Print edition for October 11, 2002

Performing Arts for October 11, 2002: Song

News briefs for Oct. 11, 2002: A Las Vegas woman who failed to return a 22-month-old girl to her mother isn't expected to be charged in connection with that incident, but police are seeking her for identity theft.

Insurance company drops UMC for primary care: By Emily Richmond; Beginning next week, patients with Sierra Health Services insurance will have to pay their own way to see their primary care physicans at University Medical Center, hospital officials confirmed this morning.

Galleria expansion celebrated: The expansion features stores such as Galyan's, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister Co.,PacSun and Agaci Too.

Columnist Barb Henderson: SNORE not asleep on outdoors conservation: Barb Henderson; In writing this week's column, I found myself reflecting on a good friend who died in spring.

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Santa Anita: Saturday's card

Rebels begin 2nd season of Spoon-fed hoops: Steve Guiremand; Charlie Spoonhour says he has a lot better idea of what to expect from his UNLV basketball team as he begins his second year as head coach of the Rebels with the start of practice Saturday afternoon.

Predatory lending costing Household up to $484 million: Herbert G. McCann; CHICAGO -- Officials disclosed today that Household International Inc., one of the nation's largest lenders, will pay up to $484 million to settle allegations of predatory lending, including charges it duped borrowers into agreeing to home loans with more expensive terms than had been promised.

Letter: FDR should be enshrined: His record speaks for itself. Elected four times president of the United States. Never accepted his salary while serving as president. In fact he gave away most of his wealth building Warm Springs in Georgia for the crippled children of our country.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: NASCAR truckers get the point(s): Schedule

Letter: Use of sonar means death to aquatic species: The Bush administration's support of the Navy's use of low-frequency sonar, set to be deployed as of Nov. 1, marks the demise of many aquatic species. What we don't seem to realize is that the peril in which we put so many creatures is only the beginning ... our destruction will finally be our own.

Letter: Marriage defined, not 'protected': As she correctly pointed out, it won't. What Question 2 does, however, is define marriage as between only a man and a woman.

Las Vegas Area Fishing Report: For Oct. 11, 2002

Obituaries for Oct. 11, 2002: Jane C. Camlin, 82, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospice. She was born May 9, 1920, in Greensburg, Pa. A resident for five years, she was a retired schoolteacher, a World War II Navy veteran, a member of the AAUW, Alpha Gamma Delta Society, Nevada Gems, Women Veterans of Nevada, Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Golden Eaglett of the American Girl Scouts and the Parks and Recreation of Lake Havasu City, a volunteer of American Red Cross water safety program for 65 years and co-director of the Lake Havasu City Interagency.

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: An entertainer in need: These and many others are the names of people who have made Las Vegas what it is today. Long before there was a Sieg- fried and Roy, Celine Dion and Wayne Newton, there was that other generation of entertainers -- saloon singers and comedians -- who put this town on the map and kept it there for the past 50 years.

Casino insiders buying, selling: Also this week, Mandalay Resort Group Chief Financial Officer Glenn Schaeffer sold 733,333 shares for $24 million.

Retail sales down in September: The Commerce Department's report today sent a trouble sign for the struggling economic recovery, raising new questions about consumers' willingness to spend in the months ahead, including the holiday shopping season.

Regent claims racism after project killed: Jennifer Knight; The only black member of the state Board of Regents accused her colleagues of institutional racism Thursday after they killed funding for a proposed outreach center designed to encourage more minorities to attend college.

Juvenile records play a role in murder case: Kim Smith; Next week's trial of a Las Vegas man accused of stalking and killing his estranged wife has been postponed so a judge can pore over the juvenile records of the victim's adult sons.

Rebels get fresh start in MWC: Steve Guiremand; NEXT UP

UNR police probe student's death: RENO -- University of Nevada, Reno police planned a second day of interviews today in an attempt to determine why a freshman from Las Vegas drowned while swimming with members of his fraternity's pledge class in Manzanita Lake on the school's campus.

Regent calls for action on files issue: Jennifer Knight; Regent Doug Hill on Thursday called for state action against Regent Linda Howard if her viewing of student and employee personnel files violated board bylaws.

Tanker fire closes Interstate 15: A tanker truck carrying thousands of gallons of gasoline flared into a fireball northeast of Las Vegas about 7:45 p.m. Thursday, closing Interstate 15 to traffic in both directions for five hours.

Invensys Classic: Frustrated Fryatt: Dean Juipe; In a world where excuses are commonplace, Edward Fryatt calls his play on the PGA Tour this year inexcusable.

