Stories published October 26, 2001Las Vegas Sun

Editorial: Compassion in short supply for homeless: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman hasn't done anything to help the situation. The city actually has made it worse by refusing to chip in with Clark County government to help pay for the opening of an emergency winter shelter. Goodman would rather spend his time claiming that Salt Lake City officials have bused 1,000 homeless people to Las Vegas, a bogus allegation that is simply an attempt to change the subject so that he can avoid dealing with the homeless issue.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Press, military and war: After the Gulf War ended, the press and military sat down and agreed to a set of principles to allow independent coverage of the next war. Ten days ago Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld had members of the press ask for direct access to all military forces. They weren't buying into the secretary's story that some countries didn't want them there to let the world know about U.S. troops operating within their borders.

Columnist Jeff German: Moran Jr. weighs run for sheriff: He told reporters he wanted to devote the remaining 14 months of his term in office to ensuring that Southern Nevadans are prepared to meet threats of terrorism. And even though he likely would have had an easy campaign, he said he wanted to do it without the distraction of running for political office.

Inn the Know: Few, if any, knew the Desert Inn as intimately as Burton Cohen.

Letter: Foreign aid is fortunate: Prior to the monstrous acts of Sept. 11, President Bush had arrogantly and consistently poked his finger into the eyes of the international community, including our traditional Western allies and Japan. In addition, his inept foreign policy advisers chose a policy of benign neglect in the Middle East.

Editorial: New man on the job needs heft: The anthrax letter sent to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle was sent to the Army's biological laboratory at Fort Detrick, Md. The New York Times reported that the CDC was briefed on some of the Army's findings, but a CDC offiicial said that the agency wasn't made aware that the anthrax particles in the Daschle letter were small enough to escape a sealed envelope. If the CDC had known this important piece of information, a CDC official told the New York Times last week, the agency could have moved faster to see if workers at post offices in Washington and ...

Letter: No one forced to worship: He compares these instances to the Taliban and Afghanistan. He cites the "separation of church and state" as his reasoning.

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Families treated with kid gloves: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Since Sept. 11 congressional lawmakers have served up countless media interviews about terrorism, anthrax and the "new normal" in the nation's capital. They put on brave faces. They talk tough. They say what reporters want to hear.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Bears, 49ers on road back to joining elite: Sal DeFilippo; Fans will no doubt feel a familiar chill in the Windy City on Sunday.

Letter: Like N.Y., LV also has suffered: It's not that I'm unsympathetic to New Yorkers and the pain they are experiencing, but every time I turn on the TV I see another segment spotlighting New York. I am sure the New York firefighters and police are worthy of all the adulation that is being heaped upon them. But I am getting tired of seeing all the donations and special concerts with the proceeds going to the families of New York victims. New York is not the only community that has suffered from these attacks.

Di Palma honored for interest in fine jewelry: Attorney/investor Joseph Di Palma will receive the Tiffany Smithsonian Benefactors Circle Award Monday at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum in New York City.

Letter: Fears signal win for terrorists: Three hundred million held captive by the threat of disease and terrorist attacks? Congress closes down, shows close, Denver says "No new year's celebration," exhibiters cancel participation, and on and on. All are sending a signal, loud and strong, that the terrorists are winning; they are shaping and restricting our lives, making us change out of fear.

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Center reaches out to homeless youth: Sandy Thompson; The teens are among Las Vegas' "hidden population," according to David Mereaux, president of Street Teens. The nonprofit volunteer group staffs a new drop-in center for homeless teens in cooperation with the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

Saving the poppies: Researchers make strides in preserving endangered plant: Daniela Mohor; For years the Las Vegas bearpoppy, an endangered yellow flower with leaves that resemble bear paws, has been a source of conflict between environmentalists and developers.

Classic composers highlight 'Opera' lineup: In a move designed to broaden opera's appeal to Las Vegans, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will present "Opera Goes Prime Time" Saturday at the Beam Music Center Recital Hall.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Mack's constituents must decide: IN NEARLY ALL of the high-profile ethics cases involving Southern Nevada elected officials, the question of whether the behavior was abhorrent has had an obvious answer.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Disorder won't break his spirit: His passion for flight came crashing down in April 2000 when he suffered his first grand mal seizure. He had been awake 36 straight hours and stopped off for some breakfast on the way home.

