Stories published October 5, 2001Las Vegas Sun

Letter: Wrong time to punish Clinton: Let me say first that in this time of national crisis I have been attempting to withhold any public criticism of President Bush. I have done this out of respect for the nation, and not because I agree with all of his policies.

Letter: They must have failed Econ 101: Historians place the blame for the Depression on the concentration of too much of the nation's wealth in the hands of too few wealthy people. Government back then was giving all the breaks to big business under the theory that capitalists would expand their factories, hire more people, and money would trickle down to the poor. There was one big hitch in their thinking, however: There weren't enough people in the country who could afford to buy their products; so factories continued to lay off employees and shut down production.

Old Spanish Trail near Las Vegas gets 'overdue' recognition: Though it's a long, thirsty walk from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, horse thieves, slavers, traders and explorers took on the task more than 150 years ago.

Letter: Casino workers victimized also: How could the major players in the casino industry donate a million dollars each to New York City while laying off thousands of people in their own city? Crippling the local economy, do they not think we have families who need? This does nothing but make us victims to the same horrific act of terrorism.

Letter: Tall targets lure the terrorists: They are hinting of terrorist attacks by them -- the terrorists. Our responses are to be revealed after we complete them.

Letter: A buddy system to aid Muslims: The Muslim communities have offered to teach all of us enough about their faith to help us understand that Islam is not represented by the diatribes of the extremists or terrorists. I am educated enough to know that Islam is a peaceful, devout religion with no hostility toward others of different faiths.

Foundation helps Alzheimer's patients cope: Daniela Mohor; When he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease two years ago, Gordon Hyde knew he would have to learn to live with loss. He was told he would lose his memory, his ability to work and eventually his independence.

Editorial: Fear not answer to bioterror: Of course, some residents of our city may be even more jittery about bioterrorism because some analysts have suggested that Las Vegas, with its "Sin City" reputation, could represent a symbol of decadence for Islamic extremists. It also didn't quell nerves to find out that several of the hijackers met in Las Vegas shortly before the attack. No one has suggested that they were targeting Las Vegas, and they very well could have used the large tourist city as a place to easily blend in while they plotted their East Coast hijackings, but to know that they visited here still ...

Letter: Citizens should shun hate crime: What are we to do as Americans as the world looks to us for our reaction? We are world citizens; a part of an international world that is becoming ever smaller, and we need to understand that all of our actions have far-reaching effects and implications.

Letter: Sovereignty still matters: Nevertheless, one of President Bush's first acts in the wake of the terrorist attacks on our nation was to call Chinese dictator Jiang Zemin, seeking his support. Mr. Bush then turned to Russia's Vladimir Putin, who quickly promised his help. But the New York Times then reported that Putin, the former head of the Soviet KGB -- the creator of most of the world's terrorist networks -- and Jiang, the leader of the bloodiest regime in history, would support military action to combat terrorists "only if the action was consistent with the United Nations Charter."

Columnist Thomas Friedman: America's power comes from its spirit: Thomas Friedman; I recently attended meet-the-teacher night at Eastern Middle School, my daughter Natalie's school in Silver Spring, Md. The evening began with the principal noting that Eastern, a public school in suburban Washington, had 40 different nationalities among its students. Before the teachers were introduced, the school's choir and orchestra, a Noah's ark of black, Hispanic, Asian and white kids, led everyone in "God Bless America." There was something about the way those kids sang together, and the earnest, if not always melodious, way the school orchestra pounded out the National Anthem, that was both moving and soothing. As I took ...

Letter: Peaceniks, are you with us?: "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth."

Columnist Jeff German: Heartless casinos betray their workers: Last week's column, "It's hard to feel patriotic with no job," stirred up much talk within the casino industry.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: When that 'friend' calls: Instead of pushing an elderly wheelchair-bound American from a cruise ship to his death in the sea, they have killed 6,000 or more people right here at home.

Columnist Maureen Dowd: Terrorists misgauged us: Maureen Dowd; The shiny red and silver Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog just arrived.

LV, nation begin return to normalcy: Most Americans have entered the final of three phases of psychological reaction to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, a local professor believes.

