Print edition for November 22, 2002

Edison founder sees bright future in Clark County: By Emily Richmond; Calling the relationship between his embattled company and the Clark County School District a "model partnership," Edison Schools Inc. founder Chris Whittle said Thursday he expects his company to be a presence in the region for years to come.

News briefs for Nov. 22, 2002: A 20-year-old nursing home aide was sentenced Thursday to 60 days in jail for putting clothing in a resident's mouth to quiet the victim.

85-year-old robbed during Summerlin home invasion: Jen Lawson; An 85-year-old resident of Sun City Summerlin was robbed at gunpoint inside his home Thursday afternoon, Metro Police said.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Hey Phil, maybe you're just lucky: Dean Juipe; So few critical words have ever been written about Phil Jackson that when a chance like this comes along the temptation to pounce on him is too great to resist.

Small businesses back gross receipts proposal: In contrast to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce opposition to a proposed state gross receipts tax, small businesses that responded to a chamber survey were prone to support the tax.

Father is sought in stabbing of infant: Jen Lawson and Judy Odierna; Police this morning were searching for a man in his mid-20s who allegedly stabbed his 2-month-old son in the neck with a metal fingernail file Thursday night, Metro Police said.

Historic El Portal brand may be sold: The parent company of Las Vegas's seven El Portal travel stores may attempt to sell the historic El Portal brand name when it closes the outlets in January.

Rebels face an ex-MWC assistant in 2002 opener: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

McCarran traffic trailing 2000 levels: The airport said 3.1 million people arrived and departed at McCarran last month compared with 2.7 million last year -- the first full month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- and 3.3 million in October 2000.

CCSN partnership with Cisco expanding: Grace Leong; The success of Cisco Systems Inc.'s e-learning program -- Cisco Networking Academy -- since its launch five years ago is helping to diversify the Nevada economy, program organizers say.

Vets clinic site possibilities narrowed down to three: Dan Kulin; One of three sites will be selected within three months for a new veterans health clinic to replace the structurally unsound Addeliar D. Guy III Ambulatory Care Center in Las Vegas, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs said Thursday.

Lesson at Indy helped Busch make strides as a sophomore: As Kurt Busch made his way through the garage area at Indianapolis Motor Speedway following his early exit from the Brickyard 400 on a hot and humid afternoon in August, it was hard to tell where the tears ended and the sweat began.

Backpacks restricted at some area schools: Jeffrey Libby; For 11-year-old sixth grader Keri Colline, something is missing at school.

ACLU threatens suit over state work cards: Adam Goldman; The American Civil Liberties Union said it might sue to block implementation of a statewide casino work card law that it says gives the Nevada Gaming Commission unconstitutional powers to investigate an applicant's background.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Sacking McNabb not as easy as 1-2-3 Mississippi: Sal DeFilippo; Anyone watching the Eagles-Cardinals game last weekend had to be in awe of the gutty performance of Donovan McNabb.

Nevadans slightly healthier: By Timothy Pratt; Nevada is not quite as unhealthy a place to live as it used to be, according to an annual study.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Hill, SJSU overcome rugged schedule: Steve Guiremand; It may be the story of the year in college football.

Internet gambling industry wins key ruling: By Liz Benston; Internet gambling supporters won a major legal victory Thursday when a federal appeals court in Louisiana upheld an earlier dismissal of a class-action lawsuit by people who lost money gambling in Internet casinos.

Columnist Jeff German: Nasty mix: Lawyers, politicians: So when we have a situation where lawyers turn into politicians, the potential for distrust is even higher.

Spoon full of stability: On the eve of his debut as a basketball coach, Charlie Spoonhour fidgeted when a Rocky Comfort (Mo.) High school board member inquired about what to expect in the game.

Tax debate begins to boil: Cox, Culinary Union battle over television ad: Culinary Local 226 and Cox Communications are engaged in a standoff over a union advertisement that the cable television company refuses to air.

Vegas casino giant eyes Massachusetts casinos: The Boston Herald said Park Place hired ML Strategies, which is run by high-powered Republican consultant Steve Tocco.

State not immune to fraud in election process: Judy Odierna; From dogs to dead people, to even a few people who never existed in the first place, it seems anyone can register to vote and cast a ballot in Nevada.

