Print edition for November 15, 2002

Datebook for November 15, 2002: Lucille and Lucinda Jackson will teach children about the art of Navajo beading at 4 p.m. today at Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave. (507-3900) and 4 p.m. Thursday at Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive (507-3860). Admission is free.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Action is smokin' at Club Macanudo: I've been going to lounges for the past two years for this column.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Lanni, Ruvo to receive Epicurean Club honor: On Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand Conference Center the Epicurean Club of Nevada will honor MGM MIRAGE CEO and Chairman of the Board Terry Lanni and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada Senior Managing Director Larry Ruvo. They are the Epicurean Club's first honorees.

Mama Mia: Scintas' family act spices up Las Vegas: When: 7:30 p.m., Fridays through Wednesdays. Dark Thursdays.

Prep All-Stars: BOYS SOCCER

Philharmonic showcases Letourneau, $3 million Stradivarius: Marilyn LaRocque; When concertmaster De Ann Letourneau plays the Violin Concerto in D-minor, op. 47, by Jan Sibelius, with the Las Vegas Philharmonic on Saturday, she'll be performing on a $3.5-million 1713 Stradivarius, the "Wirth," borrowed from Bein and Fushi of Chicago.

Mariners hire Melvin as new manager: Melvin, who never has been a major league manager, was chosen from among four finalists by Mariners manager Pat Gillick. The others were Los Angeles bench coach Jim Riggleman, former major league manager Buddy Bell and Baltimore bench coach Sam Perlozzo.

Gaughan named top truck rookie: Las Vegas native Brendan Gaughan on Thursday officially was named the Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award winner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series -- an honor he all but locked up two months ago when he won his second race of the season.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: For openers, let's get the show started: Spencer Patterson; What a difference an opening act can make.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Stewart wants title but not champion's responsibilities: Tony Stewart is on the verge of winning his first Winston Cup championship and NASCAR is on the verge of crowning perhaps its most reluctant champion.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Sportsmen gather in Silver State: Barb Henderson; It seems more and more wildlife conservation organizations are planning to hold their annual national conventions in the Silver State.

Southern Nevada fishing report: For Nov. 15, 2002

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Favre is the answer to all of the NFL's questions: Sal DeFilippo; In baseball, when you think of Iron Men, you automatically think of Cal Ripken.

New business show debuts: "In Business Las Vegas" will feature news from all key business sectors, in-depth interviews with business leaders, and economic indicators of interest locally.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Miami duo makes move toward the Heisman: Steve Guiremand; Think trying to figure out who is going to be playing for the national championship in the Fiesta Bowl is confusing? Try something even more complicated -- picking the 2002 Heisman Trophy winner.

No Doubt, Stefani a steadying force: Spencer Patterson; Thirty-three and recently married, Gwen Stefani may not be just a girl anymore. But according to recent reports, the No Doubt vocalist still rocks as hard as ever.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Hollywood Park: Saturday's races

Columnist Adam Candee: Mandatory suspension wrong in this case: Adam Candee; TODAY'S PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Nonstop sports viewing is the ultimate competition: Kirk Baird; Or, the dream could be a nightmare, as 25 contestants will discover at 6 p.m. today at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino in Cox Communications' search for Southern Nevada's "Ultimate Sports Fan."

Columnist Susan Snyder: Essay is the spirit of America: Maybe patriotism runs in Jake Gigar's blood.

Scene Selection -- Geoff Carter -- Value of DVDs rings true with 'Lord': DVD appeals to me in a way VHS or even Laserdisc never could: It is the media equivalent of a Modern Library edition, with unabridged content delivered in a way close to the author's intent. Collateral materials, such as the filmmaker's commentary tracks, function as a glossary and insular analysis of the work: An artist can explain his or her intentions directly to the viewer.

'Beauty and the Beast' a treat for entire family: Marilyn LaRocque; What: "Beauty and the Beast."

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

Letter: Hospital does exceptional job: As to taking financial advantage of patients, I doubt that it happens at this hospital. It is located in a poor area of town, and apparently takes in many charity cases whom they treat with care equal to those like me who have hospital insurance.

Obituaries for November 15, 2002: Alice Faye Aiken, 62, of Las Vegas died Monday in Las Vegas. She was born Sept. 26, 1940, in Stigler, Okla. A resident for 21 years, she was a bus driver and a member of Moose Lodge 1763.

Banks trying to play through pain in toe: On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being unbearable, UNLV senior point guard Marcus Banks revealed after Thursday's practice at the Thomas & Mack Center that the pain in the big toe of his left foot was at a nine.

Bridge expert Hardy dies at 70: Max Hardy, a top American bridge player, instructor and author who is credited with revolutionizing the game with his bidding system, died Sunday at his Las Vegas home following a one-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

Educators, school projects receive excellence awards: The awards, created in 1987, are given to individuals, organizations and programs that demonstrate the best in education district-wide. Educators, community leaders and district staff make up the selection committeee.

