Print edition for July 27, 2001

Columnist Susan Snyder: Not falling for this explanation: A study released this week has concluded that playgrounds are dangerous places to play.

Rival law firm sues over DOE selection: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Winston & Strawn, a Yucca Mountain project law firm, is not a stranger to conflict-of-interest charges.

Columnist Susan Snyder: An activity that's just plane fun: Gleaming, gold Mandalay Bay, Luxor's jet-black pyramid, a dwarfed Chrysler Building and Paris' Eiffel Tower provide a cartoon backdrop for the thousands who fly in and out of McCarran International Airport each day.

Editorial: Homeless plan doesn't make sense: Goodman says that the homeless would have to live together at the prison, where he claims they would have access to medical care, food and shelter. And what if some of the homeless don't want to be housed in a prison? "I don't care if they don't want to move there or not, sometimes people don't have choices," Goodman told "News ONE," the television news show jointly broadcast by the Sun and KLAS-TV. Currently it is no crime to lose your job or be without shelter, but if Goodman's plan were implemented, the net effect would be to forcibly ship ...

Letter: U.S. racking up interest charges: W. R. LONG

Popular radio host Jaye dies: For more than a quarter century, radio personality Don Jaye raised thousands of dollars for Southern Nevada charities, but he lived his last decade, and died, near poverty and battling ill health.

Where I Stand--Classic Hank: Post earned reputation as a great newspaper: Every week the Sun will run one of Hank's Where I Stand columns, recalling his finer moments as a chronicler of the late 20th century. We call this feature "Classic Hank."

Columnist Kate Maddox: Vegas 'N Sync with heartthrobs: Kate Maddox; Teeny-bopper sightings are expected this weekend. Be on the lookout for members of 'N Sync, as well as 'N Sync fans, 'N Sync gal-pals (specifically Britney Spears) and hordes of screaming hangers-on.

Boy, 10, needs a break from his family's problems: He would greatly benefit from camp -- away from the daily strife in his home life -- but it would be too great a financial strain on the family since his father is not working.

Feeling forgotten: Meadows Village residents think downtown getting all of the attention now: Diana Sahagun; Residents of an older Las Vegas community near the Stratosphere hotel-casino say they are still struggling to survive, even after four years of stepped-up attention from the city and Metro Police.

Thursday's Big Time Tournament Scores: Green Valley Auxiliary Long Island Panthers (NY) 66, Belmont Shore (CA) 56 Hunting Park Warriors (PA) 70, Ft. Worth Lions (TX) 47 Texas Blue Chip I (TX) 77, NE Ohio Shooting Stars (OH) 69 New York Ravens (NY) 89, Indy Metros Blue (IN) 62 BWBA Orange (CA) 92, Team Carolina Sonics (SC) 44 Baltimore Select (MD) 83, Southeast Raptors (AL) 80 EBO/EA Sports (CA) 77, Arizona Heat I (AZ) 69 Oakland Slam N Jam I (CA) 71, New Orleans Jazz (LA) 68 Donyell Marshall Found I (NY) 60, Double Pump All Stars (CA) 46 Squires Richmond (VA) 84, Beach Ball ...

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Teen zeroes in on school violence roots: Sandy Thompson; ALTHOUGH ONLY 13, a local eighth-grader has a mature insight into the roots of youth violence in the schools.

Obituaries for July 27, 2001: LaDallis James Anderson, 8, of Henderson died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born March 5, 1993, in Henderson. He was a student at John F. Miller Elementary School.

Friday's Big Time Tournament Schedule: Green Valley Main 9 a.m. - Idaho Select vs Michigan Hurricanes 10:20 a.m. - Tiffanys 17's (Ind.) vs Team Texas Select 11:40 a.m. - Indy Warriors (Ind.) vs Houston Gold 1 p.m. - Dallas Slam N Jam vs Tim Thomas Playaz I (N.J.) 2:20 p.m. - Salt Lake Metro Jrs (Utah) vs Houston Lynx 3:40 p.m. - Villa Park Spartans (Calif.) vs Prep Stars International (N.Y.) 5 p.m. - No Excuses (Ind.) vs Nebraska Bison-Runza Red 6:20 p.m. - Brooklyn Beasts (N.Y.)/Dayton Salvation Army (Ohio) winner vs Idaho Select/Michigan Hurricanes winner 7:40 p.m. - The Diaper Dans of VA/Friends of ...

Editorial: Affordable housing is critical for the city: It is encouraging then that Beazer Homes is looking to fill the void. Beazer Homes' project would include 283 homes, ranging from 1,177 square feet to 1,859 square feet. So far its plans are being well-received.