Women pilots share war stories, camaraderie: Las Vegan Frances Tanassy recalled how things were much tougher for Women Airforce Service Pilots than their male counterparts during World War II.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Finishing 4-0 may not save Rebels: Dean Juipe; The carrot that the UNLV coaching staff is dangling in front of its football team has been munched down to almost nothing. In fact, it's a mere stub of an incentive.

UNLV's Schneiter gains tourney's fourth round: Schneiter, seeded seventh, downed Mahmoud Rozk of Boise State 6-2, 6-1 and then rallied to defeat Corie Scheepers of Utah, 4-6, 6-0, 6-1. He will face top-seeded and 13th-ranked Oliver Maiberger of San Diego State in one of today's quarterfinals.

Soccer playoffs get under way Saturday: In the Sunset Region Tournament, 12-0-1 Bishop Gorman headlines a strong field of eight playing for a single berth to the upcoming 4A State Tournament in Sparks. The Gaels, who are led by top scorer and Division I prospect Joe Zaher, open against Cheyenne at 11 a.m.

State may challenge approval of Yucca design guidelines: Nevada officials are considering legal options over the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of guidelines that allow the Department of Energy to begin designing a repository at Yucca Mountain, a state official said.

News briefs for October 26, 2001: The Department of Energy has suspended until spring a rail shipment of spent fuel rods from West Valley, N.Y., to a DOE facility in Idaho.

Nine LV contractors lose their licenses: Seven of the nine contractors were accused of failing to establish financial responsibility and to pay for materials and services. These were Henderson-based High Bluff Construction Co. and Howell Development Inc. and Las Vegas-based Freedom Plumbing Inc., Allied Underground Inc., Tri-Star Theme Builders Inc., Raincross Development Corp. and Walchop Inc.

Berkley introduces bioterrorism bill: The Bioterrorism Protection Act aims to better secure U.S. borders, protect food and water supplies, bolster U.S. intelligence and give local agencies more resources to prepare for and fight bioterrorist threats.

Auto giant reports progress in cutting costs: For the three months ended September, DaimlerChrysler earned 902 million euros ($802 million), compared with 3.01 billion euros a year earlier as the company struggled to maintain sales in the United States after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Guinn set to name task force appointees: Erin Neff and Cy Ryan; Gov. Kenny Guinn is on the verge of appointing members to a task force created by the Legislature to study the state's pending economic crisis and ways to generate revenue to help offset an expected $1 billion shortfall.

Weak quarter reported by slot maker: WMS posted net income of $5.8 million, or 18 cents per share; in the year-ago quarter, the company earned $9.5 million, or 30 cents per share. Analysts had expected the company to earn 33 cents per share.

Gas tax disbursement to be studied: CARSON CITY -- A legislative committee Thursday voted to embark on a study of how more than $24 million of gasoline tax revenue a year is divided among local governments.

Letter: Meat pathogens pose danger: All this is in spite of the implementation of the new, highly touted USDA meat inspection program and without the workings of anyone wishing us ill. Now, consider the opportunity that a slaughterhouse provides to a bioterrorist.

New Bush administration rules seen as good for Nevada mining: Launce Rake and Ben Grove; Nevada's mining industry scored a big victory Thursday as the Bush administration threw out key rules favored by environmentalists.

Datebook: The First Christian Church's music department will screen the 1925 silent film "Phantom of the Opera" at 8 p.m. today at 101 S. Rancho Drive. Donations, starting at $5 to benefit the church's Organ Fund, will be accepted.

DA: Woman who shot husband was acting in self-defense: Kim Smith; A Las Vegas woman who killed her common-law husband after allegedly suffering days of abuse at his hands will not be charged with his murder.

Jazz great Fischer got early musical start: Michigan State University in East Lansing probably would not leap to mind when one thinks about a hotbed of Latino music. But that's where jazz great Clare Fischer gained his appreciation for the musical style.

