Saturday morning I went downtown instead of the Neon Boneyard Tour the convention was putting on. I popped out of the El Cortez with some chips, some winnings and some second-hand ciggy smoke and I spyed another casino sign down the way. It was the Western and belive me folks, the NIS guys are NOT asking enough for the chips they buy at this place!

From an article in the LV Sun:

On a stretch of despair that tourists in Las Vegas seldom see, the Western Hotel-Casino stands out as a beacon for the broke and nearly broken.

A tough neighborhood and I was glad it was Saturday morning rather than any hour after sundown. I entered, took a circle tour around the table pit, avoided eye contact and made a rush for the exit. Wow... can they comp you for tetanus shots if your play (and skin condition) warrants? Should have crossed the street rather than pass the three youths leaning in the window of the new Mercedes pulled up at the curb but made it back to the canopy safe anyway.