Print edition for November 29, 2002

Fire damages Mexican restaurant: The fire in the restaurant at 2655 Desert Inn Road started about 5:30 a.m. in the kitchen and was accidental, fire department spokesman Bob Leinbach said. A fryer was left on the stove and it overheated, he said.

Some states to appeal antitrust decision: The attorneys general in most of the nine states were expected to announce their decisions later today, beginning with Tom Reilly of Massachusetts.

Medical pioneer McGuff dies at 85: Paul McGuff was a country doctor at heart.

Columnist Jeff German: Getting what you pay for: "We're growing too fast," says longtime political consultant Kent Oram. "We're blowing our quality of life here."

Wrenn feathers a nest in Seattle: NEXT UP

Casino re-opens with new name: The Golden Phoenix Hotel Casino and Resort opened to gamblers Wednesday at what used to be the Flamingo Reno.

Holiday shopping season kicks off: Bargain-hunters woke before dawn to head to stores and malls today, the official opening of the holiday shopping season, hoping to take advantage of early bird specials on hot toys and electronic items like DVD players.

DA considers death penalty in Rundle murder case: Erica Johnson; Prosecutors could decide as soon as next week whether they will pursue a death penalty for the Las Vegas man who allegedly beat his wife to death with a baseball bat. William Rundle, 57, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of robbery with a deadly weapon Wednesday before District Court Judge Kathy Hardcastle. Rundle's trial is scheduled to start Feb. 10. Bail has not been set.

More feasting: Hanukkah comes on the heels of Thanksgiving: Judy Odierna; Shoshana Segelstein of Rafi's Catering didn't have much of a relaxing Thanksgiving.

Wynn considers tourist resort for Maryland: New details surfaced Thursday about talks between Las Vegas and Chinese casino resort developer Steve Wynn and top Maryland lawmakers to explore proposals for legalizing slots in Maryland.

Thanksgiving, Las Vegas style: Adrienne Packer; Nine guests, attire varying from shorts and T-shirts to sport coats, gathered around a lengthy table below an elegant 34-bulb chandelier at the Venetian on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Numbers on diseases called misleading: By Timothy Pratt; An increase in cases of certain diseases reported on the Clark County Health District's website for October does not mean there are epidemics, and officials cautioned against knee-jerk responses to the data.

Strip club wants out of county: Adrienne Packer; The owner of Jaguars strip club might have figured out a way to skirt Clark County's stringent lap-dancing regulations: move the Las Vegas city limits to lasso his club.

Engelstad generosity noted by colleagues: Funeral services for Ralph Louis Engelstad will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, 3050 Alta Drive in Las Vegas.

Lake Mead further tapped: Lake Mead, already at near-record lows due to three years of drought, could drop an additional 16 to 20 inches because of water drawdowns authorized this week by the U.S. Interior Department.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Ready, get set, go shopping!: Barb Henderson; Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving begins the holiday shopping season.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Singer is Taylor-made for the Las Vegas scene: Pianist-vocalist Shelly Taylor is blessed with beauty, talent, personality -- and a job she loves.

Smith elected to League of Cities post: Smith replaces former Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: On the menu: Lopez restaurant in LV: In a manner of speaking.

Blood drives scheduled: Tuesday: noon to 6 p.m., Art Institute of Las Vegas, 2350 Corporate Circle, Henderson; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community College of Southern Nevada, 6375 W. Charleston Blvd.; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Southern Nevada Water System, 243 Lake Shore Drive, Boulder City.

Going, going, gone: 'Tis the season to be jolly - and to pick up a neat stocking stuffer in the Sun Holiday Auction.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Reasons for thanks: By now the leftovers should be gone. The weight-loss plans should be in full swing, or at the very least the talking about an effort to trim the waistline should be nonstop, and each of us should be looking toward our tomorrows with a sense of hope that has been tested this past year.

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

Stewart gobbles up field on Turkey Night in Calif.: Stewart was the second-fastest qualifier in the Sprint Car portion of the 62nd annual Lucas Oil Turkey Night Grand Prix program. He assumed the lead from veteran open-wheel driver Jason Leffler on the third lap of the main event and stayed in front the remainder of the race.

Columnist Susan Snyder: A catalog of really bad gifts: When The Nephew turned 18 this fall it was a rite of passage for his grandmother and me.

Man sued over tribal name: At issue is the site www.Foxwood.com, which the tribe says has no connection to its Foxwoods Resort Casino and is causing confusion. The tribe has a website at www.Foxwoods.com.

Obituaries for Nov. 29, 2002: Marvin G. Bennett, 64, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in Las Vegas. He was born Feb. 20, 1938, in Detroit. A resident for 10 years, he owned a manufacturing company.

Performing Arts for Nov. 29, 2002: Woodwind

Letter: Voters aren't saving much with tax cuts: So we have already seen cuts in aid to states and localities for schools, highways, health care and other needed programs. And we will see more cuts. States that are already feeling the results of the stagnant economy -- Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn, for example, says he now needs another $500 million to pay the bills -- have to decide whether to raise taxes sharply, or cut programs to the bone, or simply eliminate them.

