Print edition for May 18, 2001

Where I Stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Helping good neighbors: BLAMING CALIFORNIA for problems that affect everybody in the West doesn't really do much in the real world. Certainly Nevadans would be less than candid if they shrugged off the pain now being suffered next door. Tuesday, the residents of that state were hit with another $5.7 billion power rate hike. The Public Utilities Commission shifted the hike away from industry to homeowners to ensure the residents will still have a workplace to feed their families and pay for the gas in their vehicles.

Letter: Losing faith in dishonest government: Too many times in the past few years we have come to learn that the government has withheld evidence, misrepresented its involvement in various activities or flat out lied.

Why 'Vegas throat' has performers all choked up: Kirk Baird; In 1997 when U2 embarked on its "PopMart" world tour, the band looked no further than Sin City as the perfect site to kickoff the event.

Palmieri arrived long before Latin wave: By Timothy Pratt; Pianist and bandleader Eddie Palmieri looks on as the rest of the nation reacts to climbing census figures on Latinos, shakes its bon-bon to Ricky Martin and ogles the bon-bon of Jennifer Lopez.

Letter: Don't scorn those who disagree: "Disruptive" city council members often provide a distinct public service, by questioning the status-quo, by refusing to abide by the "go-along-to-get-along" philosophy, by speaking out for the citizen when the bureaucracy is acting too fast. All Nevada's federal lawmakers are "disruptive" as to government plans to bring nuclear waste to our state.

Letter: Only criminals being protected: Sen. Mark James, a Republican, is advocating a moratorium on the death penalty, and supporting the creation of a state marijuana farm. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, a Democrat, is promoting growing marijuana for personal use, and decriminalizing marijuana possession. Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, a Democrat, said, "Marijuana never hurt anyone." One wonders how they became such experts on the effects of marijuana.

Mandalay profit beats expectations: The company said it earned $47.4 million or 61 cents per share vs. $48.9 million or 58 cents in the prior-year quarter.

Letter: Locals oblivious to high fuel costs: There are too many people who live here that really don't care that much about the almighty dollar (excuse me, $2) because they either have more money than most, or they deduct it from their expense accounts.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Look on the bright side, Nevada: EVER SINCE 1987, whenever I hear the Nevada delegation talk about nuclear waste, I am reminded of the final scene in "Life of Brian," Monty Python's hilarious and blasphemous film.

Letter: Casinos also must conserve: Why aren't the casinos asked to turn out some of their lights? Can you imagine the amount of homes even one casino could light and cool! Why is it so necessary for them to be using billions of bulbs? Are they afraid people won't come if it isn't lit quite so brightly? I don't think so since Las Vegas is already known throughout the world.

Letter: Simple threats might result in lower gas prices: Then the gasoline taxes -- federal, state and county -- should be reduced for at least six months.

Water district vows no rate increase this year: A Las Vegas Valley Water District official says there is no plan to raise rates this year despite a $46 million shortfall.

Sinatra to be featured on CD: However, the Sinatra performances used will not be from unauthorized recordings of Sinatra made by the showroom's former sound engineer -- recordings that are now the subject of a lawsuit.

High court denies two killers' appeals: CARSON CITY -- Two killers sentenced to death -- one for the slaying of a university police officer and the other for the sex-slave murder of two girls -- have lost their appeals to the Nevada Supreme Court.

Casinos win round versus porn handbills: CARSON CITY -- Casinos along the Las Vegas Strip have won a preliminary battle in the Nevada Supreme Court to stop the distribution of pornographic handbills on the private sidewalks in front of their properties.

Judge denies Nevada's request to join with firm that sued DOE: Nevada's request to became a formal ally of a law firm that has sued the Department of Energy was denied Thursday by a federal judge but the state will be allowed, however, to write legal briefs that will be considered at trial.

Conference addresses bill that targets criminals who prey on tourists: Nevada legislation that would enable court testimony by videoconference or closed-circuit television should help law enforcement agencies battle crime against tourists.

Editorial: Case where haste does make waste: No one could dispute the sentiments the president expressed. Sadly for Nevadans, however, Bush's views on nuclear waste storage affirm the contempt that Congress and the nuclear power industry have shown previously in targeting Nevada alone as a possible repository for 77,000 tons of high-level nuclear waste. Indeed, this often has been a one-way street, with the views of Nevadans shut out. So there is a hollow ring to it when Bush says we need an energy policy that is "less punitive."