Regulators OK 24-hour kiosks for sports betting: By Liz Benston; When NASCAR fans went to place their bets on their favorite drivers and races last year, many were upset to find out that Leroy's Horse & Sports Place operations in casinos across Nevada had closed early -- at 11 p.m.

Correction: The Sun regrets the error.

Las Vegas auto dealer expands to Chicago: Michael Sullivan, president of Fletcher Jones Imports and Mercedes Benz of Chicago, said the move into Chicago gives the company an opportunity to tap into one of the largest auto markets in the United States.

Letter: UNLV fans show poor behavior: People in the stands threw full beer bottles and other containers with liquid in them at the cadet band. It was well into the game when a thrown beer bottle nearly hit a cadet, and security removed one of the culprits.

ACLU sues over gag rules governing judge complaints: Jace Radke; The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada has filed a federal lawsuit against the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline alleging that state laws used by the commission to keep complaints against judges secret trample First Amendment rights.

Rebel women defeated in first tourney match: After splitting a pair of matches during the regular season, it took a neutral site match to decide the better team. The match tied last year's final between Colorado State and Utah as the longest match in MWC Tournament history.

New staging promises a charming 'Cinderella' at UNLV: Marilyn LaRocque; What: "Cinderella."

Columnist Jeff German: Governor must take charge in tax debate: If lawmakers make it out alive, the 2003 Legislature will be known as the session that expanded the tax base to keep Nevada in sound financial shape for years to come.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Don't take road danger in stride: No matter how many men with badges tell local reporters differently, roads are for people -- people who drive motorized things, pedal bicycles, walk.

'Elijah' comes to Las Vegas: Marilyn LaRocque; When: 3 p.m. Sunday.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Partridges in a pair at Aladdin's 'X': Keith and Danny -- David Cassidy and Danny Bonaduce -- are both slated to attend the premiere of "X," the new adult revue that has people either swearing at it or swearing by it.

Gap cited in salaries among Nevada teachers: WASHINGTON -- The average teacher's salary in Nevada is above the national average, according to a survey released Thursday, but the president of Clark County's teachers' union said this morning it takes them 10 years plus a master's degree to reach that pay level.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Safari Club International: Thanks for making a difference: Barb Henderson; The sportsmen/women of Safari Club International (SCI) continue to make a difference.

Man shot in his car dies from his wounds: Edward Stranz of Prescott, Ariz., died at University Medical Center where he had been listed in critical condition since the shooting Nov. 14.

Jurors assess damages against killer, casino: A jury found that Donald Burris and the casino were both liable for damages in the Aug. 6, 1997, slaying of Peggy Ann Selvaggio, 33, while she was on the phone with a 911 operator.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Thanksgiving Day in Vegas fills bill: Thanksgiving dinner today is a far cry from the first Thanksgiving in America.

On Display for Nov. 21, 2002: Mobile Graceland, a museum-quality exhibit, will be on display Saturday through Monday at Harrah's Laughlin and Thursday through Dec. 15 at Harrah's Las Vegas. Admission is free. 369-5124.

Columnist Adam Candee: Blowouts simply part of sports: Adam Candee; TONIGHT'S PREP FOOTBALL GAMES

Performing Arts for Nov. 21, 2002: Round world

Editorial: New ideas to reform health care: Shortly after he took office in 1992, President Clinton attempted to push through legislation that would provide universal health insurance coverage. In hindsight, the plan was overly ambitious and too far ahead of its time. So it never came close to getting off the ground. Of course, it's not as if the number of Americans without health insurance has gotten better -- it's gotten worse. Today more than 41 million Americans are uninsured, about 14 percent of the population. But if a Democratic president and a Democratic-controlled Congress were unable to deliver universal health care coverage in the early '90s, ...

Letter: Accept the need for state lottery: Those against having a state lottery are sweeping away the tide with a broom. I didn't note any recommendation from the governor's tax committee regarding a Nevada state lottery. You can't stop the inevitable and the delay will only be costly to the citizens.

Beck brings (five) star power to The Joint: Spencer Patterson; Beck has earned five stars in the studio. Can he match that feat onstage?

