Print edition for October 12, 2001

Columnist Kate Maddox: USO show is far from so-so: Kate Maddox; Look for even more Strip headliners to join the Nov. 11 benefit for the USO at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Rick Springfield and the McGuire Sisters have been added to an impressive list that already includes Siegfried & Roy, Clint Holmes, Wayne Newton, the Scintas, Bob Anderson, Lance Burton, Earl Turner and Bill Acosta. Rumor has it the stars of "The Rat Pack is Back," as well as cast members from both "Mystere" and "O," are also trying to work the Sunday afternoon event into their schedules.

Broadway star Chenoweth taking career in stride: In a short-lived television series earlier this year, Kristin Chenoweth starred as a sweet, wholesome young woman from Oklahoma who went to Broadway seeking her fortune and failed.

Invensys Classic par scores: Invensys Classic par scores

Audit criticizes dairy investigations: CARSON CITY -- A legislative audit says the state Dairy Commission doesn't have the records to show that it investigates complaints on unlicensed dairy distributors and unfair pricing practices.

Firms upping security on computer systems: Kevin Ferguson; Worries about possible future terrorist attacks have businesses in Las Vegas and around the nation scrambling to safeguard their computer networks.

Fairness sought with changes to parole formula: Kim Smith; Citing inequities in the way murderers and sex offenders are being treated at parole hearings, the state Board of Parole Commissioners agreed Thursday to make some changes.

Local pump prices decline: However, indicators point to conditions that could lead to a repeat of steep price increases that were experienced last spring.

Water district plans to beef up security: The directors of both agencies will be asked next week to approve $441,341 for the new guards. If approved, the district would get seven guards, the water authority six.

Rebels face real threat in RB Ned: Steve Guiremand; UNLV faces one of the nation's hottest running backs in San Diego State's Larry Ned on Saturday afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium. And if the Rebels are to slow down the talented 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, they'll have to do it without their top defensive lineman.

UNLV Calendar: Men's soccer -- Hosts San Jose State, 7:30 p.m.

Datebook: Red Rock Canyon's seventh annual Harvest Festival, featuring crafts, natural history demonstrations and cultural history, will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Visitor Center. Call 363-1922.

Lehman stays hot: Victoria Sun; For a man who hadn't played a competitive round of golf since the week of Aug. 19, Tom Lehman showed no signs of rust on Thursday.

Gaming stocks gaining back some ground: David Strow; Las Vegas' four major casino operators enjoyed a big day Thursday on Wall Street, with one-day gains of 7 percent to 16 percent in their stock prices.

Letter: Head off aliens at the borders: The last thing we need is another bureaucracy to protect us. Isn't it the existing agencies' failure to protect us and to enforce laws that are already on the books?

Editorial: New public defender is seasoned litigator: Cooper, a deputy public defender, has worked in the office for 23 years and has tried more cases than any other attorney in the office. The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is complaining that Cooper won't shake things up and bring about progressive changes. But, as Cooper notes, he previously wasn't in a position where he could set policy in the office. Cooper also says that while it's important to maintain a good relationship with prosecutors, his clients always have been his top priority.

Invensys Classic notebook: With wild days behind him, Daly now contending for title: Victoria Sun; Talented, but troubled.

Man charged in downtown LV beating death: Keith Paul; A 42-year-old man was arrested Thursday night in connection with the April slaying of a Las Vegas man found dead in downtown Las Vegas.

Obituaries for October 12, 2001: Alan Dale Alders, 40, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. He was born Feb. 27, 1961, in California. A resident for two years, he was a laborer.

Saturday's horse racing entries: OAK TREE MEETING

Las Vegas FBI office seeks public's help: The Las Vegas FBI office Thursday appealed to the public for help in identifying possible terrorist activity in the area.

Boggs McDonald launches campaign for seat in Congress: Erin Neff; Although Nevada's 1st Congressional district stretches for more than 20 miles through a variety of neighborhoods, Lynette Boggs McDonald will launch her campaign for that seat today from the heart of Las Vegas' minority community.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Robert Pearson also known as Robert Alan Pearson formerly doing business as Global Destination Service LLC formerly doing business as Strategic Partnerships, 8690 Keewatin Court, filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $154,363 and liabilities of $275,423.

Different world: Las Vegans recall their native Afghanistan: Stacy J. Willis; This is not how Diba Hadi remembers Afghanistan.