Las Vegas business briefs for May 18, 2001: Las Vegas is in the running to host the American Institute of Architects annual convention in 2005. The convention, which rotates to a different location in May each year, draws about 16,000 of the organization's 67,000 members every year to the host city.

Demonstration bus wins unanimous OK: CARSON CITY -- A bill permitting Clark County's Regional Transportation Commission to start a demonstration project using a cleaner-running French-made bus was unanimously approved by the Senate Thursday.

Consultants hired: Luery said Thursday that he and Harrold are acting as consultants for Boccardi Capital Systems, but are not executives of the company. Luery, former chief executive of the Regent Las Vegas, is stepping down as the property's vice chairman at the end of the month; Harrold, former president of Caesars Palace, resigned in February.

Debate on nuke plant act is revived: Benjamin Grove and Mary Manning; WASHINGTON -- Congress should renew an obscure act that provides affordable insurance rates to nuclear power plants, according to one recommendation in President Bush's newly released National Energy Policy.

Average age is creeping up: Nevada's population aged at a slightly slower rate since 1990 than the national average, but the differences between Clark County and some rural areas were more dramatic.

Newspaper sued over rent dispute: The Las Vegas real estate developer also sued Brian Greenspun, president and editor of the Sun and head of Greenspun Corp., alleging he agreed to guarantee the Sun's lease obligations.

Cities' leaders still can't agree on tax compromise: Erin Neff; CARSON CITY -- Local governments once again spent the waning time before a legislative committee hearing trying to reach their own compromise on a controversial tax shift proposal.

Auto racing schedule, winners and point standings: Feb. 18 - Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla. (Michael Waltrip)

Question of safety of gas pipeline on campus raised: CARSON CITY -- A new question about the proposed state college in Henderson, concerning the safety of a high-pressure natural gas pipeline, was raised Thursday by Sen. Bob Coffin.

White House considering Yucca limit for radiation: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is still mulling a controversial radiation release limit standard for the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, three state officials said Thursday.

Final stand: Jeffrey Libby; The palm tree Jean Ikuma planted in 1976 is now too tall to prune. Ikuma mentions that minor frustration while standing at her half-opened front screen door.

Palo Verde hangs on to win 4A golf title: Dave Price; DAYTON -- With a solid lead in hand, coach Jeff Wolfram offered his Palo Verde boys golf team some simple advice as it headed into the final round of the NIAA/U.S. Bank 4A State Tournament on Thursday.

More Nevadans owning homes: The percentage of owner-occupied Nevada housing units is on the rise, as are households headed by women or those with relatives who don't fit the model of the typical nuclear family.

Athletics may avoid budget cuts: Spencer Patterson; It's not a done deal, but it appears the Clark County School District will not have to reduce its $7.6 million athletic budget after all.

Spoonhour, Nike near agreement: Steve Addy; UNLV basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour and Nike are negotiating a contract that could add up to $100,000 to his annual compensation.

Panel to schedule hearing on charges against LV judge: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Judicial Discipline Commission intends to schedule a public hearing soon to examine allegations that District Judge Donald Mosley of Las Vegas gave favored treatment in his court to people in return for their help in his child-custody case.

Trade deficit swells: The Commerce Department said today that the trade imbalance jumped by 16.1 percent in March, to $31.2 billion.

Nevada regulators changing method of tracking slot win: David Strow; Nevada gaming regulators are in the process of changing the way the state's casinos must track their slot winnings, a top official with the state Gaming Control Board said Thursday.

LV phone company Mpower cutting jobs out of state: ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Mpower Communications Corp., a provider of broadband high-speed Internet access and telephone services to homes and businesses, announced today it will cut 275 jobs, or about 13 percent of its work force, and close operations in 12 markets.

Rebel golfers stand 11th at NCAA West Regional event: CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The UNLV men's golf team sits in 11th place after the first round of the NCAA Men's Golf West Regional at Trysting Tree Golf Course on Thursday.

Mikohn chief disputes claims by disgruntled shareholders: Mikohn Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas has charted a course of narrowing the focus of its operations and trimming expenses to become profitable.

Water authority says its electric bill will double: The Southern Nevada Water Authority, the regional agency that governs water supply, will pay twice as much for power this year, but the higher rates will not be reflected in customers' monthly water bills. At least not immediately.

