Print edition for November 23, 2001

Review: Redford, Pitt are winners in 'Spy Game': 'Spy Games'

Performing Arts for Nov. 23, 2001: 'Messiah'

Hearing set on billboards: Clark County commissioners on Wednesday scheduled a public hearing on Commissioner Erin Kenny's proposed ordinance governing new billboards in the county.

HELP knows no state boundaries: Daniela Mohor; Eleven members of a Texas family traveled more than 1,200 miles to help Las Vegas' neediest residents during the Thanksgiving holiday.

On Display for Nov. 23, 2001: "Native American Contemporary Art," an exhibit of functional and decorative items, is on display Wednesday through Jan. 29 at McCarran International Airport's C gates. Call 455-4856.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Kitchen Cafe serves up the right philosophy: Plato, the Greek philosopher who lived 400 years before the birth of Christ, said that a man who cannot dance is uneducated and unrefined.

Editorial: Airport may opt out of federalization plan: There is a provision tucked inside the legislation that in three years will allow five eligible airports to get the federal government's permission to form their own security force or hire private companies to perform the service. Randy Walker, the director of the Clark County Department of Aviation that runs McCarran International Airport, is interested in exploring the possibility of opting out.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Here's to the political players: Mayor Oscar Goodman: Thanks for sticking with that downtown redevelopment thing. A furniture warehouse and a dinky hockey arena aren't quite a professional sports stadium and a cultural arts center. But it's a start.

Letter: Poor treatment of area teachers never ceases: District-level administrators and regional superintendents are housed in state-of-the-art offices, supplied fancy furnishings with the latest technology in cellular phones, fax machines, printers, computers and the use of district cars. In the meantime students struggle with classroom sets of outdated and worn-out textbooks, antiquated technology and computers, maps, art materials, science lab supplies and a shortage of pencils and paper. Dedicated teachers must use their own funds for teaching supplies. This is the equivalent of a carpenter supplying nails, wood, and shingles gratis to build a house for someone.

Letter: Yucca support is bad business: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has set policy in centralized fashion much like the old Supreme Soviet and with much the same linear mindset, "We support nuclear power, so we support the nuclear industry, which wants Yucca, so we support Yucca, and damn the consequences."

Letter: Inept councilmen not fit for office: Mayor Oscar Goodman should promptly straighten out this festering mess.

Letter: Electoral College as archaic as slavery itself: Those who argue for its retention do so either out of historical ignorance or self-interest. The argument that the Constitution's writers created the Electoral College to protect the smaller states is true in generality, yet false in specifics.

Date Book for Nov. 23, 2001: "Gift of Lights," a drive-through holiday lights event sponsored by Goodwill of Southern Nevada, is on display from 5-10 p.m. nightly, through Dec. 26 at Sunset Park. Admission is $10 per vehicle. Call 597-1107.

Editorial: Tough talk, but bereft of the facts: "It's purely partisan politics," Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said two weeks ago. "They don't want conservative judges on the court." Just over a week ago Vice President Dick Cheney chimed in as well. "The deliberate slowing of the confirmation process is unworthy of the United States Senate and an injustice to the men and women whose names have been presented," Cheney said in a speech to Federalist Society, an ultra-conservative legal group.

Letter: Few bright spots in today's media: Once again the time has come to keep on the government with this terrorist threat. President Bush seems to be doing a really good job. I like his resolve, his taking the terrorist problem to the terrorists where they breed. As tragic as the New York horror was, two good things were born out of it. 1) Our wonderful country is united, I'd say, for the first time since Pearl Harbor was bombed. 2) This tiger of a nation has finally awakened.

Stopping suicide: Nevada lags behind nation in prevention programs: Stacy J. Willis; Terri Greenfield's husband, John, heard voices. They were "like country-western songs" stuck in his head, repetitive.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Counselor helps kids navigate positive path: Sandy Thompson; PAIGE JOHNSON has a poster in her counseling office at Roy Martin Middle School that defines courage:

Religious groups often unsure just how to deal with suicide: Stacy J. Willis; Linda Flatt's son, Paul, had a gambling problem. Sports betting. Lots of debt.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: A job to be done: So, rather than ignore the cards and letters and, may I say, a column or two in the Las Vegas SUN (we won't even acknowledge those snipes in the other paper because they are as expected as a knee jerking upward at, mostly, nothing at all), I think I should address the complaints before they have their desired effect of muddling the results of the task force.

