Print edition for April 23, 2006

Jeff Simpson has it up to here with jokers who spoil TV poker tournaments with their rude ways: But one of the most irritating things about televised poker, and ESPN's WSOP coverage is the biggest culprit, is the extra attention paid to the juvenile antics of some poker players.

John Katsilometes takes in the panoramic views at Pamorama - er, Panorama Towers: "They should call it 'Pamorama,' because I am here," Anderson said during the official groundbreaking party for Tower 3 of Panorama Towers on Dean Martin Drive, just west of the Strip. "When I'm at the Palms they should take the 'L,' out, too - 'The Pams.' I like the sound of 'Pamorama.' "

Jack Sheehan on how unfunny it can be for the thousands of unknown comedians trying to make the jump to a Las Vegas stage: Nine times out of 10 they bill themselves as "Straight from Las Vegas," or "Soon to open in Lake Tahoe," or "Recently played to packed houses in Reno."

Critics: Tower's new math is not adding up: A new 227-foot high condominium project planned near Charleston Boulevard and the Las Vegas Beltway in Summerlin, adjacent to the newly opened Red Rock Resort, is a slap in the face - a very high slap in the face - to some nearby residents and environmentalists.

Brian Greenspun on why we should be blaming Bush: Blitzer is normally a no-nonsense, get-to-the-point kind of interviewer. That is why he is so important to the debate process in this country. People trust him to ask the right questions, always know his subject matter and treat his guests, no matter how despicable they may be, with the respect needed to create a relatively free flow of information. That is how the public is best served, not by the strident nature of most cable news and talk shows in which "gotcha" is more important than fact and responsible opinion.

Playing politics with lake: By Launce Rake; The scientist who headed federal studies into harmful chemicals being released into Lake Mead from Las Vegas sewage says he quit his job because his findings have been suppressed for political reasons.

Preachers who harass gays protested: As the university system regents last month debated a proposed campus ban on rap music that promotes violence, a UNR student offered an additional suggestion.

Who will pick up the baton?: By Kristen Peterson; Nearly eight years later, the philharmonic has a $1.5 million budget, a classical series, a series of small recitals in private homes, guest artists and composers, and a strong educational program.

Jon Ralston on the awkward position in which Bush's visit puts the state GOP: Porter and the Republicans are opening their house, aka The Venetian, to President Bush in the way that a bank might welcome a deposit from a dictator who has committed serial human rights abuses. They want the money. But they really don't desire the guilt by association.

Arizona State official top choice for UNR post: All three are qualified. But committee members said Milton Glick, provost for Arizona State University, would win the job hands down.

Hughes Redux: Thirty years after Howard Hughes' death, the reclusive billionaire who changed the course of Las Vegas' history remains larger than life - at times more myth than man, more conjecture than fact.

Hal Rothman recalls a failed citizens' effort to prevent Red Rock Resort from ever taking root in Summerlin: Hal Rothman; Opponents certainly faced an uphill battle. The permits for the resort were already secured when the opposition took shape. The homeowners had been advised of the plans when they bought their homes. They looked at the open patch of dirt and ignored or did not envision the future. When it arrived, they were unhappy.

Editorial: Republicans smear Harry Reid: Of course, as anyone who has paid attention to the immigration debate in Congress knows, it is the Republican-led House that has wanted to make it a felony to be an illegal immigrant. In contrast, it has been the Democrats and some moderate Republicans who have opposed making illegal immigration a crime. They instead have advocated legislation that would make it possible for illegal immigrants to gain citizenship after several years and meeting a number of requirements.

Editorial: Wake-up call for drivers: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration figures show that 43,200 people died on America's roads last year, up from 42,636 in 2004. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the figures illustrate that each year our country "experiences a national tragedy that is as preventable as it is devastating."

Tarkanian plans a run to retain her council seat: Dan Kulin; Tarkanian won her council seat in a January 2005 recall election that sacked then-Councilwoman Janet Moncrief.

Editorial: Rational action needed: But they're not. These are American images, and they represent some of the more extreme examples of what the ongoing immigration debate is eliciting in communities across the country.

Letter: Thumbs down to Cardinal Mahony: His views certainly do not coincide with mine and I hope His Eminence has the approval of Rome. I think he has paraphrased our leader who said "bring 'em on" to "bring 'em in."

Letter: Immigration rhetoric is taking its toll: Do they feel that way about Mexican-American citizens? Did people just realize today that there are 12 million people in the country illegally? Will the law make it so that I can be taken away because someone thinks I am illegal? Will I get in trouble if I speak Spanish in school? Will we be deported? I get these questions a lot from my sons who, by the way, are fourth-generation Mexican-American citizens who speak English fluently, as do their mother and grandmother.

Letter: Retired generals are duty-bound to speak: Kane correctly argues that the military is under the civilian control of the president, but Kane's understanding of "retired" is wanting. When these generals were active, they gave advice and then followed orders.

Letter: Revolution against oil companies is past due: Now one of those CEOs is retiring. Among his retirement perks is a sum of cash to help tide him over in excess of $400 million. If he is careful with his nickels and dimes, he can get along.