Print edition for November 12, 2004

Gaming briefs for November 12, 2004: Macau, a casino-operating city in the midst of a tourism boom, had an average hotel occupancy rate of 71.2 percent in September, up 3 percentage points from a year earlier, the city's Statistics and Census Service said.

News briefs for November 12, 2004: A man apparently killed by a gunshot was found on the side of a dirt road near Needles Highway in the Laughlin area about 11:45 a.m. Thursday, Metro Police said.

Forecast for snow no sweat to Rebels: Steve Guiremand; Christmas is still about six weeks away. But when some members of the UNLV football heard the weather forecast for Saturday morning's game at Colorado State, it brought to mind the lyrics of a familiar Christmas carol.

Making 'herstory': Spencer Patterson; For two decades country star Wynonna has used her music as a vehicle to spin tales of heartbreak and passion.

Boy stabbed in fatal attack on his mother is still critical: Those who want to send get-well cards, gifts or other well-wishes to Shilo Edsitty can mail them to the Children's Service Guild, 701K N. Pecos Road, Las Vegas, NV 89101.

Columnist Jeff German: Solid alibi still eludes Tabish: Forget about all of the conflicting testimony we're hearing from medical experts in court about how Ted Binion died the morning of Sept. 17, 1998.

Microsoft beats Palm operating system for the first time in handheld shipments: AP; Microsoft's Windows CE operating system accounted for 48.1 percent of the quarter's 2.8 million PDA shipments worldwide, up from 41 percent the previous year, according to market research firm, Gartner Inc.

Insomniac Theatre uncorks its own twist on Williams: The theater company that presents late-night productions in conjunction with the Las Vegas Little Theatre's main stage productions, will present "Twisted Tennessee," two plays written by Christopher Durang, who cleverly spoofed the works of one of America's greatest playwrights.

Augustine impeachment moves to the Senate: CARSON CITY -- State Controller Kathy Augustine became the first elected official in Nevada history to be impeached, but her lawyers say they will vigorously battle in the Senate to defend her.

Columnist Ron Kantowski: America's gym champ hanging in: WHAT: 2004 T.J. Maxx Tour Gymnastics Championships PARTICIPANTS: USA Olympians, including women's all-around gold medalist Carly Patterson, Courtney Kupets, Terin Humphrey, Annia Hatch, Mohini Bhardwaj, Jason Gatson, Brett McClure and Guard Young. WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center TICKETS: $78.75, $47.25, $36.75, $26.25. UNLVtickets.com outlets and Thomas & Mack Center box office.

Hotels earn top award: Restaurants Le Cirque and Picasso at Bellagio also received the AAA's top award.

Bulldogs chase soccer's prize one more time: Nick Christensen; Last year, the Centennial boys' soccer team was the team to beat in the 4A South, going 8-1 in league play and steamrolling into the state tournament at Carson City.

Aviation Nation Air Show 2004: Bus Transportation -- Visitors will board buses at the speedway to be transported to the air show. The cost is $2 for a roundtrip.

Musical Arts Society features familiar soloist: A little more than 10 years ago while attending a Haydn festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, Doug Peterson came across an American soprano who stopped him in his tracks.

CCSN top choice of minorities: Community College of Southern Nevada student Claritssa Sanchez is well on her way to becoming a high school history teacher.

Nevada poorly ranked in health study: By Timothy Pratt; Eight-year-old Paulina Garcia can tell you about the University Medical Center's emergency room.

Top 25 Schedule: AP; No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Nebraska, 7 p.m.

On Display for November 12, 2004: Go Figure!

Women's College Basketball Schedule: AP; Minnesota at Washington, 10 p.m.

Lowering of firm's bond rating not expected to affect monorail: Stephen Curran; Investigations into the problems that have stalled the Las Vegas Monorail for more than two months will continue as planned, even as the company's Canadian operator had its bonds downgraded to junk status Thursday, spokespeople for the operator and the monorail said this morning.

Senators weighing their options: David Kihara; Although the state Assembly on Thursday voted unanimously to impeach state Controller Kathy Augustine for using state employees and equipment in her 2002 re-election campaign, the Senate can opt to punish her without kicking Augustine out of office, officials said Thursday.

