Is North Korea on a ‘collision’ School suspensions: Business, labor reach course with vow to restart Does racial bias feed the immigration deal on guest nuclear reactor? school-to-prison pipeline? workers. Will it stand? PAGE 4 PAGE 11 PAGE 12

Volume 15, Issue 4 April 3-9, 2013

Lt. Steve Rushfield possible scapegoat forsome higher-upsinthecourtsystem

By Rolando Larraz signed to that marshal’s court. one has done anything to hold them on duty, no one has lost their rank Las Vegas Tribune Yes, to that marshal’s court be- accountable. or their job. In Las Vegas, it’s not who you cause the judge apparently has no Now Lt. Steve Rushfield be- Judge Steve Jones was accused know, it’s who knows you. Or even opinion and no say-so as to that comes the fall guy by being and arrested more than one time for better, who likes you. And some- marshal’s conduct and will never transfered to another Clark County accusations of domestic violence times, it’s who is afraid of you be- reprimand him or order him to stop Court’s department under the spe- and was transfered from Family cause you either know too much or acting so abusively, giving the im- cific protection of Family Court Court to Juvenile Court, even because you may have more pow- pression that he approves the Judge Frank P. Sullivan in Depart- though the voters elected him to erful connections. marshal’s actions. ment O, to secure his retirement Family Court. Every day police officers, city In the old courthouse, by the after 25 years of service with the Now Judge Jones has been sus- marshals, North Las Vegas, judge’s chambers, there were holes courts. pended from the bench because the Henderson and even Mesquite po- in the wall made by the heads of Lieutenant Rushfield, during his feds have indicted him in another lice officers verbally and physically those abused by Judge Mosley’s long career, built his reputation and unrelated case; but he’s still a abuse citizens during their shift – marshal, who was also moonlight- upon being a decent officer, protect- judge, being protected by county for one reason or another – on a ing as a bouncer at Olympic Gar- ing judges as well as visitors to the officials. daily basis. dens. Clark County Courts, then later at In a Family Court video, Court A few years back, Las Vegas The Las Vegas Tribune never the Regional Justice Center, and Hearing Master Patricia Doninger Tribune kept Judge Don Mosley’s mentioned the marshal’s second job now in Family Court. shows her lack of consideration and bailiff (that’s what we called them because it never heard that he was Lieutenant Steve Rushfield Lieutenant Rushfield must have respect for people that are going in those days; they are marshals to- abusive with the patrons of that es- have had a very bad reputation and created a very powerful enemy be- through Family Court when she ig- day) on the front page because of tablishment, but the newspaper was have been known, in many if not cause while other marshals, staff nores the plea of the lady that was his abusive behavior toward pris- concerned for the well-being of the most cases, for being unfair by not members, and even judges were ex- being abused by the marshal while oners and anyone else who had the court visitors. following or enforcing the statutes onerated for abusive behavior for she played around with the little girl misfortune of having their case as- For years Family Court judges and rules of civil procedure, but no broken rules and regulations while (See Scapegoat, Page 5) My Point In Atlanta cheating scandal, one of View By Rolando Larraz culpritmaybestandardizedtesting What is your name? the officer asked me; and like a very good citi- Some educators say the Atlanta cheating scandal is a warning sign of the dangers and perverse zen I gave the officer my first and incentives that can result from a policy that stakes so much on standardized testing results. my last name while I was pulling my ID out so the officer could see By Amanda Paulson rewards associated with high test that I was being as truthful as pos- Christian Science Monitor scores,” prosecutors said in a writ- sible. BOULDER, COLO. — Former ten statement. It all happened inside the yard Atlanta educators and administra- The indictments, and the images of Public Storage at 2727 South tors are turning themselves in to of former teachers and principals Decatur and Sahara Avenue, where authorities Tuesday after being in- turning themselves in to jail by I met a lady that wanted to buy dicted last week in a widespread Tuesday, bring to a head one of the some of the furniture that I had cheating scandal. biggest cheating scandals in recent stored there since I moved out of In all, 35 teachers, principals, education history, since it first be- my home eighteen months ago. and administrators were named in gan to emerge three years ago. I asked the officer what his name the 65-count indictment, mostly But Atlanta is certainly not the was, and he paused and pointed to under racketeering charges, which only district or school that has been his name tag. “Officer Rodriguez,” painted a broad portrait of corrup- tainted by cheating. And some edu- he told me, putting his face down tion, cheating, and retaliation cators say it serves as a stark warn- like he was embarrassed about what against educators who refused to ing sign of the dangers and perverse he was ready to speak out of his participate or were whistle-blowers. incentives that can result from a Photos of some of the 35 defendants in Atlanta’s school cheating scandal mouth when I asked him if “Of- The 35 defendants, which in- policy regime that stakes so much decorate a board at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. The defendants ficer” was his first or middle name. clude formerAtlanta schools super- on standardized testing results. are named in a 65-count indictment that alleges a broad conspiracy “We do not give our first name intendent Beverly Hall, “conspired “This said that something about involving cheating on standardized tests in Atlanta Public Schools. for security reasons,” Officer Un- to either cheat, conceal cheating or our incentive system and our ac- Teachers. the predominant, and some would known Rodriguez told me. Dummy retaliate against whistleblowers in countability system is way off,” “Standardized testing should say the only, factor in assessing me; I forgot that Rodriguez is a po- an effort to bolster CRCT [state test] said Randi Weingarten, president play a role, but it has now become whether schools are successful, lice officer and as so many other scores for the benefit of financial of the American Federation of whether teachers are successful, police officers often say, “I was in and whether students are success- fear for my life”; but I did not say FannieMaerecordprofit:Howlong ful,” she said. that to Officer Unknown (I assume “Hopefully, this is now pulling that is his first name) Rodriguez the curtain away from what teach- because I had a plane to catch and I until it pays back bailout money? ers and parents have been saying for did not want to miss my flight, as I two or three years now, which is would have if we kept talking, so I By Mark Trumbull But now, as housing markets are $116 billion in financial support that we are fixating on testing, as just smiled and went on my merry Christian Science Monitor recovering, so are their fortunes. from the US Treasury since the firm opposed to being fixated on teach- way. The mortgage giant Fannie Mae Fannie Mae has drawn some (See Fannie May, Page 6) ing and learning.” When Officer Rodriguez asked said it racked up its highest profit The scandal in Atlanta has me for the buyers’ name and I told ever during the 2012 calendar year gained particular attention since it him that she called my office num- – a signal of housing-market recov- seems to have been so widespread, ber, he wanted my cell phone to ery that raises hopes that US tax- and to have emanated from the very verify that I was telling the truth that payers will recover billions of dol- top, where Dr. Hall, the former su- I did not have the lady’s telephone lars in bailout funds from the com- perintendent, allegedly governed by number. pany. fear and pushed principals to de- Can anyone imagine that! A po- Fannie Mae on Tuesday reported liver results by any means neces- lice officer, regardless of what his earnings of $17.2 billion for the sary. During the decade she led the first name is, wanted to grab my year. district, she replaced 90 percent of telephone and check all incoming The firm, along with a sibling the principals, and focused unre- and outgoing calls that I have in my corporation named Freddie Mac, is lentingly on test scores. cell phone! at the heart of a US mortgage mar- The seeming turnaround that Hasn’t Officer Rodriguez ever ket that imploded during the finan- those scores saw brought her sig- heard of the Journalists Shield cial crisis. The two firms received nificant accolades and financial re- Law? Please allow me to shed some some of the biggest taxpayer bail- Fannie Mae earned $17.2 billion in 2012, the biggest annual profit in (See Cheating, Page 6) light behind your uniform, your outs in 2008. the US mortgage giant’s history, helped by a record fourth quarter. badge and your gun, I wanted to say, but before that, I’d like to remind POLITICAL ANALYSIS you of something that your boss, Douglas Gillespie AKA Doug Gillespie AKA Sheriff Gillespie, AmidanotherNorthKoreastorm,lookwho’scalm says and teaches all his people to people, millions of whom live that a stronger economy remains its repeat as if they were reciting the South Koreans, unlike many around the world, within artillery range of the border, top goal. Miranda Rights or the Constitution don’t react with fear to North Korea’s verbal have mostly remained calm amid And despite a threat to do so, it of the United States ofAmerica: “If the storm. It’s business as usual on has not closed the Kaesong Indus- you are not guilty, you have noth- and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction? the streets of Seoul. trial Complex, a site inside North ing to worry about.” By the Christian Monitor’s pitched threats against the United The South knows its northern Korea where factories run by South That is why I was not concerned Editorial Board States and South Korea, have cousins well and has seen this act Korean firms employ North Korean when you asked me for my name Since 2005, North Korea has evoked fear around the world of before – Pyongyang makes threats workers. and I gave you both my first and tested three nuclear devices while imminent war on the Korean Pen- only to then demand economic con- The rest of the world should last name to satisfy your curiosity violating international law with its insula. cessions. In fact, after weeks of ver- learn from South Korea, which has when I was not even part of your missile launches. These actions, There’s only one problem with bal bombast and military maneu- largely refused to let fear guide its (See My Point of View, Page 2) when linked to its recent high- this perception. The South Korean vers, the North declared Monday (See Political Analysis, Page 4) Page 2 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 Is Caroline Kennedy good or bad choice for US ambassador to Japan? Caroline Kennedy has largely shunned public political life, spending much of her time working at nonprofit organizations. Is it a good idea to send someone with little diplomatic experience as envoy to an important US ally? By Peter Grier Former Republican Senate major- Not every commentator in the Christian Science Monitor ity leader Howard Baker was am- US thinks Kennedy-to-Japan is a Caroline Kennedy is on the bassador to Japan from 2001 to great idea, though. Conservatives verge of serving as US ambassador 2005. who have long seen the Kennedy to Japan, according to news reports. In addition, Japanese commen- family as the avatar of tax-and- The Obama administration has ap- tators are currently noting that Ms. spend liberalism are particularly parently asked her to take this ma- Kennedy has displayed past inter- negative. jor post, and she’s now being vetted est in Japan. It was one of the stops They point out that Kennedy’s for the position. on her 1986 honeymoon with hus- attempt to follow Hillary Rodham The last surviving member of band Edwin Schlossberg. Clinton into a NewYork Senate seat President Kennedy’s family, Ms. “And in a country still very was something of a train wreck. Kennedy has largely shunned pub- much captivated by the Kennedys, After Mrs. Clinton was named sec- lic political life, though she often her celebrity could also provide a retary of State, Kennedy angled for speaks at quadrennial Democratic subtle antidote to the growing con- an appointment from then-Gov. National Conventions. She’s spent cern among Japanese officials that David Paterson to fill out the term. much of her time working at non- Japan is being eclipsed in Ameri- But her public appearances were profit organizations in New York. can eyes by its chief regional rival, stilted and made her appear as if she Her latest book is called “Poems to China,” writes Tokyo-based re- knew little about New York State Learn by Heart.” porter Coco Masters in Foreign politics. Is it a good idea to send some- Policy. Eventually she withdrew her one with so little diplomatic expe- Ms. Masters makes another in- name from consideration, citing rience as envoy to an important US Caroline Kennedy for a photo session last month at Brookline Booksmith teresting point in her piece: unnamed personal matters. ally? in Brookline, Massachusetts. She promoted her new poetry anthology Kennedy would be the first woman “I realize that the U.S. govern- Not always. But in Ms. ‘Poems to Learn by Heart.’ Ms. Kennedy is on the verge of serving as in the Tokyo post. This could be a ment can’t function without a Kennedy’s case, the answer to that US ambassador to Japan, according to news reports. powerful symbol of a different kind Kennedy or two somewhere in the question is most likely yes. Japan prefers well-known Ameri- to Ronald Reagan. In Japan, he was for Japan, which remains more mix, but is there really no lesser The main reason for this is can ambassadors, not necessarily a revered elder statesman to a de- male-dominated than almost all diplomatic position to gift Princess? rooted in the hierarchical Japanese because they are more effective, but gree perhaps difficult to fathom other developed countries. Only 12 The Koreas are on the brink of war political culture. In the US view, because they symbolize the impor- back home. percent of Japanese management and Japanese tensions with China tance of Tokyo to Washington. Other Democratic Party elder positions are held by females, ac- will be fragile for years to come. Thus Walter Mondale was a statesmen who have served as cording to an International Mon- This is not a purely ceremonial role. good choice for US envoy during Washington’s person in Tokyo in- etary Fund study. Why not ambassador to Luxem- TRIBUNE the Clinton administration. In the clude former Senate majority leader “Kennedy could... be a power- bourg instead? I’ll bet the skiing’s VOL. 15, NO. 4 United States, he was still some- Mike Mansfield, from 1977 to ful example to Japanese women,” great,” writes conservative com- body who’d lost a presidential bid 1988, and ex-Speaker Tom Foley. Masters writes. mentator Allahpundit on Hot Air. FOUNDER Rolando Larraz My Point of View (Continued from Page 1) People who drive into the Pub- The lady that has my furniture officers, but was never used for that PUBLISHER investigation in which a lunatic lic Storage have a hard time turn- had her two old dogs in her truck purpose. AND woman claimed that the lady that ing around; how could anyone run and she kept the engine running Sheriff Gillespie claims that he EDITOR IN CHIEF came to pick out my furniture tried someone down with a super big because she wanted the air condi- needs more officers out on the Rolando Larraz to run her over with her truck. truck that could not turn around in tioner on so her two dogs could be streets, but he allowed his depart- GENERAL MANAGER Ashield law, Officer Rodriguez, that ten-foot space? comfortable while she went to look ment to waste two officers – both Perly Viasmensky is a law that gives reporters protec- The lady may be only five feet at the furniture that I was offering. big and tall and (dare I say) fat – to tion against being forced to disclose tall, and if she weighs 110 pounds After my encounter with Officer respond to a call wherein the vic- PRODUCTION confidential information or sources it would be a miracle; so my