Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Ruling is nakedly laughable

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 1, 2001 | 8:38 a.m.

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

We definitely need more topless clubs in Las Vegas.

At least, that must be the thinking of the city officials who voted to approve the transfer of a liquor license from Sig Rogich to Ali and Hassan Davari of Houston.

The affirmative vote came in spite of city staffers recommending denial and Metro providing a detailed and graphic report of the somewhat nefarious activities that went on in eight clubs the brothers operate in Texas. The ludicrous statement of attorney Mark Fiorentino in defending the Davari brothers should make us all feel safer.

He said he had hired his own private investigator and found some of the behavior that had his clients in hot water in Texas takes place right here in Las Vegas.

So that makes the new sexually oriented club OK as far as our city officials are concerned?

The Davaris did get polite warnings that they had better straighten up and fly right or the license could be revoked. I imagine they chuckled over that.

Could it be that the NCAA did the UNLV basketball team a favor when it ruled that the team was ineligible for postseason play?

After watching this bunch of underachievers lose big in their last two games, we have to be grateful they won't have the opportunity to be chewed to bits in the NCAA Tournament. Can you imagine these Rebels in a contest with, say, Stanford or Duke?

Admittedly these young men have had their distractions, including a star player who sometimes acts as if he could use a shrink.

It's difficult for this longtime fan to admit, but this season has been a disaster -- almost worse than the Rollie Massimino years, if that is possible.

Almost daily we read headlines about personnel shortages in two critical professions -- nurses and teachers.

In Clark County, George Ann Rice, assistant superintendent of human resources (remember when we called them personnel directors?) is facing the most critical shortage in 10 years. Candidates for teaching positions are not lining up in droves in spite of spirited recruiting efforts.

Could it be that young people are not enthused over the prospect of spending four years in college and a starting salary of $27,160? That is the beginning salary for new teachers in Clark County.

At one time it would have been considered a good start, but no more. Teachers -- and nurses -- deliver significant services. Both hold the lives and future of others in their hands. They need to be paid accordingly.

So far the state Legislature hasn't done too much damage. Remember the old days when we used to say, "Lord help us, the Legislature is in session"?

A big happy, happy birthday to Dr. Douglas Peterson, musical director for Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, a position he has held for 33 years.

Dr. Peterson recently celebrated his 75th birthday at a party hosted by friends and family. It would be difficult to imagine the local music scene without this talented and dedicated man.

The UNLV music professor and director was thrilled when friends gifted him with "a new set of tails."