Print edition for December 7, 2001

NFR notebook: Tickets are tough to find: Victoria Sun; The most sought-after tickets in town for the next 10 days have nothing to do with whiny boy bands or midriff-baring pop singers.

Regents approve GPA hike to 3.0: Jennifer Knight; The Board of Regents this morning voted to raise admission standards under a compromise plan.

Plan approved for topless club: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas planners have approved a controversial topless club that -- unless a lawsuit filed against the new owners delays the project -- could be under construction by spring.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Penske shifts gears to IRL: In the war for open-wheel racing supremacy in the United States, the Indy Racing League won a huge battle Thursday when CART owner Roger Penske announced he would compete exclusively in the IRL next season with drivers Gil de Ferran and Helio Castroneves.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Drai's turning into fight club: Kate Maddox; According to insiders and club-goers, last weekend's reported overdose at Drai's is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to trouble at the after-hours haunt. One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the young man who fell ill at the club wasn't as important to management as a significantly larger problem that night.

Sinatra honored with special day and new slot machine: Jeffrey Libby; For a day, the Sinatra name was back on top of Las Vegas.

Columnist Susan Snyer: December sees good moon rising: Susan Snyer; If you're one of those bah humbugs who hates all the holiday hooey maybe you'd like it better if it happened in June.

State senator recalls his narrow escape from Dec. 7 terror: CARSON CITY -- Sixty years ago Lawrence Jacobsen sat in the back seat of a Navy scout plane on the runway at Pearl Harbor's Ford Island, waiting for the engine to warm up.

Letter: Blame thieves for cart blight: Some would say, "But they have no other way to get their groceries home." Not my problem or the store's problem. If the police would start handing out $100 citations to shopping cart thieves, there would be a lot fewer carts discarded in the streets where I live. So, instead of threatening to fine store owners for errant shopping carts, why doesn't the councilman formulate a plan for the authorities to start ticketing these shopping cart criminals?

Letter: Focus resources on community college system: Attending the community college is not a demeaning choice for those truly interested in learning. I myself attend CCSN's Cheyenne campus where I am just now completing my first year of pre-calculus mathematics. I had to take a placement test to gain acceptance into that level. The instruction has been first-rate. I doubt that the quality of instruction at the UNLV campus surpasses what I have received. I am looking forward to completing the highest-level math courses at CCSN and then maybe transfer to UNLV.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Beyond the bottom line: There is something to be said for consistency, I suppose, and in that regard we should hardly be surprised that a national group representing business interests across the country would be looking at the bottom line and not the moral, ethical and humanitarian lines that define our civilization. What we can be, though, is disgusted that a group which cares not one whit about people, only money, would inject itself into an issue that threatens the destruction of so many -- their health, safety and, yes, their businesses.

Overton Power District in dispute with supplier: Boise, Idaho-based Idacorp sued Overton on Nov. 30 in Idaho state court in Boise, alleging it isn't entitled to renegotiate or terminate a contract to buy 210,000 megawatt-hours of energy at $88.50 a megawatt-hour.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Capone band revives untouchable era: The Jazz Age. Bathtub gin. Big bands, flappers and speakeasies.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Taping of Leno doesn't stick: Kate Maddox; Comedians, especially those who earn six figures per gig, are notoriously protective of their material. Most, such as "The Tonight Show's" Jay Leno, don't allow their performances to be filmed, recorded or photographed.

Curtis looks inside the box for art inspiration: Kimberley McGee; Tony Curtis is a pack rat.

Showroom at The Venetian shakes with Charo's 'Bravo': By Jerry Fink; If Charo doesn't have a long stay on the Strip, Las Vegas should relinquish its title of "Entertainment Capital of the World" to Branson, Mo.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Traditional tree lighting evokes holiday nostalgia: Benjamin Grove; The 78-year-old tradition has never barred the public, but this year the Secret Service almost banned the event except to select ticket-holders. The dark suits relented, however, and allowed the public in after locals protested.

Away from the pack: Geoff Carter; Everyone can relax: It's good. In fact, Steven Soderbergh's remake of "Oceans 11" updates and improves upon the original 1960 film without disrespecting the Rat Pack classic. It's a funny heist film set in Las Vegas, as was the original. Several casinos are robbed by an 11-man crew, just as before. But the similarities pretty much end there, which is all to the good.