ques- Rodriguez, I went to the airport.All tim became the suspect/perpetrator Don Snook in state court. tion is, why does a man with a law during my flight, I had the incident because the big-mouthed aggres- My cell phone is full of sources enforcement uniform, a badge and in my mind, but I was not thinking sive person who called 911 claimed MANAGING EDITOR in general; therefore, it is off limits a gun, need a bodyguard? I was about the cowardly behavior of Of- that she was being run down by that Maramis Choufani to everyone; that is why I hate to under the impression – and please ficer Rodriguez who was afraid of lady’s truck. Accusations appar- lose my cell or misplace it even if forgive me if I am wrong – that the a little old woman; that incident was ently override logic and common ASSOCIATE EDITOR my sources are in code and to any- badge and the gun make a police out of my mind and was no more sense. Colleen Lloyd one in the street such code names officer macho even though he may important to me since I have the * * * * * may not mean anything; however, not be; a superman of sorts, that habit of dismissing out of my life My name is Rolando Larraz, and For advertising a shield law aims to provide the without the badge and gun he prob- what I consider useless. as always, I approved this column. rates, deadlines classic protection of “a reporter can- ably wouldn’t be; so how can a po- My concern at that time was the * * * * * call 702-699-8100 not be forced to reveal his or her lice officer the size and heft of Of- budget of the Las Vegas Metropoli- Rolando Larraz is Editor in sources” law. Thus, a shield law ficer Rodriguez be afraid of a single tan Police Department and how Chief of the Las Vegas Tribune. His Las Vegas Tribune is published provides a privilege to a reporter little old woman that probably much more the Sheriff will be ask- column appears weekly in this weekly at 820 E. Charleston pursuant to which the reporter can- could not lift a package of cigarettes ing for this year to hire more police newspaper. To contact Rolando Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada not be forced by subpoena or other without feeling her arthritis? officers, despite the fact that the Larraz, email him at: 89104. I am blessed with the friendship police department has $130 million News desk: court order to testify about informa- [email protected] or (702) 699-8111 tion contained in a news story and/ of many members of the police de- that was supposed to be to hire more at (702) 699-8111. Fax: (702) 696-0096 or the source of that information. partment in all divisions and all Website: Several shield laws additionally units that appreciate very much that LasVegasTribune.com provide protection for the reporter I keep their names out of my col- All rights reserved. Statements, even if the source or information is umn and out of my news stories for opinions and points of view ex- revealed during the dissemination many reasons, such as their feeling pressed by the writers are their of the news story, whether or not embarrassed when I point out the own and do not necessarily rep- the source or information is confi- errors, mistakes and bad behaviors resent those of the publisher. dential, and the reporter should not of their fellows police officers.And Information, including prices be forced to reveal how the reporter I know that this column would also and times, is considered correct embarrass them, where I point out at the time of publishing but may obtained that information. change without notice. Las Ve- Depending on the jurisdiction, that one of the two big police offic- gas Tribune assumes no re- the privilege may be total or quali- ers that responded to the Public sponsibility for unsolicited fied, and it may also apply to other Storage call may have mistreated a manuscripts, transparencies or persons involved in the news-gath- skinny, tiny old lady. other submitted materials. For ering and dissemination process as The second officer did not return, please enclose a self- well, such as an editor or a pub- bother with me because he was too addressed stamped envelope. lisher; and surprisingly enough for busy chit-chatting and laughing Las Vegas Tribune you, Officer Rodriguez – who with the hysterical, lunatic com- published weekly by the speaks the English language better plaining woman that had everyone Tribune Media Group David A. Rifkin, Executive Vice President than I – I am both the Publisher and in the yard at Public Storage on the Editor In Chief of this newspa- edge, making everyone there un- Quote of the Week: per. comfortable. “I believe you are your work. Don’t trade the stuff of your life–time–for nothing more YBSRadio than dollars. That’s a rotten bargain.” —Rita Mae Brown is now MISSION STATEMENT RadioTribune We search for the truth, em- brace the truth, and print the truth. Tune in and listen to those who will tell you If we inadvertently print some- the truth, and nothing but the truth. You’ll thing that is not true, we will let our readers know. We are open to discover different personalities and hear documented information to shed different opinions, but when it comes to the light on any issue of concern to our readers. We are of service to facts, you’ll always get the truth from us! our community, and it is our in- tention to serve our community www.RadioTribune.com the best way we can. RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE EVERY WEEK! To receive a complimentary link to every new issue of the Las Vegas Tribune, please send an email to [email protected] and give us the email address where you would like your copy sent. We look forward to having you as a subscriber to our publication. April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 3 CITY BEAT This weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals used to be two real television icons 1. Your name (first and last) of Las Vegas, Forest Duke and Joe 2. Your contact phone number Delaney; and everyone that was 3. Your email address somebody, thought they were some- 4. A brief bio about your experi- body, or wanted to be somebody, ence of winning and how it’s in any field, whether entertainment changed your life. or not, appeared – or wanted to ap- * * * * * pear – in one or both of their shows at any time. In those days, two great interna- tional figures in the entertainment business – Pat Boone and Nelson Sardelli – were regular headliners on the Strip marquees and conse- quently, regulars on Joe Delaney or Forest Duke television shows. One day both entertainers coin- cided in the studios of KORK Chanel 3 television, where the For- Registration for the 2013 Senior est Duke Show was being aired, and Idol Talent Showcase auditions is the photo was taken, reproduced under way for the 10th annual com- and printed in every newspaper, petition that will be held Thursday, tabloid and entertainment newspa- June 13, at 3 p.m., at the Charles- per in Las Vegas. That photo now ton Heights Arts Center, 800 S. The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Cadaver dogs have alerted represents a delightful reminder of Brush St. Speedway will present the NHRA firefighters to the possibility that the past. This showcase is for talented, SummitRacing.com Nationals for there may be deceased persons in * * * * * performers age 50 years and older, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Rac- two spots at the Key Largo Hotel New show from an award-win- and includes a variety of categories ing Series this weekend. Qualify- fire site. It is important to note that ning production company looking for individuals and groups to com- ing for the NHRA national event this is only a possibility and that for people who have won big-time pete in. Categories include, but are will take place on Friday and Sat- cadaver dogs can be wrong. in Vegas for a high-profile news- not limited to, singing, dance, mu- urday, with final eliminations on As a result, according to county report style show. sical instruments and comedy. Each Sunday. Featured classes include: public information, the county has — Did one moment in Vegas year the array of talent has been Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car and called in the use of heavy equip- change your life forever? some of the best Las Vegas has to Pro Stock. Children under 12 will ment and Nevada Task Force 1 to — Did you hit the jackpot and offer, and this year will be no dif- be admitted free when accompa- remove debris and shore up walls win anywhere from $50K - $50M? ferent. nied by an adult. in the areas in question so that a —Do you have an incredible To get a registration packet, con- The race weekend will kick off thorough search can be safely made. story about how you beat the odds tact the Las Vegas Senior Center at on Thursday with a free NHRA DINA TITUS Task Force 1 is comprised of and how your amazing win changed 229-6454, or stop by at 451 E. Bo- driver autograph session at the New saultAwareness Month by present- first responders from Clark County, your life overnight? nanza Road. Packets must be com- York New York Hotel & Casino ing Center officials with a copy of Metro and other local agencies We are looking for people pleted and returned to the Las Ve- from 6-8 p.m. The first 200 fans in her testimony from the floor of the trained and equipped to respond to who’ve won big in Vegas to tell gas Senior Center by 6 p.m., Fri- line will receive a free Summit Rac- United States Congress regarding major search and rescue operations. their story about how it changed day, April 26. Invitations to audi- ing hat. the recently re-authorized Violence Personnel include paramedics, their life forever; positive or nega- tion will be mailed out, and audi- To purchase tickets or obtain Against Women Act (VAWA). search and rescue specialists, K-9 tive. tions will be held May 8 and 9 at additional information, please call “The Rape Crisis Center pro- teams, doctors, structural engineers, DO NOT miss this exciting op- the Las Vegas Senior Center. LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit vides critical and essential services HazMat specialists and communi- portunity to tell your story TODAY. * * * * * www.LVMS.com. Follow LVMS to rape victims in our community, cations and logistics specialists. In Be sure to email ALL the infor- City Beat is a compilation of on Face book and Twitter. helping them to heal and recover this operation, not all of the Nevada mation requested below ASAP to: news and views of our editorial and Friday, April 5 from the trauma of sexual assault,” Task Force 1 resources will be [email protected] or call writing team, along with reader 8 a.m. – Sportsman qualifying, said Titus. “That’s why legislation needed. Andrew Aguilar Casting, 310-401- submissions and topics. Readers Comp Eliminator qualifying ses- like VAWA is so important to help * * * * * 4036 or 210-454-4026 are invited to suggest a local topic sions (two). organizations such as The Rape In our city’s good old days, there Be sure to include: or any other items of interest. 12:30 p.m. – Top Alcohol Crisis Center continue to operate. Dragster and Funny Car qualifying. There is no other organization in Pro Stock qualifying. Southern Nevada solely dedicated 3 p.m. – Top Fuel Dragster and to assisting victims of sexual as- Funny Car qualifying. sault; their work is ” 4 p.m. – Top Alcohol Dragster April is Sexual Assault Aware- and Funny Car qualifying. ness Month. The campaign’s 2013 5 p.m. – Pro Stock qualifying. goal is to focus on healthy sexual- 5:30 p.m. – Top Fuel Dragster ity and child sexual abuse preven- and Funny Car qualifying. tion and raise awareness about child 6:45 p.m. – Jet Dragsters. sexual abuse prevention. The Rape 7 p.m. – Track closed. Crisis Center, founded in 1974, is Saturday, April 6 focused on four areas: 1) emer- 8 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations. gency response and victim assis- 10 a.m. – Comp Eliminator tance; 2) counseling and recovery; qualifying. 3) legal advocacy; and 4) preven- 10:30 a.m. – Top Alcohol tion of sexual assault through edu- Dragster and Funny Car qualifying. cation and community outreach. K&N Pro Stock Horsepower * * * * * Challenge intro. First round of K&N Pro Stock Horsepower Challenge. Pro Stock qualifying. Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying. 2:15 p.m. – Second round of K&N Pro Stock Horsepower Chal- lenge. 2:20 p.m. – Pro Stock qualify- ing. Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car qualifying. 3:25 p.m. – Final round of K&N Pro Stock Horsepower Challenge. KATHERINE DUNCAN 3:30 p.m. – Top Fuel Dragster Next Monday, April 8, on Face and Funny Car qualifying. The Tribune, former mayoral can- 4 p.m. – First round of Top Al- didate and President of Ward 5 cohol Dragster and Funny Car Chamber of Commerce, Katherine eliminations. Duncan, will talk about the location 5 p.m. – First round of Comp of the new Ward 5 Chamber of Eliminator eliminations. Commerce at what used to be su- 7 p.m. – Track closed. perstar Sammy Davis Jr.’s home in Sunday, April 7 the early day of Las Vegas when 9 a.m. – Sportsman eliminations. blacks were not allowed on the 10:30 a.m. – Pre-race ceremo- Strip or in the hotels, even if they nies. were the star of the show, the main Final eliminations begin. attraction, or – as they used to be 4 p.m. – Track closed. called – the headliner; even if the * * * * ** hotels would get more famous and Congresswoman Dina Titus more wealthy with black names on helped The Rape Crisis Center the marquees. mark the beginning of Sexual As- * * * * * Page 4 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 5 Is North Korea on a ‘collision’ course Scapegoat (Continued from Page 1) that later is seen in the video pleading with the marshals to let her with vow to restart nuclear reactor? mother alone. Court Hearing Master Patricia Doninger turns her back to the lady and the marshal’s event and ignores the yelling and crying of the woman Kim Jong-un announced that North Korea will restart its nuclear facility, making the in distress. The video gave the impression that Court Hearing Master Patricia country’s nuclear program a source of deep concern for the international community. Doninger is afraid of the marshals and that is why she allows such cowardly behavior in her court. By Robert Marquand official said Monday. The support Court officials have not conducted an investigation into whether or Christian Science Monitor is the latest step to deter the North not the Court Hearing Master should be disciplined for her lack of North Korean leader Kim Jong- and reassure South Korea and Ja- interest in the woman’s well-being, but court officials pressured Lt. un continued what has become a pan that the U.S. is committed to Rushfield, threatening him with losing his position, stepping down daily effort to raise tensions and their defense. from his supervisory position which would probably reduce his salary fears abroad, and to consolidate In one sense, Korea watchers and perhaps his retirement as well. patriotic ardor and unity at home, say, the new regime is simply re- Everyone who has been in any court, including Family Court – by saying he plans to restart an old hashing and upping the volume of even if it was not their case being heard – more than one time knows nuclear reactor that can produce an ideology and a language that the that cell phones are not allowed in court; and as anyone with a badge plutonium used in the creation of North and the Kim family have and a gun does, the marshals impose their rule as it is best for them. nuclear weapons. used for many years to remain in A Family Court source told the Las Vegas Tribune that the incident In response, UN Secretary Gen- power and keep people unified by was not that deep and tragic as they wanted to make it appear. “I have eral Ban Ki-moon, the former for- the threat of an enemy. the feeling that some of the higher-ups in downtown don’t like Steve eign minister of South Korea, to- Being taken seriously by the and they are looking for excuses to get rid of him,” the source ex- day described the North as on “a outside world is an important veri- Brady Eggleston of Newtown, Conn., participates in a protest outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation plained. collision course with the interna- fication of the Kim regime, which in Newtown on March 28. Three months after a gunman killed 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook The possibility that someone with power is trying to seclude Lt. tional community” – even as some feeds edited broadcasts of world Elementary School in Newtown. Connecticut is passing one of the toughest gun-control laws