Print edition for January 16, 2007

Editorial: Seeking some creativity: For example, in 2003 and 2005 the Legislature approved funding to build a state psychiatric hospital in Las Vegas. But the facility already is overcrowded, and too many of these patients are ending up in area emergency rooms.

Rocking with the All-Stars: Compiled by Rob Miech, Ron Kantowski and Brian Hilderbrand, Las Vegas Sun; Where it might be possible to see NBA-ers - or another professional athlete or legend, or two - during the NBA All-Star Week ...

Hafen says lobbyist job not result of backroom deal: Michael J. Mishak; Tessa Hafen said she didn't see it coming.

Starlets, limos, guns: Sex offender unit doesn't get its wish at adult expo: Chris Dreyer wanted very badly to attend the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo last week. He wanted to roll in with an entourage of 15. He wanted to roam as a rajah among thousands of adult movie aficionados, wired with the nearness of adult starlets. He wanted special parking for his crew, and, most of all, the blessing of the pornography convention's organizers.

Celine succeeding Celine?: Who will replace Celine Dion as the megaheadliner at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace when the superstar exits Dec. 15?

Comedian looking for a new home for 'Bonk': Comedian/magician Kerry Pollock wrapped up a showcase at the Rampart's Addison Lounge and is looking for a room.

Letter: Nation-building on the backs of our soldiers: We are admonished that if we fail to win in Iraq the sky will fall, and disaster will be our eventual fate. Similar rhetoric about a communist takeover domino effect of Southeast Asia was continually drummed during the Vietnam War.

Letter: Time to declare victory and get out: The objective had changed from "winning the war" to "winning the peace." Then-Sen. George Aiken from Vermont, in a 12-minute speech, proposed a simple solution. Declare a brilliant victory and get out (Vietnamization). Many moons, lives, maimings and political rhetorical sound bites later, that's exactly what the administration did.

Letter: Bush not hearing what America is saying: Can any of us believe that Bush would even listen to another proposal? After all, he completely ignored the Iraq Study Group's recommendations. He replaced military personnel who disagreed with his plan and replaced them with those who agreed with him.

Indian gaming fuels industry's growth in U.S.: Diana Marrero; WASHINGTON - In the early 1960s, no states ran lotteries, only one - Nevada - allowed casinos, and Indian tribes had yet to discover bingo or glitzy casino halls.

Reid stumbles in first week: WASHINGTON - Sen. Harry Reid's skills as new majority leader stumbled last week when he tried, and failed, to stop the Senate's anti-pork czars from meddling with his ethics reform bill.

John Katsilometes on how a young, behind-the-scenes operator was treated to quite a 21st birthday extravaganza: Marks is showroom manager for "Hypnosis Gone Wild" at the Harmon Theater at Krave. Marks is young to be in such a position - the weekend celebration was for his 21st birthday - but he has proven his worth by working a grueling schedule for the show's stars, Terry Stokes and Michael Johns. Marks began his career at age 18, working as an usher for Johns in his production at the since-closed Bourbon Street, and in an e-mail sent during a break in the action said, "I guess they appreciate me because I work seven nights a week." (Stokes and ...