Where I Stand: Giving out address of phone callers raises serious issues

Tuesday, Nov. 26, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

SPRINT, IN AN ATTEMPT to offer new services to customers, seems to have stubbed toes with its latest innovation.

It's called CNA, which translates to something like customer name and address identification.

Here's how it works.

If you have a telephone number and want to know the name and address of the user, just pick up the phone and dial 737-NAME. Give the operator the number and he or she will give you the name and address.

Sounds quite simple and innocuous, but some phone subscribers are not too happy about the service, especially those who might be placing classified ads in the newspaper. Usually they list a phone number, leaving out name and address on purpose. That way they can screen potential buyers and unwanted visitors.

One unhappy customer is a lady who raises very expensive, rare pedigreed dogs. She advertises in the classified section using her telephone number only, and for a good reason. She doesn't want someone to steal one of the dogs.

Of course, the same information given out by CNA can be obtained from the Hill-Donnelly cross-reference directory, but it is not so easily accessible as the telephone.

When apprised of the problems, Sprint officials lost no time in making some changes that would offer protection to subscribers. By calling 244-7400 you can request that your address be removed from the CNA program. The next telephone directory that is printed will not contain your address either.

Other safeguards are being considered. At the same time, Sprint officials warn everyone to use discretion in giving out phone numbers. In cases of private listings, no information is given at any time. If the customer lists only a name, the name is given without an address.

I have difficulty understanding just how worthy this new service is compared with possible abuses.

As one complainant put it, "It's just another invasion of my privacy."

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels got off to a shaky start in a game that you had to see to believe.

Poor rebounding, poor defense and mental lapses almost had the Rebels opening the season with a loss.

They can thank the Cal State Northridge team for throwing the game away on an errant pass in the closing seconds.

To add to the confusion, someone forgot to start the game clock and no time was clicked off with 4.9 seconds to go. The game had to be delayed as officials decided just how much to take off the clock.

It was a weird game that left many fans realizing that our young Rebels have a long way to go.

Another Strip landmark bit the dust quite literally in the early-morning hours as the Sands hotel was imploded. Nothing is left but memories.

Nothing must stand in the way of progress, I suppose, but many longtime residents feel a great sadness as these old Strip resort-casinos are leveled. The Dunes, the Landmark, the Sands and soon the Hacienda join the list of once world-famous Las Vegas landmarks that have been demolished.

Out with the old, in with the new seems to be the theme of Las Vegas, but let us not forget the past as we prepare for the future.

The prediction in a recent news story that women will take over in the 21st century has basis in fact.

According to research on the subject, women live longer than men and men traditionally marry younger women. Thus the number of widows is expected to rise.

Statistics right here at home tend to prove the researchers are correct. Read local obituaries and you will find there are usually about 4-to-1 men leaving wives than the other way around.

What you will have eventually is a preponderance of women to take over corporations, elective offices and the media. The article even predicted a woman president in the 21st century.

The Clark County Commission is a bit ahead of predictions, with five women and two men due to be sworn in in January.

The question of whether a university professor can serve on the Board of Regents will be discussed when the state Ethics Commission meets in January in Las Vegas.

The debate revolves around a University of Nevada, Reno professor, Howard Rosenberg, who was elected to the board but has yet to serve.

Donald Klasic, general counsel to the university system, has suggested the professor's dual roles could result in felony convictions against Rosenberg and UNR President Joe Crowley.

Klasic cites a Nevada law: "A member of the Board of Regents shall not be interested directly or indirectly, as a principal, partner, agent or otherwise in any contract or expenditure created by the Board of Regents or in the profits or results thereof."

The ruling by the Ethics Commission might open the door to questions of teachers serving as legislators or School Board members, police serving on city councils and county commissions, or any public employee serving on a governing body that might, in some remote way, have jurisdiction over his actions.

Those who might have missed the great old-timers party at Arizona Charlie's last October can begin thinking of another such bash.

The old-timers committee is hard at work and has selected an Oct. 6 date for the next event.

If anyone asked me what the best thing about the SUN might be, I wouldn't hesitate a minute to recommend Scott Dickensheets' hilarious "People in the News" found on Page 2A every day.

Read it and I guarantee you'll become a fan.

A happy Thanksgiving to all.