Pollution action dropped against manganese mine: Jeffrey Libby; All appears to be quiet and relatively dust-free downwind of an abandoned World War II-era manganese mine east of Henderson.

Case of slain girl, 9, going to trial: Dan Kulin; The case against the alleged gang member charged in the shooting that left a 9-year-old North Las Vegas girl dead is headed to trial, Justice of the Peace Natalie Tyrrell decided Thursday.

Chamber of Commerce still studying tax plan: Jace Radke; Sides are beginning to form as businesses and organizations start to analyze the recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Tax Policy that could determine how the state is taxed.

Last briefs filed in Nevada Power rate lawsuit: CARSON CITY -- While admitting it was not perfect, Nevada Power Co., nevertheless said it provided substantial evidence to justify a full $922 million rate increase to customers in Clark County.

Late Sun exec, three others honored: Thompson was killed Aug. 9 when her car was hit from behind at the Las Vegas Beltway and Far Hills Avenue.

Suspect in 'Our Gang' actor's death will face trial: Kim Smith; Las Vegas Justice of the Peace James Bixler ruled Thursday that there is enough evidence to try a 52-year-old homeless man for murder in the death of "Our Gang" actor J.R. Smith.

Columnist Dean Juipe: No horsing around; racing's OK: Dean Juipe; For years, stories have been written about horse racing's supposed demise.

Action to stop BLM auction denied: Bob Hall, president of the Nevada Environmental Coalition, filed the request Tuesday in U.S. District Court to stop today's auction of 1,140 acres, including three parcels totaling 990 acres in southwest Las Vegas.

Letter: Democrats are out of touch, losing influence: Well, it's pretty simple. Until the socialists (darn, I know, it's Democrats) figure out how mainstream America thinks and feels, and come up with a message and vision that is in line with those ideas, they will continue to become less and less influential in our country. And that's a real shame.

Editorial: Compromise will kick veterans in the teeth: President Bush is adamant that the money owed to veterans could be better spent elsewhere. The House and Senate caved in almost completely, agreeing on a plan that will allow only those veterans whose disabilities were incurred in combat to collect both of their benefits. Other veterans, who may have been injured in training or in other service-connected activities, were left out. The compromise means only a fraction of the deserving veterans will at long last receive just compensation. Congress should have passed a bill serving all retired veterans.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: An uphill tax battle: TAXES. TAKE TWO.

$504 million planned for road building: CARSON CITY -- The state Transportation Board on Thursday approved a $504 million construction budget for this fiscal year, with an estimated 70 percent of the money earmarked for road projects in Southern Nevada.

Soccer team advances at MPSF tourney: All of the action happened in the second half, as Air Force's Paul Gagliardi was fouled in the box and awarded a penalty kick in the 56th minute. Teammate Daniel Wasson scored on the PK to give the Falcons (8-9-2) the 1-0 lead.

Agassi's loss will leave him at No. 2: Agassi double-faulted on match point, handing Juan Carlos Ferrero a 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (6) victory. Shortly after the match, Agassi withdrew from the event with a hip injury.

Homeless panel's future looks dim: By Timothy Pratt; The only group involving the largest local governments in tackling the homeless problem regionally was declared at a standstill Thursday by its founder, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Jurisdiction decided in part of Enron suit: A federal bankruptcy judge ruled Thursday that he has jurisdiction over at least part of a lawsuit an Enron Corp. subsidiary filed against Nevada Power Co. involving a terminated energy contract.

Letter: Robber barons have their way: Some of the other changes the Republicans dream about are aimed at the ordinary people who work for a living. They are the busting of the unions and reducing the minimum wage.

GV beaten by Galena in state tournament: Defending titlist Green Valley fell to Galena, 4-15, 15-6, 15-7, 15-13, in Thursday's quarterfinals of the 4A State Tournament in Reno. The Gators were the top seed from the Sunrise Region.

Out with a bang?: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

Goodman supports car allowance: Judy Odierna; Mayor Oscar Goodman is all in favor of the Las Vegas City Council getting a car allowance, though he won't be needing it.

Close ties to fighters has Arum torn: Dean Juipe; Boxing promoters are notorious front-runners, as evidenced by their inevitable presence whenever the winner of a fight is announced or has his hand raised in victory.

Retired Del Papa plans to go Latin: Erin Neff; After 12 years in office and frequent head-butting with Republicans, you'd think Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa would be speaking in tongues.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Newton represents hope for USO Tour: Thanks for the memories, Bob Hope.

Visiting firefighters show chief support: By Timothy Pratt; Representatives of an international group of black firefighters will be in Las Vegas this weekend to address a widening split between some members of the local firefighters union and Las Vegas Fire Chief David Washington, the first black person to hold the office.