Agassi's charter school serves hope in kids: Terry Webster; Children from the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy clung to the tennis star Thursday, asking him for autographs and hugging him following an appearance at his school's open house.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Yankee Pirate -- Training at Santa Anita, Pincay on Spawr trainee, fits well in this route claimer, dangerous connections. Calcupbound -- Draws just inside top pick, Solis aboard Sadler trainee, should get a good trip in two--turn opener. Value Play -- Fast N Nab

Columnist Joe Delaney: Morgan leads country entertainment lineup: Joe Delaney; Singer Lorrie Morgan, at The Orleans this weekend, leads the first wave of country-western artists to appear in Las Vegas as our town sets up for the annual National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center today ... Morgan didn't have to travel far to make it in Nashville ... She was born in Hendersonville, next-door to Music City.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: More phony baloney is being sliced up in Washington: The George Bush State and Justice departments, Bill Clinton State and Justice departments and now the George W. Bush State and Justice departments have opposed American POWs in their search for justice. Americans, who were forced into slave labor for wealthy Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi, have been denied going to federal court to make claims without facing the power of State and Justice blocking them.

Obituaries for December 7, 2001: Helene Marie Branigan, 77, of Pahrump died Tuesday in Pahrump. She was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Tennessee. A former Las Vegas resident for 29 years and a resident of Pahrump for 25 years, she was an electronics assembler in the aerospace industry, a member of the Moose for 20 years and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Carson City briefs for December 7, 2001: The state Department of Human Resources said Thursday it has awarded two contracts for development of strategic health plans for the elderly, disabled and others in rural Nevada.

Test of faith: Missionaries can be unexpected factor in international politics: Stacy J. Willis; Christian missionary Walter Ehrich is a boulder of a man -- a thick-bodied, rough-talking carpenter who says of himself upon first encounter, "I've had what you might call 'a colorful past.' "

Henderson will bring holiday events to neighborhoods: Daniela Mohor; 1-5 p.m. at Valley View Recreation Center, 500 Harris St.: Performances by Vegas City Kids and Rice & Rene, "The Cowgirls Take a Holiday"; make-and take holiday decorations.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Don't knock public Christmas displays: Sandy Thompson; Sound confusing?

Thursday's prep results: GIRLS SOCCER

Editorial: It's no wonder why they're getting antsy: In light of the events a week ago it's not surprising that the nuclear power industry and its friends in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce would want a quick decision. After all, a draft report from the General Accounting Office said the Yucca Mountain Project should be delayed indefinitely due to the Energy Department's flawed scientific investigation. In more bad news, a law firm working for the Energy Department's Yucca Mountain Project canceled its contract with the department because of a conflict of interest: The Winston & Strawn law firm also had a lobbying contract with a nuclear power industry ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: Beauty is years in the making: There she is.

Counsel named in Mack case: Jeffrey Libby; Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack is scheduled to spend Valentine's Day testifying at a long-delayed hearing before the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board.

Vegas showrooms go country during NFR: It's December -- time for the annual convergence of the fans of Ricky and the Redstreaks, an old-time rock 'n' roll band that has acquired cult status over the past 30 years.

Datebook: "Gift of Lights," a drive-through holiday lights event sponsored by Goodwill of Southern Nevada, is on display from 5-10 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 26 at Sunset Park. Admission is $10 per vehicle. Call 597-1107.

Editorial: Ashcroft's damaging arrogance: Finally, last week, Ashcroft appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to answer questions, but only after the committee essentially had to order him to do so. Ashcroft, in his testimony to the committee, teed off on critics who worry that the anti-terrorism agenda threatens civil liberties. "To those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty, my message is this: Your tactics only aid terrorists, for they erode our national unity and diminish our resolve," Ashcroft said. "They give ammunition to ... enemies and pause to ... friends." So much for using honey to win over your opponents. Ashcroft ...

Columnist Jon Ralston: Reid, Ensign now buddy-buddy: I am reminded of my daughter's show as I think of our own political CatDog on Capitol Hill, the creature known as Harry Ensign that has managed not just to coexist after nearly one year but to thrive. As 2001 ends, Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign have morphed into this single entity, forging a productive partnership that has dried up the saliva glands of pundits whose mouths were watering at the prospect of having these two mortal enemies together on Capitol Hill.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Falcons QB Chandler seldom finishes what he starts: Sal DeFilippo; On this week's NFL weekly injury report, a list where Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler is a charter member, it should read: Chandler (sprained left ankle this time) is expected to start Sunday -- but not expected to finish.