in the nation. Rushfield is very obvious; Lt. Rushfield is being used as a scapegoat Korea watchers call it all bluster media to its people, whose sources and the Las Vegas Tribune knows that because he has always returned and bellicosity. of information are carefully con- the newspaper’s calls and this time he has not; can it be he is now Experts say it could take as little trolled. Some analysts think offi- Connecticut responds to Newtown ignoring the phone calls, or are they not giving him his messages? as three months to a year for scien- cials in Pyongyang are beside them- The woman who answers the calls at the security office must have tists to restart the Yongbyon nuclear selves with the kind of attention withgroundbreakingguncontrollaws recognized the voice because she very arrogantly told us when we facility. The facility was closed they are now achieving, largely asked if she’s been passing on the messages to Lt. Rushfield – some- thing which she did not confirm or deny – that he is not going to return most recently in 2012 with the through verbal threats backed up by Connecticut’s gun-control package includes a dangerous- any calls to the Las Vegas Tribune because he is not allowed to com- promise of food aid from the US – the nuclear test. ment to anyone. though that so-called “food for In this June 2008 image taken from television, the 60-foot-tall cooling tower is seen before its demolition at In a theater song performance weapon offender registry and a requirement to obtain the main Nyongbyon reactor complex in Nyongbyon, also known as Yongbyon, North Korea. North Korea Las Vegas Tribune has obtained a copy of the now infamous video nukes” deal fell through with the broadcast to the nation in February, tape showing two marshals intimidating, threatening and verbally abus- North’s third nuclear test in Febru- vowed Tuesday, to restart a nuclear reactor that can make one bomb’s worth of plutonium a year, escalating reminiscent of the kind of “ballet” ‘eligibility’ certificates to buy bullets, rifles, and shotguns. tensions already raised by near daily warlike threats against the United States and South Korea. ing a woman who refused to allow a male marshal to check under her ary. the Chinese used to perform during By Ron Scherer go through 40 to 60 hours of train- until the buyer undergoes and bra and requested a female officer to do that. It is quite unclear whether young Guam with its rockets, though they that Kim Jong-un was considered shown no “action to back up the the Cultural Revolution, a stage Christian Science Monitor ing and should be able to carry a passes a national criminal back- The male marshal denied her request for a female officer to come leader Kim Jung-un – whose recent are not currently thought capable of by Western officials a relative un- rhetoric.” backdrop contained the phrase, NEW YORK — How far can variety of weapons ranging from ground check – whether such sale to assist her so she wouldn’t have to expose her breasts to a male bone-jarring threats of war and at- reaching US bases, nor are they known until he took over from his The U.S. Navy, however, is “Let’s strike the imperialists mer- states go to control guns? handguns to automatic weapons. is private, at a gun show or through officer, and it shows in the video that he is threatening her with arrest tack are considered part of his con- nuclear-tipped. father, “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-il moving a sea-based radar platform cilessly with the same success we Less than four months after the Mr. Hutchinson said the recommen- a dealer,” said the Connecticut task if she does not recant her story that the marshal fondled her breasts on solidation of power inside TheAssociated Press writes that: last spring. And still, not much is closer to North Korea to track pos- had carrying out the 3rd nuclear tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn., dations are aimed at small- to me- force. the pretext that he needed to search under her tank top. Pyongyang and among the North A spokesman for the North’s known about him. sible missile launches, a Pentagon test.” the Connecticut legislature is ex- dium-sized schools that have never Gun advocates, however, point The woman is a litigant in a divorce case and was there with her Korean people – will go ahead with General Department ofAtomic En- Bluster or not, the North’s bel- pected to enact a new law on had an issue with security before, out that the law would not have daughter, probably about three years old or so, and in a stroller; she an expensive project of plutonium ergy said scientists will quickly be- ligerence has put the Korean pen- Wednesday that will give it one of similar to Sandy Hook Elementary stopped the Sandy Hook massacre. was most likely known to the marshals since she had previously ap- reprocessing and enriching ura- gin work “readjusting and restart- insula on high alert. Kim Jong-un “Distracted” Driving the toughest gun control laws in the in Newtown. In the Hit & Run Blog on peared in court several times during this process. nium, or use these to extract aid and ing” a uranium enrichment plant has scratched the armistice signed nation. Hutchinson was asked at the Reason.com, J.D. Tucille wrote that In a telephone conversation with the court spokesperson, Marianne Price, she explained that the matter is under investigation and they talks. and a graphite-moderated, 5-mega- after the Korean War, cut military It incorporates many of the news conference what he thought shooter Adam Lanza’s mother, Injures Thousands of could not make a comment, but she told the Las Vegas Tribune that A nuclear weapon or capability watt reactor that could produce a hotlines, brought new South Korean “must haves” of gun control advo- about Connecticut’s proposed laws. Nancy Lanza, had purchased the Family Court employs six female officers. has long been the No. 1 prize sought bomb’s worth of plutonium each president Park Geun-hye to say that cates, such as universal background He responded, “I would be inter- weapons. In another telephone call, with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, watch by the Kim family dynasty in year. the South will retaliate over any checks to purchase a gun and an ested in what Connecticut is doing “She qualified to own firearms Pyongyang, dating to Kim’s grand- AP also quotes North Korean provocations, and caused the US Nevadans Each Year commander Lt. Mark Reddon told the newspaper that the department expanded ban on assault rifles and for school safety.” The reporter re- under the old rules and there’s no does not accommodate the suspect, but to prevent harm to both parties father Kim Il-sung, as the ultimate expert Hwang Jihwan at the Uni- military, which has 28,000 troops By Mike Clifford high capacity magazines. But it also plied that the new law was their re- reason to believe the new restric- bargaining chip both for its own versity of Seoul, South Korea, who in the South, to relocate sensitive Nevada News Service the search needs to be conducted immediately for investigative pur- includes some unusual items, such sponse. Hutchinson replied: “I tions would have barred her own- poses and the arrestee cannot deny the search in a Terry stop; but im- security and as a means to gain in- argues that Pyongyang’s recent be- radars and to send B-2 Stealth LAS VEGAS — More than 2,000 Nevadans were injured and seven as a first-in-the-nation dangerous- would say it’s totally inadequate. ership of guns in any way,” he mediately Lt. Reddon explained that if there is no female officer avail- ternational attention and aid. In havior aims at “keeping tension and bombers in fly overs. were killed in “distracted driving” accidents in 2010. Today, across the weapon offender registry and the Because you can address assault wrote. “She still would have passed able, it is within the power of the officer at the scene to conduct a pat- February, the North successfully crisis alive to raise stakes ahead of Yet, the Los Angeles Times state and the nation, the focus is on preventing them. requirement to obtain “eligibility” weapons and it doesn’t stop some- the checks and earned her certifi- down search. Joel Feldman, founder of the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, tested a device, that resulted in UN possible future talks with the United points out: certificates to obtain bullets, rifles, one from bringing in a .45 caliber cates. At 20, Lanza would be too A telephone call to Clark County Court Administrator Steven D. recently addressed students in both Reno and Las Vegas. He said more sanctions that the North has pro- States.” After the declaration of a “state and shotguns. firearm into the school. It doesn’t young to purchase rifles under the Grierson was not returned in time for this article, but Assistant Court tested are undeserved. Essentially, reports the AP, of war” over the weekend, the hands went up than usual when he asked the kids if their parents drove “It’s pretty innovative,” said stop violence in the schools.” new law, but, again, he used his Administrator Tim Andrews called the newspaper with the same in- The reclusive state declared a “North Korea is asking the world, White House said no major troop distracted. Laura Cutilletta, a senior staff at- In Connecticut, the group that mother’s guns.” formation they had given all day long, saying that Steve Grierson was “state of war” exists between the ‘What are you going to do about movements were detected in North April’s “Distracted Driving Awareness Month” helps point out bad torney at the Law Center to Prevent put together the legislation is called Connecticut raised the age to in a meeting with the Chief Judge and could not be interrupted. The two Koreas last weekend, and last this?’” Korea. White House officials have habits so drivers can learn to correct them, Feldman said. Gun Violence in San Francisco. “It the Bipartisan Task Force on Gun purchase a rifle to 21, up from the misleading information may work for other people and reporters, but month vowed to target Hawaii and Complicating matters is the fact said the Pyongyang regime has “Studies show that teens who grow up in a household where the par- shows how the tide is turning.” Violence Prevention and Children’s federal age limit of 18. The Con- for those of us at the Las Vegas Tribune who have been covering the ents drive distracted are two to four times more likely to drive distracted,” The Connecticut law follows Safety. necticut legislation will also limit court for many years and also know the Chief Judge for as long as she Political Analysis he said. “I drove distracted all the time before my daughter was killed - I one that was passed in New York at In a release, the group explained the purchase of guns to one every has been on the bench, it’s a known fact that the Chief Judge is a was a poor role model; I would drive distracted with my kids in the car. the beginning of the year and an- that the dangerous weapon offender 12 months. workcoholic and she is not going to spend four hours in a meeting (Continued from Page 1) would not keep offering food aid quick reunification were put on Feldman’s 21-year-old daughter was struck and killed by a distracted other package that signed into law part of the legislation “has been a (See Connecticut, Page 6) with the court administrator, regardless of what title he likes to use. actions. It has built itself up as a to hungry North Koreans out of a hold because of the high costs. driver in 2009. He said education is the key. He says you can pass laws last month in Colorado. More gun top priority of urban mayors and the beacon of political freedom and humanitarian concern and in hopes North Korea was to be nurtured against cell phone use, but three-quarters of injuries and deaths involve control laws under consideration in Police Chiefs Association for the market-based prosperity. In contrast of showing them the truth about calmly to open up. distractions other than cell phones - things like eating or reaching back to Oregon, Wisconsin, Maryland, and last several years.” to that model, North Korea is now their “enemy.” The world media still often re- tend to an infant. Illinois, Ms. Cutilletta said. Califor- Under the bill, individuals who under an official United Nations Still, South Korea’s spine has peats North Korea’s threats without Peter Wetherall is one of 40 local lawyers who recently trained with nia has 40 gun control measures have been convicted of any of 40 inquiry for its human rights viola- stiffened since 2010 after the sink- much history or context, such as the Feldman in a Nevada Justice Association effort to carry the message into working their way through the leg- weapons offenses or a felony that tions, of which there are plenty. ing of one of its Navy ships and the need of a very young Kim Jong-un schools. He said personal injury lawyers can be effective communicators islature. involved the use or threatened use To be sure, the US remains pri- shelling of civilians on one of its to establish his power over his own because they see first-hand the tragic consequences of distracted driving. “There is a real mobilization of of a deadly weapon must register marily responsible for deterring islands. Dozens of people were military. These global fears may “Part of this program isn’t just to point the finger at the students and the public,” she said. “They are giv- with the state police for five years North Korea with a commitment of killed. Thus the new president, Park lead South Koreans to wonder if say what you’re doing wrong, but really to have them be the conscience ing the gun lobby a run for their after their release from prison. The massive retaliation if Pyongyang Geun-hye, has released the military they are wrong, or in the words of of their parents driving them around. So, it’s a two-way street; it’s an money.” registration will only be available triggers a war. The Obama admin- to respond immediately to such humorist Jean Kerr (in a riff on a interesting presentation that way. On Tuesday, a National RifleAs- to the police. istration sent B-2 stealth bombers provocations rather than wait for Rudyard Kipling poem): “If you Wetherall said Nevada law currently allows drivers to make hands- sociation-funded task force intro- The new Connecticut law will and F-22 Raptors near North Ko- political advice. can keep your head when all about free calls, which he warned can give people the false impression that duced its own School Shield report. also require universal background rea last week to remind its new South Korea’s patience with you are losing theirs, it’s just pos- these calls are safe. Its solution includes training and checks. Under current law, private leader, Kim Jong-un, of the China is also wearing thin. It is sible you haven’t grasped the situ- “If you’re in a phone conversation, it doesn’t matter if you are hands- providing guns to guards in schools. sales of rifles and shotguns are un- longstanding American promise. waiting to see if Beijing actually ation.” free or not; it’s lack of focus on the road that is causing the danger,” he The NRA task force was led by regulated. This US support certainly helps follows the new UN sanctions Yet South Korea’s record of said. “So, Nevada’s law could probably use some beefing up, but it’s former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R) of “Immediately upon passage, no keep South Korea calm and pre- against North Korea. China has fal- grasping the situation is strong. Its better than nothing. Arkansas, who said at a press con- pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun can vents it from developing its own tered on such obligations in the past elections help each new president Nationwide, some 3,000 Americans lost their lives in distracted driv- ference that guards should have to be sold to any Connecticut resident nuclear arsenal. out of a strategic interest in keep- in the Blue House better define the ing accidents in 2010. If South Korea were really wor- ing North Korea intact and as a mix of carrots and sticks for deal- ried about an attack, it would be buffer state. ing with each new Kim who rules seeking a military alliance with Ja- Two decades ago, South Korea in Pyongyang. This keeps the pan and forgive that country’s war- began to see the North in a new cousin rivalry in line.And it should time past. It would not have built light, as a country already defeated eventually help calm the world’s up strong economic ties with China, by its misguided Marxist and dy- overreaction to North Korea’s the only ally of North Korea. It nastic despotism. Hopes of any rhetoric and nuclear program.