Still a 'go: Kirk Baird; Sometimes success is all in the timing.

Columnist Jeff German: Chairez's eligibility debated: DON CHAIREZ may be the new front-runner in the 2002 race for district attorney.

Where I Stand--Mike O'Callaghan: More business as usual: PRESIDENT George W. Bush is facing some of the same problems with Congress that were a headache for President Bill Clinton. He is running into strong resistance to the suggestion of closing more unneeded military bases to save money for troops and weapons. During the past 13 years, 95 large military bases have been closed for a $14 billion savings.

Letter: Don't promote businesses on our sidewalks: Alan Feldman of MGM MIRAGE put the whole issue in perspective by commenting that "commercial speech is not an expression of opinion," negating their claims of First Amendment rights. He could not have said it better.

Law firm for DOE lobbied for Yucca: Benjamin Grove and Mary Manning; WASHINGTON -- The law firm being paid $16.5 million by the Energy Department to complete legal work for its Yucca Mountain repository has been lobbying to get the project built.

Monthlong classes incentive for students: Rebecca Malone; A new way of learning will be available when the Green Valley High Tech Center opens to students in September.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Gambling on Internet gaming: MORE THAN EVER this month, developments in the burgeoning Internet gaming industry seem to be moving faster than a cable-modem or DSL connection to the World Wide Web. And what has become all too clear is that gaming's acceleration ramp onto the information superhighway has been paved by the Nevada industry.

Grace Under Pressure: Kimberley McGee; In a lilting Southern drawl, Brett Butler rails against life's absurdities in a manner laced with humor, candor and a bit of vulnerability.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Gray show enters black hole: Kate Maddox; The planets could have predicted the end was near for "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus." After a lukewarm start and a dismal spring/summer, the John Gray self-helper-turned-musical will close for good on Aug. 5.

Children draw on art to lessen sting of abuse: Kimberley McGee; The hand-drawn bright yellow suns and blue clouds of the art that hangs on the walls at Family and Child Treatment (FACT) of Southern Nevada is typical of most school-aged children's drawings.

DJ Harry 'blown away' by String Cheese Incident: Kirk Baird; When DJ Harry first heard String Cheese Incident play small clubs in the Colorado ski resorts in 1994, he wasn't a big fan.

Gang violence lamented at sentencing in teen's death: Kim Smith; Alma Martinez had one question for District Judge Mark Gibbons.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Guinn won't gut county: THE LOCAL MAYORS MEETING with Gov. Kenny Guinn next week had better not believe he's going to gut the air quality powers he gave the county. If anything he will offer strong state support to help the county do the best job possible. He gave that governmental entity the air quality responsibility because the commissioners are elected by voters from every corner of the county, including the cities. So the city residents are represented in air quality decisions or any other decisions made by the Clark County Commission. The Commission, as a body, has both executive and legislative powers.

NCAA rule comes under fire: Steve Addy; Any time the NCAA adds a page to its men's basketball recruiting rules, a roomful of coaches is certain to give it 200 thumbs down.

Illinois regulators frown on MGM MIRAGE casino negotiations: Nicole Ziegler Dizon; CHICAGO -- Emerald Casino Inc. confirmed Thursday that it is negotiating with Las Vegas gambling giant MGM MIRAGE to sell its top executives' shares in a proposed Rosemont riverboat -- talks the Illinois Gaming Board called "not acceptable."

News briefs for July 27, 2001: A 47-year-old Las Vegas man died when the Jeep Cherokee he was driving ran a stop sign and collided with a pickup Thursday night, Metro Police said.

Letter: Let Mexico take care of its own: These illegals would be issued Social Security cards, which in turn would make them liable for paying federal income tax. And as taxpayers they could qualify for social benefits, which as I mentioned would, in the long run burden the American taxpayers. Compounding this situation, the United States would give financial assistance to the regions where these illegals emmigrated from.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: ACF Forum filled with demos and delights: It was a full plate this week for the chefs attending the American Culinary Federation Chef's Forum 2001 at the MGM Grand Conference Center and Grand Garden Arena.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gaughan Truckin' into a prime ride: Brendan Gaughan has competed in only four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races this season but the 26-year-old Las Vegas native apparently has made a name for himself on the circuit.

Hispanic hairdressers will be tested in native tongue: By Timothy Pratt; Dalia Sanchez, a 37-year-old beauty salon owner from El Salvador, thinks it was an act of God that brought her to meet Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, more than a year ago.