Volunteers improve canyon experience: When Chuck Williams and his wife, Pat, moved to Las Vegas from Indiana several years ago, the couple took advantage of the desert resources by hiking nearly every weekend -- outings that included meandering through the trails at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Technology boosts odds in recovering missing children: Daniela Mohor; Brenda Ortiz had been waiting eight years for the news: Last year Redwood City, Calif., detectives told her they had found her nephew, Jonathan.

County offers haven for kids during custody fights: Kim Smith; Donna's House, 2595 S. Torrey Pines Drive near West Sahara Avenue, will be used for supervised visits and for parents in custody disputes to drop off and pick up children for visitation. It is within one block of a CAT bus stop.

Hotspur takes over Summerlin resort: The Regent, opened in the summer of 1999, fell into bankruptcy one year ago. Hotspur, an affiliate of Canadian real estate firm Larco Investments Ltd., agreed to acquire the property in late September for $80 million.

Metro art featured in exhibit: Kimberley McGee; Art exhibit

High court gives jury leeway in testing evidence: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that a jury may physically test the theory of expert witnesses to help it reach a verdict.

Lady Rebels host 4-team tournament: UNLV (2-0) hosts winless Sacramento State (0-3) in the opening round of the tournament on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Defending Ohio Valley Conference champ Tennessee Tech plays Seton Hall in the 5 p.m. opener.

Court: Governments immune from suits when taking emergency actions: CARSON CITY -- State and local governments are immune from lawsuits over actions taken in an emergency, even if those actions damaged private property, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled.

Supreme Court upholds decision on murder charge: The court Wednesday upheld the decision of District Judge Donald Mosley, who granted a pretrial motion to drop the murder charge against Charles D. Von Lewis.

Concert kicks off holiday season: When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Look for McQueen, Wildcats to advance: Spencer Patterson; A Las Vegas rally made it 2-0 last week, and my confidence is high heading into the year's two biggest games. Who will play for the state title on Dec. 1? Will McQueen reach the finale for the third straight year? Can Foothill dethrone the champs in their own backyard? How will Las Vegas' potent offense fare against Durango, the area's stingiest defense? Read on for the answers.

'Adopt-a-Nurse' program helping solve shortage: By Emily Richmond; For 11 years, the closest Joely Austin could get to her dream of becoming a nurse was working as a secretary in a hospital's radiology department.

Sales are mixed for some Las Vegas retailers as shopping season starts: Grace Leong; Las Vegas shoppers launched their annual holiday shopping campaigns this morning, with expectations for sales subdued because of the slowing local and national economies and terrorism fears.

Slot manufacturer reports big loss: The company reported just $700,000 in revenues for the quarter, down from $2.16 million in the year-ago period. IGCA said sales were hampered by a lack of working capital, which it said prevented the company from filling its orders. However, IGCA said it has secured $13 million in lease and credit financing, which will enable it to fill future orders.

Texas tribe sues state for right to operate casino: Mark Babineck; ALABAMA-COUSHATTA RESERVATION, Texas -- The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe sued the state of Texas on Wednesday to preserve the right to operate a casino, which officials said is on the verge of opening in a modest wooden building on the East Texas reservation.

The Price is Right: It's too bad there are only 12 days of Christmas. Were there 13, participants in this years Sun Holiday Auction could pick up a snazzy cap or golf shirt or die-cast car to go along with their leaping lords and milking maids.

Texas under scrutiny as electric deregulation nears: David Koenig; DALLAS -- Electric deregulation was a huge failure in California, resulting in soaring rates and rolling power blackouts -- and making consumers in other states suspicious about giving up their regulated monopoly utilities in favor of competition among power companies.

Mortgage rates rise: The average interest rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed to 6.75 percent from 6.51 percent last week, according to a nationwide survey by Freddie Mac, the mortgage company.

37-acre business park set to break ground: Mathis Winkler; When Rick Smith first checked out Cheyenne Avenue as a location for a high-end business park, the abundance of available land impressed him.

Las Vegas council briefs for November 23, 2001: The Nevada Division for Aging Services has awarded the city of Las Vegas a $25,000 grant to help with the relocation of a senior program that had to find a new home because of toxic mold.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Strip club, Lions share condolences: Dean Juipe; The idea was to shake the dust out of my old Detroit Lions sweatshirt and see what life was like on a Thanksgiving morning at a relatively sleazy strip club on Boulder Highway that advertises itself as the Las Vegas "home" for Lions fans.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: U.S. depending on lawmakers to compromise: Benjamin Grove; The stakes are high, both for the economy and political careers, and members of Congress know it. They don't have to look as far west as Las Vegas to see economic aftershocks of the Sept. 11 attacks. Small businesses, airlines and hotels are reeling in congressional districts everywhere, including in the nation's capital.