Political notebook: Campaign contribution forms to be revamped: Erin Neff; The forms they are a-changin'.

Dates set for holiday mail to overseas military: Dick Benoit; The dates for mailing items to service members at overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and officials at the Military Postal Service Agency have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time.

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

Doughnut chain founder Winchell dies at LV home: He was 87 years old and had been a Las Vegas resident for 30 years. He was also a thoroughbred horsebreeder and stable owner who produced two champions and was engaged in real estate ventures including the development of Horizon Marketplace shopping center on Horizon Ridge at Eastern Avenue.

Ex-Metro cop Blasko dies: Ex-cop Joseph Charles Blasko died Tuesday at his home in New Harmony, Utah. He was 67.

USAC Spint Cars & Midgets schedule: Saturday

Does prog-rock love Las Vegas? Yes: Spencer Patterson; Apparently, Yes really enjoys playing Las Vegas.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Pac-10 comes to LV Bowl's rescue: Steve Guiremand; With apologies to those folks who used to love the anticipation of finding out whether Ball State or Central Michigan would play in the Las Vegas Bowl, the best thing that has happened to the Christmas Day contest is the bowl's recent tie-in with the Pac-10 Conference.

Guinn's path to raising taxes filled with hurdles: WEEKEND EDITION: Dec. 1, 2002

Investors positive about settlements: Georgia-Pacific Corp. rose $2.48, or 14 percent, to $20.05 and traded as high as $20.10 today. Halliburton Co. rose $1.87, or 9.7 percent, to $21.06 and traded as high as $21.15. Honeywell International Inc. rose $1.69, or 6.9 percent, to a high of $26.13. McDermott International Inc. rose 73 cents, or 29 percent, to $3.22 and traded as high as $3.25.

Editorial: Investigate claims by Yucca employees: Yucca Mountain, 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is where the government intends to bury the nation's high-level nuclear waste. Any questions about safety should be fully answered, and not just by the Department of Energy, which is developing Yucca. For the sake of public safety and trust, the GAO should get to the bottom of the employees' serious allegations.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Spurrier (and Zook) derailed: Dean Juipe; Think the University of Florida would like to have Steve Spurrier back as head coach?

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: Forum for the future: I've always wanted to write that, and in the middle of this Thanksgiving weekend it seems an appropriate use of the phrase because there is something I want to discuss that is important to our community. It is called the Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum. Its importance is embodied in the name.

VegasBeat: Timothy McDarrah: Charity feels right at Holmes: VegasBeat has never met Mr. Holmes, nor seen his Harrah's show.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Beard Dinner honors memory of Palladin: A Friends of James Beard Dinner in memory of Chef Jean-Louis Palladin took place Monday at Alize at the Palms. Chef Jean-Louis, who dazzled diners at his Napa restaurant at The Rio, died Nov. 25, 2001.

Datebook for Nov. 29, 2002: Pulidor Foundation/Spirit of the Nations and Fitzgeralds Hotel present the Buffalo Roast and Native American Arts and International Film Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the hotel. Admission is free. A buffalo roast luncheon will be from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is $25. 365-5686 or 393-6163.

Casino authority kicks in for N.J. arena: Geoff Mulvihill; PENNSAUKEN, N.J. -- Building a new arena and convention center in this Philadelphia suburb is a matter of economic development and regional pride for political leaders behind the proposal.

News briefs for Nov. 29, 2002: Two men remained jailed in North Las Vegas this morning in lieu of $1 million bond each in connection with a Nov. 22 killing.

Letter: Green Party offers a viable political choice: The Bush administration's plans for a revengeful, unprovoked attack on Iraq, and its concerns only for the wealthy, the unpunished corporate thieves and the disregard of environmental problems are no surprise to those aware of the Republican Party's long, twisted history. After all, the Republicans are the shameful reason that the U.S. is the only prosperous country in the world without national health care.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Stewart bullish on Bullring races: Less than two weeks after wrapping up his first NASCAR Winston Cup championship, Tony Stewart will be returning to his roots this weekend to take part in the U.S. Auto Club's season finales for Sprint Cars and Midget Cars at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Editorial: Pull the plug on cyber theft: The New York case was traced back to 1999, the year that one of the alleged identity thieves was hired by a company that produces specialized computer hardware and software. The computers are bought by companies that have legitimate reasons to access reports on individuals from credit bureaus. From May 1999 to March 2000, the employee is alleged to have stolen passwords and codes and sold them to as many as 20 other people, enabling them to pose in the cyber world as officers of legitimate companies and download confidential credit information on consumers. The U.S. attorney in New York ...

Letter: King George bound for war: If our current leaders wanted something besides controlling all the oil in the world so there could only be one government, we would have a similar assemblage of great minds coming up with a solution to power our automobiles and power companies with hydrogen.

On Display for Nov. 29, 2002: "Every Picture Tells a Story," original art published in children's books from the California Gallery, runs through Wednesday at Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave.