Wranglers without top-line center: Nick Christensen; A rough week got tougher for the Las Vegas Wranglers as center Morten Ask was suspended by the team in a roster move that enabled them to keep his rights while he took an extended leave.

S&P 500 index rises: S&P 500 index rises

MGM Mirage-Mandalay merger loan approved: By Liz Benston; MGM Mirage's lenders have agreed to loan the company $7 billion in order to finance the acquisition of Mandalay Resort Group, the company disclosed this week.

Air show a tribute to WWII veterans: Jace Radke; Spectators at this weekend's Aviation Nation Air Show at Nellis Air Force Base will be transported back in time 60 years as they watch a re-creation of the June 6, 1944, D-Day landing by vintage World War II-era planes.

Columnist Brian Hilderbrand: Busch sees Darlington as a welcome pit stop on the road to the Cup: For Kurt Busch, Sunday's Mountain Dew Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway will be a welcome respite from the grueling 10-race Chase for the Nextel Cup Championship.

Columnist Nick Christensen: Playoff pressure new thrill for Valley: Nick Christensen; Valley (8-2, 4-1 NE) vs. Foothill (11-0, 5-0 SE) 7 p.m. Today Falcon Stadium College at I-515, Henderson Mutual opponents: Sierra Vista (7-4) -- Foothill won 26-20, Valley lost 24-27; Desert Pines (4-6) -- Foothill won 56-6, Valley won 30-6; Coronado (5-5) -- Foothill won 42-23, Valley won 20-7; Eldorado (7-4) -- Foothill won 23-20, Valley won 28-25. Key for Foothill: Use the size advantage. Few teams can compete with Foothill's line -- Valley isn't one of them. Key for Valley: Keep composure. Teams have come back on Foothill before -- but teams have also given up before the end ...

Wynn explores possibility of mixed-use project: If built, the project probably wouldn't begin construction before 2008, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Conference to help parents and students plan path to college: Eric Leake; College can be a strange and difficult place for students just out of high school. A conference at the Cox Pavilion Saturday aims to ease that transition.

Bechtel's Big Dig problems no surprise to Yucca critics: Benjamin Grove; WASHINGTON -- Yucca Mountain critics glumly note that Boston's controversial "Big Dig" public works project, plagued by leaks and cost overruns, is managed by the same corporation in charge of the proposed nuclear waste dump.

One lump or two?: Having turned down a proposed third fight against Oscar De La Hoya and the lusty payday that would have accompanied it, "Sugar" Shane Mosley opted instead to put his championship belts on the line against Ronald "Winky" Wright in March.

Long-awaited move eyed: David Kihara; After more than two years of delays, the Clark County District Court hopes to begin moving into the new Regional Justice Center before the end of the year, the court administrator told judges Wednesday.

Columnist Steve Guiremand: Wyoming coach issues a call for fan support: Bowl may be at stake: Steve Guiremand; Looking for something to do this weekend?

Saturday's matchup: UNLV (2-7, 1-4) at Colorado State (3-6, 2-3): WHEN COLORADO STATE HAS THE BALL Colorado State run offense vs. UNLV run defense The Rams as a team have rushed for just 991 yards this season, which is 135 yards less than Dorsey has rushed for. UNLV's run defense, led by linebackers Adam Seward and Ryan Claridge, has been erratic. Junior Uldis Jaunarajs, who started most of the season for the Rams, is doubtful with a concussion, which means junior Jimmy Green, who is averaging a healthy 76.2 yards per game since returning from a high ankle sprain, will see the majority of time at running back for the ...

Honesty key to relations between employer, employee: Alana Roberts; The best way to fire an employee is not to mince words.

Columnist Sal DeFelippo: Ricky would fit mess in Miami: Sal DeFelippo; As we pass the midway point in this year's Sal's Celebrity Selectors pro football prognosticating competition, New York-New York headliner and comedian Rita Rudner appears poised to make a run to defend her title and retain the quasi-prestigious Golden Nerf.