Editorial: Regents should act as a whole: Howard has given general explanations, saying she needed information about the freshmen to strengthen her argument against a proposal to raise admission standards at the state's universities. As for the student writer, she said the tone of the article frightened her and she wanted to verify that the writer was a student, and not perhaps some member of a hate group writing under an assumed name. Regarding Gates, she said some of her constituents had suggested the commissioner was the beneficiary of preferential treatment.

Golf course says water runoff can be cut: Jeffrey Libby; The director of a golf course for high-rollers located in the mountains of non-gambling Boulder City says water runoff from the course greening a two-mile stretch of desert can be reduced, if not eliminated, within six months.

Las Vegas news briefs for November 15, 2002: The Regional Transportation Commission board voted Thursday to include the Las Vegas Beltway from Decatur Boulevard to Buffalo Drive in its list of area-wide major projects.

Fire department plans to build four stations: Dan Kulin; Fire engines will be screaming out of three new stations in fast-growing northwest Las Vegas by the end of January, city fire officials say.

Illegal street racing a growing problem: Jen Lawson; They meet late at night along desert roads, revving the souped-up engines of their Hondas and Acuras.

Nevada Power proposes electricity rate cut for Las Vegas area: AP; Associated Press Writer

LV tourism indicators still below 2000 levels: By Liz Benston; Visitor volume in Las Vegas surged by 8.6 percent in September compared with the same month last year, but tourism is still off from 2000 levels.

New political era raises questions about gaming: Paul Sloca; JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With 102 freshman lawmakers heading to Jefferson City in January, gambling industry officials are unsure about what to expect.

Company breaks ground on Sacramento area casino: The casino will open by summer with the remainder of the property open by the fourth quarter of next year, Station Casinos announced in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company has also submitted its management agreement for approval by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

New England capitalizing on Indian operators: The Associated Press reported that a survey of 1,200 visitors to Connecticut last summer found that 23 percent were from the neighboring New England states, said Ed Dombroskas, executive director of the state Office of Tourism.

NRC to test nuke waste containers: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the first time plans to do full-scale tests on two nuclear waste shipping containers that may transport highly radioactive waste to Yucca Mountain someday, an NRC expert said.

State organization to help laid-off workers: Nevada JobConnect, a statewide employment network, will meet with airline employees that were laid off when the company ceased operations last week Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nevada fuel costs climb in November: AAA Nevada reported Wednesday that the average cost of a gallon of unleaded, self-serve gasoline is up from October to $1.50 a gallon in the state. The auto club's monthly gas price survey also said fuel costs fell 2 cents a gallon in Las Vegas in the past month with the average price hitting $1.42 a gallon. The highest price was reported in Elko, $1.54 a gallon.

Paul-Son posts loss for third quarter: Revenues for the quarter were about $4.1 million, a decrease of about $1.3 million, or 23.6 percent, from revenues of about $5.4 million for the year-ago quarter.

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

National Airlines hopes to sell federal flying permit: AP; Associated Press Writer

Bill would have governor appoint regents board: Jennifer Knight; Momentum is building to have the Board of Regents become an appointed rather than an elected body -- an idea that both the governor and state senate majority leader favor after recent strife on the board that oversees the state's universities and colleges.

Producer of Comdex may go bankrupt: Matthew Fordahl; SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Key3Media Group Inc., producer of the Comdex tech trade show which open next week in Las Vegas, said Thursday it may not be able to make debt payments and may have to file for bankruptcy protection.

Higgins hopes rate cut opens power dialogue: Sierra Pacific Resources Chairman Walt Higgins expressed hope that a request by subsidiary Nevada Power Co. to reduce rates will also produce a fruitful discussion with state regulators about future energy policy in Nevada.

Columnist Jeff German: Power rate decrease is no gift: This is a reality check, friends.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Thousands of acres, and issues: Cottonwoods turn gold in autumn here.

Letter: Most people want children playing outside: SUSAN RUSSELL

Columnist Jeff German: Let voters decide LV pay hikes: LAS VEGANS DON'T have to be told that these are times of economic uncertainty.

Brooklyn boxer says God more important than gloves.: AP; Associated Press Writer

Columnist Erin Neff: Democrats must bond for Reid to prevail in 2004: Erin Neff; HE WASN'T on the ballot Nov. 5, but Harry Reid suffered the most significant defeat in Nevada, a blow nationally, and possibly, harm to his own re-election in 2004.

Letter: Strategy against GOP backfires: With Bush winning in double digits, the message simply stated was "fourteen more years with Mr. Bush as the president (six for George W. and eight for Jeb)." It is euphoric to know that we finally have leaders in Washington with intestinal fortitude and who are competent and have good morals. We have respect back in the White House once again!

