Opinion
Green Felt Journal
Mob Neighbors
February 23rd, 2012
If the Mob Museum proves to be a draw, expect the casinos of Fremont Street to play up this part of their history. It wouldn’t be the first time downtown has changed to meet the times, though this time it might be looking to the past to get to the future. Read more »
The Latest Thought
That’s the Spirit
A Las Vegas medical clinic shows that faith, science and tolerance aren’t such strange bedfellows after all
February 23rd, 2012
At this free clinic for the uninsured called Operation H.O.P.E., you can get health care with or without prayer. It’s optional. The clinic was founded by a Christian, Dr. Elliot Shin, who funds it partially out of his own pocket and partially with the help of donations—such as this small, rent-free strip-mall space provided by Trinity Life Center’s City Impact Center. Read more »
The Latest Thought
How the Huntridge Learns
It is OK for a civic monument to evolve into just another building?
February 16th, 2012
While the fate of the Huntridge Theater has been in question for at least a decade, the most recent squabble over what constitutes an appropriate use of the gutted and dilapidated landmark illustrates an important point: Buildings change. Structures are not finished when they are built; they’re just getting started. Read more »
Green Felt Journal
Earning a Place at the Table
February 9th, 2012
In a fluorescent-lit training room at the M Resort, class is starting. It’s not your usual HR-mandated training session on blood-borne pathogens or reimbursement protocols. Instead, this is Change Your Life 101, taught by table games supervisor Timothy Eastep. A selected handful of M employees are learning to deal blackjack. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Why the Mob Museum Matters
Sure, there will be a lot of pizzazz, but the new attraction will also tell an important story about who we are and where we’re headed.
February 9th, 2012
I have been involved with the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, better known as the Mob Museum, from the outset. On Feb. 14, our dream becomes reality, and it’s important to get it right, because this is part of our history, and it’s time we come to grips with it. Read more »
Comrade Grumpette’s Peeve of the Week
Powerless Lunches
February 2nd, 2012
I was told that the kids get 20 minutes to eat. It’s the same throughout the Clark County School District. The kids also get a micro-recess: 15 minutes. The principal explained they don’t have time for recess: They keep adding things to the curriculum, and it’s just too difficult to fit everything in. I now let my kids play more after school and on weekends. I give them smaller lunches and a larger, wholesome breakfast. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Return of the Mall Eternal
Are we looking for a Renaissance in all the wrong places?
February 2nd, 2012
It turns out a mall still looks like a mall: high ceilings, unnatural lighting and a giant directory reminding you that You Are Here. Being at the mall is like being in a pleasant time warp. Read more »
Green Felt Journal
The Rise of Chinese New Year
January 26th, 2012
Strip casinos have been marking Chinese New Year since the 1970s, but it really took off with the explosion of high-end Asian baccarat play in the past few years. For Las Vegas, the winter/spring season doesn’t correspond to months on the calendar but to events in the city’s arenas, casinos and convention halls—from NFR to New Year’s Eve to CES to Chinese New Year to the Super Bowl to March Madness. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Did You Kill Anyone, Mr. Rice?
A teacher and Air Force veteran tries to set his students straight on what military service really means
January 19th, 2012
Look, man, being in the military can involve killing and dying. But please remember that pulling a trigger was not an everyday event for the 21.8 million veterans or the close to 3 million active and reserve members currently serving. They are not ninjas. Nor are they losers who couldn’t score a job in retail. They work hard and get a paycheck. They go on dates, have their hearts broken, get married. They go to school plays and hope they won’t be deployed when their son plays his first varsity football game. Read more »
Comrade Grumpy’s Peeve of the Week
Broad Street Bully
January 12th, 2012
As every self-respecting downtowner knows by now, Oscar’s Beef, Booze and Broads opened at the remodeled Plaza Hotel in December. The name of the joint was another attempt to insert the “old” Vegas into the new. Some such attempts work; this one does not. Beef, booze: fine. We all know our former mayor’s affection for a gin and a good porterhouse. But can we draw the line at “broads”? Read more »