Sheep horning in on Boulder City's highway bypass plans: Dan Kulin; Disagreement between state and federal agencies over the impact on bighorn sheep from the proposed highway around Boulder City has the project at an impasse, city leaders said Thursday.

Sports briefs November 12, 2004: The final cost of the Athens Olympics soared to about $11.6 billion -- at least $3.1 billion more than originally estimated.

Top 25 Fared: AP; No. 1 Southern Cal (9-0) did not play. Next: vs. Arizona, Saturday.

Monument unveiled in all-inclusive ceremony: The newest monument unveiled Thursday at the Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City speaks volumes about what Veterans Day is about -- all veterans: past, present and future.

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

Performing Arts for November 12, 2004: Warsaw Philharmonic

Ralph Siraco's Hollywood Park selections: 2nd Race -- TIZAWOOD -- Nakatani atop Mullins trainee, needs prompt start and clean trip from rail post in short turf sprint, Tiza-winna-from-the-wood? CUP OF COCO -- Draws outside post for maiden grass dash, Desormeaux on Aguirre trainee for owners JPF Investments, Cup full of diploma? Value Play -- BELVEDERE BELLE

Preps: Schedule: Preps: Schedule

Correction: * Because of errors by the Sun, a story in Wednesday's editions incorrectly stated Tyrus W."Ty" Cobb's experience in the government. He was a national security adviser to President Reagan. The story also incorrectly stated his view on Iraq. Cobb said there has been considerable progress in Iraq, but he said there is a concern that public opinion will shift against the president in the next year if there is not more visible progress in improving security there. The Sun regrets the errors.

Obituaries for November 12. 2004: Jose Ma. Carrillo, 76, of Las Vegas died Tuesday in a local hospital. He was born Aug. 9, 1928, in Tulimic De Guadalupe, Mexico. A resident for 40 years, he was a retired railroad section man.

Letter: Democrats must eject left wing to attract voters: The left wing, liberal, big government, dependency-advocating, victimhood promoting, amoral, tax-and-spend, politically correct mentality does not resonate with at least 52 percent of the American citizens who voted on Nov. 2. The Democratic/Liberal dogs just don't hunt.

Lavigne brings older, wiser star power to Vegas: Spencer Patterson; It's time to take the ever-present "teen star" descriptor out of Avril Lavigne's biography.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Stars turn out at Rocker's to contribute to fund: Magicians Lance Burton and Fielding West were in top form.

Launch of Lexus hybrid delayed: The Japanese automaker's luxury arm said in late September that it planned to begin selling the RX 400h hybrids early next year. But Toyota announced this week that it would put them on sale April 15, the federal deadline for filing taxes, as a 2006 model-year vehicle.

Four local teens honored in Young Artists competition: Accomplishing it as a teenager, in a contest sponsored by a professional orchestra, might only add to the satisfaction.

Editorial: Disgusting deification: Not all leaders have been as unconscionably fawning as Chirac and Mubarak, but noticeably absent was a worldwide acknowledgement that Arafat, a terrorist who supported suicide bombings against Israelis, was the chief roadblock to reaching a genuine peace agreement in the Middle East. Arafat's embrace of such horrifying tactics as suicide bombings -- now part and parcel of terrorist movements, including al-Qaida -- is his true legacy.

Blood drives: Tuesday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Las Vegas City Hall, 441 E. Stewart Ave.; 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Nevada Federal Credit Union, 2645 S. Mojave Road.

Fishing report: It's still striped bass for Lake Mead boaters: The Las Vegas Wash area continues to hold stripers and boaters are catching them by trolling, drifting with anchovies, jigging and casting top water lures. Anglers have been telling the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) that it appears the fish are beginning to move as they are now being caught at Sand Island and a few have appeared below Lake Mead Hatchery.

After five years, 'Midnight' still striking at the Luxor: Five years ago this month "Midnight Fantasy" took off its wraps at the Luxor, and Anita Mann's topless production still routinely fills the 350-seat room.