Letter: In a democracy, true individual freedom is myth: In formulating our Constitution, did Benjamin Franklin foresee biowarfare, was Thomas Jefferson so omniscient that he foretold the potential for instant and indiscriminate annihilation of untold numbers of people, was George Washington so prescient that he understood the many dimensions of nuclear terrorism?

Letter: Vegas economy lacks diversity: What should now be painfully obvious is that Las Vegas needs more diversity in its economy to provide a balance that will sustain the area when tourism is impacted by economic events. Other regions have aggressively sought to encourage industries to locate in their area by offering tax exemptions and other economic incentives.

Editorial: This isn't how U.S. should treat an ally: Finally Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had enough. Last week he warned the U.S. government that it was in danger of appeasing Arab nations in the same way that European countries appeased Hitler before World War II. In response, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said that Sharon's comments were "unacceptable." But rather than dismissing the prime minister's take on the situation, the White House should reassess how it is treating this longtime, trusted ally, a democratic nation located in a region of the world filled with dictatorships that typically view both Israel and United States as enemies. The Bush administration ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: Terror the marker for today's kids: We recited "The Pledge of Allegiance." We sang "You're a Grand Old Flag," or something similarly patriotic. Then we settled into the academic life of the average 6-year-old until recess.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Talk to kids carefully about attacks: Sandy Thompson; ON SEPT. 11 and the days after, we were transfixed by the horrifying images on the TV. We were stunned by the massive destruction and loss of life when the World Trade Center towers collapsed. Even those who did not lose loved ones in the terrorist attacks were overcome by a profound sense of loss and sadness.

Lady Sings the Blues: Kirk Baird; In 1995 legendary blues singer Etta James released the autobiography "Rage to Survive."

Is Las Vegas safe?: Las Vegas is no more or less vulnerable to a bioterrorist attack than any other major American city.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Comedic duo Conway-Korman back at Hilton: Joe Delaney; Tim Conway and Harvey Korman have become Las Vegas Hilton regulars, playing there several times a year ... Conway is probably the best second banana in the business, an award-winning standout on the long-running "The Carol Burnett Show," while Korman, also a multiple-award winner with Burnett and elsewhere, is a straight-man and comedian who ranks with Dean Martin, Carl Reiner, Dan Rowan, Phil Silvers and other greats of the past.

Entertainers take a 'Bite of Las Vegas': Melissa Etheridge and Cyndi Lauper will be among the entertainers at the Fifth Annual Bite of Las Vegas Saturday, sponsored by KMXB 94.1-FM

Ventriloquist Lucas making it real at Rio: Joe Delaney; Ronn Lucas, appearing daily (except Monday) through Thursday in the Rio Copacabana Showroom, is billed as "the man who can make anything talk." He is a first-rate comedian, a master of audience involvement, and the most successful practitioner today of the art of ventriloquism. Coupons notwithstanding, he filled the capacious room on the afternoon we caught him earlier this week.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Avenue's high hopes realized at Stratosphere: Most Las Vegas lounge entertainers look beyond their audience and see in the background a roomful of slot machines.

Marijuana applications delayed: CARSON CITY -- Four days after the medical marijuana law went into effect, the state has received only one completed application.

LV man convicted in assault of disabled girl: Jurors rejected Mario Lopez-Benitez's denial of the crime.

Rebels looking to end skid vs. UNR: Steve Guiremand; For UNLV's football team, it's time to put up or shut up.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Browns fans finally have a reason to cheer: Sal DeFilippo; For the past 15 or so years, life has been tough for the devoted football fans in Cleveland.

Rates still low, but recovering: The average three-week advance rate for the weekend of Oct. 27 was $185 on the Strip, down 25 percent from last year, Bear Stearns gaming analyst Jason Ader said. The midweek rate was down 42 percent to $108.

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP

Mayor fires annexation shot over county's bow: Diana Sahagun; The city of Las Vegas should begin chipping away at pockets of land in Clark County's northwest if county commissioners continue to stall a proposed interlocal pact, Mayor Oscar Goodman said Thursday.

Protesters converge on Yucca hearing: Martin Griffith; RENO -- About 75 demonstrators marched into a meeting room Thursday to protest the latest round of federal hearings on the proposed Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump.

NASCAR Winston Cup: UAW-GM Quality 500 Qualifying: Concord, N.C.