Fallout from Pearl Harbor still shapes Americans' rights: Whatever civil liberties are given up in the name of security in the war on terrorism, Americans should be ready to live with the consequences for a long time.

Drawn To Racing: As the Sun's award-winning editorial cartoonist for the past 18 years, Mike Smith is accustomed to poring over newspapers and magazines for his inspiration.

Trailblazer Davis brings Steamroller to Aladdin: Randy Matin; To say that everything Chip Davis touches turns to gold would be a vast understatement.

Letter: Arming pilots is a proven solution: There were those of us who carried guns for years, myself included, the public just did not know it. It should be on a voluntary basis with proper training.

Home will get a free face-lift: Daniela Mohor; When Marcie Hill received a phone call last month informing her that her whole house would be renovated for free, the 88-year-old North Las Vegas resident thought it was a scam.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Sale of patriotic M&Ms to raise Red Cross funds: The candy manufacturer will donate 100 percent of its profits from the sale of specially marked bags containing the red, white and blue versions of the tiny, round candy shell-coated chocolates first manufactured in 1941.

Nevadans plan to file complaint in Yucca case: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Nevada's lawmakers in Congress plan to file a formal complaint against the law firm that was shepherding the Department of Energy's Yucca Mountain project.

Letter: Remember forgiveness at Christmas: As a result, Sgt. Jacob DeShazer of the U.S. Army Air Corrps volunteered to join a special squadron -- "Doolittle Raiders" -- to take the war directly to the Japanese in a bombing raid over Tokyo. DeShazer's plane ran out of fuel, and he spent the next 40 months as a prisoner of Japan. DeShazer wrote about his confinement in "I Was a Prisoner of Japan."

Singer Dubrow happy to still be Riot-ing: Kirk Baird; As if Marilyn Manson doesn't take enough heat from parent and religious groups, the shock rocker can also be blamed for something else: Quiet Riot.

Plea deal reached in bank robbery case: Kim Smith; Luke Davis, 30, said Thursday that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him on one count each of burglary, attempted second-degree kidnapping and making threats to use a biological agent.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: War is our responsibility: HAVING YOUNG AMERICANS in harm's way almost halfway around the world makes me keep my eyes and ears open. Yes, my attention has been on Afghanistan and also the fire burning in the Middle East. I'm like most citizens who are concerned about conflicts that directly affect Americans in uniform. The arguments about taxes and other matters being debated in Washington, D.C., seem rather dull when compared to the drama unfolding in the Tora Bora area or in Jerusalem. I have to remind myself that what took place Sept. 11, 2001, is directly related to what does or doesn't happen ...

'Coal Camp' a celebration of generosity: Kimberley McGee; This year, to save the public from yet another version of the traditional seasonal play "A Christmas Carol," the members of the Performing Arts Center at the Community College of Southern Nevada chose a historical holiday show.

Friendship rings true in 'Dawg': Steve Morse; The Grateful Dead became such a colossal touring machine that it's no wonder Jerry Garcia needed a break from it. That break came in the form of a partnership with a friend and fellow folk music lover, David Grisman. He and Garcia would repair to Grisman's Mill Valley, Calif., home to play homespun acoustic music that soothed nerves, but also explored new dimensions of the genre.

Artist wants public's hands on his sculptures: Kimberley McGee; Life-size sculptures fill the modest gallery space at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, but the artist who created them doesn't want visitors to be daunted by the thick metal, wood and fabric pieces.

Las Vegas gaming interests bid for Asian license: Authorities in this tiny former Portuguese territory at the tip of southern China are abolishing a four-decade old gambling monopoly held by magnate Stanley Ho, whose Macau Tourism and Amusement Co. Ltd. operates 11 casinos.

Hanukkah, a season of lifting the spirit: Stacy J. Willis; Many of the nearly 80,000 Jewish residents of Southern Nevada will celebrate Hanukkah beginning Sunday night.

Crowds hit newest Missouri casino boat: Scott Charton; BOONVILLE, Mo. -- Tim and Pat Parish set gambling budgets of $100 each, piled into their van and rolled up Interstate 70 to Thursday's debut of casino gambling in central Missouri.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Neon Museum fund-raiser a tasty affair: Who would have believed that attending the Neon Museum's A Night Under the Lights fund-raiser, sponsored by Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show mall, could be so warm and inviting on a cold winter night? The museum's events are always funky and creative, but they are usually indoors. This spectacular took place outside the Golden Nugget under the canopy of the Fremont Street Experience.