Board replaces chief executive: The surprise move means that Susan Lyne, the former president of ABC Entertainment who also founded and ran Premiere magazine, becomes one of the most powerful people at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. She will report to Thomas C. Siekman, the chairman, and no doubt to Stewart as well, who at present has no title at the company but owns about 60 percent of the stock.

'Gish' planted seeds of Pumpkins: Spencer Patterson; Billy Corgan doesn't play well with others.

Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Accordion to Tenuta, goddess' work is never done: Lisa Ferguson; There's no way of knowing for certain whether the comedian -- aka "The Love Goddess," "Aphrodite of the Accordion" and "The Queen of Candy Pants," among others, who headlines Tuesday through Nov. 21 at The Improv at Harrah's -- is telling the truth about her late relationship, or staying in character while unleashing another of her frenetic rants about the opposite sex.

Datebook for November 12, 2004: The 2nd annual Military Appreciation Ball will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the East Las Vegas Community/Senior Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. Tickets are $22. 229-1515.

Questions likely doom gambling growth in Illinois: Ryan Keith; SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Money talks at the state Capitol, but not loud enough to drown out the complaints, questions and demands raised by an effort to expand gambling in Illinois.

Bernard's work visual, but evokes sound: Cindy Bernard has a sound reputation.

Inquest to rule on fatal shooting by NLV officer: Antonio Corona-Mendoza's wife called police the night of Oct. 12 and said he was shooting a gun inside the house and wouldn't stop, police said.

Columnist Jerry Fink: Impressionist is still without peer: Before Gorshin, there was Babe Pier.

Retail sales edge up 0.2%: Martin Crutsinger; WASHINGTON -- Consumers, after a big spending spree in September, grew more cautious last month, with retail sales edging up just 0.2 percent, the government reported today.

Tiffany loses her spot on finance panel: CARSON CITY -- Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, announced Republican Senate committee assignments Thursday, and his one-time opponent Sandra Tiffany of Henderson has lost her seat on the powerful Finance Committee.

Community briefs for November 12, 2004: Ethel M Chocolates invites the public to share in the 11th annual Light the Night Cactus Garden experience Thursday through Jan. 3. From sundown to 10 p.m. the Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden, Two Cactus Garden Drive in Henderson, will be illuminated seven days a week.

Key points from Scott Peterson's trial: AP; -Testimony that Peterson told his mother-in-law Laci was "missing" within an hour of returning home from his supposed fishing trip.

Survey: People want receipt showing how they voted: Lombardo Consulting Group said it surveyed 362 voters in conjunction with political science professor Michael John Burton of Ohio University.

Letter: Bush now should clean up his mess: He created an unnecessary war that has cost us the loss of young American lives, thousands of casualties and billions of dollars of taxpayers' money. At the same time, he gave his friends billions in tax cuts and noncompetitive contracts.

Car with teens fleeing police crashes: Dan Kulin; A stolen car with three teenage girls fleeing from police ran into a minivan on Charleston Boulevard at the end of an Interstate 15 off-ramp Thursday night, Metro Police said.

Columnist Muriel Stevens: Sushi Roku offers comfort, sophistication: What luck. A table was available. Our timing was right. Within minutes after our arrival Sushi Roku was almost filled to capacity.

Columnist Barb Henderson: Paralyzed veterans group seeking help to start archery competition: Barb Henderson; Veterans Day, a day to honor men and women who have served and continue to serve this great country.

Supreme Court rules suit against Metro: CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has dismissed a false-arrest lawsuit filed by a Chicago man against Metro Police and two officers.

Russian pianist joins Warsaw Philharmonic at Ham Hall: But Russian pianist Olga Kern is making her own classical music mark performing her way across the globe with a trail of critics praising her technique and enthusiasm.

Columnist Spencer Patterson: Faint leaves no doubt about independent status: Spencer Patterson; Not exactly.

Editorial: Protecting a basic right: The court addressed the group's experiences in May at a bus transfer station in Reno operated by the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, and at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In both instances, "time, place and manner" policies were at the center of disputes. These policies impose requirements and restrictions on signature gatherers, such as providing advance notice of their intentions and where they may circulate their petitions.