N.J. regulators look back on 25 years of gambling: John Curran; ATLANTIC CITY -- Yes, there are still neighborhoods in Atlantic City where casino-era prosperity is but a rumor. But the Boardwalk and the Marina District are on a hot streak, with 12 casinos in business and a 13th being built.

Political notebook: Berkley answers ads with action: Erin Neff; Sometimes the power of incumbency rears its head at the best time, even if its power is toothless.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: NCAA lets 'Slick Rick' slide with tap on wrist: Steve Guiremand; Washington coach Rick Neuheisel has a new nickname these days.

High court upholds sex assault conviction: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court Thursday upheld the conviction of John Bowyer, found guilty of the sexual assault of his mentally disabled adult niece and then trying to contract for her murder.

Invensys Classic: Furyk makes his move to the top: Dean Juipe; Steve Jones was leaving the press room when reality -- and a scoreboard -- caught his eye.

Columnist Jeff German: Ghoulish girls get ghastly: Little Demons is a makeshift dungeon of terror, not for the faint of heart, where scantily clad exotic dancers and actors participate in graphic scenes of torture and bondage, all for your gruesome enjoyment.

Guitarist pushes jazz to a new level: Spencer Patterson; Yet in 1974, 19-year-old Al Di Meola received a call from jazz piano great Chick Corea, asking the young guitarist to become a member of fusion supergroup Return to Forever.

Invensys Classic: Thursday's scores: Jim Furyk

Editorial: Look close at reasons for losses: In the 1980s the money issue intensified. The Clark County Commission, which acts as the hospital's board of trustees, grew increasingly frustrated with its annual hospital subsidy of $5 million or more. It fired one management company in 1988 and the succeeding administrator resigned in 1993 over issues of money and management. The county wanted three things from any new administrator: Facility improvements that would lead to greater efficiencies, better communication with commissioners, and a marketing strategy that would allow the hospital to break even or make money. Bill Hale, part of the new management team hired in 1993 and ...

Great Shakes in the park: When: 7 tonight and Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday.

Safety issue rests with courts: Don Thompson; SACRAMENTO -- A federal judge is being asked to decide whether local officials can enforce safety regulations at Indian casinos, an issue with far-ranging consequences for tribes and for communities combatting casino growth.

Rod Stewart ordered to return $2 million fee: The Rio, owned by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., filed breach of contract and unjust enrichment claims last March against Stewart, his company and his law firm, Armstrong Hirsch Jackoway Tyerman & Werthemier, to recover the prepaid fee after Stewart breached the contract by failing to perform.

Welfare cases up, but funds are dwindling: Adrienne Packer; A steep increase in statewide welfare cases is expected to drain Nevada's $22 million reserve of welfare funds by June unless the federal government agrees to provide additional emergency money, officials said.

AG debate turns to power issue: Erin Neff; The public power ballot initiative found its way into Thursday's televised debate for attorney general with Democrat John Hunt demanding his opponent take a stand on Question 14.

Controversial benefits surrendered: Jeffrey Libby; Two weeks after Boulder City residents voted to cut elected officials' pay, Councilman Joe Hardy quietly signed paperwork declining future payments of $950 in monthly auto and medical benefits.

Two judges sue city for wage hikes: Jeffrey Libby; Two Henderson municipal court judges are suing the city for wage increases that according to a city analysis would more than double their salaries by 2011.

Study cites decline in Nevada youth smoking: Erica D. Johnson; Nevada has fewer youth smokers than the national average, but those who do smoke have a fairly easy time buying tobacco, new data from the state Health Division shows.

Columnist Dean Juipe: Daly will always draw a crowd: Dean Juipe; His celebrity is such that he had by far the largest gallery at the TPC at Summerlin in spite of playing as poorly as anyone in the Invensys Classic at Las Vegas.

Columnist Adam Candee: Mum's the word for Chaparral, Watts: Adam Candee; TONIGHT'S PREP FOOTBALL GAMES

Columnist Jerry Fink: Busy Albisani adds Cafe Nicole to schedule: Maggie Albisani is a classy cabaret singer who has found a classy cabaret in which to sing.

Seniors' rift shows in power issue: The Nevada Seniors Coalition leadership attacked the credibility and finances of the regional water agency Thursday in a proxy battle over the issue of public control of the electric utility.

PUC blames Nevada Power for utility's financial woes: CARSON CITY -- The state Public Utilities Commission said Thursday that Nevada Power Co. failed miserably to prove it was prudent in buying power in 2001 to keep the lights on in Las Vegas.

