The city claims to be one of the worst-hit real estate disasters in the country, but the casino moguls keep building, knowing there is a bottomless supply of people whose only thrills in life come from taking rigged gambles, where loss is guaranteed but a good time supplied . . .

American decay, surrounded by profit and possibility. Twice during this shoot people feel compelled to walk up and ask if I know how dangerous the neighborhood is, and twice I laugh: "Been here before." But in one abandoned warehouse I see eyes and gaunt faces looking out at me, so I nod and take two steps closer, shoot, nod again, and walk away at a 45-degree angle. No panic, but defeat. I can feel the tension on my neck, as if I am connected to a socket with thin wire. But the tingling on my skin is all flight and no fright, certainly no fight.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Proceed without prejudice against me for being so irresponsible about my site's appearance. Like having a kid wearing no shoes and too much snot. I, the lax parent, can only say in our defense: "We're too busy having a good time!" Please come back again soon!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Proceed without prejudice against me for being so irresponsible about my site's appearance. Like having a kid wearing no shoes and too much snot. I, the lax parent, can only say in our defense: "We're too busy having a good time!" Please come back again soon!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Proceed without prejudice against me for being so irresponsible about my site's appearance. Like having a kid wearing no shoes and too much snot. I, the lax parent, can only say in our defense: "We're too busy having a good time!" Please come back again soon!