Cirque's 'Cheval' offering poetry in motion: Joe Delaney; "Cheval," French for "horse," is the most exciting and unique evening of entertainment since Cirque du Soleil first pitched its tent on the grounds of The Mirage. Gilles Ste-Croix, erstwhile director of creation for all Cirque du Soleil productions since 1990, continues as a consultant, but his energies are now devoted to being president, director and founder of Cheval Theatre Inc.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: A great holiday, unless you're a Lions fan: Sal DeFilippo; All those people lined up to buy gifts this morning will differ, but I think they've already missed out on the best holiday of the year.

Consumer group issues holiday toy warning: WASHINGTON -- Holiday toy shoppers should be wary of hidden dangers, such as small parts that can cause children to choke, a consumer lobbying group warns.

Obituaries for November 23, 2001: Margaret Strong Corre, 87, of Las Vegas died Monday in a local hospital. She was born April 16, 1914, in Texas. A resident for 21 years, she was a homemaker.

Nevada Guard unit spends holiday keeping Monterey Presidio secure: Dick Benoit; It's still dark as Spc. Ronald Maine laces his boots and buckles his pistol belt before venturing into the cold, foggy twilight of the California coast. He is beginning another day of patrol as part of Operation Noble Eagle.

Tobbaco giant offers to buy small cigarette maker: RJR said in a statement today that it had offered $320 million in cash for Santa Fe Natural, which a month ago agreed to a $275 million buyout by Rothmans Inc., Canada's second-largest cigarette manufacturer behind Imperial.

Seized loot to get special master: District Judge Mark Denton Wednesday met with Franklyn Perry's attorneys and the Clark County district attorney's office to decide who should be responsible for ensuring the money seized from Perry is invested safely, pending the outcome of Perry's upcoming criminal and civil trials.

Columnist Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: 2nd Race -- Fairway Foe -- Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, draws good box for route outing, clear way for Fairway makes Foes away. Marq Of Zorro -- Training at Anita, Desormeaux aboard Mendoza trainee, should make late impact at this level. Value Play -- Estrella Priza

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 12:30 p.m.

Illinois coach not satisfied with team's progress: Victoria Sun; Up until a week ago, Illinois men's basketball coach Bill Self said he watched his team during practice and he didn't like what he saw.

Company posts loss during quarter: The magazine publisher reported revenues of $2.38 million, a 26 percent decline from the year-ago period. The year-ago quarter's results included trade show and trade magazine assets sold to GEM Communications in January.

Durango, LV to rely on 'D': Spencer Patterson; When Durango football coach John Mausbach predicts this week's 4A state semifinal between his Trailblazers and the Las Vegas Wildcats could be determined by field position, it's more than a coaching cliche.

Pioneer music teacher Garrett dies: Jeffrey Libby; Madelaine E. Garrett, who taught music to Boulder City's first two generations of schoolchildren and carried an egg-timer in her purse to limit her husband's speeches, died Tuesday at Boulder City Hospital. She was 92.

Columnist Joe Delaney: King settles at Stardust for holiday weekend: Joe Delaney; B.B.King is back in Las Vegas, his adopted hometown, for a three-day stand starting tonight in the Stardust's Wayne Newton Theater ... It's hard to believe that our first meeting was 51 years ago, in Memphis, Tenn. ... King was a disc jockey on the first 50 kilowatt AM radio station in the south to be managed and staffed by black personnel ... I was visiting my Decca Records distributor.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Stewart competing in doubleheader: After running 300 laps in this morning's New Hampshire 300 NASCAR Winston Cup race, Tony Stewart was scheduled to hop a plane to Las Vegas to compete in Saturday night's USAC Triple Crown Finale at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Columnist Jeff German: Casino industry streamlines its lobbying: IF YOU LISTEN to the government watchdogs in Washington, you'll hear how effective the casino industry has been lobbying Congress in recent years.

Convention market targeted: Jeffrey Libby; Conventioneers in Henderson are mostly local, arriving by car on rundown Water Street for Weight Watchers meetings, Mary Kay cosmetics sales, supermarket job fairs, services at fledgling churches, and even for high school proms.

