I just got back from Las Vegas.

We took the kids because there was this big Tae Kwon Do National Championship Tournament going on, and we were there for the moral support of one of our closest friend's daughter. It was for black belts only, so my daughter (a red belt) wasn't eligible to participate. It was cool to take the kids to see all the lights anyway.

However, all over Las Vegas there were so many bums, homeless people, druggies, and prostitutes that it really got me thinking how lucky we are. At one corner, there was a whole family of people... two parents (I assume) and about 4 kids lying and sitting on the sidewalk on Las Vegas Blvd. It was close to 5pm, getting dark and the wind chill factor was definately kicking in. I felt really bad for those kids... they had nothing to do with being in those conditions.

We did all the touristy things, walked the strip, went to Circus Circus and the midway... watched all the talent, the shows (there was even a tribute show for "our man" Prince, called "Purple Reign - The Ultimate Tribute To Prince", it was at a not so well known casino... the group looked like they were sporting the "Diamonds & Pearls" NPG days... it was funny. We went to Madame Toussau's Wax Museum..it was incredible. They had all my faves there, and they were so life-like... unbelievable. Prince, Michael, Stevie, Jimi, Tina Turner, Little Richard etc... You would have sworn they were standing right next to you!

I even won some money... came out ahead.

Still - the idea of all the people who go there with dreams of fame and fortune, and end up on the street addicted to drugs or out turning tricks made me sad... did I do anything about it? I hate to say it, but No. We felt sad, wondered what put them in that predicament, and continued having our good time.

But - here it is, two days later, and I'm still thinking about them.

Your thoughts?

I don't think I have seen that scenario in Las Vegas.

Hookers, druggies yes!

I still have fun...

It's a trip.

You see them all over
And ignore with haste
A life you could never subside
Gestures in anger
As he walks the streets
You wonder what he's tryin' to hide
Yeah, you can see them all over now
Try to help, buy you don't know how

Hey Ramblin' Man, he just walks away
Talks to himself with not much to say
Hey Ramblin' Man, won't you take some time
And show us you still have your mind
Show us you still have your mind...

June7 said:

Vegas is L.A.s sister in the boulevards of broken dreams categories. Many times we have went, partied and came back to our hotel at like 3-4 in the morning and you see the desparation of these people in the casinos, still gambling trying to win back their houses, cars, pay bills etc.

June7 said:

that sounds like LA dude



They say this is the city...
The city of angels
All i see is dead wings.....
.
.
.
[This message was edited Tue Feb 25 21:58:03 PST 2003 by Christopher]

Yeah... L.A. has it's share of the homeless and destitute - but to me, in Vegas, they are ALL OVER the place. It's really quite sad.

My thought? I like the lack of the use of Princebonics



Keep up the good work, June!

Natsume said:

Oh wait... it was a good thing.

In that case...

Natsume said:

One day at a time, Natsume, one day at a time... hey, by the way, the "Patch" really does work!