Letter: Liberals care about everyone: I would like to thank the Republicans/conservatives for giving us so many caring presidents. Ronald Reagan cut federal spending to mental institutions, forcing them to oust borderline cases. Thus, we inherited the homeless, many of them veterans. The elder Bush gave us gas lines, a sick economy and Desert Storm. Nixon gave us Watergate, and of course George W. Bush is going to give us World War III, a sick economy and a broken promise to Nevadans regarding the nuclear waste dump.

Flamingo Reno re-opens: The Golden Phoenix Hotel Casino and Resort opened its doors to gamblers Wednesday at what used to be the Flamingo Reno.

Baggage claim checks return to McCarran: Jace Radke; Despite the extension of a federal deadline to screen baggage for explosives, passengers arriving at McCarran International Airport over the holidays can still expect one new checkpoint.

Palo Verde faces McQueen and its mighty mystique: Adam Candee; Darwin Rost understands that, man for man, his Palo Verde team is probably not the best in the state.

Concert draw: Wood more than just a musical artist: Spencer Patterson; Throughout their 2002 40th anniversary tour, the Rolling Stones have performed massive stadium concerts, medium-sized arena shows and small club dates.

Celebration benefits Shade Tree shelter: Children can have their pictures taken with Santa, do special craft projects and have their faces painted. Admission is $5. Call 385-0072.

Rebels' TV deal gets fuzzy reception: ESPN Regional general manager Tina Kunzer-Murphy believed Las Vegas football fans would be grateful when the television broadcasting rights to UNLV's recent game at Utah plopped into her lap.

Rebels close it out at Ram-tough CSU: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

Columnist Spencer Patterson: What's classic rock? A question for the ages: Spencer Patterson; My dog listens to classic rock.

Forecaster likes Pines, McQueen in semifinals: Adam Candee; Ever get the feeling you plugged one hole in the ship just in time to see the next one burst open? That's about how this prep forecaster feels after last weekend's region championships.

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

Lincoln gets partial water win: CARSON CITY -- Lincoln County and its partner, Vidler Water Co. Inc., have won a partial victory to supply water to a proposed $650 million power plant in the southern part of the county.

Columnist Susan Snyder: An argument for holiday debate: Oh, right. Some of you only read this on Sundays.

Changes sought in City Council policies: Dan Kulin; North Las Vegas voters could decide in April whether to give residents more say at City Council meetings.

Pines seeks an encore: Adam Candee; Prep football results

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Some NFL bets are just gone with the wind: Sal DeFilippo; Some guys have all the luck.

Environmentalists target Bush administration: Environmental groups have been foes of the Bush administration since the beginning of his term. And the administration's policies have done nothing to placate the groups.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: For Nov. 29, 2002

Horseplay never looked so good: There is a strong bond between humans and horses, a relationship forged over thousands of years and explored in "Cheval" at Bellagio.

On 40th anniversary tour, Stones show new wrinkles: Spencer Patterson; You can't always get what you want, but if the Rolling Stones are your favorite band, you might come pretty close this weekend.

Global semiconductor sales improve: The report marks the third quarter of rising sales for an industry that is slowly recovering from the high-tech downturn of recent years.

Columnist Erin Neff: Expect 2003 Legislature to tax the little guy: Erin Neff; Nothing can wreck a good department store sale like higher-than-advertised prices -- or in the state of Nevada's case -- higher taxes.

School district races builders for land: By Emily Richmond; WEEKEND EDITION: Dec. 1, 2002

Editorial: Show more respect for master plans: Very likely the most aggravating aspect of growth for Clark County residents has been the manner in which the master plans for their area get changed. Master plans outline the general areas where commercial, industrial and residential developments are allowed. A person buying a home, for example, would use the master plan to see what could be in store for a large, nearby vacant lot. The master plan would show whether the lot could someday be zoned for open space, more housing, or a manufacturing plant.

Community entranced by a forest's magic: WEEKEND EDITION: Nov. 30, 2002

Columnist Jeff German: Regents need to act like adults: So the move to censure three regents who've been accused of misbehaving leaves one doubting whether the board has the ability to pull it off without further embarrassing itself.

Opportunity Village clients are thankful for their blessings: WEEKEND EDITION: Nov. 30, 2002

One Carrot: With his father an engineer at NASA, Scott Thompson may have had a shot at becoming an astronaut. Instead, it's his career that is soaring in the stratosphere.

Colorado State still has something to prove: AP; That must mean the 16th-ranked Rams have nothing to play for Saturday against Nevada-Las Vegas, right?

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Republicans keep focus on war against terrorism: Benjamin Grove; Conservative editor of the Weekly Standard, Bill Kristol, said it was telling that the new book "Bush at War" by Bob Woodward was a top seller and that Al Gore's book "Joined at the Heart" is barely moving.

Editorial: No tax money for light show upgrade: It was a reality check two weeks ago for Las Vegas City Council members when staff informed them of the potential cost of accepting a "gift" from the state. The gift -- Floyd Lamb State Park in northwest Las Vegas -- would cost an immediate $450,000 for repairs and $1 million a year for maintenance. The squirming was audible. Councilman Gary Reese said the city cannot even afford more marshals for the parks it has, say nothing about repairs and maintenance costs for a new park. "It's crunch time for the city as far as I'm concerned," Reese said, referring ...