May 29, 2005
More info about the Moulin Rouge
Historic casino faces challenges
WEEKEND EDITION
May 28 - 30, 2005
The facade and distinctive script-lettered marquee of the Moulin Rouge is all that remains of the landmark that stands as both an icon of Las Vegas' civil rights progress and a crumbling monument to West Las Vegas' economic failures.
The 50th anniversary of the opening of the Moulin Rouge passed on Tuesday with little fanfare. There long has been talk of restoring the city's historic first integrated casino to its former glory, but so far no brick-and-mortar progress has been seen.
On May 29, 2003, an arson fire destroyed all but the neon sign and front wall of the historic building at 900 W. Bonanza Road.
The resort's current owner, the Moulin Rouge Development Corp., continues to predict there will be a groundbreaking this fall for a $200 million Moulin Rouge resort that will be built in three phases. The projected completion date for the first phase is 2006, with the other two phases completed by 2008.
"The vision is still intact," Chauncey Moore, one of the project's principals, said of the plans that were announced in January 2004 for a 500-room hotel, 40,000-square-foot casino and a 500-seat showroom. "We are strongly committed to making the Moulin Rouge rise from the ashes."
Local historians say that although the Moulin Rouge's heyday lasted less than half a year during its first year of operation, its historical significance in Las Vegas and to America's civil rights movement remains indelible.
"In its brief time in operation it committed the town to a form of integration that was not common in the rest of the nation at that time," UNLV history department Chairman Hal Rothman said.
David Millman, a historian at the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society at Lorenzi Park, said the Moulin Rouge's importance was as "a beacon of integration. Its lasting legacy was not the actual hotel, but rather the idea. Its existence guaranteed that things were going to change in racial policies in Las Vegas."
When the Moulin Rouge closed for what would be the final time in 1997, it was a shell of its former self -- virtually a large snack shop with a bar.
The building that in 1992 was put on the National Register of Historic Places once featured slot machines and blackjack and roulette tables. But it lost its gaming license in 1994.
The resort's 110-room hotel was converted into low-rent apartment housing. Those and other apartments around the site now number more than 350 and provide the income that is keeping alive the dream of rebuilding the resort.
The Moulin Rouge is in what has long been one of Las Vegas' poorest areas.
Sarann Preddy, who co-owned the Moulin Rouge from 1985 to 1997 and has supported subsequent owners in their revival efforts, called the land around her property "the forsaken part of town" in a Nov. 18, 1996, Sun story.
In the 1950s, conditions were so bad in West Las Vegas some homes were mere shacks with no water, sewage system or electricity. Laws of the time prohibited blacks from living anywhere else in town.
Despite such economic woes in the area around the Moulin Rouge, the resort began with much promise when Beverly Hills, Calif., real estate entrepreneur Alex Bisno and New York restaurateur Louis Rubin -- the creator of the Rubin sandwich -- built it for $7 million.
At the time, blacks were barred from being guests in Strip hotels. The Moulin Rouge quickly became a late-night hot spot when Strip performers, including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr., frequented the resort after their shows to party and gamble all night with a throng of people of all races.
Black showgirls performed on a stage amid a backdrop of walls featuring mahogany wood trim and Toulouse Lautrec-style murals of black French cancan dancers. Former world heavyweight boxing champ Joe Louis was the chief casino greeter for the 88,900-square-foot facility.
The showroom featured "Tropi-Can-Can" under the tutelage of veteran producer Clarence Robinson. Jazz great Benny Carter conducted the original orchestra. Later, Lionel Hampton and Les Brown brought in their bands.
But five months after its opening, the Moulin Rouge closed its doors and its owners filed for bankruptcy. It has long been debated how such a jumping joint, stacked to the rafters every night with paying customers and Strip celebrities, could fail so quickly.
"There are two theories," Millman said. "One is that it was undercapitalized and mismanaged. The other is that the white casino owners tried to put it out of business by preventing their employees and entertainers from going there after hours.
