Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Reservations

The pair of hawks soared over the treetops at the Mashantucket Pequot reservation, swerving closer to the scallop-shaped pool with the MGM lion etched in black on the tiled bottom. Were they looking for an unfinished pina colada? We splurged on a weekend at the new MGM Grand at Foxwoods in North Stonington, Conn., staying over after the 9 p.m. Carole King concert. (Yes, it was fine, disappointed she didn't play Jazzman, and boy did the aging boomer behind us get to be annoying singing, out of tune ... every ... word. I'm surprised AARP didn't have a sign-up sheet at the exits). We were struck by how the 26-story hotel tower rose up in the middle of nothing, just woods all around. But Native Americans would surely require, we thought, tough environmental standards for the development. Doesn't seem to be the case. The top of the giant parking garage was a massive impervious surface, and easily could have been planted as a green roof. No swales, no rainwater collection, can't open the windows. The flourescent light in the closet was activated by motion. Of course, the casino was replete with cigarette smoke. The Indians don't care any more than Wal-Mart does.