Gallery a labor of love for medical expert: Shark cartilage, used in the treatment of cancer, made William Lane rich and famous in the early 1990s.

Community news briefs for December 7, 2001: Thirty North Las Vegas children will get to Shop with a Cop this Saturday and buy Christmas presents for themselves and their families.

Letter: Phone towers mar scenery: I regularly hike, run and climb in that area of Red Rock, and I cannot imagine the thought of a company constructing a 150-foot cell tower in the area.

News briefs for December 7, 2001: The name of a 35-year-old man killed Oct. 31 was released this morning by Metro Police.

Jobless rate at six-year high: It marked the second consecutive month of massive job losses as the weak economy continued to stagger from the blow delivered by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Henderson chapter to leave U.S. chamber: Jeffrey Libby; The proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain has prompted a decision by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce to leave the national chapter.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: If you dislike the BCS, root hard for LSU: Steve Guiremand; Go Bayou Bengals!

Heisman winner tough to tackle: Richard Rosenblatt; Three members of the Las Vegas Sun sports staff have Heisman Trophy votes. This is how they marked their ballots:

Wardell riding high at NFR: Victoria Sun; Kelly Wardell has every right to be confident -- a little smug, even -- about his chances at this year's National Finals Rodeo.

Regents approve bonds to start dental school: Regents voted 8-2 to approve a revenue bond issue to purchase facilities at 1700 W. Charleston Blvd.

Regulators threaten action against casino: Hard Rock Senior Vice President Brian Ogaz came before the Control Board Wednesday for a gaming license, and was recommended for approval. But during the hearing, board member Bobby Siller said the club was in hot water with regulators.

Nevadans' votes: Gibbons said lawmaker oversight provisions were included in the final bill, allowing "Congress to participate directly in all trade negotiations, protect our national security interests, and create American jobs."

Mayor limits public comment at meetings: Mathis Winkler; Ruffled by rising requests from gadflies to have their say during City Council meetings, North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon has stopped accepting public comment for most items that come before the council.

Law officers, firefighters to endorse Nolan campaign: Erin Neff; Although his own party leadership has cast him out and he faces an opponent with a giant campaign coffer, Assemblyman Dennis Nolan is not giving up his bid for the state Senate.

American lays off 100 at LV office: American Airlines has laid off more than 100 employees at its Las Vegas reservations office, saying it had to cut expenses systemwide after September's terrorist attacks.

Vegas workers seek back pay from closed contractor: Grace Leong; Some 200 former workers of subcontractor Magnum Air are agitating for back pay and penalties to be imposed against the company, claiming they were laid off and weren't paid when it abruptly closed two days before Thanksgiving.

Another charge against Walters dropped: CARSON CITY -- An attorney for Billy Walters says he hopes the state attorney general's office will now end its "foolhardy" five-year quest to indict the Las Vegas businessman and gambler on bookmaking and illegal wagering charges.

UNLV gets commitment from Calif. star: Steve Guiremand; UNLV head coach John Robinson took a big step toward rebuilding his offensive line when he landed a verbal commitment from former Cal State Northridge star Carlos Acosta.

Political notebook: Rep. Frank visits LV: The Stonewall Democratic Club of Southern Nevada will host a series of events, including the fund-raiser reception with the mayor during Frank's visit.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Golf Channel is available, for a price: Dean Juipe; Notes today, in part to pacify a couple of Cox Cable executives who hit the roof after I wrote earlier this week that the Golf Channel wasn't available on its system.

Cops, firefighters to endorse Nolan: Erin Neff; Although his own party leadership has cast him out and he faces an opponent with a giant campaign coffer, Assemblyman Dennis Nolan is not giving up his bid for the state Senate.

VEGAS WEEKEND SPORTS ON TV-RADIO: VEGAS WEEKEND SPORTS ON TV-RADIO

UNLV looking for success away from Thomas & Mack: Steve Addy; The Rebels have flown all the way across the country, so they might as well win the game.

UNLV's Diaconcscu wins conference honor: UNLV's Diaconcscu wins conference honor

Ex-state senator banned from practicing law: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has suspended former state Sen. Lee Walker of North Las Vegas from practicing law for three years because of two felony convictions in Utah.