LVMS, CART renew discussions about race: The on-again, off-again talks between Championship Auto Racing Teams and Las Vegas Motor Speedway are on again.

News briefs for October 5, 2001: Henderson Police are looking for two people in connection with a Tuesday incident in which someone shot at a police officer.

Debt faces downgrades: Moody's confirmed the credit ratings of Alliance Gaming Corp., Mikohn Gaming Corp. and Herbst Gaming Inc., but revised the outlook of all three from stable to negative. A negative outlook raises the possibility of future downgrades in credit ratings -- which makes it more difficult and more expensive for companies to take on debt.

Atta may have used Internet for secret talks: FBI agents are trying to determine whether the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks brought his own software to a Las Vegas web-surfing hub to communicate secretly with other possible conspirators.

Senior prescription plan makes up for lost time: CARSON CITY -- The program offering prescription drug insurance to low-income senior citizens has reached its enrollment goal more than a year ahead of schedule.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Rebels keeping local diamond stars at home: Spencer Patterson; All games 7 p.m.

No excess baggage: McCarran International Airport is set to announce Monday that it will restrict the number of carry-on bags passengers can take on planes, beginning next week.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Is 'homeritis' behind Huskies No. 1 ranking?: Steve Guiremand; Want to know why many college football fans refer to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) as simply B.S.?

51s could reap benefits from changes in L.A.: Steve Addy; Once regarded as the best organization in baseball, the Dodgers began putting their house back in order this week.

Volleyball: Rebels defeated by San Diego, fall to 5-6: Patricia Assuncao led the Rebel attack with 10 kills. Leiana Oswald finished with seven kills and a .400 attack percentage (7-1-15).

Columnist Dean Juipe: City's golf deals reek of favoritism: Dean Juipe; Built in a hardscrabble neighborhood and ostensibly with the most benevolent of purposes, the Desert Pines golf course sharply contrasts with its immediate surroundings.

Local anti-terrorism efforts to be discussed: Mathis Winkler; It will still take some time before Nevadans find out about national plans for homeland security as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: George adds race, discusses Triple Crown: Indy Racing League founder Tony George made several interesting revelations Thursday -- and the series adding a race at California Speedway beginning next year was only one of them.

EDC exec to leave post: Paul Bodner will remain as an adviser to the CineVegas board of directors, said Mark Tratos, EDC's board chairman. The CineVegas board serves in an advisory capacity to the EDC board.

CineVegas exec to leave post: Paul Bodner will remain as an adviser to the CineVegas board of directors, said Mark Tratos, EDC's board chairman. The CineVegas board serves in an advisory capacity to the EDC board.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Winners step up again: SOME THINGS IN OUR SOCIETY seldom change and others change overnight. The attitudes of Americans, after watching the massacre at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, flared with anger and then settled down to a determination that demands justice and a willingness to see it gained no matter how much time, money or suffering is the price. They won't be happy again until justice is served and action is taken to protect their own families from a repeat attack.

Editorial: Drug maker offers discounts to seniors: Seniors, meanwhile, aren't being helped as the debate goes on in Washington over what kind of drug discount program should be offered. Those who aren't enrolled in supplemental Medicare insurance programs face huge bills since Medicare currently doesn't cover the cost of prescription drugs. The best long-term remedy is for Congress and the president to agree upon a prescription drug plan for all Medicare recipients, but in the short term the best hope to reduce costs for seniors is the discount cards provided individually by pharmaceutical companies.

Columnist Susan Snyder: As expected, trade show rolls along: With the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history less than a month old, why would anyone think about buying bicycles?

Columnist Kate Maddox: 'Survivor' prompts odds behavior: Kate Maddox; It's that time of year again: Time to get acquainted with yet another "Survivor" cast. And, as in seasons past, the Sahara sportsbook has already posted odds for obsessive fans.

Shakespeare fest introduces area students to the Bard: Kimberley McGee; Nevada Shakespeare in the Park celebrates its 15th anniversary today through Sunday at Foxridge Park in Henderson. This year the event centers on one of Shakespeare's more famous tragedies, "Othello."

Berkley: Possible threats at Yucca a top priority: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- The nation's new Office of Homeland Security should make one of its first jobs analyzing a terrorist threat at the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said Thursday.