Editorial: McCarran travelers have enjoyable time: In a survey of passengers conducted in July and August by J.D. Power and Associates, a firm that provides customer satisfaction surveys for many industries, McCarran was No. 1 among the airports in the United States that have at least 30 million passengers a year. The Las Vegas airport ranked high in customer service for its accessibility and baggage handling. First impressions -- and even last impressions -- can make the difference for a tourist-based economy such as ours. So it's encouraging to see a validation of the county-run airport's long-term commitment to providing an enjoyable experience for air travelers.

Nevada delegation fights for Vegas flights: Two "slots" at National Airport -- one takeoff and one landing per day -- had been used by Las Vegas-based carrier National Airlines. But the airline abandoned the route amid financial problems. Other airlines hope to claim the slots after they expire for National later this month, and Nevada lawmakers are afraid another airline might use the slots to connect National Airport to another city.

Events in the Sacramento area: AP; 7:30 a.m., SACRAMENTO - Students gather to volunteer for the semiannual Community Service Day, University Union, Foothill Suite. Contact: Ann Reed, 916-278-6156.

Invensys Classic: Duval aims to fix game in Las Vegas: Adam Candee; Long, true drives emerge from his quietly efficient swing. He pulls the emergency brake on perfectly measured approach shots as they arrive at hole level.

Las Vegas 350 Truck Race: Series endures growing pains: The idea seemed like a slam dunk at the time.

Partner accused of defamation: Next Generation, a San Diego-based distributor of Sega slot machines, said Sega began soliciting Next Generation's clients including several Indian casinos in California with false claims that it wasn't able to deliver the gaming equipment and that the company or one of its principals was dishonest.

Question 9 backers speak out: Jen Lawson; Sign-waving supporters of Question 9 gathered Thursday outside a local television studio to confront the nation's drug czar, who was in Las Vegas to campaign against the ballot initiative that would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

Saturday's horse racing entries: Santa Anita Park

Thursday's prep results: BOYS SOCCER

Casino safety issue arises: Don Thompson; SACRAMENTO -- A federal judge is being asked to decide whether local officials can enforce safety regulations at Indian casinos, an issue with far-ranging consequences for tribes and for communities combatting casino growth.

Long on Talent: The guises of Martin: Kirk Baird; When: 8 p.m. Sunday.

Columnist Susan Snyder: Killer bike show draws crowds: In true Las Vegas fashion, a trade show that brought more than 20,000 people to town this past week started with a body in the desert.

Anderson: He's doing it his way: By Jerry Fink; Who: Bob Anderson.

Community briefs for Oct. 11, 2002: The Boys and Girls Club of Henderson presents "An Afternoon With Bob Anderson and Friends," a luncheon fund-raiser at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Club Madrid inside Sunset Station.

Datebook for October 11, 2002: The City of North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Department and Pardee Homes present the second annual Northern Exposure 10K and 2-Mile Fun Run at 6:30 a.m. to noon Saturday ending at Seastrand Park, Camino Eldorado and Centennial Parkway. This year's run will also include a two-mile wheelchair race with refreshments and entertainment following the run. Admission is $15 to $30. Proceeds benefit Nellis Air Force Base families and North Las Vegas Parks and Recreation programs. 633-1612.

On Display for October 11, 2002: "America Marches Ahead," paintings by Norman Rockwell of the first 75 years of the 20th century, through Oct. 31 at Centaur Art Galleries on the main level of Fashion Show mall. 737-1234.

VegasBeat -- Timothy McDarrah: Listen up: We are women, hear us roar: For example, the current Power List issue of Las Vegas Life magazine checks out the valley's 25 most powerful individuals. Only three of them are women.

Coalition gives RTC tax bid an official OK: The Regional Transportation Commission on Thursday received perhaps its most important endorsement for the $2.7 billion tax question on the November ballot.

Street festival follows opening of gay center: Dan Kulin; On National Coming Out Day today, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada will host the official grand opening of its new Las Vegas facility, to be followed by a street festival.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Tuscany offers taste of Italy at new ristorante: Palazzo Ristorante in the Tuscany hotel at 255 E. Flamingo is lovely place for dinner or lunch. This charming restaurant features well-priced Tuscan and regional Italian specialties in a beautiful setting.

Look out NBA West; Webber feeling best he has in two years: AP; Bobby Jackson scored 19 points off the bench and Webber added 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes of play Thursday to lead the Sacramento Kings past the Utah Jazz 102-92 in an NBA exhibition.