High-profile stat keepers lend hand to Coach Ainge: Victoria Sun; Phoenix Suns swingman Dan Majerle and former NBA center Joe Kleine sat in the stands of Desert Pines High School Thursday afternoon keeping stats for the Arizona Stars.

LV to pursue annexation: Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign are talking about freeing more federal land for development in Southern Nevada -- but the land that Las Vegas wants hasn't been part of that discussion.

American Legion Baseball standings: (2001 Final Standings)

Letter: American people demand worst from politicians: The facts are not yet out, and for people to offer endless speculations just has the effect of reversing the presumption of innocence.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar: 1st Race -- Kravis -- Draws good rail post for full field in mile opener, Flores aboard Dollace trainee, should get the catbird trip here. Old Mizzou -- Solis atop Truman trainee, also draws good inner post, good spot for action. Value Play -- Prairie Swinger

PCL box: Las Vegas-Oklahoma: 2B--Post, Branson, CPena. HR--CPena (16). SB--Prieto (22), Mota (8), Stankewicz (3), CPena (4), Berrios (3).

Amazing Johnathan mauls magic at Golden Nugget: If Howard Stern were to become a magician, he would be the Amazing Johnathan.

Regulators OK Harrah's takeover of Harveys: David Strow; After three hours of debate, Nevada gaming regulators gave their blessings Thursday to Harrah's Entertainment Inc.'s $675 million takeover of Harveys Casino Resorts of Lake Tahoe.

Customers, employees likely relieved by new extension from Harrah's: Melissa Swenson says she can sleep easier now.

Survey says most prefer casino to Internet gambling: A survey by Greenfield Online Inc., Wilton, Conn., also found that a customer's comfort level with online gambling would increase if well-known casinos ran the sites.

Justice Department will sue to block United-US Airways merger: WASHINGTON -- The Justice Department, citing antitrust concerns, said today it will file suit to block the merger of United Airlines and US Airways.

Premier teams make plays for N.C.'s Randolph: Victoria Sun; On one side of the baseline wall at Durango High School's main gym stood North Carolina basketball coach Matt Doherty. Less than 50 feet away on the other side of the baseline was Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.

MASH chief : Let's work together on post office plan: Diana Sahagun; The city of Las Vegas and MASH Village should work together to determine how the purchase of the historic U.S. Post Office building could benefit the homeless, regardless of who is given ownership, the Rev. Joe Carroll said.

Community news briefs for July 27, 2001: Gov. Kenny Guinn today named John Morrow of Reno to the state Board of Parole Commissioners, succeeding Norman Ziola who is retiring at the end of the month.

Record $50.6 billion loss reported by tech giant: The company, like other high-tech firms that focus on networking and related components, has been hit hard as the aggressive rollout of network infrastructure slowed down amid the economic downturn.

Attorney: Rudin transcript shows judge in worse light: Kim Smith; The author of Margaret Rudin's motion for a new trial says District Judge Joseph Bonaventure's release Thursday of a previously sealed court proceeding puts the judge in an even more negative light.

Mack back to work, but incommunicado: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack is back to work this week after almost a month of being absent in the wake of a lawsuit and ethics charges against him, but he is being insulated from reporters by a firewall put up by city public relations staff members.

Discovery is touted as alternative to marijuana: Nevada has yet to be daunted by the troubles facing the use of medicinal marijuana.

Music festival made memories for cellist: The Las Vegas Music Festival, a jewel in the local cultural crown for the past 10 years, will always be music to Jack Rappaport's ears.

Columnist Dean Juipe: UNLV should take coach up on offer: Dean Juipe; When it was initially suggested that John Robinson add to his football coaching duties and take on the role of UNLV athletic director when the job officially comes open, my first reaction was that it wasn't a bad idea if he was so inclined.

Remorse seen in hearing on Strip fatality: Kim Smith; A highly emotional Juanita Kim McDonald was sentenced to four to 20 years in prison Thursday for striking five pedestrians on the Strip with her car last year while driving under the influence of drugs. One of them died.

Lady Luck owner's stock falls on earnings warning: The company, based in Biloxi, Miss., said it expects to report cash flow for the quarter ending Sunday in the low $50 million range vs. $57.6 million in the year-ago quarter.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 2 p.m.

Editorial: Patient protection may yet get its due: The Republican House leadership earlier this week said it would wait until at least the fall to have a vote on the legislation (what a surprise), but fortunately they eventually relented, saying they would take a vote next week. The legislation should have been passed years ago -- it is hoped that the House finally follows through and puts doctors, not accountants, back in control of medical care.