How smart is gambling? Program lets kids figure it out for themselves: Alan Sayre; NEW ORLEANS -- Hoping to combat the glitzy promises of casinos and lotteries, Louisiana is giving students a chance to figure out for themselves just how slim their odds are of winning.

Waste found in awarding state contracts: CARSON CITY -- The state government each year awards more than $500 million in contracts, but weaknesses in the system result in cost overruns and bad judgment.

Poker room closed: About 20 employees lost their jobs in the poker room's closure earlier this month. There are no plans to reopen the room, and the space will be converted to high-limit slots, said Duane Krohn, Riviera chief financial officer.

Thursday's prep results: BOYS SOCCER

Test Site proposed for new nuclear facility: The Nevada Test Site is one of five places the Department of Energy is considering for a facility to train people on the handling and detection of nuclear weapons and other radioactive material.

Experts: Casinos on 'Net should survive: David Strow and Benjamin Grove; The House Financial Services Committee on Thursday passed the Financial Anti-Terrorism Act, a bill containing language designed to quash Internet gambling.

Berkley seeks probe of Yucca law firm: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., today asked the Washington, D.C., bar association to investigate conflict-of-interest allegations against the Chicago law firm handling legal work on the Yucca Mountain project.

Science stumps students on proficiency examination: Terry Webster; Science questions that debuted this week on the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam left some students wondering about the usefulness of the test.

Columnist Susan Snyder: It's really a jingle out there: Forget "Sin City."

Southwest Airlines flight cuts won't affect Las Vegas operations: Southwest Airlines is trimming flights from some of its busiest airports to accommodate service to a new city, but the cuts won't affect Las Vegas.

News briefs for October 12, 2001: The House and Senate on Thursday approved a budget bill for the Department of Interior that included $4 million in special projects for Nevada.

Editorial: Ride isn't a thrill for neighbors: The proposed roller coaster may be a thrill-seekers' dream, but it is a nightmare for nearby residents. Many of the people who live close to the Stratosphere have vigorously opposed another roller coaster being added to the mix -- the Stratosphere already has two in operation. Both of those roller coasters are operated near the top of the tower, with the Big Shot about 900 feet above ground, so the noise from the rides, and the screams from their passengers, aren't too much of a disturbance now. But this latest entry would bring the ride close to residential areas.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Maloof has plans in the Palms of his hand: George Maloof, president of the soon-to-open Palms hotel on West Flamingo Road, is a happy man. The Palms, a Maloof family property, will open ahead of schedule in November rather than December.

Letter: Racial-profiling law is fraught with problems: It appears that state Sen. Joe Neal, D-North Las Vegas, and his associates came up with the idea for the bill, researched it, wrote it, lobbied for it, presented it to state lawmakers, submitted the proposal to a vote and passed it into law. Now it seems that Mr. Neal is unhappy with the quality of his own work and expects Sheriff Jerry Keller to solve his problems.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Maybe UNR got what it deserved with late TD: Steve Guiremand; Let's get this straight: UNLV should have taken a knee at the end of last week's 27-12 Fremont Cannon victory at Nevada-Reno.

Contrived plot makes Italy's 'Bread' stale: Max Jacobson; Light romantic comedy has become a cliche in American cinema, but the concept still seems fresh in many films from Europe. In far too many U.S. films, the principals invariably meet cute and the end result is fait accompli; we know that fate will somehow bring them together in the end. That's the way most of our romantic comedies go, from "Sleepless in Seattle" to the current "Serendipity."

School District to be judged by new accountability system: Terry Webster; Clark County School District officials are hoping a new computer system that focuses on accountability will enhance efficiency in relation to how the district responds to residents' questions and concerns.

Letter: Spend money on the children: After three weeks of the new school year, I purchased a cassette tape player with my own money so the 31 children in my fourth grade class could have a reading/listening center and sing the "Star Spangled Banner" at the beginning of each day. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: We won't be bought: WHEN YOUR CITY and state needs $54 billion to rebuild from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, would you look a $10 million gift horse in the mouth?

Harter highlights research efforts: Jennifer Knight; In spite of financial obstacles, a need to address increasing enrollment and problems concerning some high-profile donors, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, President Carol Harter on Thursday attempted to drive home the image of a strong university that is making large strides in the area of research.

Ethics panel decides not to appeal ruling: CARSON CITY -- The state Ethics Commission Thursday voted unanimously not to appeal a ruling by U.S. District Judge David Hagen that two sections of the ethics law are unconstitutional.

