Coolican Blog

TVs, home goods, Gatorade and wisdom — all 99 cents at Henderson store: Friday, May 25, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; Regina Burns got in line for Thursday’s grand opening of the 99¢ Only Store on Wednesday at 2:30 a.m. She spent 30 hours securing a spot as one of the first nine customers, each of whom had the chance to buy a 22-inch flat-screen TV for, yes, 99 cents.

Though religious group's efforts are noble, tackling issues won't come without making enemies: Thursday, May 24, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; As Cantor Mariana Gindlin sang “Eili, Eili,” the packed ballroom at UNLV hushed. Just moments before, they were boisterous and cheerful, singing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Now, though, the solemnity of the Hebrew song hit the crowd fiercely, and I felt a bit of a chill.

In remembering Dr. Clarissa Engstrom, friends and family will mobilize efforts against suicide: Monday, May 21, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; When Dr. Clarissa Engstrom died, they came from all over America, like pilgrims offering tribute to a healer. And for many, that’s what she was. As a veterinarian, she treated and cured their animals, but she also treated the soul sickness that afflicts many humans. “I was instantly enamored by her presence,” said John Talley, who came from Florida for one of the memorial services here. When he met Engstrom, known to friends as “Gooey,” Talley was struggling to come out as a gay man and found himself alienated from family. “She said, ‘You’re amazing, and don’t let anyone tell ...

Young veterans searching for work after serving the country deserve support: Friday, May 18, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; During Shaun Clark’s time in the U.S. Army, he was deployed as airborne infantry to Afghanistan, Iraq and to Haiti after the earthquake. He’s experienced more in three years than most of us will in a lifetime. At 21, he’s back home and asking: Now what?

Courageous first move could bring success to north portion of the Strip: Wednesday, May 16, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; Someone had to be first. Some guy in a hut had to have the courage to drink the juice of fermented grapes, and good things followed. Likewise, the north end of the Strip needed someone to have the courage to invest. Now that SBE Entertainment of Los Angeles and private equity group Stockbridge Real Estate are putting money into the shuttered Sahara, perhaps the 20-teens will eventually be known as the era when the action moved north on the Strip.

Forget Congress, John Oceguera can call himself a lobbyist now: Thursday, May 10, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; Hugh Jackson sent me a funny note after he and his co-host, Elizabeth Crum, interviewed Assembly Speaker John Oceguera on their KSNV Channel 3 TV show, “The Agenda.” “Nov. 7: Mining lobbyist John Oceguera.”

Greener Block provides a snapshot of something good, but there's more work to do: Wednesday, May 9, 2012; J. Patrick Coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; I strolled around Build a Greener Block, which sought to dress up a somewhat neglected stretch of Main Street and turn it into a vibrant urban experience for a weekend, when I heard a new friend scoff that the raw food store was also selling tofu, which, of course, is processed.

Odds on UFC President Dana White running his mouth? Very good: Friday, April 27, 2012; j. patrick coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; Imagine NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tweeting out that the Saints are 10-1 to win the Super Bowl next year. Yeah, probably not. But here’s Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship, on Twitter earlier today: “TUF Live tonight on FX the MGM has Sicilia -350 vs Saunders +290.”

The blunt truth: Medical pot situation is an unclear mess, thanks to Legislature: Tuesday, September 27, 2011; j. patrick coolican:; By J. Patrick Coolican; Nevada’s medical marijuana statute is a cruel farce, like a dark Kafka story for those in need of weed. Shocking: The Legislature largely ignored a mandate and told patients to fend for themselves.