"I think there is a little truth in both of those theories."
Millman said Las Vegas, in 1955, was going through a period of economic slowdown and a number of gaming properties were hit hard by it.
"The Dunes closed at the end of 1955 and had to be leased by the Sands to reopen and keep going, and The Royal Nevada was in trouble all year and had to get help from the New Frontier," Millman said.
"But no one helped the Moulin Rouge, which gives some credence to the theory white casino owners wanted it to go away."
Still, Millman says, he has never seen "any real hard evidence" the white casino owners tried to stop their stars from going to the Moulin Rouge after hours. It might be true, he said, or it might just be an urban legend.
A reopened Moulin Rouge nearly five years after its meteoric first run again played a roll in the civil rights movement. In March 1960, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and community leaders met at the Moulin Rouge to broker a deal with white casino owners to end segregation practices on the Strip.
Desegregation, however, did not help the Moulin Rouge. Ironically, it not only cost the Moulin Rouge much of its customer base, but also helped put out of business nearly all of the black-owned nightclub casinos along Jackson Street -- the one area of West Las Vegas where the economy had been booming.
A string of subsequent owners of the Moulin Rouge failed to revive it.
In 1997, Canadian businessman Bart Maybie, president of CBC Financial Corp., bought the rundown property in the high-crime area for $3 million and sank hundreds of thousands of dollars into restoring it.
At the time, the original chandeliers were still hanging in the main casino, where Maybie envisioned 165 slot machines and eight gaming tables, as well as a restaurant, 350-room hotel and museum.
Then came the fire that injured three people and caused an estimated $12 million in damage.
In February 2004, Fred Ball, one of two men who authorities said was responsible for setting the fire, was sentenced by a federal judge to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay $5.6 million in restitution.
Ball, then 45, and John Antwan Caver, then 29, were originally charged with arson and conspiracy charges by Clark County. But those charges were dropped when federal authorities took over prosecution of the case. To date, no federal charges have been filed against Caver.
Meanwhile, the debate continues over whether a new Moulin Rouge at the same location will do any better than the original.
Much of the Moulin Rouge's potential success might lie in its colorful past.
"We have to embrace the historical significance of the Moulin Rouge," Moore said. "We should not forget history because it provides the substance of what we are today.
"I believe the frontage and the sign surviving the fire sent a strong message that the Moulin Rouge was meant to be here."
May 14, 2005
Almost there
Well...we all passed our tests. Besides going through all of our forms,the Dragon Belts had to perform a 2-kick, 1-punch breaking routine. I decided, at that very moment, to do a hook kick, a jumping front snap kick, and a spinning back fist. Jumping snap kicks are my least favorite so I figured it would be a good time to really focus. Went through the kicks quite easily, then came the back fist. I've never tried a break with that technique and it's not one we typically practice because it's a "blind" strike so most folks never see it.
Whoa!
I came around the board and it simply exploded! Wood went everywhere including a piece that sailed over a bunch of heads (whoops!). That drew some oooohhs and aaaaahhs.
The Dragon Belts also had to write a paper discussing their Martial Arts experience with HMA. We had to go up in front of everyone and recite our papers. I was already pretty dry from performing our demo and was apprehensive about our upcoming test but I was able to stammer the thing out. For your reading pleasure, here it is:
My martial arts journey began 20 years ago when I joined a traditional karate class with a couple of my friends. The classes were enjoyable though they were very long and tiring. I worked hard and participated in several tournaments with some success. While I was enjoying myself, I felt something was missing. A dispute regarding personal philosophy caused me to leave the class after 2 years.