Williams pondering move to Colorado: The Arizona Diamondbacks have a deal in place that would send Williams and three other players to the Rockies for all-star outfielder Larry Walker. However, Williams and Walker must waive no-trade clauses first.

Letter: Democrats must stop leaning right: I also like his proposal for an approach to universal health care. The solution to Medicare relief (the cut of fees to doctors is a prelude for no care for many) and the whole health care problem should be a priority.

Editorial: Good idea bumps up against reality: We couldn't agree more that schools should contain fewer students, but in Clark County that's tough to achieve. We don't have much land available here, and those parcels large enough to set a school on are expensive. One of the Legislature's interim committees, which is investigating ways to build smaller schools, was told Wednesday that 31 public schools are planned to be built in Nevada between 2005 and 2008. If a so-called "small school plan" was implemented, increasing the number of new schools to 54, it would cost the state an extra $183.7 million over that three-year span. It's money ...

Columnist Susan Snyder: Holiday should be safe haven: Blanca Guevara and Norma Green stood in a West Las Vegas supermarket this week, greeting customers with enthusiasm and a rubber turkey.

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

Citizens fire class applications due: Applications will be accepted until Jan. 4. The Citizens Fire Academy will begin in February, with graduation in May.

Program grounds students in financial reality: Erica D. Johnson; WEEKEND EDITION: Nov. 23, 2002

Grace period issued for plates: CARSON CITY -- All Nevadans are required to have their new "Sunset" license plates on their cars starting Jan. 1, but the Nevada Highway Patrol won't start handing out fines right away to motorists who miss the deadline.

Blood drives: Wednesday: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., LDS chapel at 8801 W. Alexander Road; 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Basic High School, 751 Palo Verde, Henderson.

Editorial: Let's not mess up a good thing: Residents who use and who live near Floyd Lamb State Park are concerned that the rural character of the park would be transformed into one cluttered with softball and soccer fields if the city takes over -- a concern we share. While members of the City Council have said they would maintain the park's rural character, those assurances may not be binding on a future City Council. Indeed, if the city ran the park, we wouldn't be surprised if one day the city would put in recreational fields so that the local government could charge fees to sports leagues that ...

Datebook for Nov. 21, 2002: Choreographers Showcase Auditions will be held by appointment Saturday and Sunday at Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. 229-6383.

Nevada to house Wyoming inmates: CARSON CITY -- A legislative committee Thursday gave the green light to the state prison system to start housing inmates from Wyoming in a program that is expected to make the state an estimated $2 million.

Settlement nears in Metro shooting: Jen Lawson; A 3-year-old girl whose father was shot by a Metro Police officer in 1999 is expected to be awarded a $325,000 settlement that would end federal litigation against the department.

Suicides leave questions for loved ones: By Timothy Pratt; In the nine years since her son killed himself in Las Vegas, Linda Flatt has sought answers.

Supporting Beck is Lips' service: Spencer Patterson; When Beck called the Flaming Lips with a unique offer over the summer, the veteran alternative rock trio saw no need to hesitate before accepting.

Skid Row to Superstar: When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 30, and 2 p.m. Dec. 1.

Community briefs for Nov. 22, 2002: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers hikes, walks and programs free of charge. To make required reservations or for more information on the following or upcoming programs, call 363-1922:

Business tax debate separates Nevadans: WEEKEND EDITION: Nov. 24, 2002

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: Lake Mead anglers have success with stripers: NEVADA DIVISION OF WILDLIFE

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Read all about it here: It was a nervous time Wednesday night at the Clark County Commission chambers. For the public and the commissioners. That's because what had not been a very public process in the past was laid bare for all to see and what most of us saw was not very pleasant. That caused some concern with the people with much to gain, the people with much to lose and, especially, the elected officials whose job it is to sort through the various messes that come before them.

Flatley stated: His voice soft, almost inaudible, Michael Flatley recently sat discussing his "Lord of the Dance" with a string of journalists line-dancing through his plush suite at The Venetian.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Tourbaby.com a boon for local musicians: The Orleans will be rocking Nov. 29 night with 20 groups of musicians, all striving to find a niche in the music world.