Pharmacist penalized for giving information about officer: By Emily Richmond; What could have been a success story for a state task force set up to track prescription drug abuse instead became a cautionary tale for pharmacists and doctors who have access to sensitive information about their patients.

Mechanic arrested on several charges: CARSON CITY -- A Las Vegas man who allegedly padded repair bills and attempted to strong-arm customers into paying them was arrested Wednesday.

Columnist Jerry Fink: 'Lost' Jackson sister sails at Windjammer: We all know Michael Jackson and his sister Janet. We also know of Jackson's brothers as the Jackson Five. Most of us even know LaToya. But familiarity with the members of the large family of entertainers begins to wane after that.

'N Sync still doing what it loves to do: Randy Matin; 'N Sync is a joke, right? Little more then a pre-manufactured boy band put together by a slick corporation for the express purpose of tilting disposable income and pin numbers from the knapsacks of the world's teens.

Southwest Gas settles suit with shareholders: David Strow; Southwest Gas Corp. said Thursday it has agreed to settle a two-year-old shareholder lawsuit, a move that will entitle long-term shareholders to cash payments.

Loveless giving nod to her bluegrass music roots: Kirk Baird; Listening to the new Patty Loveless CD, "Mountain Soul," it's easy to feel nostalgic.

Driving handbook in Spanish soon: By Timothy Pratt; With a sign above the entrance that said "Bienvenido," the Department of Motor Vehicles office on Sahara Avenue and McLeod Drive welcomed thousands of Hispanics in their own language for the first time last week.

Fuel surcharge rejected: "There won't be any increase at this time," said John Plunkett, administrator of the Taxicab Authority. "When this was first considered, the prices had spiked, but now it's down in the $1.40s."

FBI used as alibi in child-porn case: Kim Smith; The suspect in a multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme, who also faces 40 charges in connection with sex-related crimes, insists that he was working for the FBI and had a legitimate reason for possessing child pornography.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Everly Brothers remain a musical institution: Joe Delaney; As recording artists, Don and Phil, the Everly Brothers, appearing at the Orleans this weekend, are one of the most important and influential vocal duos in rock 'n' roll history ... They influenced the Beatles and most of the other groups in the British invasion of the 1960s ... You can hear their sound in the recordings of Simon and Garfunkel and many solo artists since.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Dustin McNeely doing business as Fun Entertainment, 5243 Variety Ave., filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $143,080 and liabilities of $190,473.

Stock repurchase authorized: The authorization represents roughly 5 percent of Harrah's outstanding shares. As of July 18, Harrah's had been authorized to repurchase up to 1.2 million shares of its own stock; Thursday's authorization comes in addition to that amount.

Downtown mall plan hailed as healthy economy indicator: Diana Sahagun; A recent announcement of a high-end retail mall being built by Chelsea Property Group downtown is good news for the economy and will provide competition for other tourist-oriented malls on the Strip, a retail analyst said.

Editorial: Land grab by city is off-base: The timing for the land grab also is bizarre. After all, U.S. Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign recently unveiled their bipartisan strategy to have local, state and federal officials work with developers and environmentalists to devise a comprehensive growth plan that also would set aside enough land for conservation. Trying to incorporate all this land into the city, which would double its geographic size, certainly is brazen. So much for cooperation.

Datebook: As part of its "A World of Cinema" film series, Nevadans Organized to Better Address Diversity presents "Max Mon Amour," directed by Nagisa Oshima, at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. Admission is free. Call 734-6806.

Letter: Nuke transport protests likely: It is never necessary to kill protesters in a supposedly democratic country!

Festival schedule: Festival schedule

Vegas artist has designs on 'Apes': Graphic artist Deric Harven grew up a devout fan of the first five "Planet of the Apes" movies and the short-lived CBS series that was spun off from the movies. He even liked the cartoon show based on the film.

Witness said she didn't consent to sex: Erica Johnson; A local nurse and former girlfriend of a Las Vegas man accused of drugging and sexually assaulting three women on videotape testified Thursday that she had no knowledge of, nor did she consent to, any sexual activity with the defendant after terminating their relationship.

Former kidnap suspect's fate once again held in hands of jury: Twenty years ago Jerald Burgess awaited a jury's verdict in a high-profile child kidnapping case that would have put him away for perhaps the rest of his life.

Buyback may hike price of Station stock: David Strow; Las Vegas locals' gambling leader Station Casinos Inc. today announced plans to buy back as much as 17 percent of its own stock -- two days after announcing disappointing earnings.

AG's office rules on pay issue: Jeffrey Libby; Boulder City Council members will keep their current pay, according to a four-page opinion issued Thursday by the state attorney general's office.