Blood drives scheduled: Tuesday: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Cimarron-Memorial High School, 2301 N. Tenaya Way; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sprint, 330 S. Valley View Blvd.; 1-7 p.m., U.S. Food Service, 1685 W. Cheyenne Ave.

Kings 102, Jazz 92: AP; Bobby Jackson scored 19 points off the bench and Webber added 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes of play Thursday to lead the Sacramento Kings past the Utah Jazz 102-92 in an NBA exhibition.

Letter: Bush is truly the master when it comes to irony: For example, during his campaign, Bush never wearied of reminding the public that the Clinton administration had devastated military readiness. In fact, he went so far as to lie to the American people, telling them an entire division was not combat ready.

Opening the doors: Cult singer replaces cult icon: Spencer Patterson; WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 13, 2002

Editorial: Sun's choices in races for U.S. House ...: In the 1st Congressional District, Rep. Shelley Berkley is running for a third term against Republican Lynette Boggs McDonald. Berkley, a moderate Democrat, has been outstanding as one of Nevada's representatives in Washington, including standing up to the nuclear power industry in this state's fight against the Yucca Mountain Project. She also knows that while it's important to pass legislation that creates opportunity for businesses to thrive, workers deserve protection also -- exactly the right balance on economic issues. Berkley also has developed a strong foreign policy record, a huge plus in the post-Sept. 11 world. The Sun endorses Shelley ...

Where I Stand -- Brian Greenspun: A different Germany: The Brandenburg Gate is Germany's most famous landmark. It was completed in 1791 and is the only one of the 18 original city gates in existence. It has witnessed much in its 300-year history; French and Prussian victories, the rise and fall of the Third Reich, and almost a half century of the Cold War in which it stood not very proudly in the middle of no-man's land -- stuck between the tyranny of the East and the freedom of the West.

Where I Stand -- Mike O'Callaghan: No excuses for dumping the nuclear waste on Nevada: President George W. Bush was sold by the Republican Party as the man who would be fair and only use approved science in determining Yucca Mountain's suitability for holding the nuke waste produced by energy corporations. That was in 2000, when then Gov. Bush of Texas was trying to become, like his father, an occupant of the White House. It worked and Nevada's four electoral votes were the margin that allowed him, despite getting fewer votes cast nationally, to become president and push nuke waste down the throats of Nevadans.

Columnist Jon Ralston: Kenny's tale is powerful story: Turns out that Hunt's thousands were actually a $2,000 contribution from the company, so there was a clear attempt to deceive. But then when I discovered Kenny had taken the $1,000 donation in February when she was feigning to run for re-election and already a couple of months after the utility had asked for that $922 million rate increase, the hypocrisy story was obvious. How could Kenny attack Hunt for taking the money when she had done the same? This was a classic case of exploiting an issue for political gain -- as other candidates have this year with the ...

Columnist Erin Neff: Only endorsements that count are by voters: Erin Neff; So there's no question why endorsements take center stage in ads, mailers and, often, in debates.

VegasBeat: Timothy McDarrah: Where's our hot spot for journalists?: New York has Elaine's.

Getting fired up over fitness and nutrition: Erica D. Johnson; WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 12, 2002

Columnist Susan Snyder: Get out there and live those life choices: One of the women herded the taller tots into a Green Valley ice cream store. The other held the door with one hand, chatted on a cell phone, stood sentry over a baby carrier containing a sleeping infant and asked her older child a question:

Columnist Benjamin Grove: Congress may finally give back graveyard: Benjamin Grove; After a long journey from Missouri along the California Trail, the 71-year-old woman died of a heart attack shortly after making it into modern-day north-central Nevada, near Beowawe.

Columnist Sal DeFilippo: Browns fans certainly used to feeling blue: Sal DeFilippo; The instinctive reaction is to feel bad for Cleveland fans after watching another tough loss by the Brownies on Sunday.

Letter: War should be last option: These ex-soldiers suffer daily, but are forgotten. Many were crippled in Vietnam. Do we want to add to their numbers without first attempting to eliminate Saddam Hussein by means other than war?

Editorial: ... Governor, Lt. Gov., AG and other offices: Gov. Kenny Guinn, a Republican seeking a second term, often has moderate positions on social and economic issues. State Sen. Joe Neal, the Democratic nominee for governor, hasn't flinched in his long tenure in the Legislature from bringing up subjects that many would just as soon avoid -- increasing taxes, for example. Guinn, however, by far is the best choice for governor. He is prepared to handle the biggest questions facing the 2003 Legislature, issues that could affect Nevada for decades to come. Guinn understands more must be done for social services and education, and he also acknowledges the need ...