Obituaries for October 5, 2001: Charles H. Atkinson II, 76, of Las Vegas died Saturday in a local hospital. He was born April 4, 1925, in Graham, Texas. A resident for 24 years, he was a retired Department of Energy engineer and a World War II Navy veteran.

Feds give go-ahead to build power plant: The Bureau of Land Management has given a green light to construction of a controversial power plant in the hills west of the Las Vegas Valley.

Datebook: "Bite of Las Vegas," a food, music and entertainment festival, will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Admission is $15. Call 895-3900.

More gaming industry debt faces possible downgrades: Moody's confirmed the credit ratings of Alliance Gaming Corp., Mikohn Gaming Corp. and Herbst Gaming Inc., but revised the outlook of all three from stable to negative. A negative outlook raises the possibility of future downgrades in credit ratings -- which makes it more difficult and more expensive for companies to take on debt.

Editorial: City, county are back in full swing: Ah, yes, the soothing strains of normalcy.

Wynn: Gallery a public service: David Strow; Desert Inn owner Steve Wynn says he's opening an art gallery at the shuttered Las Vegas Strip hotel next month not as a profit-making venture, but in order to share the art with the public.

Pilots frustrated by flight restrictions: Jace Radke; Marcum Endicott has flown airplanes for six years. Eighteen months ago he achieved a dream when he bought his own plane, a Cessna 150.

Cowboy, former Boulder City councilman, Warburton dies: Jace Radke; At 6 feet 3 inches, Thomas C. Warburton could cut an imposing figure, but at heart he was just a cowboy who grew up on a Nebraska ranch with his sister, Shirley Marie Stout.

Letter: Parent-teacher conferences not a priority: After all, they provided time within my paid workday for conferences to take place. Of course, not all parents can attend during the school day; so, believing in the importance of face-to-face meetings, I cheerfully volunteered my time to meet with parents as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m. Thus, when I was informed that parent-teacher conference days would not be held at my school this year, I was surprised and disturbed.

Reid pushes training program at Test Site: Benjamin Grove and Mary Manning; WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., this week hustled the plan to establish a permanent national counterterrorism training center at the nuclear bomb-scarred Nevada Test Site.

Casino security comforting uneasy visitors: Kevin Ferguson; Comforting hotel guests that have stayed away from large crowds and major resorts following the terrorist strikes requires two things: creating a sense of safety and offering cordial service, an expert says.

Letter: Feeling of safety has disappeared: We wear seatbelts to guard ourselves from horrific car accidents. We have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to warn us of terrible fires and silent, odorless gas. We see the doctor for preventive tests and checkups to protect us from disease. Generally, we don't smoke; we watch what we eat and we exercise to stay healthy. We brush our teeth to keep them. We install car and home alarms to guard our property. We don't run with scissors. We wear helmets when hopping on a bike or attempting to rollerblade. We don't cross the street against the light. We don ...

Community news briefs for October 5, 2001: Teenagers with an interest in telecommunications, computers and business management are invited to an open house 6 p.m. Tuesday at Sprint, 330 S. Valley View Blvd.

MGM MIRAGE executive leaving day-to-day duties: However, Wade will retain the title of vice chairman and remain on the company's board of directors.

Correction: The Sun corrects its errors. If you find a mistake, call 385-3111 to report it.

Radio station makes its television debut: Kirk Baird; You're a new FM station (with old call letters) in town looking to forge an identity outside of the faceless world of radio.

Thursday's prep results: BOYS SOCCER

Cellist, conductor share long history: Internationally acclaimed cellist Nathaniel Rosen says he is eagerly awaiting his debut on a Las Vegas stage Saturday.

$4.5 million awarded in malpractice suit: Kim Smith; A Clark County jury Thursday awarded a Las Vegas woman $4.5 million after finding that the negligence of an advanced nurse practitioner and a medical association led to her worsening neurological problems.

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

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Great meal served up at Agassi benefit: The setting for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation 2001 Grand Slam for Children at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was smashing. It's no easy thing to turn a sports arena into a fancy dining venue. Kudos to the banquet chefs for the tasty dinner and to the servers for the good service.

