Stories published September 21, 2001Las Vegas Sun

Columnist Sandy Thompson: Nation can never return to normal: Sandy Thompson; LAST WEEK Americans were urged to return to normalcy. I'm not sure anymore what "normal" is, but I do know that we can't return to business as usual.

Letter: Put God ahead of everything: I believe this is a much different war than we have ever or will ever experience. I believe it is not just a regular war but a spiritual war. We need to put God ahead of everything. We need to put prayer back in the schools.

Subject matter takes play to the extreme: After searching for a local theater company that was willing to produce a controversial and disturbing psychodrama about rape, local director Joseph Hammond finally found a company that was up to the challenge.

Start of under-funded program nears: By Emily Richmond; Advocates of Nevada's fledging medical marijuana program said pills can't match smoking the plant when it comes to patient tolerance and affordability.

Letter: These guys are not Christians: These two are as much terrorists as bin Laden by spreading their filth against decent Americans. What has religion become when Robertson and Falwell can call themselves Christians?

Letter: Americans must have courage to keep flying: Nothing really changed except that I arrived way too early, my friend who brought me to the airport couldn't come in with me, I still took my two carry-on bags with me, and the plane was later than usual.

Residents in northwest review plans for beltway: Angela Soo; Residents living in the northwest had little to complain about Thursday during a public hearing on the latest proposed extension of the Las Vegas Beltway.

Fate of fire chief in doubt: Adrienne Packer; Clark County Manager Thom Reilly skirted questions Thursday about the future of Fire Chief Earl Greene and whether Reilly directly asked the chief to step down from his post.

Artists celebrate Hispanic heritage at festival: Kimberley McGee; Crayons, paints and murals were the landscapes of Aldolfo Gonzalez's childhood in Chicago in the early '70s.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Lessons from Gulf War: PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH should be commended for attempting to put a coalition of nations together in our fight against terrorism. When putting together this coalition his advisers should recognize that there are weaknesses in this approach when fighting a war. Sure, when you have friends like Great Britain standing with you it is a plus. The same can't be said about some of the other nations we are courting.

Community news briefs for September 21, 2001: Valley Hospital Medical Explorer Post 842 will hold an open house 7 p.m. Thursday at the hospital, 620 Shadow Lane featuring programs for youth, ages 16-20, who want to learn about health careers and the field of medicine.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Liberty should not be victim of attacks: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin

Racial profiling survey delayed: CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa says the trial run for the new racial profiling study has been delayed until Oct. 29 while more information is gathered.

Junior League boutique won't repeat: Daniela Mohor; Standing next to a rack of sweaters in the Repeat Boutique, store manager Jean Cheek carefully folds clothes and puts them into a box. Nearby, piles of hangers are ready to be taken out.

Columnist Kate Maddox: Guggenheim party scaled back: Kate Maddox; Last week's terrorist attacks will have a major effect on the grand-opening festivities for the Guggenheim Las Vegas and Hermitage Museum. Venetian, in conjunction with the Guggenheim Foundation and the Hermitage, had been planning to throw an elaborate, weekend-long celebration set to kick off Oct. 5, but as of late Thursday afternoon most of the parties had been canceled.

Firefighters' fitness program receives federal grant: Mathis Winkler; The North Las Vegas Fire Department will receive $110,600 in federal funds to set up a health and fitness program for its 100 employees.

Letter: Putting blame in wrong place: They could be blamed for all the tragedies in America history, such as the Kennedy assassination, Pearl Harbor, and Oklahoma City bombing.

Columnist Thomas Friedman: U.S. has many allies throughout the Muslim world: Thomas Friedman; No, I relate this simply to say that America still has many admirers in this part of the world. For all that Middle Easterners get enraged with America, many others value it, envy it and want their kids there. They envy the sense of ownership that Americans have over their own government, they envy its naive optimism, its celebration of individual freedom and its abiding faith that the past won't always bury the future. For a brief, terrifying moment last week people out here got a glimpse of what the world could be like without America, and many did not ...

'Les Miserables' a stellar show at Aladdin: Joe Delaney; "Les Miserables," based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, is the full-length London and Broadway production this week at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Nevadans laud president's speech: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday outlined a complex war on terrorism to be fought in many nations, but Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., does not expect a series of televised military bombardments and immediate results.