South Korean vehicles line up as ususal at the border office in Paju on April 1 to head to the North Korean city of Kaesong. North Korea has threatened to shut down the border factory complex that is a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation.

Open 24/7 702-369-6736 Licensed, Bonded, Insured • NV #758973 April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 5 Scapegoat (Continued from Page 1) that later is seen in the video pleading with the marshals to let her mother alone. Court Hearing Master Patricia Doninger turns her back to the lady and the marshal’s event and ignores the yelling and crying of the woman in distress. The video gave the impression that Court Hearing Master Patricia Doninger is afraid of the marshals and that is why she allows such cowardly behavior in her court. Court officials have not conducted an investigation into whether or not the Court Hearing Master should be disciplined for her lack of interest in the woman’s well-being, but court officials pressured Lt. Rushfield, threatening him with losing his position, stepping down from his supervisory position which would probably reduce his salary and perhaps his retirement as well. Everyone who has been in any court, including Family Court – even if it was not their case being heard – more than one time knows that cell phones are not allowed in court; and as anyone with a badge and a gun does, the marshals impose their rule as it is best for them. A Family Court source told the Las Vegas Tribune that the incident was not that deep and tragic as they wanted to make it appear. “I have the feeling that some of the higher-ups in downtown don’t like Steve and they are looking for excuses to get rid of him,” the source ex- Brady Eggleston of Newtown, Conn., participates in a protest outside the National Shooting Sports Foundation plained. in Newtown on March 28. Three months after a gunman killed 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook The possibility that someone with power is trying to seclude Lt. Elementary School in Newtown. Connecticut is passing one of the toughest gun-control laws in the nation. Rushfield is very obvious; Lt. Rushfield is being used as a scapegoat and the Las Vegas Tribune knows that because he has always returned the newspaper’s calls and this time he has not; can it be he is now Connecticut responds to Newtown ignoring the phone calls, or are they not giving him his messages? The woman who answers the calls at the security office must have recognized the voice because she very arrogantly told us when we withgroundbreakingguncontrollaws asked if she’s been passing on the messages to Lt. Rushfield – some- thing which she did not confirm or deny – that he is not going to return Connecticut’s gun-control package includes a dangerous- any calls to the Las Vegas Tribune because he is not allowed to com- ment to anyone. weapon offender registry and a requirement to obtain Las Vegas Tribune has obtained a copy of the now infamous video tape showing two marshals intimidating, threatening and verbally abus- ‘eligibility’ certificates to buy bullets, rifles, and shotguns. ing a woman who refused to allow a male marshal to check under her By Ron Scherer go through 40 to 60 hours of train- until the buyer undergoes and bra and requested a female officer to do that. Christian Science Monitor ing and should be able to carry a passes a national criminal back- The male marshal denied her request for a female officer to come NEW YORK — How far can variety of weapons ranging from ground check – whether such sale to assist her so she wouldn’t have to expose her breasts to a male states go to control guns? handguns to automatic weapons. is private, at a gun show or through officer, and it shows in the video that he is threatening her with arrest Less than four months after the Mr. Hutchinson said the recommen- a dealer,” said the Connecticut task if she does not recant her story that the marshal fondled her breasts on tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn., dations are aimed at small- to me- force. the pretext that he needed to search under her tank top. the Connecticut legislature is ex- dium-sized schools that have never Gun advocates, however, point The woman is a litigant in a divorce case and was there with her pected to enact a new law on had an issue with security before, out that the law would not have daughter, probably about three years old or so, and in a stroller; she Wednesday that will give it one of similar to Sandy Hook Elementary stopped the Sandy Hook massacre. was most likely known to the marshals since she had previously ap- the toughest gun control laws in the in Newtown. In the Hit & Run Blog on peared in court several times during this process. nation. Hutchinson was asked at the Reason.com, J.D. Tucille wrote that In a telephone conversation with the court spokesperson, Marianne Price, she explained that the matter is under investigation and they It incorporates many of the news conference what he thought shooter Adam Lanza’s mother, could not make a comment, but she told the Las Vegas Tribune that “must haves” of gun control advo- about Connecticut’s proposed laws. Nancy Lanza, had purchased the Family Court employs six female officers. cates, such as universal background He responded, “I would be inter- weapons. In another telephone call, with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, watch checks to purchase a gun and an ested in what Connecticut is doing “She qualified to own firearms commander Lt. Mark Reddon told the newspaper that the department expanded ban on assault rifles and for school safety.” The reporter re- under the old rules and there’s no does not accommodate the suspect, but to prevent harm to both parties high capacity magazines. But it also plied that the new law was their re- reason to believe the new restric- the search needs to be conducted immediately for investigative pur- includes some unusual items, such sponse. Hutchinson replied: “I tions would have barred her own- poses and the arrestee cannot deny the search in a Terry stop; but im- as a first-in-the-nation dangerous- would say it’s totally inadequate. ership of guns in any way,” he mediately Lt. Reddon explained that if there is no female officer avail- weapon offender registry and the Because you can address assault wrote. “She still would have passed able, it is within the power of the officer at the scene to conduct a pat- requirement to obtain “eligibility” weapons and it doesn’t stop some- the checks and earned her certifi- down search. certificates to obtain bullets, rifles, one from bringing in a .45 caliber cates. At 20, Lanza would be too A telephone call to Clark County Court Administrator Steven D. and shotguns. firearm into the school. It doesn’t young to purchase rifles under the Grierson was not returned in time for this article, but Assistant Court “It’s pretty innovative,” said stop violence in the schools.” new law, but, again, he used his Administrator Tim Andrews called the newspaper with the same in- Laura Cutilletta, a senior staff at- In Connecticut, the group that mother’s guns.” formation they had given all day long, saying that Steve Grierson was torney at the Law Center to Prevent put together the legislation is called Connecticut raised the age to in a meeting with the Chief Judge and could not be interrupted. The Gun Violence in San Francisco. “It the Bipartisan Task Force on Gun purchase a rifle to 21, up from the misleading information may work for other people and reporters, but shows how the tide is turning.” Violence Prevention and Children’s federal age limit of 18. The Con- for those of us at the Las Vegas Tribune who have been covering the The Connecticut law follows Safety. necticut legislation will also limit court for many years and also know the Chief Judge for as long as she one that was passed in New York at In a release, the group explained the purchase of guns to one every has been on the bench, it’s a known fact that the Chief Judge is a the beginning of the year and an- that the dangerous weapon offender 12 months. workcoholic and she is not going to spend four hours in a meeting other package that signed into law part of the legislation “has been a (See Connecticut, Page 6) with the court administrator, regardless of what title he likes to use. last month in Colorado. More gun top priority of urban mayors and the control laws under consideration in Police Chiefs Association for the Oregon, Wisconsin, Maryland, and last several years.” Illinois, Ms. Cutilletta said. Califor- Under the bill, individuals who nia has 40 gun control measures have been convicted of any of 40 working their way through the leg- weapons offenses or a felony that islature. involved the use or threatened use “There is a real mobilization of of a deadly weapon must register the public,” she said. “They are giv- with the state police for five years ing the gun lobby a run for their after their release from prison. The money.” registration will only be available On Tuesday, a National RifleAs- to the police. sociation-funded task force intro- The new Connecticut law will duced its own School Shield report. also require universal background Its solution includes training and checks. Under current law, private providing guns to guards in schools. sales of rifles and shotguns are un- The NRA task force was led by regulated. former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R) of “Immediately upon passage, no Arkansas, who said at a press con- pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun can ference that guards should have to be sold to any Connecticut resident Page 6 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 Cheating (Continued from Page 1) wards. In 2009 she was named National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, whose director said that Hall had “turned Atlanta into a model of urban school re- form.” Atlanta was often cited as a success story by Education Secre- tary Arne Duncan. The story uncovered by Georgia’s investigation into whether there had been cheating – certainly one of the best-funded and most exten- sive investigations to date, with two special prosecutors appointed by Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue – showed a different picture. Using whistleblowers and hidden wires, investigators uncovered a widespread system of corruption in which many teachers would alleg- edly gather in rooms during testing weeks to erase incorrect answers and replace them with correct ones. At Parks Middle School, where investigators said some of the worst cheating took place, Principal Christopher Waller – one of the 35 people indicted, and formerly a principal lauded by Hall – allegedly orga- nized “cheating parties” with teachers. Other defendants, say prosecu- tors, are guilty of lying to investigators, covering up wrongdoing, and retaliating against those who didn’t comply with their wishes. “Atlanta was shocking because of the scale of it and the tragedy of it,” said Gregory Cizek, an education professor at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, who studies cheating. “Some of the least able students were being told, ‘you’re doing just fine.’That was a horrible tragedy in terms of the scale and the harm it did to kids’ edu- cation.” Still, Atlanta was certainly not alone. The former El Paso superin- tendent was recently sent to prison for encouraging low-performing students to drop out. Ohio is currently investigating whether some schools intentionally “scrubbed” low-performing students from their rolls so their test scores didn’t count. And cheating was discovered in Washington, D.C., schools – also cited as models of turnaround. In an extensive 2011 USA Today investigation, reporters turned up multiple instances of extreme statistical anomalies and suspected cheating. That such cheating exists, given the incentives in the system, is not particularly surprising, said Professor Cizek. “Every walk of life has incentives in place that corrupt behavior, and it would be shocking if they didn’t apply to the context of education,” he said. “It’s remark- For Keystone XL foes, oozing Canadian able in education that so many people do play by the rules.” That said, Cizek and others say it would be a shame if the lesson out ofAtlanta is to discount standardized tests and accountability, given crude in Arkansas spill is black gold the valuable information that educators, parents, and students can get The rupture of an ExxonMobil pipeline that sent a gooey black stream of heavy Canadian crude oozing from them. across lawns and driveways in suburban Mayflower, Ark., last Friday has been seized upon by opponents “It would be analogous to saying, we’ve discovered there’s voter of the Keystone XL pipeline as proof that the controversial project should be halted. fraud, so let’s get rid of elections,” Cizek said. “There’s always going to be a backlash, but by and large, [testing data] is high-quality infor- mation we can stand behind.” Fannie May Instead, he’d like to see a culture – starting with top leadership – that emphasizes professional integrity; a more varied system of ac- (Continued from Page 1) And, in the housing market in “Actions [by the company] have countability that uses multiple measures to gauge teachers’ progress, was taken over in a federal conser- particular, Fannie and Freddie helped... to support the housing re- without focusing so narrowly on test scores; and more serious scrutiny vatorship in 2008. Some $35.6 bil- (along with the Federal Housing covery by enabling families to buy, on how tests are administered, to make cheating much tougher to do. lion of that has, in effect, been paid Administration) have acted as bul- refinance, or rent a home even dur- Already, he said, the big cheating scandals have caused districts back through dividend payments to warks of mortgage underwriting ing the housing crisis,” Timothy around the country to get serious about that last point. the Treasury since 2009. during the past five years, when Mayopoulos, Fannie’s chief execu- “Atlanta has caused every state and large district around the coun- The company has paid a $4.2 other sources of credit had largely tive officer, said in the company’s try to say we’re not doing enough to ensure the accuracy of test data,” billion dividend to the Treasury in dried up. statement Tuesday. he said. the first quarter of 2013. Fannie and Freddie provide Fannie Mae was involved in Ms. Weingarten, like Cizek, notes that the vast majority of teachers “We expect to remain profitable mortgage guarantees to private some 4 million new or refinanced are honest, and haven’t succumbed to pressures to cheat. But she also for the foreseeable future and return lenders, or purchase loans, when the mortgages in 2012, and Freddie said that she hopes Atlanta and other scandals are “a clarion call for a significant value to taxpayers,” said loans conform to their standards. Mac accounted for another 2 mil- new accountability system.” Susan McFarland, the firm’s chief The goal of helping to ensure a lion. The issue, she said, isn’t with the idea of accountability or even financial officer, in releasing the reliable flow of mortgage credit, With the housing market stabi- standardized tests – though she’d love to see tests that she believes are new profit numbers. even during hard times, is the rea- lizing and starting to