Bankruptcies: Creeta G. Monton, formerly doing business as C. Monton Typing, formerly known as Creeta Murray, 2121 Warm Springs Road, filed for Chapter 13, listing assets of $40,225 and liabilities of $20,866.

Park Place property fined: The $25,000 fine agreed to in the settlement by the Park Place Entertainment Corp. property was the minimum that could be levied by the state for such a violation. Park Place operates the two properties as a single entity.

Critics say tax plan not equitable: CARSON CITY -- Sen. Mark James, R-Las Vegas, is trying to quiet critics who say his plan to raise $65 million in franchise fees would unfairly tax some small corporations in Nevada.

News briefs for May 18, 2001: Metro Police are searching for a convicted sex offender who is alleged to have sexually assaulted a young girl in Las Vegas over the last three years.

Editorial: Schools shouldn't face even more cuts: Now Sen. Bill O'Donnell, R-Las Vegas, has come forward with a proposal that is a twist on the Goldwater-Beers plan. O'Donnell, in a bid to ease the interminable waiting at Department of Motor Vehicles offices, wants more money to hire additional DMV employees. But O'Donnell's laudable goal has serious drawbacks since it would be accomplished by taking a share of the funds that the counties and school districts now receive from a DMV registration fee on motorists. O'Donnell says the impact would be minimal and temporary, but the fact is that Clark County government would lose $530,000 and the Clark ...

Auditor added to Saxton fraud lawsuit: Grace Leong; Las Vegas real estate developer Saxton Inc.'s auditor has been added as a defendant to a lawsuit claiming Saxton shareholders were defrauded by the company.

North Las Vegas team struggling to make it into Indianapolis 500 field: But for Team Zali and car owner Eric Zimmerman of North Las Vegas and driver John Paul, Jr., Thursday actually marked Day 1 for their on-track preparation. The team has been assembling their G-Force machine piece by piece over the past week-and-a-half, completing the chore early Thursday afternoon.

First-class fares cut: Northwest Airlines has added a new domestic pricing category called First Class BizFlex for passengers who purchase their tickets 14 days in advance and stay overnight any night of the week.

Camps warm up as schools wind down: Kris Hill; Children are counting down the days until school ends, and many are also counting down the days until they head off to summer camp.

Musician raising awareness about didgeridoo: In the nearly 20 years since Stephen Kent first came in contact with the didgeridoo, he has performed the termite-hollowed instrument on more than a dozen CDs, collaborated with other musical groups and traveled the world entertaining and educating people on both the instrument and the culture whence it came.

Local magazine garners national honors: Las Vegas Life magazine recently stepped up to the plate for the first time and hit two home runs, receiving recognition for excellence from two national organizations.

Old cars are the stars at Motorhead Festival this weekend: Looking for a cherry 1940 Ford coupe with a blown Motor City flat head, Ford C4 automatic transmission, an eight-inch Ford rear and Heidt's front end?

Air Force policeman's name added to memorial: Keith Paul; Names on the Southern Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial and the dates of their deaths:

Columnist Joe Delaney: Legendary trio breathed new life into folk music: Joe Delaney; Peter, Paul & Mary, three folk singers, combined their talents and made their debut at the start of the 1960s in New York City's Bitter End Cafe in Greenwich Village ... Their first album on Warner Bros. label re-energized folk music nationally.

Joe Delaney remembers 1995: Crawford in 'EFX': Joe Delaney remembers 1995: Crawford in 'EFX'

Fate of children's hospital rests with voters: By Emily Richmond; Carrie Beckstrand of North Las Vegas wishes her infant daughter could have been treated in Clark County when she needed specialized care because of heart problems.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Revisiting a few of our favorite restaurants: This past week was spent introducing friends to the pleasures of dining at restaurants they had somehow missed.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Singing at Bellagio's Baccarat Bar is a mute point: Is there a special technique to entertaining gamblers who may be losing millions of dollars?

Editorial: Energy plan's critics can't be pigeonholed: Nevadans, whose state has been unfairly targeted by the federal government to store high-level nuclear waste, can understand the concerns of property rights' advocates. If there is a silver lining in Bush's proposals, it is that it may reawaken Americans to what some of these energy choices would mean if a heavy-handed federal government is at work. Some citizens, who are genuinely worried about the prospect of power lines being built on or near their land without their input, may have a newfound sympathy to the plight of Nevadans. After all, we shudder to think about the possibility of the ...