Letter: Give up useless war on drugs: Those of us -- your neighbors, friends, relatives and strangers alike -- who, during the quiet enjoyment of moments in our own homes, choose to use a drug, prescribed or not, whether by swallowing, sniffing, smoking, or a shot, are not violent.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Spirit of Piero's continues to thrive: It isn't often that a restaurant owner beams over losing a chef, but Piero's owner Freddie Glusman's loss was no ordinary one. Piero's Chef de Cuisine Sam Marvin is now the executive chef/partner at Piero's Trattoria (formerly Freddie G's Deli) in the Hughes Center. Managing the Trattoria are two of Freddie's offspring, Charlie Skinner and Evan Glusman. Both have grown up in the restaurant business, working every position from bus boy to parking attendant, under the watchful eye of papa Freddie.

Columnist Joe Delaney: 'Joke Man' Martling returns to Top of the Riv: Joe Delaney; Jackie "the Joke Man" Martling, erstwhile head writer for the syndicated "The Howard Stern Show" on radio and television, is back in one of his favorite live haunts anywhere, the Riviera's Top of the Riv, at 10 tonight and 9 p.m. on Saturday ... Be forewarned that Martling's performances are adult-oriented, not for the faint of mind.

Letter: Hit Afghanistan in its wallet: As a former U.S. Army Ranger and Vietnam veteran I know, and Russia learned a decade ago, military efforts against a determined but scattered enemy are likely to be extremely difficult.

Letter: Put an end to terror forever: However, we live in the United States, not the Divided States. Perhaps that's what these terrorists wanted to do was to bring upheaval and unrest to our country.

Analysis: A firm call to arms: Some in the administration would prefer to focus the campaign more narrowly, concentrating on the operations of Osama bin Laden, the main suspect in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11. That, they argue, would constitute a much more realistic goal -- though still a hard one to achieve -- and make easier the assembly of an extensive, actively engaged international coalition.

Letter: Much too quick to condemn: I do not know you personally, so I don't know if you have ever sat on a missile made of steel and human. Have you ever been in a position such as those victims were?

Blaze destroys 5 unfinished houses: Angela Soo; A fire in the valley's northwest Thursday night destroyed five unoccupied homes that were under construction.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Sun Spots bring back memories at Plaza lounge: The Sun Spots were performing on the stage in the Omaha Lounge at the Plaza.

Datebook: Las Vegas Sun reporter Jeff German will sign copies of his new book, "Murder in Sin City: The Death of a Las Vegas Casino Crime Boss," about the slaying of casino mogul Ted Binion, at 3 p.m. Saturday at Barnes and Noble, 567 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson. Call 434-1533.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Following is a psychic reading: Robert Leysen says there are no psychics.

Noteworthy Cause: Members of the board of directors of the Las Vegas Philharmonic were in perfect harmony last week when they decided to donate ticket sales from the orchestra's first concert of the season to recovery efforts in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Columnist Mike O'Callaghan: Americans must get used to inconvenience for safety: We keep hearing people remark that our country has become a different society since the deadly terrorist attack last week. I'm not sure that they are correct, and if they are right about this, we had better make certain that some changes aren't temporary.

Letter: Let's maintain focus on victims: However, as one who, but for previously annoying scheduling conflicts, would have been in D.C. last week, I feel the need to share my thoughts about this tragedy.

Editorial: Bush's message was clear: The president is to be commended for making it clear that the terrorists who attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11 have nothing in common with the vast majority of Muslims. Our enemies are fanatics who do not preach the goodness of the Islamic faith. Rather, they have concocted a twisted version of theology filled with hate and evil that has no place on this planet.

Letter: Don't let this stop economy: We need to continue to live our lives as normal ... working, traveling, investing and spending. Businesses need to keep people on the payroll, even forgoing profits, perhaps absorbing losses, in the short-term (18 months).

Letter: Freedom comes with a price: We kept thinking Bruce Willis would jump out somewhere and save the day, but he didn't.

Letter: Gung ho guy disgusts reader: Airlines, as well as the government, have instructed pilots to cooperate, and passengers as well. In your sick way of thinking you say the passengers are guilty for the deaths of over 5,000 people. Try telling that to the victims' relatives.

Columnist Frank Rich: America won't be fighting a sanitized, Hollywood war: Frank Rich; Then you grieve for the city whose once indelible profile was mutilated, just like that, on one beautiful September morning.

Letter: Innocents have nothing to hide: All of the hijackers were known suspects, and they could have been detected if we had allowed our technology to aid our law enforcement. Facial recognition equipment, used at airports and sporting events, could have prevented the recent attacks.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Las Vegas economy in a world of hurt: AS SHOCK FADES into sorrow, as horror melts into uncertainty, the reality of what economic carnage those terrorist acts caused here is beginning to crystallize.