MGM MIRAGE rating raised: Minor raised MGM MIRAGE from "market perform" to "buy," and set a $33 price target for the stock. Park Place was reduced from "strong buy" to "buy," and its target was lowered from $14 to $10.

Political notebook: Guinn picks up new union endorsement: The Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada added their endorsement to the arsenal the Republican incumbent has already amassed before a Democrat even enters the race.

Hotel site apparently chosen: As part of a concessions package approved by the Legislature in March to keep the casino in business, Harrah's received a 50 percent state gambling tax cut and permission to have its own hotel with discounted rooms for gamblers.

State to shut down troubled youth prison Jan. 31: CARSON CITY -- Summit View, the troubled center for serious juvenile offenders, will be closed Jan. 31 and mothballed for several months as the state searches for a new private contractor.

Editorial: Bill of Rights gets a selective defense: Then again the Justice Department's decision shouldn't be too surprising. After all, as a U.S. senator, Ashcroft was a strong supporter of gun rights and opposed the government's access to background check records. For that matter, don't forget that one of the chief objections to Ashcroft's nomination as attorney general was that he would let his extremely conservative ideology interfere with his duties to act impartially as the nation's top law enforcement official. If he's not careful, Ashcroft could wind up eroding support for Bush's anti-terrorism policies if it seems that the administration believes that the Second Amendment is sacrosanct ...

Agassi's charter school serves hope to kids: Terry Webster; Children from the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy clung to the tennis star Thursday, asking him for autographs and hugging him following an appearance at his school's open house.

Letter: Let homeless pick up trash: If those who are able to work refuse to do so, send them on a one-way trip up the highway. We should learn from a communist document that states, "He who does not work, neither shall he eat."

Rodeo expected to draw 170,000: The rodeo, sponsored by Wrangler, a western wear brand of Greensboro, N.C.-based VF Corp., will draw 117 contestants vying for a record $4.6 million in prize money. Fifty-three stock contractors are bringing 200 bucking horses and 100 bulls to be used in each performance's eight rodeo events.

Editorial: What was their big hurry?: Commissioners Erin Kenny and Mary Kincaid-Chauncey lauded the new ordinance. "It seems to me that this protects the residents better than anything else," Kincaid-Chauncey said. Despite Kincaid-Chauncy's assurances, the way the majority of the County Commission handled this matter doesn't inspire much confidence. The commission had been considering a new billboard ordinance for eight months, so it was disturbing that a draft of the ordinance that passed on Wednesday by a 4-3 vote wasn't made public until just moments before the commission's meeting that day. Not only that, but the ordinance was written largely by the billboard industry itself, which ...

POWs: Neglected heroes: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Most people know what happened at Pearl Harbor 60 years ago today.

Vegas.com in show tickets venture: Mitchell Rubinstein, chairman and chief executive of Hollywood Media, Boca Raton, Fla., said his company -- which provides news, information and ticketing services -- will be able to sell Las Vegas show tickets through Vegas.com under the venture.

Pakistani man pleads not guilty: Imtiaz Hussain, 44, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Peggy Leen at a plea arraignment on charges he tried to use a fake British passport at McCarran on Nov. 22.

Judge rules another creditor can collect from embattled Mack: Diana Sahagun; A judge's order for Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack to pay back one of his lenders comes as the councilman is nearing plans to reorganize $3.3 million in debt to protect him from other creditors.

Frohlich seeks scoring record Sunday at Reno: Steve Guiremand; Senior forward Linda Frohlich needs just three points to become UNLV's career scoring leader when the Lady Rebels (5-1) travel to in-state rival Nevada-Reno (3-3) on Sunday afternoon.

Megaresorts advised to prepare for terror: David Strow; Las Vegas casinos have been thinking a lot more about emergency plans following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

Regents continue to study proposed GPA hike: Jennifer Knight; A controversial proposal to raise admission standards at the state's universities remains just that, as the Board of Regents failed Thursday to adopt either a revised plan or an amended version put forth by leaders of the minority community.

Four players tied in Nevada Open: Roy Christensen of Utah led the Senior Divsion with a 140.

Malone sues over Subway franchise: Kim Smith; Former Clark County Commissioner Lance Malone filed a lawsuit this week against the owners of the Subway sandwich chain, claiming it violated an agreement he signed with the company.

State hikes maximum fee for smog testing: CARSON CITY -- Auto inspection stations in Clark and Washoe counties will be able to charge a higher maximum fee for smog checking starting Jan. 1.

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