The Latest Thought
The Latest Thought
Karma, Bottled
Our intrepid, water-drinking reporter decided to break off her relationship with plastic. That’s when the past came back to haunt her.
March 29th, 2012
Mother Nature kicked my ass. I’m lying in bed barely able to move, and now, I get it. I deserved this. Somehow, after years of contributing plastic water bottle waste to the Pacific Ocean garbage patch, I had this coming. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Teacher, Mentor, Facebook Friend
Should educators allow students to ‘friend’ them?
March 22nd, 2012
I have 621 friends on Facebook—no, wait, 623. I just accepted two of my 10th grade English students’ friend requests. In fact, well over half of my Facebook friends are current or former students. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Yes, High Culture Has a History Here
How The Smith Center fits into the past—and future—of our resort town
March 15th, 2012
As a world-class, centralized home for the performing arts, The Smith Center brings something new to the Valley. But high culture itself goes back a long way in Las Vegas—even on the Strip. And to this day, the priorities of casino moguls and arts patrons aren’t as disconnected as you might think. Read more »
The Latest Thought
Don’t Try This at Home
For the ultimate March Madness ritual, there’s no place like Vegas
March 8th, 2012
The main action happens during the opening Thursday-Sunday stretch, when 48 games shrink the tourney field from 64 to the Sweet 16. For these four days, the energy generated in a sportsbook makes a Saturday night at Tryst seem like a book-club meeting. Read more »
The Latest Thought
The Two-Year Turnaround
How long does it take for a newcomer to fall for this town?
March 1st, 2012
I got a lot of advice before moving to Las Vegas in April 2010, most of which fell into two categories: 1) “Don’t,” and 2) “I got really drunk at Caesars Palace in ’06 and puked on a slot machine. You’ll love it!” Which is to say that the advice, sourced exclusively from people who had never lived here, was worthless. Many such opinions are, because in the final analysis any place is what you make of it. Some people are happy living in Nebraska, apparently. 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