Fast forward 20 years and I find myself watching my youngest son, Conor, in class during a summer camp. Memories of the past filled my mind as I watched the class go through its routine. My thoughts were soon interrupted by Grandmaster Hwang beckoning me to come try it out. I declined at first but could not resist Grandmaster’s unique form of persuasion. I signed up with Conor and a new chapter in my journey began. After only one class, I realized what my previous training had been missing. It is summed up in just 3 words, all beginning with the letter “E”:
Experience
Encouragement
Enthusiasm
We are fortunate to have instructors who give their time to help us all learn. The fact they are entrusted by Grandmaster Hwang to teach is a testament to their commitment to the art. Many times I have asked an instructor questions about a technique and every time my question has been answered fully. The instructor’s loyalty to us, as students, can only be measured by our loyalty to them. We show this by listening and by trying hard to accomplish our goals.
My loyalty to Grandmaster Hwang is demonstrated outside of class as well. As I find myself talking to others about martial arts, my voice changes a bit and I begin to talk a little faster. Describing what we do in class and some of feats of skill I have witnessed gets me “all worked up”. Hopefully, that excitement will encourage others come try what I have come to love.
And speaking of encouragement, there is no shortage of that in the do-jang. Everyone is pushed to “do his or her best”. There are no losers in such an environment. Even when I’m tired just hearing “You can do it!” will spur me on to keep trying. The Leadership Team provides even more encouragement by accelerating our learning so we may go back to regular class and assist the other student with their progress.
What I like most is the one common goal of achieving Black Belt and the consistent belt progression toward that goal. The belt promotion provides the steps need to achieve the final goal and keeps everyone focused. Upon receiving a new color belt, there is a feeling of pride and accomplishment combined with a renewed sense of excitement knowing that “you’re one step closer”. As I approach my Black Belt test, I’m aware that the learning won’t stop once I achieve the rank. A whole new set of goals will be set and there is no doubt I will receive the encouragement to succeed.
Without enthusiasm, I could not continue. Even when getting beat on during sparring, I’m still having fun. Anyone who comes to class, even if only to watch, can easily see that the students are enjoying themselves. Combine that with the encouragement and experience, and you can see why I couldn’t say “No” to Grandmaster Hwang.
My time at HMA has affected my personal and professional life for the better. I have lost some weight, built up some muscle and increased my endurance. I am much more patient with people I serve at my job. After managing stores for the last 17 years, I thought I was doing a very good job but being in Leadership has shown me several things. My employees now love working for me as I provide consistent feedback, encourage them to set and achieve goals, and I make work fun!
Thank you Grandmaster Hwang, for providing a positive environment for me and all the other students. Being a member of the HMA family has made me a better person, for that I am grateful.
Now the real fun begins...preparing for the Black Belt test! I can't wait!
May 13, 2005
Down the Stretch
Another envelope in the mail today...full of Kentucky Derby Chips. There are two more I need to get, the $100 Palms and the $100 Trump Plaza. The Hard Rock NCV is still a pipe dream but I'm sure I'll get one eventually.
Scans will come when I get time.
Lots of Stuff Happenin'
Tomorrow is a big day. I test for my Temporary Black Belt, Conor tests for his Dragon Belt, and Trevor tests for his Blue Belt. The tests are sure to be long and ardous but I'm sure we'll do fine.
One of my fellow managers has joined HMA with his family. They go to a different do-jang on the other side of town but I'll get to see him on occasion. We'll have a variety of events at the new HMA II when it opens in June. Leadership tests will be held there and leadership fiestas also...woohoo!
May 11, 2005
Little Brown Envelopes
That's what the mailman brought me over the last few days. Let's see, what was in them?
How about:
$5 Golden Nugget "Seniors at the Golden Nugget". Never released to the public.
$5 Riviera "Cow Chip" I got this one for Conor
Highland Aerie crest and seal illegal
$100 Bally's LV prototype, real cool with a hologram inlay
Not to mention the Derby chips on the way...
May 08, 2005
Hmmm...kinda puny
New Release
Palms Smarty Jones Kentucky Derby Set
(2) $2.50, (2) $5, $25, and $100
05-07-05
Limited to:
1500 for each $2.50
1500 for each $5.00
500 for the $25
500 for the $100
The crop of Derby chips is pretty slim this year. Only the Palms, Harrah's, and the Rio released chips from Vegas. Oh yeah, and the impossible to get Hard Rock.