FBI makes second investigative visit to UNLV: Jennifer Knight; FBI agents met with University of Nevada, Las Vegas, officials this week as part of the ongoing investigation into the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Galvez brings Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs to Vegas: By Timothy Pratt; The guys standing around in the middle of a joke could be at any street fair in Barranquilla, Colombia, or Mexico City. Or East Los Angeles. Or North Las Vegas.

Indictment says teen was killed for bringing drugs into home: Kim Smith; Authorities believe a Las Vegas drug dealer shot a Henderson teenager to death because the victim had drugs delivered to the home the girl was sharing with the dealer's girlfriend and 2-year-old son.

At-risk groups will get flu shots: Health district officials have ordered 21,000 doses of the flu vaccine, and the first of three shipments has arrived. People catagorized as high-risk are seniors older than 65, anyone with a chronic illness and pregnant women in their second or third trimester.

Letter: Jordan is the Palestinian state: Someone should inform him that a Palestinian state already exists. It's called Jordan.

Isle of Capri, Argosy get top awards: Bernie Goldstein, chief executive of Biloxi-based Isle of Capri, received the award for top performing CEO of the year for his efforts in the development of riverboat gaming throughout the Midwest, particularly his lobbying efforts in the legalization of riverboat casinos in Iowa. The board of Alton, Ill.-based Argosy received the award for top performing board.

Celebrities ogle artsy motorcycles; Guggenheim display opens to public on Sunday: By Emily Richmond; Musician Lyle Lovett considers himself a motorcycle enthusiast rather than a collector, but that doesn't mean he can't appreciate the bikes as art.

Columnist Geoff Carter: 'Serendipity': One of life's happy accidents: Geoff Carter; Alot of people, critics and moviegoers alike, are going to miss "Serendipity." Critics will miss its charm by unnecessarily playing up its New York backdrop (even New Yorkers don't want to think of themselves as living in a tomb, and rightfully so). The moviegoing public will miss it because of its awful trailer, which makes the film look like saccharine "America's Sweethearts"-variety tripe.

Strip club searched after assault on customer: Keith Paul; Metro Police detectives on Thursday searched the Crazy Horse Too strip club in connection with a case involving a Kansas tourist who says a bouncer, in a dispute over an $88 bar tab, assaulted him and left him paralyzed.

Merrick Revisited: More than 20 years have passed since the life of John Merrick first became the subject of a play and then a movie.

Insurer cuts 160 Vegas jobs: The company has negotiated an agreement with AmCare Health Plans Inc., Houston, to take over coverage for Texas Health Choice's 30,000 customers.

Judge blocks NAACP suspension of chapter: Kim Smith; A Clark County judge has rescinded the decision of the NAACP to suspend Branch No. 1111's charter.

Mohegans increase stipends for tribe members: The stipends, which are paid out of revenue from the tribe's Mohegan Sun casino, will increase $1,000 every three months up to a total of $28,000 for members aged 18 to 62, beginning next month, the Day reported, citing four tribal council members whom it did not identify. Members under 18 will get less and those 62 and older will receive more, the paper reported.

Brown defends decision on golf course operator: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Councilman Larry Brown says the two companies vying for a contract to operate a golf course in his northwest district are equally qualified but explained his vote for a company headed by high-roller Billy Walters by saying Walters has more local experience.

Home builders bullish on prospects for Las Vegas: Kevin Ferguson; The Las Vegas commercial real estate market is heading toward some of the most depressed levels since 1997, which could hurt small developers, some experts say.

HMO serving Las Vegas to close: CARSON CITY -- A health maintenance organization that provides coverage for an estimated 6,400 customers in Las Vegas is closing.

NASCAR trucks: Silverado 350 Lineup: At Texas Motor Speedway

Ralph Siraco's selectios for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Nsynctoo -- Pincay tabbed on this one of two Mitchell-trained 'hidden entries', draws good post for sprint opener, N-sync-too-win? White Satin -- Draws alongside stablemate, the 'other' Mitchell trainee gets Baze aboard. Value Play -- Armed 'N Crafty

Local fund-raisers aid victims, laid-off workers: Angela Soo; Since the Sept. 11 attacks, dozens of fund-raising events have taken place in Southern Nevada for both the attack victims and the local workers who have been laid off because of the resultant drop in tourism.

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