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

Scene selection -- Geoff Carter: On DVD, '24' is a full day: There are new installments of "Harry Potter," "Friday," "The Santa Clause" and the "007" franchise in theaters now. The coming weeks will bring the latest "Star Trek," and you can rent or buy the second installment of George Lucas' "Star Wars" series tonight, if you didn't get enough of it in theaters.

Cactus Garden's holiday trimmings a desert delight: Dan Kulin; WEEKEND EDITION: Nov. 23, 2002

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Supergroup Zwan might be more than ugly duckling: Spencer Patterson; Supergroup. Like no other term in the music industry, it can simultaneously kindle excitement and strike fear in the hearts of fans.

Columnist Jon Ralston: The dog ate their homework: Most of the students either looked down at their desks or blankly at the professor. But Ann O'Connell's hand shot up and she declared, "Professor, you haven't said anything all semester about raising taxes. In fact, you haven't said much of anything. And now you just expect us to accept this?"

New business show debuts: In Business Las Vegas, hosted by Jeff Gillan, talks to both sides about what contractors are calling the next insurance crisis.

Some say slots would keep money in Ohio: Lisa Cornwell; LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. -- Linda Lange travels from her central Ohio home to Indiana, West Virginia, Michigan and Canada to play slot machines. She says it would be great if she could enjoy that hobby without leaving her state.

Death penalty sought in slaying: Jace Radke; Two men charged with murder in the slaying of a driving instructor are facing the possibility of the death penalty if they are convicted.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: LV shifts gears for GODSPEED: It might not have the same Hollywood star wattage as the Palms anniversary did last weekend, but it will be similarly fabulous.

Howard criticizes Harter in regents controversy: Jennifer Knight; Regent Linda Howard lambasted UNLV President Carol Harter in a memo accusing Harter of leaking documents to the press, displaying disrespect toward Howard and carefully orchestrating a plan against her to gain power.

Obituaries for Nov. 22, 2002: Eugene Raymond Anderegg, 76, of Las Vegas died Saturday in Las Vegas. He was born March 4, 1926, in Kansas. A resident for 11 years, he was a retired truck driver and a World War II Navy veteran.

ACM awards show is moving to LV: The prestigious Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony is moving to Las Vegas from Los Angeles.

WorldCom unit raising rates: A spokeswoman for MCI parent WorldCom, Claire Hassett, said the price increase, which raises some per-minute rates to 9 cents from 5 cents, affects only a small percentage of MCI's 20 million customers and is designed to remain level with the rest of the industry. She declined to say what portion of customers would see the increases.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Picketing, state budgets, 'Frida' and respectful children: Not everybody was happy with some of my actions as governor. One morning a large group of people was picketing outside the governor's residence. When it came time to go home for lunch I expected to see the mansion surrounded. I drove up and not a soul was in sight but dozens of picket signs were on the porch.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: Creating the new DOHS: The Democratic Senate leadership worked with their GOP colleagues and most of the bill became acceptable to both sides of the aisle. They even found room to compromise about what federal employees in the new department could retain as benefits and union representation. The president insisted that the administration wanted those employees unclassified with little or no union protection when firing and hiring issues are determined. His insistence that these protections not accompany employees to the new department resulted in no bill being passed prior to adjournment for the 2002 election campaigns. The president campaigned effectively in several states by ...

Strong legs prevent 'Lord' from toppling: "Lord of the Dance," at the Showroom at The Venetian, is a high-energy production that captures the hearts of millions of fans whose primal emotions are aroused by the sights and sounds of synchronized tap dancing.

Letter: Republicans initiated the stalling tactics: President Bill Clinton didn't waste his first term -- he presided over the longest economic boom in American history. Fact! During his administration, we had the lowest unemployment, jobs were created, crime dropped, the budget was cut and a surplus was created, there was a lower cost of living -- i.e., fuel, drugs, medical care -- and the Dow hit 10,000, etc.

Letter: Council members should try riding the bus: We'd save money, and it would keep them at the people's level to help remind them of their purpose of civic duty; they could also speak with the citizenry and keep in touch at ground zero.

Court finds credit card Internet gaming debt enforceable: Doug Simpson; NEW ORLEANS -- Two gamblers who lost a combined $17,000 to online casinos cannot avoid paying their debts by blaming credit card companies, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.