The Latest Thought + Green Felt Journal + Politics + Comrade Grumpy + Tweets of the Week
Politics
Organizational Skills
After the caucus, local Republicans need to get their act together—fast
February 16th, 2012
Early February gave both state parties an opportunity to put their organizational skills to the test. The returns are in, and for one party they’re not pretty. 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 »
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 Week
Without a Net
February 9th, 2012
If I learned anything from our brush with the national political spotlight last week, it’s that Mitt Romney really, really loves America. He said so repeatedly from a podium set up behind Metro Pizza in Henderson on Feb. 3, right after a couple of songs from a Los Angeles-based guitar strummer who warmed up the crowd with a joke about how lonely it is being a Republican in L.A., and then sang about loving America. Read more »
The Week
A Raucous Caucus
February 2nd, 2012
Then there’s the caucus system itself, which Nevada can’t quite seem to master. In 2008, the Republican contest turned into a chaotic mess of long lines and voter confusion. The Democrats didn’t do any better: Hillary Clinton supporters sued the Democratic Party to prevent caucus meetings at Strip hotels, fearing that the location would be a boost to Barack Obama. This year, things may get even weirder. Read more »
Politics
Putting the Squeeze on Community Colleges
February 2nd, 2012
Southern Nevadans complain UNLV receives less money in the budget than it produces for the state. Northern Nevadans say that’s no reason to go changing things. Chancellor Dan Klaich has proposed a new plan to solve these imbalances. But it appears the plan would leave community colleges, such as the one where I teach, scavenging for the big boys’ leftovers. 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 »
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 »
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 »
