree

      And stood awhile in thought.

 

And, as in uffish thought he stood,

      The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,

Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,

      And burbled as it came!

 

One, two! One, two! And through and through

      The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!

He left it dead, and with its head

      He went galumphing back.

 

“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?

      Come to my arms, my beamish boy!

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”

      He chortled in his joy.

 

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

      Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves,

      And the mome raths outgrabe.

 

Thanks, Lewis.

 

–Jeff