recover since more aligned with problem solving, critical thinking, and other 21st In February, Freddie Mac gave son Fannie and Freddie were cre- 2010, the share of Fannie-backed century higher-order thinking skills – but with the unique power those a similar progress report of its own, ated in the first place. Until the con- loans where borrowers are seriously test scores now have in many districts. banking $11 billion in net income servatorship, they operated with an delinquent on payments has been “This push to make [standardized tests] predominant in everything for 2012. The firm has paid divi- unusual hybrid identity as investor- declining. that’s done has run its course,” Weingarten said. “Hopefully this is the dends totaling some $23.8 billion owned companies serving a Con- Some 3.3 percent of its single- tipping point that said to policymakers what teachers and parents have to the Treasury – or 33 percent of gress-created purpose. family loans were in serious delin- understood: Of course we need accountability, and multiple measures the company’s cumulative bailout Their futures remain in doubt. quency as of December, down from of student success. Of course we need data to inform instruction. But draw – since conservatorship. Congress must consider what role 5.5 percent in March 2010. The im- this fixation on standardized tests as the be all and end all and arbiter Paying back the full bailout the government should play in pro- provement stems partly from com- of whether a child does well, a teacher stays employed, and a school funds is still a long way off for both viding Fannie- and Freddie-style pleting foreclosures, and partly stays open is crazy.” firms. loan guarantees in the future. from preventing foreclosures. And even if they achieve that With the example of the bailouts goal, that doesn’t mean the bailouts in mind, many argue for downsizing would be cost-free. For one thing, any implicit taxpayer underwriting economists say the rescues come of the risk that home loans will go with “moral hazard” attached. That bad, as occurred in dramatic fash- term refers to the risk that the be- ion in recent years. At the same havior of large financial firms will time, other lawmakers say the mar- be guided somewhat that they can ket for home loans shouldn’t be left expect bailouts in future crises. completely to soar and plunge on Still, the rescue of Fannie and its own. Freddie symbolize policies that For their part, executives at worked, in the view of many econo- Fannie and Freddie are touting the mists, to quell a spreading panic in role they’ve played in buoying the financial markets that could have housing market since the recession made the recession much deeper. ended. Connecticut (Continued from Page 1) In order to get some Republican lawmakers to sign off on the bill, the legislation also included a provision that will keep violent felons behind bars longer. They will now have to serve at least 85 percent of their origi- nal sentence. In the past, they could get up to five days a month off their sentence with good behavior. Before lawmakers reached agreement in Hartford, Conn., parents from Sandy Hook Elementary lobbied them to ask for a tough gun law. Many of the parents also appeared with President Obama when he called on Congress to pass new laws. Not surprisingly, not all the Sandy Hook parents agree with the gun control laws. At its press conference, the NRA task force had Mark Mattiolli who lost his 6-year-old son James at Sandy Hook. “As parents, we send our kids off to school, and there are certain expectations and, obviously, at Sandy Hook, those expectations weren’t met,’ said Mr. Mattioli. Mr. Obama is expected to visit Connecticut next week in advance of the US Senate’s vote on legislation that would expand background checks and toughen penalties for illegal trafficking in weapons. March 27-April 2, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 7 EDITORIALS A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson Our Point of View Court Hearing Master Patricia Doninger Must Go Having to be involved in a Family Court case is stress- ful enough for anyone, but when that stress gets com- pounded by an immature individual who prefers to be on the side of her employees and subordinates instead of en- forcing justice in the courtroom, it gives others the idea that the magistrate, the judge or the Court Hearing Master is either afraid to disappoint their underlings or they just don’t know how to be a person in charge or a person of authority; well then, that person should not be in a posi- tion of authority. That is the case with a particular Court Hearing Master who allowed a woman to be abused by two grown men with a badge and a gun, while her little three- or four-year- Fiscal Cliff Healthcare Policy Fix: old daughter watched her mother being verbally and physi- cally abused with the blessing of that Court Hearing Mas- Good for Rural Patients, Taxpayers ter, Patricia Doninger. By Grace Boatright Indeed, the Government Account- A Court Hearing Master in that position and with the Rarely do federal lawmakers ability Office explicitly warned of “a attitude of Patricia Doninger does not deserve to sit on the come upon a policy that can expand potential underestimate of the total bench; she needs to be taken down for many reasons, access to critical health care services cost” and said that there were still among which would be her obvious lack of qualifications, and simultaneously save taxpayers “questions about payment adequacy and her lack of showing any dignity and respect toward money. beginning in 2014.” those appearing before her. But according to a new report If policymakers had proceeded from the Congressional Budget Of- with bundling the oral dialysis medi- Is it possible that Court Hearing Master Patricia fice, a tweak in the way Medicare cations, patients could have lost ac- Doninger is acting like that because the victim in both of pays for certain kidney disease drugs cess to them. Health care providers these two court cases has a Hispanic surname? Or is it could do just that - preserving the serving the Medicare population because she might be envious that that lady looked more availability of crucial treatments to would have started losing money like a movie star than just a very well-dressed and present- rural patients and saving the program when dispensing these drugs. Many billions. GRACE BOATRIGHT would have been forced to stop of- able woman who dressed up for the important occasion of At issue is Medicare’s handling of a few “oral-only” fering them - leaving patients in the lurch. showing up in court. dialysis medications designed for end-stage renal dis- Patients suffering from end-stage renal failure are We hope that the Eighth District Court higher-ups show ease, the most severe version of chronic kidney dis- some of the most vulnerable in the entire Medicare a little compassion and respect for that Hispanic lady and ease. population. They typically require at least three rounds her little daughter – who is already suffering the drama of In 2011, Medicare switched to a payment system of treatment every week. Even minor disruptions to that reimbursed for all dialysis-related treatments in their health care regimens can lead to serious deterio- seeing her parents divided, and then on top of that, seeing one “bundled” rate. Instead of paying prevailing mar- ration of their already fragile condition. her mother abused by two immature older men in uniform ket prices, the government opted to compensate health Those in rural areas would have been hit particu- – and have the decency of showing Court Hearing Master care providers according to a formula. larly hard. Many communities outside urban centers Patricia Doninger the door before her attorney shows them But the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Ser- depend on just one or two health clinics to meet their the amount of money they may have to pay for their stu- vices - the government agency that oversees the pro- medical needs.A single clinic may serve patients com- gram - decided to exempt certain oral dialysis medi- ing from 50 miles away or more. These clinics typi- pidity. cations from the bundle through 2014. January’s fis- cally run on very thin profit margins and depend heavily It’s a good thing that the incident happened in Las Ve- cal cliff deal extended the exemption through 2016. on Medicare payments to stay afloat. gas where everyone is too busy to get involved with any- Instead, those drugs will continue to be dispensed Aware of the potential adverse consequences in ru- one else’s problem. by local pharmacies through Medicare Part D, the pre- ral communities, legislators responded by maintain- If this would have happened in New York, Los Angeles scription drug benefit. ing these oral medicines under the Part D prescription That’s the right call. Setting appropriate compen- drug benefit. This move helped to maintain the viabil- or Miami, the demonstrations in front of Family Court sation is a particularly time-consuming and compli- ity of small clinics servicing rural communities. would be more noticeable than the long lines in the morn- cated task. It requires a remarkable volume of medi- This was good for patient access but, according to ing to attend court at the Regional Justice Center, and the cal data. If officials had simply thrown the oral dialy- the government budget accountants, also good for the noise they would make would be heard at the legislature sis treatment into the price-control bundle, they almost Medicare program and taxpayers because it saves or even at the governor’s mansion. certainly would have set compensation too low. (See Boatright, Page 9) The legislature is very quick to take out one of their own and put someone in his or her place who can be con- ON A PERSONAL NOTE trolled by that little clique in the black caucus with ren- egades at their disposal who will follow their orders to a T. When others decide what’s true about you: The county commissioner was able to eliminate a right- ful office, perhaps to open the doors for them to be able to Life isn’t as simple as some people think it is raise more campaign contributions for their office re-elec- By Maramis words, the accusations, the suspicions tion. It almost doesn’t matter if some- – even bereft of any proof – are out On April 16, the county commissioners will pick the one is being kicked out of school for there; and they will usually end up in replacement for Steve Brook, and whoever they pick for a breaking a rule, is accused of mur- your record somewhere, causing der, is being verbally attacked in front some kind of action by someone who replacement will have to be very grateful to all of them. of one’s friends or neighbors, or is must move on them in some way. If What? Do you think for one minute that they are going suffering from any other kind of situ- we are fortunate, our friends – or all to pick someone who they cannot control to be their pup- ation in which someone has made a those who truly know us – will be- pet? Think again; you may not be used to Nevada politics. judgment call in a public way. In all lieve more in the person they know The court executives can pretend that they are for the such situations, the accusation and all than the words of accusation or the people, but we, at Las Vegas Tribune, know better. Some that ensues from it will change a judgment call that sets things into person’s life – and not for the better, motion. Yet perhaps their belief in us of us have been in the area for more than 30 years, and at least at that particular time. Each will not change the damage that will some even 60 years, and we know that everyone who’s in and every accused individual can feel MARAMIS CHOUFANI have been done, or the new way that politics has an agenda, and if someone doesn’t allow them something is very wrong with what is happening to “society” will now deal with us – perhaps requiring to control that agenda, they get them out of their way. them, if indeed the action being taken is not in sync more of us than it requires of any guilty person that People have to go along with them and play their game, with the individual’s sense of justice and the truth of simply has not yet been caught. the matter. If one is truly guilty, being caught is troubling to or they have to get out of the way, once and for all – other- We all know that the usual scenario that goes into one’s very being in a different way, and one is inclined wise they will be removed by any means. effect when one is accused of something, or accused to save face in whatever way one can. Take, for ex- We believe that Court Hearing Master Patricia Doninger of something greater than what one actually did, is to ample, being caught shoplifting. If one is a model citi- should be taken out of her job not today or tomorrow, but deny, deny, deny. Innocent OR guilty, nobody really zen – as people sometimes say – or a well-known per- yesterday, if not sooner. If not, perhaps the governor, the wants to be publically accused of being less than what son, or is well-to-do, how does one deal with being they want others to think they are, or accused of some- caught doing what those who are more usually de- Secretary of State and theAttorney General should be filled thing that they simply are not.If one is truly innocent, scribed as needy or poor, or as a trouble-maker, or – in about what is going on. it is a different kind of troubling to one’s very soul to depending on one’s age or affiliation – as a delinquent, If Steve Rushfield has to go, Court Hearing Master realize that one’s image, one’s reputation, all that one thief, or anti-establishment scofflaw, or the like? How Patricia Doninger also has to go because it’s the fair thing has been to another or to others, is now not only in does one explain away what one has actually done? to do for everyone; otherwise we are going to do what the question, but is perhaps destroyed – possibly forever How does one ever again feel comfortable in all the – in a flash of that accusation. Relationships can break stores where one has formerly shopped? How does one Las Vegas Tribune does best, fight for those whose hands up; families can suffer; jobs can be lost; police might get back the trust that has slipped down the drain along are tied and cannot throw the first punch, and do what we keep their eye on you for the slightest infraction that with the reputation of being an “upright and model did with Judge Donald Mosley’s marshal. would otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps it will be dif- citizen”? Even if all charges get dismissed, the “guilty We are going to place Court Hearing Master Patricia ficult, if not impossible, to get your place back in one” knows he or she is guilty and knows that others Doninger on the front page of this newspaper until the big school, or your seniority at your job, if indeed you can know. Life changes. even get your job back. Sometimes, if one is not guilty, it is easier to deal shots at the Regional Justice Center realize that we want Removing words of accusation, even if just from with the charge of murder out there in public and in what is best for our community; and we are going to show one person, for something as “small” as an attack on the media because eventually – and hopefully – the them that what is best for our community is NOT Court your character or your personality or your honesty, truth will (or at least it can) come out and the guilty Hearing Master Patricia Doninger. would be like trying to regather all the feathers let loose person will be caught and found guilty, giving the not on a mountain top: it simply cannot be done. The (See Maramis, Page 9) Page 8 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013