Recent Las Vegas-area business-related bankruptcies: Diana Chen doing business as The Wedding Show doing business as Gift Show, 6675 W. Patrick Lane, filed Chapter 7, listing assets of $355,107 and liabilities of $290,875.

Terror slowdown hurts Venetian: Still, company officials today said the Venetian is rebounding quickly and demand strengthening.

NASCAR Busch race lineup: At Phoenix International Raceway

Columnist Steve Guiremand: 'Halo rule' lacks teeth, leads to headhunting: Steve Guiremand; When the NCAA's football rules committee gets together again after the season, one of the first things it should focus on is the two-yard "halo rule" installed supposedly to protect punt returners.

Guitar group opens third season with free concert: Who would have thought classical guitar players would find a home in a city that has been described as a cultural desert?

Community news briefs for October 26, 2001: The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park invites the public to celebrate Nevada Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Old Fort, 500 E. Washington Ave.

Man sentenced in casino shooting: Kim Smith and Daniela Mohor; Although Maria Mersai on Thursday didn't address the man who shot and killed her daughter last year, she made sure he saw her just the same.

Magician on journey to create own unique sound: Flutist Robert Dick says that people are surprised to hear him play rock music on his flute. In fact, some people are surprised to hear anything he plays.

Winner of huge contract to be named: The competition pits a team led by Boeing Co. against Lockheed-Martin of Bethesda, Md. The jet is to replace Air Force F-16 Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolts, Navy F/A-18 Hornets and Marine AV-8B Harriers.

Columnist Jerry Fink: The heat is on at Kitchen Cafe: It's hard to find, but worth the search.

Bush signs anti-terrorism bill: WASHINGTON -- President Bush today signed a sweeping anti-terrorism bill into law, giving police and intelligence agencies vast new powers to "counter a threat like no other our nation has ever faced."

Police faced with 'suicide' dilemma: Keith Paul; The gun remained at Jeffery Daniels' side as three Metro Police officers stood outside his front door.

Rebels looking for strong finish, bowl appearance: Steve Guiremand; There's been a sense of deja vu surrounding the UNLV football team this week as it prepares for Saturday's game at Wyoming.

CCSN teacher charged with fraud: Jennifer Knight; Criminal charges have been filed in North Las Vegas District Court against Community College of Southern Nevada teacher Vincent Ricci for allegedly padding enrollment numbers and falsifying government documents to receive extra money for classes he taught.

Postal workers urged to get tests, treatment: Las Vegas Postmaster Tom Peterson is encouraging any of the valley's 3,000 postal workers who exhibit flu-like symptoms to be tested for anthrax exposure and, if necessary, take the antibiotic Cipro as a precaution.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chaine dinner dialed in at Caesars' 8-0-8: Lucky for me I attended the tasting for the Chaine dinner at 8-0-8 at Caesars Palace a few weeks before it took place, or I would have been able to report on only half of the meal. The Chaine dinner was the same night as the dinner at The Mansion at MGM Grand, the opening event of the Association of Food Journalists 2001 conference. I was able to attend both dinners by signing up for the second seating at The Mansion.

Columnist Joe Delaney: Black has accomplished a lot in short time: Joe Delaney; Clint Black, appearing in the Paris Las Vegas' Le Theatre des Arts Friday and Saturday, burst upon the country music scene in 1989, along with Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt ... In slightly more than a decade, Black has amassed more than 25 top-10 hit singles, all of them self-written ... His duet partners have included the late Roy Rogers, Wynonna and Martina McBride.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Webber no phantom of the Strip: Kate Maddox; Andrew Lloyd Webber is up to something in Las Vegas. In May Webber was on the Strip shopping "Phantom of the Opera" to casinos, including Paris Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay despite claims from the latter that it had no intention of replacing "Storm."

Shootings on east side leave two dead: Angela Soo and Keith Paul; A woman carried a bundled infant in her arms followed closely by dazed-looking and sobbing 12-year-old and 13-year-old boys Thursday night. The three children survived a shooting rampage that left their mother and her boyfriend dead and two older siblings shot.

Nevada lawmakers settle back into offices: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Three of Nevada's four lawmakers in Congress joined hundreds of colleagues and staffers in moving back into their offices Thursday after the buildings were tested for anthrax.