Add the Trump Plaza $100 and Caesars Indiana and the total of Derby chips is only 11. I was hoping for around 15-16, oh well. Also, with the great but improbable win by Giacomo, will The Palms release a Giacomo chip next year?
Doubt it.
It'll be time to go back to honoring the great horses of the past. I think Affirmed would be an excellent choice. In fact, I think chips depicting the epic battles between Affirmed and Alydar would be even better...so how about it Palms?
May 07, 2005
Way to go Giacomo!!
What a race! The usual stampede at the beginning and a three horse battle at the end. And the payoff??? Whoa!! $102??? That made a few folks happy, including one friend of mine in Vegas who put $150 on each race in the card to buy the Hard Rock NCV set. He had $20 on Giacomo to win...woohoo! That helped his cause quite a bit.
The weather held out, the crowd was huge, and the race? Well...another Derby classic!
On the edge and looking over
Well I did it...yep...I have linked Ebay to my cell phone, that's so sad. I'm looking for the Hard Rock Derby chip and I want to be notified if one shows up. I know one person who has one and guess what? It doesn't look as pretty as the one I posted a few days ago. Instead of the nice black and red inserts on the edge, it's solid red...ewwww! Not nearly as nice but still only 200 were made and from what I hear...any that go unsold(given away) will be destroyed! That sucks. It could mean these chips will be extemely scarce and may be out of my reach financially, that sucks too.
May 05, 2005
Not to be Outdone
New Release
Hard Rock 10th Anniversary $10 1995-2005
05-03-05
Limited to ???
The Hard Rock is also busy with many new releases this month and last. This one recognizes the 10th Birthday of the HR Las Vegas. Nice looking chip with the odometer-like graphic. The unusual $10 denomination makes this chip a must-have for the Hard Rock collector. If only the Hard Rock hadn't decided on that Triple Crown Series with the stupid requirement of placing large wagers on Derby weekend...*sigh*. In my opinion, they would have made more profit by simply releasing a cheque. Collectors would have snapped them right up and the casino wuld have pocketed almost pure profit.
I'm finished with the whining...for now. How about some more Hard Rock chips?
Hard Rock $5 Nine Inch Nails 2005
05-03-05
Limited to ???
Hard Rock $5 Cold Play at the Joint 2005
05-03-05
Limited to ???
Hard Rock $5 Bon Jovi at the Joint 2005
05-03-05
Limited to ???
Hard Rock $5 April Fool's Day 2005
05-03-05
Limited to ???
May 04, 2005
The Riviera is out of Control
New Release
Riviera 50th Anniversary $100 Showgirls
04-30-05
Limited to ???
The Riviera has been busy, busy, busy! This awesome chip is celebrating 50 years of Vegas, showgirls, and the Strip. And what better to slap on a $100 chip than a pic of some original showgirls? Vegas is having its Centennial and the Riv is 50. This is just one of a bunch of chips the Riviera is blasting out this month. Any Derby chips in the queue?
Speaking of anniversaries, here's another one from where else? The Riviera of course!!
New Release
Riviera $5 NDA 20th Anniversary 2005
04-30-05
Limited to 500
These are always really cool chips. Great logo but I don't know if I want to be around that many people tossing sharp, pointy things! It's a week-long event so there must be tons of people there. Since it's been going on 20 years, it would seem that it draws pretty good crowds. Darts is typically (not always) a bar game, and bar folks tend to drink...just a little...and gambling fits into that lifestyle...see where I'm going? The Riviera is probably just tickled pink to have all of those people hanging around.
But we're not done! Here are some more significant releases from the Riviera:
Riviera $5 APA Championships 2005
04-30-05
Limited to 500
Riviera $5 50th Anniversary 2005
2 different chips
04-30-05
Limited to 750 for chip #1 (Hotel)
Limited to 500 for chip #2 (Car)
Oh yeah...Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas opened. Nice looking resort, nice logo, boring chips.