VEditors note:IEW The views expressed are entirely those of the writersP and do not necessarilyOINTS reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Tribune. Gay Marriage, Pot and Is this classical gas? Vouchers... Oh, My! Feds Withdraw Reprimand By Chuck Muth long overdue state’s The 2013 Nevada leg- rights fight with the fed- Dealt To Gassy Worker islative session is now half eral government over the over – yeah! issue. Uncle Sam has got- By Mace Yampolsky dressed as Pepe Le Pew. As we plod toward sine ten way too big for his A man’s excessive The SSA employee was die, there are three issues britches and it’s time for flatulence was charted at represented by the Ameri- that deserve more than lip Nevada to reassert a little SSA. This article was can Federation of Govern- service but which, unfor- independence. taken from the website, ment Employees union, tunately, are unlikely to go School vouchers: The smoking gun! (The officials of which recently anywhere: repealing the Gov. Brian Sandoval has snarky comments, of circulated a redacted copy state’s gay marriage ban, talked about school course, are mine!) The So- of the reprimand letter. ending the war on vouchers but done virtu- cial Security Administra- The five-page letter ac- potheads and greatly ex- ally nothing about them. tion has withdrawn a rep- cused the worker of “con- panding school choice CHUCK MUTH A couple of bills have rimand letter issued last duct unbecoming a federal through vouchers. been introduced... and gone nowhere, month to an employee who officer” and included a log Gay marriage: This should serve as a thanks to opposition from the stinking was accused of excessive of representative dates and cautionary tale to all Americans. The prob- teachers union which openly threatens the workplace flatulence that MACE YAMPOLSKY times when the man was lem here isn’t that we might let gays into re-election hopes of jelly-spined politicians. created an “intolerable” and “hostile” en- recorded “releasing the awful and unpleas- the institution of marriage; it’s that we let But isn’t this supposed to be about, you vironment for coworkers. ant odor.” government into it in the first place. At that know, the children? Yeah, right. The “official reprimand” – issued to the According to the letter, an SSA super- point, the end of marriage as it’s been And this isn’t about which is better... 38-year-old male worker on December 10 visor first spoke to the worker about his known for two thousand years became in- public schools or private schools. It’s about was quickly rescinded after SSA senior “uncontrollable flatulence” in mid-May evitable. who gets to decide... the government or managers got wind of the proposed sanc- 2012. In two subsequent meetings with Religious considerations aside, you sim- parents. And giving low- and middle-in- tion (apparently odoriferous olfactory as- other agency administrators, the worker ply cannot have the government bequeath come parents the financial wherewithal saults are not covered by the employment was confronted about his frequent release special benefits to married couples while necessary to allow them to exercise the manual). The letter’s withdrawal came days of “bodily gas” and how the resulting “ter- denying those benefits to gays. This isn’t same choices wealthy parents in nice sub- before TSG disclosed its existence in a rible smell that comes with the gas” was about the Bible; it’s about the Constitution. urban neighborhoods already have. December 21 story, according to SSA disrupting the workplace. And whether Nevada’s ban on gay marriage The good news is that yet another court spokesperson Mark Hinkle. The reprimand letter recounted a con- is repealed via a new vote of the people or decision, this one in Indiana, recently af- The employee, a claims authorizer who versation during which the worker sug- struck down by the courts, it’s a goner. firmed the use of public money to let kids works out of an SSA office in Baltimore gested to an SSA manager that he would Marijuana: Nevada legislators should attend private schools without violating (this guy really must be a Baltimoron), turn on his fan “when it happens.” The follow a handful of other states and just get church-state separation clauses. The bad hung up on a reporter when reached at his manager recalled advising him that, “turn- this over with. The war on drugs has been a news is that Nevada legislators will (but desk (though he is surely happy to have ing on the fan would cause the smell to very expensive, and sometimes deadly, war shouldn’t) continue to sit on their hands and the matter behind him). The SSA worker spread and worsen the air quality in the on liberty. Only hard-core drug warriors doom the futures of thousands of children (can be seen in a photo), which was appar- module.” continue to embrace the notion of “reefer all out of fear of the “mo’ money” anti-edu- ently snapped during an amusement park The letter also included a log listing 17 madness.” The rest of us recognize that cation special interests. trip that included a visit with someone (See Mace, Page 9) someone occasionally smoking a doobie is Lovely. What say we avoid the Christ- far less harmful than belting down whis- mas rush and just sine die tomorrow? key and cigarettes every day. Chuck Muth is president of Citizen Out- Legislators should (but won’t) pass a reach, a non-profit public policy grassroots 4 Blind Spots Every tax-and-regulate law legalizing possession advocacy organization. He may be reached of marijuana for personal use and invite a at [email protected]. Leader Must See By Doug Dickerson racial implications. It is The only thing worse the result preconceived BEHIND THE MIKE than being blind is having notions you make about sight but no vision – Helen colleagues, clients, or cus- “I’m the Other One” Keller tomers. It is making and Max Lucado shares a embracing assumptions By Michael A. Aun person is talking about. story about Bob Edens. that may not be accurate Christine and I had an “I’m the other one.” For 51 years he was blind based upon your limited interesting first born; there They should wear a tag and could not see a thing. understanding. were two of them! We were saying that! His world was a black hall When you allow your blessed with twins. Today, Parents will often go of sounds and smells. He prejudices to influence Cory and Jason are 34 years up to Jason and ask him felt his way through five you as a leader you are old. Both have twin back- how their child is doing decades of darkness. And allowing them to define grounds in molecular mi- in school and Jason is then, he could see. A you as a leader. Instead, crobiology. completely puzzled. skilled surgeon performed DOUG DICKERSON why not abandon your Jason is a geek with the “I’m the other one.” a complicated operation and for the first prejudices and look upon everyone with an Food and DrugAdministra- When Jason visits time, he had sight. He found it overwhelm- open mind, give clients the respect they tion and Cory teaches biol- Cory at high school other ing. deserve and your customers the benefit of ogy at St. Cloud High teachers get him con- “I never would have dreamed that yel- the doubt. Prejudices have no place in your School. Both have a twin fused with Cory. Both low is so... yellow,” he exclaimed. “I don’t business and they certainly have no place passion for weightlifting, MICHAEL A. AUN could still pass for high have the words. I am amazed by yellow. in your heart. It is a blind spot you need to which is largely the reason why Cory chose school students as was evidenced by Cory’s But red is my favorite color. I just can’t see and remove. the teaching profession. first day on the job at St. Cloud High School believe red. I can see the shape of the The price of poor people skills. This Jason garnered his Masters Degree at several years ago. moon- and I like nothing better than see- blind spot is the source of many of your Northern Michigan University in A fellow St. Cloud teacher, who obvi- ing a jet plane flying across the sky leav- leadership headaches. Your business savvy Marquette, Michigan where potential ously didn’t know that Cory was new, ad- ing a vapor trail. And of course, sunrises and skill will be undermined if you lack Olympic Weightlifters are trained. He never monished him for not being in his class and sunsets. And at night I look at the stars courtesy and respect. It is one thing to pos- made the Olympic Team, but he did come during a break. “You aren’t supposed to be in the sky and the flashing light. You could sess the ability to cast vision and manage away with a Masters Degree and a new in the hall! Get back to your class!” Cory never know how wonderful everything is. the company’s bottom line, but if you can’t bride-to-be, Jessica, whom he met while she didn’t even bother to explain, but returned Sight is a beautiful thing. Blind spots, have a 30-minute lunch with a client with- was pursuing the same dream. Jess will to his class. especially for leaders, can be problematic. out checking your phone messages five soon be a doctor. Such is their life. Since they were born, A story in QSR magazine cited a study by times it screams of poor etiquette. The two are often confused when people we always dressed Jason in green and Cory Development Dimensions International Frederick L. Collins said, “There are two see them together; especially when they in blue so people could tell them apart. Even that said 91 percent of managers have at types of people in the world: those who were younger and we dressed them alike. their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cous- least one blind spot, and the average man- come into a room and say, “Here I am!” That was at least a good excuse in those ins could never tell them apart. We always ager has three. Brad Thomas, a manager at and those who come in and say, “Ah, there days. Today, if they both happen to get a had to identify which one was which. I’m DDI said, “Those blind spots don’t just hurt you are!” People skills will make you or haircut the same week, they’re still just as sure they’ve lost count as to the thousands the individual who has them, they can hurt break you in leadership. Take care of people confusing to others. to times they have had to say “I’m the other the entire company.” Leaders today must and they will take care of you. It is a blind Jason was recently the Master of Cer- one!” be aware of their blind spots and be will- spot you simply cannot ignore. emonies at his sister-in-law’s wedding. When Cory and Jason were in the first ing to correct them. What are yours? Here The trappings of an over-inflated ego. Even his mother-in-law and her mother kept grade, the school Principal told us we had are four common blind spots you need to This blind spot will destroy your effective- coming up to Cory, mistaking him for Ja- to separate them. “It’s the law!” we were see and why they matter. ness if left unchecked. Colin Powell said, son. Everyone still gets them confused. told. NOT! Frankly, they simply couldn’t The effect of a bad attitude. Zig Ziglar “Don’t let your ego get too close to your Cory is well known in the Osceola tell them apart. This, interestingly, gave us said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, de- position, so that if your position gets shot County school system and has touched the parents the opportunity to compare teach- termines your altitude.” This is a powerful down your ego doesn’t go with it.” Unfor- lives of hundreds of kids in his biology class ers. truth to know. It is even more powerful tunately, many leaders are trapped in the or in the weightlifting room or on the foot- One was grumpy and the other was a when you can practice it. The attitude you surroundings of their own creation that ball field. The kids know his face but don’t saint. The grumpy teacher would send have is one of the most contagious and vis- skewers reality. As a result they see the necessarily know he is a twin. homework assignments: “Parent, see that ible characteristics of your leadership. It is world they work in through the lens of Jason and his wife Jessica was shopping you kid does this homework! – signed the important to understand the effect that your “yes” people which can hinder more than at Wal-Mart in St. Cloud when one of teacher.” attitude has on the culture of your com- help. Cory’s students spotted him and took his The other teacher would always write pany. Blind spots can cause problems regard- picture. The problem was the student knew the homework assignment like a love note Your attitude is the thermostat by which less of who you are but for leaders it has a that Cory’s wife Casey was a brunette and to the child: “Dear Pumpkins... We’re go- others around you will conform. On aver- far-reaching effect. The blind spot of ego Jess is a blonde. ing to work on this task and that task this age, the attitude of your team will not rise is overcome by humility and serving oth- The student texted the picture to Cory week. It’s hard but you’re smart and I know any higher than yours. If your attitude is ers. Keep a healthy perspective of who you and said, “Coach Aun, this guy looks a lot you can do it! – Love, Mrs. Casey.” We poor it will be reflected in the company’s are and keep it grounded in reality. By pay- like you!” Translation: hint, hint... why would have rather both our sons to be in morale, performance, and is an indicator ing attention and keeping yourself account- aren’t you with your wife? They get this all Mrs. Casey’s class. of its future. Simply put, you cannot allow able you can steer clear of these pitfalls and the time. Cory and Jason could have always just a bad attitude to be a drag on your com- lead with clarity. Jason and my third son Christopher of- answered: “I’m the other one!” pany because it is a blind spot for you. Pay Doug Dickerson is a syndicated colum- ten serve as weightlifting judges at various Michael Aun is a syndicated columnist attention to it and check it daily. After all, nist. He writes a weekly column for this meets all over central Florida and people and writes a weekly column for this news- it is a choice. newspaper. To contact Doug Dickerson, will go up to Cory or Jason and say some- paper. To contact Michael Aun, email him The consequence of prejudices.This email him at ddickerson@ thing. They have no clue as to what the at [email protected]. blind spot goes far beyond the scope of any lasvegastribune.com. Page 8 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 9 Mace (Continued from Page 8) separate dates (and 60 specific times) on which the employee re- portedly passed gas. (I wonder what this guy eats? Cabbage and turnip salad with a baked bean side dish?) “The following dates show the time Editors note:IEW The views expressed are entirely those of the writers and do not necessarilyOINTS reflect the opinions of the Las Vegas Tribune. V P of your flatulence,” a manger wrote as an introduction to the log, which revealed that the man’s September 19 output included