Thomas providing more bang for buck at Tropicana: Joe Delaney; "The Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas," performed twice an afternoon (dark Fridays), is in its fifth year in the Tropicana Tiffany Theatre, and is one of the best entertainment bargains of all the magic shows, including the evening offerings.

Utah man sentenced in sexual assault of 8-year-old girl: Daniela Mohor; A St. George, Utah, trucker accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl outside a Mesquite casino expressed remorse before being sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

Parent: Mojave High School textbook is racist: Rhodes said her son's 10th grade honors English class at Mojave High School is using a book that includes the story "Kaffir Boy," by Mark Mathabane. The story is an autobiography of Mathabane's experiences of growing up under apatheid in South Africa.

Health officials warn against inappropriate antibiotics use: By Emily Richmond; Health fears in recent weeks have focused on letters and envelopes containing mysterious white powder, but some Nevada officials are bracing for what could be bioterrorism's second wave -- the fear that antibiotics misuse by the "worried well" will lead to drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Beatty living on burro time: The gold mine is closed and the miners are gone, but Beatty still has its burro races.

Town pleased with new competition: John Christoffersen; GREENWICH, Conn. -- For the past few years it's been Powerball vs. posh in this town of tranquility and privilege in the shadow of New York City.

Letter: Choose 'allies' very carefully: The Bush administration appears willing to overlook the duplicity and deviousness of our new "allies" in its attempt to build a broad anti-terrorist coalition. The Washington Post reported in September that the president has "asked Congress for authority to waive all existing restrictions on U.S. military assistance and weapons exports for the next five years to any country if he determines the aid will help the fight against international terrorism."

Plenty of places to scare up fun: Beginning today and continuing through Wednesday there will be plenty of themed events, parties and festivities in which ghosts and goblins of all ages can partake.

Teamsters focus on schools' staff: Terry Webster; Teamsters union officials, who are attempting to organize teachers in the Clark County School District, are turning their attention toward support staff workers.

Nevada officers plead guilty in FBI scandal: Two Nevada law enforcement officers arrested in the secrets-for-sale scandal that rocked the Las Vegas FBI office pleaded guilty this week to federal conspiracy charges in New York.

Obituaries for October 26, 2001: Herman Ader, 77, of Henderson died Sept. 27 in Henderson. A furrier and a World War II Army veteran, he was born Feb. 13, 1924, in Germany.

Editorial: Neighbors seem sold on high-tech business: Officials from Henderson, who are competing against Phoenix officials to lure Hughes, also would love to see Hughes as a new neighbor. The company wouldn't employ a huge work force -- about 75 people -- but the starting annual pay is exceptional: $41,000. This is exactly the kind of efforts that local and state officials should make to diversify a tourism-based economy. Success breeds success, and if Hughes comes here maybe other companies with high-paying jobs will seriously consider locating here, too.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Post Time 9:05 a.m.

Letter: Supremacist militia groups greatest threat: Even as large as this tragedy was, America biggest security threat will not come from international terrorism, but within our own borders.

Laid-off casino workers keep busy in culinary union training classes: Mathis Winkler; As thousands of laid-off casino workers stare at a tight and competitive job market, some are using their free time to take classes at the culinary union's training academy.

311 remains part of music's numbers game: Kirk Baird; Chad Sexton, 311's drummer, remembers exactly what he was doing the morning of Sept. 11. Sleeping.

Editorial: Mack's mark is eluding sanctions: Mack's escape from punishment is just the latest in the controversy over the car dealership vote. A complaint filed with the Las Vegas Ethics Review Board against Mack was dismissed last month because the board failed to act on it within the 30-day deadline required under a city ordinance. The complaint will be refiled, but Mack's Houdini-like ability to escape from official sanctions still is something to behold.

N.Y. may be tip of iceberg for expansion of casinos: David Strow; Legalized gambling is on the verge of an unprecedented expansion in New York -- and Las Vegas' largest casino operators are all eyeing ways to become involved in what could be the newest frontier for the gaming industry.