City, county land accord may be near: Adrienne Packer; Clark County and Las Vegas officials may soon strike a compromise in a nasty and personal battle over a new state law that gives the city the authority to annex county land without permission.

Audit: State fails to keep tabs on toxic items: CARSON CITY -- Hazardous materials could be stored at 20,000 Nevada businesses, but state officials don't have any idea where most of them are, a legislative audit said.

Six approved for pot use: CARSON CITY -- The first six persons have been approved to enter the medical marijuana program, the state Department of Agriculture said today.

Pennsylvania firm seeks dismissal of racetrack suit: Grace Leong; Penn National Gaming Inc., a Wyomissing, Pa.-based racetrack and sports book owner, is seeking dismissal of a Las Vegas lawsuit challenging its rights to operate a racetrack in Charles Town, W.Va.

Military office criticized: The Nevada Office of the Military was criticized Thursday for overspending its budget, allowing unauthorized purchases and for poor accounting.

Applicants plead for last Louisiana riverboat license: Alan Sayre; BATON ROUGE, La. -- The three applicants for Louisiana's 15th and final riverboat casino license got a last chance to plead their cases Wednesday before state gambling regulators.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Cowboys-Redskins matchup is pure comedy: Sal DeFilippo; Apparently "Everybody Loves Raymond" must be pretty darn funny.

Hotel visitor volume was up before terrorist strikes: Visitor volume was up 2.4 percent in August compared to the same month last year. More than 3.2 million people stayed in local hotels in August, compared to 3.13 million in August 2000.

New military police unit ready to serve: When the green and gold guidon of the 313th Military Police Detachment is unfurled during a noon ceremony Sunday, the newest unit of the U.S. Army Reserve will be born in Las Vegas.

Columnist Dean Juipe: 'Footnote' designation stymies May: Dean Juipe; For those with but a hardened view of the sport, to this point in time Bob May is simply a footnote in the career of Tiger Woods.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Ideal Cut -- Smith aboard this Baffert-trained horse, draws outside box of small field in mile opener, Cut diploma for Ideal win. Prized Gem -- Draws good rail post, trainer Van Berg tabs McCarron for this, should get good trip for graduation try. Value Play -- Decision

UNLV to begin practice with clean slate: Steve Addy; Guards (10)

Sandoval plans campaign for attorney general: Erin Neff; Former Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Brian Sandoval on Thursday officially entered the race to be Nevada's next attorney general -- an early move designed to ward off any competition.

Former head of charity's LV office arrested over funds: Jace Radke; A yearlong investigation involving $400,000 in missing American Cancer Society funds concluded Thursday with the arrest of the former head of the charity's Las Vegas office.

Letter: What do jobless tell their kids?: "Get on with your life": How, when you get laid off from work and you're not even guaranteed your job when this is behind us? How dare our hotels send millions of dollars each to New York, then put their own people out of work.

Letter: America works, prays together: You are a proud American when you go to work, raise children, take out garbage and mow that yard.

Senior Advocate Program started: Daniela Mohor; The Clark County Commission launched a program Wednesday to help senior citizens find the services they need.

Letter: People are nicer since Sept. 11: Most importantly I have heard more people in general saying "thank you" and using nicer, friendlier words to one another. This certainly is a time when we all should be coming together and helping one another.

Where I Stand -- Janie Greenspun Gale: R-J does real harm: A columnist has attacked two things about which I care very deeply, the Las Vegas Sun and the Animal Foundation. The R-J's usual mean-spirited stories and half-truths are infuriating, but going after the city shelter is causing true damage. And it's unwarranted. Insult me to your cold heart's content, Tom Mitchell, I could care less. But cause the public to distrust the city animal shelter so animals' lives are in jeopardy, and you have got a fight on your hands.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: This time let's finish the job: I wanted to yell at the radio and tell the peace-at-any-cost complainer that, "No, this isn't terrorism, stupid! Terrorism is flying a civilian airliner full of innocent people into a building with the intent to kill all of the passengers and the occupants of the building." That's terrorism of the worst kind. Yes, almost 6,000 innocent and unsuspecting people died at the hands of terrorists.