Letter: Stop terrorists' flow of cash: Swiss banks have traditionally been safe havens for stored wealth. This must end. World leaders must persuade the Swiss to open the books in the cause of cutting off the funds of terror.

Letter: Muslim leaders must condemn terrorists' belief: However, I would like to plead with their religious and political leaders to take action to counteract the terrorists' belief that is giving a bad name to their religion. That is the belief that to commit suicide and kill innocent civilians will send them to "heaven."

July taxable sales up for Nevada: CARSON CITY -- Spurred by sales of building materials and autos, Nevada's taxable sales reached $2.597 billion in July, a gain of 3.9 percent over the same month of a year ago.

UNLV panel weighs in on terror topic: Jennifer Knight; An hour after President Bush asked for the support of the American people to fight the terrorism that resulted in the deaths of thousands, professors at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, questioned U.S. foreign policy.

Trial set for family in military theft case: The antique furniture, jewelry and personal mementoes that belonged to the military people who trusted Miles Transfer and Storage with their worldly goods are long gone, and insurance settlements for pennies on the dollar already paid.

Slot revenue breaks record: Bill Sherlock, Foxwoods president and chief executive officer, said the casino has added nearly 600 slot machines since July 2000, when revenues also hit a new record.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Needed: New game plans: MY FRIENDS AND I certainly aren't experts on terrorism but if we need any advice all we have to do is turn to local and national television programs. The past 10 days we have been inundated with terrorism experts from colleges, both small and large, and think tanks from over the nation. The first three or four weren't bad but after a few days it appeared they were becoming more authoritative and confident in their pronouncements. What they had learned about terrorism in just a few days was amazing. Strangely I didn't feel any more knowledgeable after listening to them.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: NFL still left with a Super problem: Sal DeFilippo; Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's decision not to play last weekend in the wake of the terrorist attacks was a fairly easy one -- although it should have come sooner than it did. But as the NFL resumes play Sunday, there's still uncertainty about the way the league will handle the makeup games.

Mayor urges casinos to delay layoffs: Diana Sahagun; Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has made an impassioned plea to local casino owners to delay laying off employees even as tourism visits continue to plummet after last week's terrorist attacks.

Kings plan to honor fallen friends: Steve Addy; When the sports world went back to work this week, it hoped to provide a soothing diversion from the horror of the terrorist attacks upon the nation, if only for a few hours at a time.

Letter: No amnesty for lawbreakers: Each time, our legislative representatives have said this will be the last time. Everyone should be opposed to rewarding lawbreakers for their illegal acts.

Pearl Harbor survivors compare attacks: As a 15-year-old Army Air Corps private stationed at Wheeler Air Field, H. Lee Gerson watched the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor and his base on Dec. 7, 1941.

$3.9 million grant to help school police grow: Terry Webster; The Clark County School District's police force may be expanded under a $3.9 million grant to fund up to 31 new officers.

Terror causes golf show to cancel on Las Vegas: In more bad news for the hotel-casino industry, a golf industry group has canceled its convention and trade show that was set for Las Vegas next week.

Williams fails to file expense report; fine remains unpaid: CARSON CITY -- Assembly Speaker Pro Temp Wendell Williams, D-Las Vegas, still has not filed his final campaign expense report due last January and his fine of $6,800 is unpaid.

Rebels must solve puzzling defense: Steve Guiremand; WHEN: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Minority concerns holding up lottery contract: The South Carolina Lottery Commission, sued by four news organizations Wednesday for evaluating advertising bidder presentations behind closed doors, agreed to delay a vote on the contract until next week.

Guinn declares no tolerance for discrimination: Stacy J. Willis; Dr. Raj Chanderraj was already buckled in on a U.S. Air flight set to leave Philadelphia last week when members of the flight crew and a uniformed policeman approached him.

Las Vegas students reach out to school near crash: Terry Webster; Students at Cashman Middle School in Las Vegas are sending messages of hope to an elementary school located more than 2,400 miles away, where small children witnessed the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.

FBI, Metro canvass Vegas motels: Jeff German and Keith Paul; FBI agents and Metro Police attempted Thursday to determine whether two more suspected terrorists were in Las Vegas prior to the attacks in New York City and Washington.

Letter: Nuke solutions are out there: Sen. Harry Reid is being exceptionally kind in suggesting that President Bush doesn't know how we are being treated in Las Vegas. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's unwillingness to attend the meeting in Las Vegas was completely disgusting. We don't believe that he is honestly going to make an objective decision concerning whether or not Yucca Mountain is suitable for nuclear waste.