nine instances Gay Marriage, Pot and Is this classical gas? of flatulence, beginning at 9:45 a.m. and concluding at 4:30 p.m. Feds Withdraw Reprimand SSA administrators did not re- Vouchers... Oh, My! veal how the man’s September-to- By Chuck Muth long overdue state’s November flatulence was memori- The 2013 Nevada leg- rights fight with the fed- Dealt To Gassy Worker alized. Claiming that the worker’s islative session is now half eral government over the “distasteful behavior” was “dis- over – yeah! issue. Uncle Sam has got- By Mace Yampolsky dressed as Pepe Le Pew. courteous, disrespectful, and en- As we plod toward sine ten way too big for his A man’s excessive The SSA employee was tirely inappropriate,” the letter’s die, there are three issues britches and it’s time for flatulence was charted at represented by the Ameri- author concluded that, “It is my that deserve more than lip Nevada to reassert a little SSA. This article was can Federation of Govern- belief that you can control this con- service but which, unfor- independence. taken from the website, ment Employees union, dition.” tunately, are unlikely to go School vouchers: The smoking gun! (The officials of which recently The reprimand letter — the least anywhere: repealing the Gov. Brian Sandoval has snarky comments, of circulated a redacted copy serious sanction that can be leveled state’s gay marriage ban, talked about school course, are mine!) The So- of the reprimand letter. against a federal employee – could ending the war on vouchers but done virtu- cial Security Administra- The five-page letter ac- have landed in the man’s personnel potheads and greatly ex- ally nothing about them. tion has withdrawn a rep- cused the worker of “con- file for up to one year. The 5-page panding school choice CHUCK MUTH A couple of bills have rimand letter issued last duct unbecoming a federal letter’s purpose, the author noted, through vouchers. been introduced... and gone nowhere, month to an employee who officer” and included a log was “to impress upon you the seri- Gay marriage: This should serve as a thanks to opposition from the stinking was accused of excessive of representative dates and ousness of your actions and is nec- cautionary tale to all Americans. The prob- teachers union which openly threatens the workplace flatulence that MACE YAMPOLSKY times when the man was essary to deter future misconduct.” lem here isn’t that we might let gays into re-election hopes of jelly-spined politicians. created an “intolerable” and “hostile” en- recorded “releasing the awful and unpleas- If I were representing him, the first the institution of marriage; it’s that we let But isn’t this supposed to be about, you vironment for coworkers. ant odor.” question I would ask is, Does this government into it in the first place. At that know, the children? Yeah, right. The “official reprimand” – issued to the According to the letter, an SSA super- pass the smell test? point, the end of marriage as it’s been And this isn’t about which is better... 38-year-old male worker on December 10 visor first spoke to the worker about his known for two thousand years became in- public schools or private schools. It’s about was quickly rescinded after SSA senior “uncontrollable flatulence” in mid-May Maramis evitable. who gets to decide... the government or managers got wind of the proposed sanc- 2012. In two subsequent meetings with Religious considerations aside, you sim- parents. And giving low- and middle-in- tion (apparently odoriferous olfactory as- other agency administrators, the worker (Continued from Page 7) A few days ago, I was walking Obviously, in the best of all pos- to keep people from doing them. back to his parents and risk more ply cannot have the government bequeath come parents the financial wherewithal saults are not covered by the employment was confronted about his frequent release guilty person a chance to get back toward the bus stop bench and a sible worlds, one’s father would not Honesty and kindness would pre- of the same? or become a statistic special benefits to married couples while necessary to allow them to exercise the manual). The letter’s withdrawal came days of “bodily gas” and how the resulting “ter- his “normal” life. But if the prob- young man jumped up to give me a get drunk and start a fight with his vail, and justice would always come on the streets of Las Vegas? denying those benefits to gays. This isn’t same choices wealthy parents in nice sub- before TSG disclosed its existence in a rible smell that comes with the gas” was lem is with one’s school, or one’s seat. I thanked him, but told him he children, and then call the cops and to the fore. Life isn’t as simple as some about the Bible; it’s about the Constitution. urban neighborhoods already have. December 21 story, according to SSA disrupting the workplace. job, that is not generally “tried” in didn’t need to; that there was plenty make up a story to have one of his Courts and authorities deal with people might think it is. And whether Nevada’s ban on gay marriage The good news is that yet another court spokesperson Mark Hinkle. The reprimand letter recounted a con- the media, and one will generally of room for both of us. We started children arrested and put into jail. accusations. Courts and authorities Maramis Choufani is the Man- is repealed via a new vote of the people or decision, this one in Indiana, recently af- The employee, a claims authorizer who versation during which the worker sug- end up suffering greatly at the hands talking, and he told me he remem- In the best of all possible worlds, set the consequences. Everyone aging Editor of the Las Vegas Tri- struck down by the courts, it’s a goner. firmed the use of public money to let kids works out of an SSA office in Baltimore gested to an SSA manager that he would of the accuser(s) and/or those in bered me from about a year and a people wouldn’t accuse others of who gets into the system through bune. She writes a weekly column Marijuana: Nevada legislators should attend private schools without violating (this guy really must be a Baltimoron), turn on his fan “when it happens.” The charge of acting on the accusation. half ago, at another bus stop.As his doing what they didn’t do, and some accusation of some kind, will in this newspaper. To contact follow a handful of other states and just get church-state separation clauses. The bad hung up on a reporter when reached at his manager recalled advising him that, “turn- It does little good – other than the “tale” unfolded, I learned that he people wouldn’t even do the kind find his or her life changed. What Maramis, email her at this over with. The war on drugs has been a news is that Nevada legislators will (but desk (though he is surely happy to have ing on the fan would cause the smell to obvious good of finally being had just gotten out of jail, thanks to of things for which laws were made is that young man to do now? Go [email protected]. very expensive, and sometimes deadly, war shouldn’t) continue to sit on their hands and the matter behind him). The SSA worker spread and worsen the air quality in the cleared – to get an apology and per- his alcoholic father, who said and on liberty. Only hard-core drug warriors doom the futures of thousands of children (can be seen in a photo), which was appar- module.” mission to return to school three did things while under the influence continue to embrace the notion of “reefer all out of fear of the “mo’ money” anti-edu- ently snapped during an amusement park The letter also included a log listing 17 years after being kicked out for that impacted his whole family. madness.” The rest of us recognize that cation special interests. trip that included a visit with someone (See Mace, Page 9) something one didn’t do. Three Now this young man was homeless, someone occasionally smoking a doobie is Lovely. What say we avoid the Christ- years is a long time in a teenager’s had no job to go back to (he had far less harmful than belting down whis- mas rush and just sine die tomorrow? life, and going back does not seem been making $38 an hour before his key and cigarettes every day. Chuck Muth is president of Citizen Out- like the logical thing to do – if in- father had him arrested), no visible Legislators should (but won’t) pass a reach, a non-profit public policy grassroots 4 Blind Spots Every deed it could even be done. The means of support, and even no I.D. tax-and-regulate law legalizing possession advocacy organization. He may be reached “moment” is past; there will be no He told me that when they released of marijuana for personal use and invite a at [email protected]. graduating with friends and peers; him, all they (the authorities at the Leader Must See there will be no prom; there will be jail) gave him was a piece of paper By Doug Dickerson racial implications. It is no high school diploma with an with his name and number and The only thing worse the result preconceived appropriate date, allowing the per- photo (he showed it to me). His fa- BEHIND THE MIKE than being blind is having notions you make about son to move on to either get a job ther is still in the home, still drink- sight but no vision – Helen colleagues, clients, or cus- or go on to college – not without a ing, and still causing trouble, and “I’m the Other One” Keller tomers. It is making and lot of explaining. Everything will yet if this young man even had Max Lucado shares a embracing assumptions be “behind schedule.”And perhaps, busfare home (his parents live in By Michael A. Aun person is talking about. story about Bob Edens. that may not be accurate during that period of time when the another state), he would go, since Christine and I had an “I’m the other one.” For 51 years he was blind based upon your limited accused person was trying to do the he could see no life for himself interesting first born; there They should wear a tag and could not see a thing. understanding. best he could, he (or she) got caught starting from the point of being were two of them! We were saying that! His world was a black hall When you allow your up in situations he would not oth- homeless, jobless, moneyless and blessed with twins. Today, Parents will often go of sounds and smells. He prejudices to influence erwise have been involved in. And friendless, and on top of all that, Cory and Jason are 34 years up to Jason and ask him felt his way through five you as a leader you are round and round the cycle goes. feeling hopeless. old. Both have twin back- how their child is doing decades of darkness. And allowing them to define grounds in molecular mi- in school and Jason is then, he could see. A you as a leader. Instead, Boatright crobiology. completely puzzled. skilled surgeon performed DOUG DICKERSON why not abandon your (Continued from Page 7) Jason is a geek with the “I’m the other one.” a complicated operation and for the first prejudices and look upon everyone with an money. The CBO projects that extending the exemption through 2018 Food and DrugAdministra- When Jason visits time, he had sight. He found it overwhelm- open mind, give clients the respect they would save taxpayers approximately $1.3 billion. tion and Cory teaches biol- Cory at high school other ing. deserve and your customers the benefit of Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, played par- ogy at St. Cloud High teachers get him con- “I never would have dreamed that yel- the doubt. Prejudices have no place in your ticularly important roles in marshalling support for the extension of the School. Both have a twin fused with Cory. Both low is so... yellow,” he exclaimed. “I don’t business and they certainly have no place exemption through 2016, as part of the fiscal cliff deal earlier this year. passion for weightlifting, MICHAEL A. AUN could still pass for high have the words. I am amazed by yellow. in your heart. It is a blind spot you need to They should be commended for championing the interests of ruralAmeri- which is largely the reason why Cory chose school students as was evidenced by Cory’s But red is my favorite color. I just can’t see and remove. cans. the teaching profession. first day on the job at St. Cloud High School believe red. I can see the shape of the The price of poor people skills. This Because Congress acted in the best interests of rural patients, Medi- Jason garnered his Masters Degree at several years ago. moon- and I like nothing better than see- blind spot is the source of many of your care enrollees suffering from renal disease can now rest assured that they will retain access to treatments they need. Northern Michigan University in A fellow St. Cloud teacher, who obvi- ing a jet plane flying across the sky leav- leadership headaches. Your business savvy Grace Boatright is the legislative director for the National Grange, an Marquette, Michigan where potential ously didn’t know that Cory was new, ad- ing a vapor trail. And of course, sunrises and skill will be undermined if you lack organization that advocates for rural America. Olympic Weightlifters are trained. He never monished him for not being in his class and sunsets. And at night I look at the stars courtesy and respect. It is one thing to pos- made the Olympic Team, but he did come during a break. “You aren’t supposed to be in the sky and the flashing light. You could sess the ability to cast vision and manage away with a Masters Degree and a new in the hall! Get back to your class!” Cory never know how wonderful everything is. the company’s bottom line, but if you can’t bride-to-be, Jessica, whom he met while she didn’t even bother to explain, but returned Sight is a beautiful thing. Blind spots, have a 30-minute lunch with a client with- LLETTERETTER TTOO TTHEHE EEDITORDITOR was pursuing the same dream. Jess will to his class. especially for leaders, can be problematic. out checking your phone messages five soon be a doctor. Such is their life. Since they were born, A story in QSR magazine cited a study by times it screams of poor etiquette. Time magazine reported this amount of money without the com- The two are often confused when people we always dressed Jason in green and Cory Development Dimensions International Frederick L. Collins said, “There are two week that the estimated tax gap - plexities of the income tax. In fact, see them together; especially when they in blue so people could tell them apart. Even that said 91 percent of managers have at types of people in the world: those who the amount of money the IRS fails the FairTax bill is only 133 pages were younger and we dressed them alike. their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cous- least one blind spot, and the average man- come into a room and say, “Here I am!” to collect due to misfiling or tax double spaced. The number of “fil- That was at least a good excuse in those ins could never tell them apart. We always ager has three. Brad Thomas, a manager at and those who come in and say, “Ah, there cheaters - is an estimated $600 bil- ers” would be reduced from 150 days. Today, if they both happen to get a had to identify which one was which. I’m DDI said, “Those blind spots don’t just hurt you are!” People skills will make you or lion dollars. The fact that this million individual returns to simple haircut the same week, they’re still just as sure they’ve lost count as to the thousands the individual who has them, they can hurt break you in leadership. Take