Letter: Occupation by Israel must end: Like most Americans, I fully support Israel's right to exist in peace. But when Israel embarked upon building illegal settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, it started down a slippery slope that occupying powers fall into to maintain security and control. Israel has lowered its moral standard down to the level of its adversaries. A true friend (ally) would tell his friend (ally) when he is wrong, but the United States has lacked the courage to do so.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Gans won't make an impression: Kate Maddox; With all the good buzz floating around the upcoming Vegas USO star-packed concert, you can't help but notice a glaring omission to the list of headliners who have volunteered to perform at the Nov. 11 event.

New movies falling into theaters: Geoff Carter; Fall movies used to come on exactly like the weather. One week, space battles and teenage hormones rampaged freely through the multiplex; the following week, the noisemakers were gone, replaced by prestigious actors in period dress. It was as if an occult hand smacked Arnold Schwarzenegger back to Austria and replaced him with Jeremy Irons, each and every September.

Columnist Jon Ralston: City Council shanks deal on golf course: WHEN THE CITY of Las Vegas requested bids for a northwest golf course on May 25, Billy Walters says he wasn't interested. There was no money in a small, no-frills course, he says he believed. "There was no shot to an upside," Walters recalled thinking. "We just passed."

Heller, Liberace's personal manager for 37 years, dies at 87: Seymour Heller, Liberace's personal manager for 37 years, who vehemently denied that the renowned entertainer was dying of AIDS and insisted Liberace's rapid weight loss was the result of a watermelon diet, died Tuesday at his Beverly Hills home. He was 87.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Jazzed Cafe patrons offer bite of Las Vegas history: "Here's a little Las Vegas trivia for you," said former showgirl Betty Petty as she sat in the open-air dining area of the Jazzed Cafe while listening to the Marv Koral's All-Stars band one evening last week. "Who was Marlene Dietrich's piano player when she worked at the Sahara?"

Man to stand trial in wife's death: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas man suspected of killing his estranged wife just before Christmas will go to trial in March, after a judge refused Thursday to dismiss the charges against him.

There is no normal in Washington: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Many residents of this city hate the word "normal" now.

Columnist Jeff German: Casualties of casino purge are mounting: Tourism officials again are predicting a big weekend on the Strip for America's adult playland. Many of the megaresorts expect to be booked solid.

Editorial: Airline security is a sham: It is hard to believe that the airlines, after the terrorist hijackings that claimed more than 5,000 lives, wouldn't be screening this baggage with the utmost scrutiny. Then again, this isn't anything new for the industry, which before Sept. 11 had adopted a lackadaisical attitude to the screening of checked baggage. In July, the latest month for which figures are available, the bomb detection machines at U.S. airports screened on average about 350 bags per day, which is significantly below what they're capable of screening: 150 bags an hour. Mead believes that the reason for the limited use of this ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: On Internet, hoax springs eternal: We almost deserve to be scared.

Organization raises awareness of AIDS in community: Daniela Mohor; Sista To Sista will hold a conference on the effect of HIV and AIDS on the minority community Nov. 1 and 2 at Sam's Town. For more information, call (702) 838-7298.

Australian band Midnight Oil still carries weight: Kirk Baird; Spurred on by the success of the single "Beds Are Burning," the environmentally conscious Australian rock band Midnight Oil became an overnight U.S. sensation in 1988.

Letter: Bin Laden has media access: Things have sure changed. Just ask Osama bin Laden. Without the aid of a pistol-whipped hostage, he has had his message broadcast on all the television networks and printed in many major newspapers.

Letter: Enemies watch our broadcasts: There was no television at this time. In order to know and see what was going on during the war, people had to go to their neighborhood movie house to see "Fox News," which reported and screened only our wins and losses, after the fact.

Letter: American left justifies attack: Not once has bin Laden or his surrogates ever mentioned greenhouse gas emissions, the Kyoto Treaty or Americans' love of the SUV as grounds for attacking this nation. Bin Laden is a wealthy international businessman and has never listed capitalism, globalism or the plight of the Third World poor as motivations for his hatred of our nation and our way of life.

Anthrax testing in Reno: Gov. Kenny Guinn said Friday the contents of the letter tested "presumptively positive" for Anthrax. Two other tests must be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Results from those should be completed by Saturday.

Governor issues anthrax alert for Reno: Jace Radke; Additional testing to confirm the presence of anthrax is expected to be completed by Saturday.

Deferments asked for mortgages, rents: The Culinary Union is asking Las Vegas developers, landlords and mortgage companies to be lenient with tenants who have lost their jobs in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

No laughing matter?: Kirk Baird; "Humor is tragedy plus time." Mark Twain

Commission says regent can take UNLV post: Jennifer Knight; The state Ethics Commission, in a 3-2 vote Thursday, decided that Regent Linda Howard is free to take a paid position at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, despite earlier concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest.