Teacher wins $75,000 judgment vs. district: In the latest round of court battles, U.S. District Judge David Ezra has ordered the school district to pay $75,000 in damages to Trudi Lytle, a fourth-grade teacher at Marion Earl Elementary School. Attorneys also plan to seek legal fees totaling approximately $400,000.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Garrett will enjoy suite view here: Steve Guiremand; Merry Christmas, Mike Garrett. Not only are your USC Trojans 99.9 percent certain to get a Las Vegas Bowl invitation early next week, but you'll be able to watch your team play from the comfort of one of those nice new luxury suites in Sam Boyd Stadium on Christmas Day.

News briefs for November 23, 2001: A 59-year-old man was shot to death Thanksgiving day while walking near Eastern Avenue and Desert Inn Road, police said.

Man to go on trial for murder: Kim Smith; The last time Robin McGinness was in a Clark County Courthouse, he was sentenced to four years in prison for using a missing man's credit cards to buy tools and a hat.

Culinary, Turnberry dispute over planned resort grows: David Strow; Florida condominium developer Turnberry Associates has yet to break ground on its planned Las Vegas Strip resort, a massive London-themed casino at the site of the old El Rancho.

Tough task ahead for tax committee: Erin Neff; During the 2001 legislative session, everyone from teachers to health officials begged lawmakers to raise more money for services.

Enron Corp. stock tumbles, Dynergy deal in doubt: Kristen Hays; HOUSTON -- Shares of beleaguered Enron Corp. plummeted another 28 percent Wednesday even though it reached a critical agreement to extend a $690 million debt payment.

McQueen looks to contain Ford: Spencer Patterson; Take a look at a highlight reel of Foothill's last two playoff victories, and you'd be quick to label the Falcon offense "one-dimensional."

UNLV officials impeded military recruiters, regent says: Jennifer Knight; Marines trying to recruit students at UNLV's Boyd Law School had their presentation interrupted by university administrators who objected to the military's policy on gays, according to a member of the board of regents.

Buddy system: Old friends Spoonhour, Huggins square off in Cincinnati: Steve Addy; WHEN: Saturday, 12:35 p.m.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Shopping anguish is stored today: Were we out being patriotic consumers today?

Editorial: Military tribunal is the answer: Anticipating the possibility that al-Qaida terrorists could be captured, President Bush earlier this month issued an executive order that said those foreign terrorists apprehended may be put on trial by military tribunals. Bush's order has drawn fire from some civil libertarians, who say that military tribunals don't offer the same due process guarantees offered by our civilian criminal justice system. But the White House notes that military tribunals have been used before, including by President Roosevelt, who during World War II put on trial German saboteurs captured in the United States.

Community center plan questioned: Diana Sahagun; Plans for a proposed downtown community center that has been almost entirely funded are being stalled because Las Vegas Councilman Larry Brown insists the entire City Council must justify whether it is needed in the community.

Public urged to attend panel discussion on Yucca: State and Clark County officials are soliciting comments from Southern Nevada residents at a special panel discussion on a proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

Nine more hearings set on Yucca Mountain: Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham extended the comment period on a proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14.

Community briefs for November 23, 2001: The grand opening of Martin Luther King School Park, 5439 E. Carey Ave., will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Protecting the homeland: Not everybody has dozed off or has remained silent while presidential appointees have been promoting their anti-environmental agendas. The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) nailed Interior Secretary Gale Norton for having "substantially altered biological findings" to promote the drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It was a month ago when the organization claimed, "It appears Secretary Norton misled Congress and broke her pledge to faithfully convey the best science on the Arctic Refuge." PEER went on to say, "Unless Ms. Norton was the victim of her own overzealous staff, she should have the decency to resign." ...

Togliatti fights fine levied over election report: CARSON CITY -- Former FBI agent George Togliatti may face a $20,000 fine for violating Nevada's election laws, even though he never filed for political office in Clark County.

Ain't it Rich?: Was it really Rich Little on the telephone, or someone imitating Rich Little?

Columnist Kate Maddox: Fight or flight for Roseanne showgoers: Kate Maddox; The mass exodus of the crowds apparently didn't do anything to help the situation -- or Roseanne's mood. On one occasion the former Roseanne, using a colorful barrage of obscenities, yelled loudly at departing patrons. Roseanne's behavior was reportedly so out of control that some observers went so far as to question the comedian's state of mind, because she certainly didn't appear to be under the influence of comedic talent. But, hey, at least she didn't sing the national anthem.