Southwest weighing options: Southwest Airlines, the only big airline operating fairly normally and not cutting jobs, is nevertheless considering cost-cutting measures.

Metro Police honor officers' heroism: Angela Soo; Twenty-five Metro Police officers and a civilian employee were honored Thursday by Sheriff Jerry Keller during an awards ceremony.

Thomas, Mack gift to fund legal clinic: Jennifer Knight; A $2 million gift to the Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will fund a legal clinic designed to provide hands-on training for students as well as legal services for low-income residents.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Peaceful weekend is crucial: Dean Juipe; With its sports stadiums open again this weekend, perhaps America can begin to eradicate at least some of its apprehension and skittishness toward en masse assemblies.

Editorial: Terrorism renews fears of nuke waste: In the case of Yucca Mountain, the Department of Energy has ignored the state of Nevada's argument that transcontinental shipments of man's deadliest waste would be ripe for either accident or terrorism. What Abraham should do is acknowledge this danger and recommend that the Yucca Mountain Project be scrapped while alternative technologies are explored that would render high-level nuclear waste less harmful, allowing it to be left at the nuclear power plants where it was created and can be safely guarded.

Court briefs for September 21, 2001: Convicted killer Amy DeChant told her victim's family Thursday the only reason she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder was so they could get on with their lives.

Plea agreement made in fatal shooting at Harrah's: Deputy Special Public Defender Dayvid Figler said Michael Frimmel, 32, pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary in exchange for a number of other charges, including murder, being dismissed.

Obituaries for September 21, 2001: Barbara Anzalone, 67, of Las Vegas died Thursday in Las Vegas. A resident for many years, she was born Dec. 3, 1933.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Drivers are always aware of great risks: It is one aspect of auto racing that those who do not follow the sport are unable to understand: How, after the death of a fellow competitor or their own accident, can drivers get back into their cars and continue to compete?

Metro zeroes in on downtown crime: Diana Sahagun; 41 in July-August, down 31 percent from 59 in May-June.

Editorial: Airport security too weak: Part of the problem with airport security in the United States is that it hasn't been treated with the same seriousness with which other nations view it. The United States relies on the airlines to fund airport security, which they contract out to private firms. These private employers pay low wages and provide little training, resulting in an airline security work force in this country that, overall, is inadequate to meet the task.

LV insurer's stock pounded: The HMO move affects about 14,000 consumers in the Dallas area.

Task force set to curb problem of school bullies: Daniela Mohor; A new state task force is coming up with a plan to fight bullying in schools.

Government helped diffuse reaction against LV Arab-American businesses: Grace Leong; "Say goodbye to your family and your children. You have to pay for it."

Travel woes disrupt Gaming Commission business: The project, under way at the Bay St. Louis casino, is scheduled to be completed next year.

Big LV builder's profit improves: Chief Executive Bruce Karatz said the company revised its 2001 earnings target to between $5.20 to $5.30 a share, up from analysts' consensus estimate of $5.17 and year-ago earnings of $4.25 a share.

Judge calls for new trial in sex assault case: Kim Smith; A man convicted last year of drugging and sexually assaulting a Las Vegas woman drew one step closer to obtaining a new trial Thursday.

News briefs for September 21, 2001: The Community Counseling Center will hold a presentation Monday to help Las Vegas residents cope with the current national crisis.

Valley's growth threatened: For decades, the Las Vegas urban area has had the fastest growing population in the nation, helping to build a home development industry that ranks second only to the resort trade.

Hearings set on Yucca: Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham on Thursday announced the delay in a letter to Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Tragedy reminds us football is never a matter of life or death: Steve Guiremand; Battle in the trenches.

Events, organizations raise funds for victims: By Emily Richmond; Local opportunities abound for Las Vegans looking for a way to help in the wake of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Coronado's addition OK with Chaparral: Spencer Patterson; All games at 7 p.m.

Correction: Correction

Reno loses seven flights: Seven flights to Reno are being cut, including two flights to Chicago, three to Los Angeles, one to Phoenix and one to Portland.

Volleyball: UNLV posts victory in conference opener: Junior Blair Wilkes led the Rebel attack with 13 kills. She also hit a match-high .526 (13-3-19) with three blocks. Sheila Ocasio-Clemente and Michelle Johnson each knocked down eight blocks with seven kills on the night.

Aladdin discloses possibility of closure: David Strow; Park Place Entertainment Corp. announced Thursday it has begun cutting jobs ' at two more of its Strip properties, as a slowdown in the Las Vegas tourism industry continues.