Plea agreement made in attempted murder case: Kim Smith; The third of three men accused of trying three times to kill a local psychologist has entered a plea agreement.

Community news briefs for October 12, 2001: Nevada Parents Encouraging Parents will hold its fifth annual open house 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at 2810 W. Charleston Blvd. to help parents learn about PEP, Nevada's Parent Training and Information Center.

Laid-off workers from LV talk to Congress: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Two laid-off hotel workers from Las Vegas on Thursday told a House panel they needed Congress to help them pay rent and care for their families.

Authorities say second Anthrax test negative: Cy Ryan and Mary Manning; Gov. Kenny Guinn said Friday the contents of the letter tested "presumptively positive" in one of three tests for Anthrax. A second sample tested negative. A third test must be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

Seniors enjoy a new chance at being with kids: Angela Soo; Grandparents wanted.

'Cats' doesn't miss a beat: Joe Delaney; "Cats," a full-scale production of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, based on "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," by T.S. Eliot, is being performed by a talented and enthusiastic cast through Sunday at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. If you've never seen it, you should, and if you have, this company makes it worth seeing it again.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Time to trace Taylor's long recording history: Joe Delaney; Super-sensitive singer and songwriter James Taylor performs in the Mandalay Bay Events Center Saturday at 8 p.m. ... It was the late John Hammond, responsible for the discovery and launching the recording careers of George Benson, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin (the same day) and Bruce Springsteen, who first made me aware of Taylor when he gave me a copy of a Taylor album.

Recovery under way: Businesses beginning to bounce back from hard times: David Strow; Like a prizefighter caught by a surprise haymaker, the Las Vegas economy hit the canvas in the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Here's Johnny: Chances are you get misty when you listen to Johnny Mathis sing one of his wonderful, wonderful songs.

Letter: Constitutional freedoms can't be negotiated: Just to prove the distinction, when a citizen asked Benjamin Franklin, as he was leaving the meeting of the Constitutional Convention, what they had given him, Franklin replied, "A Republic, if you can keep it." Apparently Mr. Daughton is not entirely clear on the content, meaning, spirit or purpose of our constitution because he believes the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution are nothing more than, as he put it, "merely conveniences and contrivances."

Letter: Drug dealers support enemy: We know that a large part of Osama bin Laden's money comes from illegal drugs. Therefore, the local drug dealer on the corner is bin Laden's employee, selling his products. Does it not make sense that if we put away all the drug dealers in our own country, that we would deprive bin Laden of much of his income?

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Busch senses no home-track edge: Kyle Busch may be racing in his own backyard in Sunday's Orleans 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, but the native Las Vegan said he doesn't have a home-field advantage.

Lady Rebels ranked 22nd by magazine: The Lady Rebels, ranked No. 22 in the poll, are coming off a successful 2000-01 season, after posting a 19-10 overall mark and advancing to the postseason WNIT.

Henderson racer captures gold medal: Flores rode a Kawasaki watercraft to the gold in the Pro-Am Ski Stock class, his third title in this event. A two-time IJSBA Expert Ski Superstock National Champion, Flores also will be racing this weekend in the Pro Ski class.

Wendy Macpherson wins Ohio tournament: Macpherson, who was seeded first in the stepladder finals, defeated Leanne Barrette of Pleasanton, Calif., 257-169 in the championship match to win $11,000.

Keever far behind in LPGA tournament: Stanford student and Las Vegas resident Stephanie Keever posted a second round of 74 and her total of 150 is 11 shots behind Kung.

Possible terrorist sighting checked: FBI agents today were trying to determine whether one of the Bush administration's 22 most wanted terrorists was in Las Vegas this week.

Federal help sought for security at dam: By Jeff German; The governors of Nevada and Arizona have asked the Bush administration to assess the security needs of Hoover Dam and provide additional federal funds to protect it from a terrorist attack.

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP

Gaming stocks gain ground: David Strow; Las Vegas' four major casino operators enjoyed a big day Thursday on Wall Street, with one-day gains of 7 percent to 16 percent in their stock prices.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Championship game likely Reno-bound again: Spencer Patterson; All games 7 p.m.

UNLV women defeated by 21st-ranked BYU: UNLV next takes on Utah in another Mountain West home matchup at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

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