Thursday, Feb. 1, 2001 | 8:49 a.m.
Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at [email protected]
A few observations at random:
* As the tragic details of the earthquake in India unfold, we can give thanks that we live in Nevada, where such catastrophic events are not likely to happen.
Now if they can just keep that nuclear waste out of our state.
* There's a certain incongruity about the news that the Rev. Jesse Jackson was a spiritual counselor to President Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky affair.
For those who might not know, the good reverend was carrying on a liaison with a young lady at the same time the president was enjoying what Monica had to offer.
Takes one to know one, I guess.
* Now that four judges have recused themselves in the ethics trial of City Councilman Michael McDonald, the show will soon begin with Judge James Mahan presiding.
McDonald isn't the first fairly decent fellow who became arrogant with the power of public office, and his choice of friends from the fast track helped lead to his fall from grace.
* Has anyone noticed that ex-Rebel coach Jerry Tarkanian has Fresno State ranked among the top 25 in the nation? When was the last time that happened at UNLV?
I don't know Rebel coach Max Good, but I like his style. Not many coaches would take a chance and reprimand recalcitrant first-string players by benching them for the first half of an important game. Luckily the Rebels won, beating New Mexico at the Thomas & Mack Center, otherwise the critics would have come down hard on Coach Good. He did the right thing.
* It happens to some of us octogenarians on occasion -- an unexpected hospital trip with paramedics in attendance.
An unusual fainting spell recently landed me at University Medical Center, and what a pleasant surprise.
I hadn't been to UMC for many years. It's vastly underrated for service, cleanliness, care and efficiency. We can be proud of our county hospital.
* One thing you have to say about City Council candidate Bob Nolen: He has intestinal fortitude.
His resume includes some questionable actions as a former member of the City Council and a riotous reign as constable, where his unusual methods of conducting business landed him a date with the Ethics Commission.
Candidates running against Nolen might find some interesting information in old newspaper clippings.
* There are some startling statistics from City Talk.
The official publication for the city claims that two-thirds of American children under age 6 are cared for by someone other than their parents. In Nevada there is room for only one-third of children who need care, and average pay for child-care givers is about $5.67 per hour, without fringe benefits.
Analyze those numbers and you get a deplorable situation.
Higher education isn't what it used to be -- just basic stuff.
* Before ripping Linda Tripp to bits, read her story in the December-January issue of George magazine.
Consider this: Tripp was the only participant in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal who didn't come out smelling like a rose. Obviously she didn't have the necessary pizazz.
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