Columnist Ruther Deskin: ‘Hannibal’ can’t match real news

Ruther Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001 | 9:38 a.m.

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Reach her at deskin@lasvegassun.com

A young friend just finished reading the novel "Hannibal" by Thomas Harris. It is the continuing story of Hannibal Lechter, who terrified audiences in the movie "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Hannibal."

Someone asked her if the book was as scary as reviewers report. Her reply was, "The book 'Hannibal' didn't frighten me as much as the front section of the newspaper with stories of murder, rape, fires, accidents and mayhem."

I would have added the somewhat disturbing scientific news of the human genome.

A detailed story of the human genetic code left this reader entirely bewildered. I didn't understand even a small portion of the news story, but the scientific findings have been the subject of national newscasts and press conferences around the world.

The discoveries offer unlimited possibilities, including conquering fatal diseases and prolonging life.

The life expectancy of the average human has risen considerably in civilized countries. Even 10 years ago an official report stated that the fastest-growing segment of our population is over age 85, with the number expected to top 5 million by the year 2020.

Today more than 12 million elderly Americans need assistance with daily activities. By 2020 the number will be 23 million.

As science delves deeper into the mysteries of life, the chances of living to be 100 become more probable.

All of which could be a welcome situation if a good quality of life can be sustained -- health and financial security being top priorities.

With sperm banks, surrogate parenting and the distinct possibility of human cloning, it is only natural to ask, "Where do we go from here?"

Another groundbreaking and tennis superstar Andre Agassi again proves he cares about those less fortunate.

This time it involved the future site of Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. The $41-million school will serve at-risk youth.

The academy will be added to a long list of projects built and maintained by the Andre Agassi Foundation.

Chosen as the school's principal is Wayne Tanaka, who resigned his position as principal of Clark High School to accept the new challenge. No better choice could have been made. Tanaka is a proven administrator with exceptional skills and a talent for innovative thinking.

According to an article in the AARP Bulletin, 13 state legislatures have enacted laws allowing residents to put their names on a list of people telemarketers cannot call without risking a government fine.

The laws are tough to enforce and have many critics, but Florida has collected $400,000 in five years. In Georgia, officials collected as much as $45,000 from just one chain business. Such laws are not a bad idea. They protect those who are annoyed with calls, yet allow the telemarketing to continue to people who don't mind the intrusion.

'Tis the season to get all that tax information ready for the IRS. As one pundit wrote: "If our country's founders thought taxation without representation was bad, they should see it with representation."