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Longevity pay: A necessity or luxury?: Sandy Thompson; "LEAVE ME alone; sock it to someone else" is becoming a popular refrain these days as the county, state and school district sing the budget woes blues.

2001 spring prep playoff schedule, results: 4A STATE TOURNAMENT

Monarchos set for next step: Ralph Siraco; What: 126th Preakness Stakes Where: Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore When: Saturday Post time: 3:04 p.m. TV: NBC (2-3:30 p.m.) Attendance: About 100,000 Purse: $1 million Winner's share: $650,000 Distance: 1 3/16 miles Favorite: Monarchos (2-1)

Inquest finds officer justified in 1996 shooting: The jury of four men and seven women deliberated 18 minutes -- the second fastest ever, missing the record for a local coroners inquest by three minutes -- before finding Metro Police intelligence sergeant Larry Burns acted justifiably in firing the shot that killed Miguel Angel Gomez, 49.

This week's races: NASCAR

Closer Foster brought up from double-A: Steve Guiremand; With a team ERA that ranks at the bottom of the Pacific Coast League, the Las Vegas 51s can obviously use a little help in the pitching department.

Dancers recall working with theater legend Fosse: Kimberley McGee; Broadway dancer Lynn Sterling remembers the first time she met a legend.

Supreme Court decision doesn't stop medical pot bill: CARSON CITY -- Confident that both funding and legal questions will pose no problem, the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Thursday passed a bill authorizing medical marijuana.

Summer Camp would help boy become an Eagle Scout: He has two siblings and is supported by his single mother, who can't afford to send him to camp.

UNLV baseball falls in tournament: Jared Bonnell (4-7) took the loss for the Rebels, allowing five runs on six hits in seven innings.

Trailblazers capture thriller against Reno: Spencer Patterson; Their last meeting couldn't have been uglier, but on Thursday Durango and Reno played a game that could only be described as a thing of beauty at the 4A State Baseball Tournament.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Celine faces titanic challenge: Kate Maddox; Canadian crooner Celine Dion's new deal with Caesars Palace has some entertainment insiders scratching their heads. The puzzler isn't why Dion decided on Vegas for a comeback (well, it worked for Elvis.) The real question is how she plans to fill 4,000 seats 200 nights a year.

Anka and audience connect during Mirage show: Joe Delaney; It was a weeknight, and Paul Anka had the Mirage's 1,500-seat Siegfried & Roy Theatre close to the capacity mark.

Credit woes have students struggling to stay on course: Terry Webster; Extra Credit Here are some of the programs the Clark County School District uses for students behind in their course credits:

Politics cloud debate over need: Adrienne Packer; The pro-children's hospital pin fastened to Clark County Commissioner Erin Kenny's lapel represents more than her stance on an upcoming $80 million ballot question.

PCL box: Fresno-Las Vegas: E--Murray, Ransom 2, Tyler, Bogar, K. Johnson, Hiatt. DP--Las Vegas 2, Fresno 1. LOB--Fresno 13, Las Vegas 7. 2B--Chiaramonte, Leach, Bogar, Hiatt. HR--Hiatt (5), Cotton (1). S--Nathan, Williams. SF--Gilbert, Aven. SB--Melo, Powell, Tyler, Mota.

News of the Day: 1995: Story: An explosion believed caused by a bomb shattered a downtown federal office building in Oklahoma City today, blowing out a huge chunk of the nine-story structure. At least 200 people were injured.

Datebook: The monthly Poets' Corner, which features established poets and open mic participants, will be at 7:30 p.m. today at West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. A young Poets' Corner for children will be from noon-1 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Call 229-4800.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 1 p.m.

Mortensen claims poker championship: David Strow; Seven hours into a marathon final session, Spaniard Carlos Mortensen snared a king-high straight on his final card Friday night to emerge victorious in the championship game of the World Series of Poker at Binion's Horseshoe in Las Vegas. In addition to the gold bracelet of the champion, the 29-year-old poker pro from Madrid received a $1.5 million payday.

Durango excited about playing for 4A crown: Victoria Sun; Durango High was a little bit weary of Wooster pitcher Jenne Bator entering the game against the defending champions in the 4A State Softball Tournament Thursday afternoon at West Flamingo Park.