New casinos likely to hurt Atlantic City: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- First, it was casinos in Connecticut. Then it was slot machines at Delaware racetracks. Now, more bad luck for Atlantic City: new Indian casinos in neighboring New York state.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Poisoning young minds: ALMOST FOUR MONTHS AGO this column discussed the hate being taught in Palestinian schools. Because of personal experiences I felt comfortable pointing to the hate-and-kill-Jews philosophy taught to young people in Palestinian textbooks. There isn't even a glint of hope for peace taught these students until Israel no longer exists as the sole democracy in the Middle East. Even the maps used for instruction present all of Israel as Palestine. So I asked what can we expect from Arafat and his pals now running the Palestinian Authority.

Moapa Paiutes near deal to share water: The Las Vegas Valley Water District and the Moapa Band of Paiutes are close to an agreement to share ground water on tribal lands 45 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

Show goes on for Radio Music Awards: Kirk Baird; Even as the world stopped on Sept. 11, it has begun to return to normal -- however slowly.

Water fight looms: Clark County officials have found water that they believe will allow the population of the Las Vegas area to double. But those sitting on top of that water are claiming it for themselves.

'Real World' stars tackle college lecture circuit: Kimberley McGee; Reality shows may be tanking in the network ratings game, but people seem to still be interested in the first wave of quasi-celebrities that emerged triumphant from such shows as "Survivor" and MTV's "The Real World."

Back in Tune: Teddy Pendergrass was one of the most popular R&B singers in the country when his Rolls Royce crashed into a tree on March 18, 1982, leaving the rising star paralyzed from the chest down.

Columnist Larry Dixon: Tight duel adds extra excitement: Larry Dixon; The season-long battle our Snake Racing Miller Lite Team has been in with the "red" car for this season's Winston Top Fuel Championship is really something special in the sport of drag racing.

NASCAR truck race lineup: Qualifying Thursday, race today

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Gaughan opts to stick with his roots: AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Brendan Gaughan turned down a ride with a championship-caliber team and instead will compete full-time next year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with his Las Vegas-based Orleans Racing team.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: 1st Race -- Retro Fever -- Baze aboard Hendricks trainee for owners Wygod, draws good outside post for sprint opener, Retro A.M. winner. Tejan -- Pincay scales Shirreffs trainee for owner Thoroughbred Corporation, draws good box, world's winningest for a reason. Value Play -- Love All The Way

Wildcats ground Falcons in clash of Sunrise powers: Spencer Patterson and Leah Robinson; Friday, Nov. 2

Ex-UNLV student McBride wins first round of PBR: Victoria Sun; Ever since Justin McBride was a little boy growing up in Nebraska, he has dreamed of being a champion bull rider.

VEGAS WEEKEND SPORTS ON TV-RADIO: VEGAS WEEKEND SPORTS ON TV-RADIO

This week's races: NASCAR WINSTON CUP

2001 prep football, soccer and volleyball playoff schedules: 4A SUNRISE REGION TOURNAMENT

Centennial claims Northwest title: Spencer Patterson; Throughout the 2001 high school football season, most of the attention on the west side of town has been heaped on No. 4 Palo Verde and No. 6 Durango, two teams with one loss apiece entering week nine.

8 seconds: Bull riders trying to hang on: Victoria Sun; Eight seconds is less than the time it takes for the ball to drop in New York's Times Square during the city's annual New Year's Eve countdown.

Prep football standings: CLASS 4A

Columnist Ralph Siraco: Super Saturday: Ralph Siraco; The resilience of New York and the resolve of America will be on display at the Empire State's historic Belmont Park as the racing emporium hosts the 18th edition of the Breeders' Cup on Saturday.

Officials gear up for next round of thrill ride talks: Jeffrey Libby; A planned Las Vegas Strip monorail could be built through a historic downtown neighborhood if the Las Vegas City Council refuses to approve the Stratosphere's proposed 740-foot-high thrill ride, Richard Brown, chief operating officer for the downtown hotel-casino, said this morning.

5 seconds: Dragsters light it up at LVMS: If the Kentucky Derby is considered "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," there is little question that a nitromethane-powered NHRA Top Fuel dragster or Funny Car race is "The Most Exciting Five Seconds in Sports."

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