Editorial: Privatizing will become boondoggle: Many states, including Nevada, have found out on their own that privatization isn't what's it's cracked up to be. Services actually can deteriorate, because in order for the private sector to turn a profit, a company may have to hire fewer employees and even pay them less. One of privatization's most glaring failures has been the operation of prisons. Low-paid guards increase the risks to public safety, and when these same poorly trained guards abuse inmates, it can lead to costly lawsuits filed against the state. Unlike when government runs programs, privatization eliminates accountability to the public. For many reasons, ...

Editorial: Homes, landing pad are not a good mix: The Las Vegas Planning Commission already voted unanimously against the proposal, citing not only the noise but the danger as well of constant flights so near neighborhoods. The hotel and a helicopter company have requested permission to build the pad, saying it would be a convenience for Castaways guests who enjoy aerial tours. They are appealing the Planning Commission's decision and the City Council is scheduled to hear the appeal Dec. 4. Our view is that the Planning Commission was correct in denying the proposal. If the Castaways gains a competitive edge by having a helicopter landing pad, then other ...

Death penalty unlikely for retarded Nevada inmate: AP; Associated Press Writer

Guest columnist Gary Peck: Looking beyond Question 2's passage: For more than two years, Nevadans have endured the divisive Question 2 campaign. The measure's leading proponents insisted it was meant just to protect the institution of marriage from those who might somehow undermine its sanctity by broadening its definition to include same-sex couples. They acknowledged Nevada law already defined marriage as being only between a man and a woman, but claimed we needed a state constitutional amendment to ensure that didn't change.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Don't they see need for taxes?: THE BLINDING cowardice of elected officials never ceases to amaze. Try to avert your eyes as legislators scurry for cover now that their charade on taxes is fully illuminated.

Coasters' singer may be buried in pauper's grave in Las Vegas: Billy Guy, who as a member of the legendary rock 'n' roll group The Coasters entertained millions with his baritone lead on "Searchin' " and sang backup on many other hits, could wind up in an unmarked pauper's grave in Las Vegas.

Locals compete for title of 'Ultimate Sports Fan': Kirk Baird; For a sports enthusiast, it's a dream come true: a chance to watch as much sports programming as you can take.

Rap kingpin's former Vegas home is raided: Authorities on Thursday raided the former Las Vegas home and the Los Angeles record label of rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight, a figure in an East Coast-West Coast rap feud that some believe led to the killings of two major stars.

Leonid shower expected to be best of the century: Light show

Commission to consider more intimate tipping for stripping: Adrienne Packer; The Las Vegas strip club scene might return to normal if Clark County commissioners decide tippers can again touch strippers.

Palms, Ranch find right blend of tourists, locals: By Liz Benston; The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas has hosted concerts for Pink and Jane's Addiction, the cast and crew of MTV's "Real World" reality TV show, Playboy playmates, parties for glossy magazines and waves of both major and minor celebrities.

The Lainie Season: WEEKEND EDITION November 17, 2002

Technology shines light into world of the blind: Erica D. Johnson; By Erica D. Johnson

On Display for November 15, 2002: The Gem Club's rocks, gems and lapidary items are on display through Nov. 30 in the Boulder City's Library's Nevada Room, 701 Adams Blvd. 293-7853.

Authorities raid rap record company in murder investigation: AP; Associated Press Writer

Apartment coalition, Red Cross team up for disaster relief: WEEKEND EDITION November 16, 2002

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Company vital to CF survivors: It has been a very trying time for employees of Cantor Fitzgerald, the New York-based financial services firm that lost 658 employees on Sept. 11.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Don't repeat this history: MANY AMERICANS, including me, have had a difficult time understanding the Kuwait government's hesitation to support an American assault against Iraq. If not for the United States, that little country would have been forgotten in 1990 as it disappeared into becoming part of Iraq. Very simply, Kuwait only exists because of the great nation that rescued it from Saddam Hussein's clutches. So much for diplomacy and international friendship in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, next on Hussein's list in 1990, hasn't been any better as it has directed dollars for hate towards the U.S.

Election failures have Democrats assessing future: Erin Neff; WEEKEND EDITION November 17, 2002

Petition to protect doctors cleared: CARSON CITY -- An initiative petition to further tighten the protection given Nevada doctors in medical malpractice suits has cleared its first hurdle.

Interior Department's top lawyer takes aim at environmental laws: AP; Associated Press Writer

Performing Arts for November 15, 2002: 'I Hate Hamlet'

New taxes likely to affect Nevadans in different ways: WEEKEND EDITION November 17, 2002

'X' sheds all pretense, and more, at Aladdin: If you like an abundance of bare-breasted women dancing provocatively, kissing and simulating sex with each other and plenty of bawdy humor, this show is for you.