Columnist Jeff German: Murphy's team not ahead of the game: BY NOW, it's pretty obvious that Sandy Murphy's defense team has been stirring things up the past couple of weeks in her bid to win a new trial.

Verdi spotlighted at concert: A performance Sunday by the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, in memory of the 100th anniversary of the death of one of Italy's greatest opera composers, will miss by two days the 127th anniversary of the debut of one of the composer's greatest works.

Self-Mochrie: Kimberley McGee; Colin Mochrie isn't a comedian, but he plays one on TV.

Heritage runs deep with dance troupe: Kimberley McGee; Webster's New World College Dictionary defines "name" as a word by which an entity is designated and set apart from others.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 1st Race -- Brave Slew - Draws good outside post for sprint distance, Julio aboard Dutton trainee, be Brave and Slew the opener. Bold Capital - Training at Anita, trainer Carava tabs main man Pedroza here, tough customer at this level. Value Play -- Cheyenne Gold

Streetwise G. Love surfs into the House of Blues: Randy Matin; G. Love says that James Brown hit the nail on the head. According to Brown's philosophy, a performer should dress "like somebody you would pay to see." And ever since he began busking on the streets of Philadelphia, as a teenager with a couple of sauced-up friends, the stylish G. Love (aka Garret Dutton) has subscribed to Brown's code.

Letter: Baseball memories: Ron@lasvegassun.com; I have helped a friend coach Little League the past 10 years. The mind-set of the kids playing ball today is totally different from when I was a kid. Sunrise meant you got together with your friends and started playing ball. Sunset meant you needed to hurry up and play another game before it got too dark to see.

Sun Camp Fund helps those in need: Kris Hill; Applications Camp fund applications can be picked up at these locations: Las Vegas

Columnist Dean Juipe: Monarchos has earned our respect: Dean Juipe; It really wasn't until the Kentucky Derby was over did I, or most of us, for that matter, realize what a magnificent horse Monarchos is and how thoroughly enjoyable it would be to see him win the Triple Crown.

Green Valley student Journalist of the Year: The third annual awards program also honored a high school principal and adviser, as well as student journalists in 16 writing, photography and layout categories.

The ghost from a golden past reappears: The Goldfield Hotel

Columnist Susan Snyder: Lawmaker takes liking to biking: Did you ride your bike to work today?

NCAA West Regional: NCAA West Regional

Columnist Susan Snyder: Adopting a strident horse plan: They moved briskly to the edge of the baseball field to capture images of the wild mustangs that symbolize what's left of the wild West.

Editorial: Bad plan for power purchases: If the Legislature permits partial deregulation -- which is a risky move given the circumstances -- it should be done equitably. If a local government wants to pool together its residents, or a large nonprofit organization wants to gather together its members in order to get a better deal on its power bills from someone other than Nevada Power, then they should be allowed to do so just as a casino or mine would under the provisions of Assembly Bill 661.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Postrio home to cash advances: Kate Maddox; Wednesday night's Alzheimer's Benefit at Wolfgang Puck's Postrio raised about $1 million, beating last year's record by $200,000. Las Vegas' glitterati spent big bucks at the event's live auction, which was hosted by Robin Leach, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.

Where I Stand--Mike O'Callaghan: Few good U.N. friends: THE UNITED STATES was bounced off the United Nations Human Rights Commission, a body of which we have been a member since it was founded in 1947. The biggest insult was being beaten out in a secret ballot that elected Sudan and Pakistan, two of the world's biggest violators of human rights, Sudan is best known for its slave trading problems.

Blackjack, computer expert Braun dies: Julian Howard Braun came to Las Vegas in the 1950s to teach mathematics at Las Vegas High School by day and deal blackjack at the Hacienda hotel at night.

Lowering of DUI level pushed: CARSON CITY -- Fearing that a bill to lower the state's blood alcohol limit for drivers will languish and die in committee, a DUI group is urging lawmakers to take action.

Students cite several reasons for falling behind: Terry Webster; Clark County School District officials say there is a simple way for students not to fall behind on credits needed for graduation: Come to school and do the work.

Obituaries for May 18, 2001: John Blackburn, 66, of Las Vegas died May 5 in Las Vegas. He was born Aug. 29, 1934, in California. A resident for five years, he was a portfolio manager.

Indy 500 non-qualified practice speeds: At Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Where I Stand -- Hank Greenspun: A hard look at a hard issue: To kill or not to kill!

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