care of people money goes uncollected ultimately sales reports from approximately 20 confusing to others. to times they have had to say “I’m the other the entire company.” Leaders today must and they will take care of you. It is a blind increases the tax rates and the million businesses. Jason was recently the Master of Cer- one!” be aware of their blind spots and be will- spot you simply cannot ignore. amount of money that you and I pay. Yes, it’s possible to cheat a sales emonies at his sister-in-law’s wedding. When Cory and Jason were in the first ing to correct them. What are yours? Here The trappings of an over-inflated ego. An article from the 2002 study tax but, unlike income tax where it by the Government Accountability takes only one person to cheat by Even his mother-in-law and her mother kept grade, the school Principal told us we had are four common blind spots you need to This blind spot will destroy your effective- Office showed that “fifty-six per- not reporting or under-reporting coming up to Cory, mistaking him for Ja- to separate them. “It’s the law!” we were see and why they matter. ness if left unchecked. Colin Powell said, cent of [tax] returns prepared by a their income, a sales tax take two son. Everyone still gets them confused. told. NOT! Frankly, they simply couldn’t The effect of a bad attitude. Zig Ziglar “Don’t let your ego get too close to your Cory is well known in the Osceola tell them apart. This, interestingly, gave us paid preparer had errors in compari- people to cheat - the person selling said, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, de- position, so that if your position gets shot son to only forty-seven percent pre- and the person buying. In addition, County school system and has touched the parents the opportunity to compare teach- termines your altitude.” This is a powerful down your ego doesn’t go with it.” Unfor- lives of hundreds of kids in his biology class ers. pared by the taxpayer.” In short, the bill specifically includes provi- truth to know. It is even more powerful tunately, many leaders are trapped in the over 50 percent of tax returns be- sions to reward whistle-blowers or in the weightlifting room or on the foot- One was grumpy and the other was a when you can practice it. The attitude you surroundings of their own creation that ing filed in the 2002 study were which makes it a little less likely ball field. The kids know his face but don’t saint. The grumpy teacher would send have is one of the most contagious and vis- skewers reality. As a result they see the wrong and we “only” had 53,280 people will cheat. Not to mention necessarily know he is a twin. homework assignments: “Parent, see that ible characteristics of your leadership. It is world they work in through the lens of pages of tax code back then. Fast that well over 80 percent retail sales Jason and his wife Jessica was shopping you kid does this homework! – signed the important to understand the effect that your “yes” people which can hinder more than forward to 2012 and the code has are through big chain stores like at Wal-Mart in St. Cloud when one of teacher.” attitude has on the culture of your com- help. grown to over 73,000 pages. That’s Wal-mart or Target and they are not Cory’s students spotted him and took his The other teacher would always write pany. Blind spots can cause problems regard- taxation without comprehension going to risk their business by picture. The problem was the student knew the homework assignment like a love note Your attitude is the thermostat by which less of who you are but for leaders it has a and it is only expanding the tax gap. cheating the system. Used items are that Cory’s wife Casey was a brunette and to the child: “Dear Pumpkins... We’re go- others around you will conform. On aver- far-reaching effect. The blind spot of ego Studies show that simplifying not taxed under the FairTax so Jess is a blonde. ing to work on this task and that task this age, the attitude of your team will not rise is overcome by humility and serving oth- the code leads to better compliance. there’s no compliance issue there. The student texted the picture to Cory week. It’s hard but you’re smart and I know any higher than yours. If your attitude is ers. Keep a healthy perspective of who you That makes sense, but what makes After 100 years of income tax, and said, “Coach Aun, this guy looks a lot you can do it! – Love, Mrs. Casey.” We poor it will be reflected in the company’s are and keep it grounded in reality. By pay- a lot more sense is to throw out the and the code growing from 400 like you!” Translation: hint, hint... why would have rather both our sons to be in morale, performance, and is an indicator ing attention and keeping yourself account- entire income tax code and switch pages in 1913 to over 73,000 pages aren’t you with your wife? They get this all Mrs. Casey’s class. of its future. Simply put, you cannot allow able you can steer clear of these pitfalls and to a national retail sales tax like that last year, it’s time we do something the time. Cory and Jason could have always just a bad attitude to be a drag on your com- lead with clarity. proposed by the FairTax Bill - that makes sense. Tweaking the Jason and my third son Christopher of- answered: “I’m the other one!” pany because it is a blind spot for you. Pay Doug Dickerson is a syndicated colum- HR25 / S122. code hasn’t worked. Let’s throw it ten serve as weightlifting judges at various Michael Aun is a syndicated columnist attention to it and check it daily. After all, nist. He writes a weekly column for this The FairTax is simply a differ- out and switch to the FairTax. meets all over central Florida and people and writes a weekly column for this news- it is a choice. newspaper. To contact Doug Dickerson, ent way to collect taxes - by taxing Sincerely,James R. Donnell consumption rather than income. 2916 Woodleigh Ln. will go up to Cory or Jason and say some- paper. To contact Michael Aun, email him The consequence of prejudices.This email him at ddickerson@ Under the FairTax plan the govern- Cameron Park, CA 95682 thing. They have no clue as to what the at [email protected]. blind spot goes far beyond the scope of any lasvegastribune.com. ment would collect the same (716) 226-6477 Page 10 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 Taming Medicare costs: What are the options? The US spends twice as much per person on health care as other advanced economies, and Medicare is one of the biggest culprits. But here’s why cutting its costs won’t be easy. By Mark Trumbull among health-care professionals. Christian Science Monitor “That’s the single most impor- For a quick glimpse of tant thing we could do,” says John America’s health-care challenge, Rother, president of the National consider this: The nation spent Coalition on Health Care, which $8,233 per person on medical care represents a wide range of stake- in 2010 – more than twice the aver- holder groups. age of other advanced economies, Some proponents urge payment including Germany, Britain, reforms – both within and outside Canada, and Japan. Medicare – that encourage provid- America doesn’t have bad health ers to accept a single in-advance fee care, judging by life expectancies for each person in their care. If the that are on par with other nations, organization keeps costs down, it but it does have notably expensive pockets a higher profit. If its care is health care. excellent, more customers will And a lot of the payment bur- come through the doors. This is the den rests on the US government, “accountable care organization” through entitlement programs in- model, which is getting a test run cluding Medicare for seniors and in Medicare under the Affordable Medicaid for the poor. If this prob- Care Act. lem isn’t addressed as baby 2. Use antitrust law to boost boomers retire, it’s a recipe for deep competition trouble for taxpayers and the US Whether in or out of Medicare, economy. the idea of giving providers incen- Medical costs are high and ris- tives to hold costs down works best ing for reasons that go beyond the Medicare recipients exercise from their chairs at Active Day, a day-care facility in Hingham, Mass. Congress when providers have to compete demographics of an aging nation. is wrestling with how to rein in medical costs for seniors. with one another for business. But At the individual level, doctors and pricing are evidence that there’s headway toward entitlement reform rates to care providers. The second in many markets, competition patients together are opting for a considerable room for restraining this year. is to try to change the way care is among health-care providers is rela- greater volume of health-care ser- costs. A report last year by the nonpar- delivered, in ways that give provid- tively limited – partly because of a vices. Some of that, economists say, Mr. Berenson and some of his tisan Congressional Budget Office ers incentives to improve quality trend of consolidation among hos- reflects people buying improved colleagues at the Urban Institute (CBO) put the consequences of and reduce costs. The third is to take pitals as well as insurers. health care as their incomes rise. have proposed an action menu that political inaction in sharp relief, the government off the hook, by Leemore Dafny, a Northwestern Some reflects wasteful decisions could cut projected Medicare noting that the fiscal hole gets shifting more of the cost burden to University economist who’s serv- that don’t improve health outcomes. spending by some $300 billion (a 4 deeper the longerAmerica waits. In consumers. ing as deputy director of health care And beyond the number of pa- percent cut) or more over the next one scenario reflecting status-quo In the end, it may be that a mix and antitrust at the Federal Trade tients treated and the volume of care decade, with minimal impact on fiscal policies, corrective action of all three is deployed. But Ms. Commission, says it’s not too late each receives, researchers see an- benefits. taken this year (tax hikes or spend- Glied argues that, because the gov- for antitrust efforts to play an im- other factor: Hospitals and doctors Some steps are as simple as say- ing cuts, or both) would need to ernment has focused on Option 1 portant role in fostering competitive in the United States have a pricing ing “no” to traditional practices, equal more than 4 percent of GDP in recent years, the big effort for markets for health care. power that they simply lack in other such as Medicare payments that through 2037 in order to keep the now should go toward Option 2. “The last couple of years have nations. indirectly support medical educa- national debt stable as a share of Already, Mr. Obama’s 2010 Af- seen a turn toward more successful “The reason the US spends so tion. While still investing in the GDP. fordable Care Act contains some enforcement” efforts, she says. much more per capita and as a per- most-needed doctor training, the That’s big. But if politicians initiatives on this track. The Center 3. Engage the consumer centage of GDP than other countries US government could save some were to postpone action for a dozen for Medicare & Medicaid Innova- Many reform proposals hinge on is not because we do that many $50 billion over 10 years from that years, until 2025, the CBO says the tion, for one, is working to spread the idea of enlisting the consumer more services... It’s because our step alone, Berenson’s report esti- tax or spending changes would need promising models of care and cost to be more cost-conscious. prices are higher than anybody mated. to be bigger still – twice as large to control. For instance, when Medicare else’s,” says Robert Berenson, a The entitlement time bomb reach the same debt target by 2037. But health experts say more beneficiaries buy supplemental health-care expert at the Urban In- Before delving deeper into po- How to tame the Medicare steps will be needed. Among the “Medigap” insurance, they are stitute in Washington. “Physicians’ tential solutions, though, it’s impor- beast? many new ideas, a few might have largely shielded from out-of-pocket incomes are at the high end... Nurs- tant to set this issue of entitlement The same forecasts show how broad – but hard to quantify – im- costs – leaving little financial incen- ing income is at the high end. Hos- reform in context. Why is it so im- central health-care entitlements are pacts on the behavior of health- tive to restrain their use of medical pital executive salaries are way over portant? How big do the changes to America’s rising debt challenge. market participants like physicians, services. the high end.” need to be? During that period, from today hospital administrators, and pa- The Urban Institute’s Berenson Health care at all levels, from a The very word “entitlement” is through 2037, health-care entitle- tients. suggests a rule change for these consumer’s co-payment to the bil- controversial. To some Americans ments alone could nearly double in Here are prominent examples policies, so that policyholders lions spent by government, now it carries the pejorative notion of size to 10.4 percent of GDP, accord- that may have potential to gather bi- would have to pay at least half of accounts for 18 percent of gross people mooching off the federal ing to the CBO. Social Security, too, partisan support: the first $4,950 in Medicare ex- domestic product – almost $1 in government, while others grow de- is on track to expand in size to 6 1. Pay for quality, not quantity penses. Backers of this general ap- every $5. That’s up from 7 percent fensive about benefits they feel percent of GDP, compared with 5 of services proach add a caveat, though: The of GDP in 1970. Several in-depth they’ve paid for. percent today. Yet overall federal In Medicare’s traditional “fee for challenge is that cost-conscious studies have concluded that as Like it or not, though, “entitle- tax revenues currently look set to service” model, the financial incen- consumers may forgo needed as much as one-third of overall US ments” is the ubiquitous term for total only about 19 percent of GDP. tives tilt toward doing that extra test well as unneeded care. health-care spending – and possi- some very costly programs that Sherry Glied, a professor of or procedure when in doubt. Re- Whatever paths are pursued, bly of Medicare spending – is channel benefits from the govern- health policy at Columbia Univer- form proponents say the better way Medicare is sure to keep evolving. wasteful and does nothing to im- ment to ordinary Americans. And sity in New York, says the options involves approaches that pay in- “We’ve been making tough prove the quality of care. the fact is, the typical Medicare ben- for cost control fall into three broad creasingly for the quality of patient choices in the Medicare program That doesn’t mean it’s easy to eficiary, despite contributing pay- categories. The first is to try to care, rather than its quantity – and since five years after it started,” cut costs 30 percent or more. roll taxes during working years and nudge prices downward, such as by which offer incentives for team- Glied says, “and we’re never going “There is no silver bullet” solu- premiums during retirement, tinkering with government payment work and information-sharing to stop.” tion, says Elliott Fisher, a health doesn’t come close to covering the policy expert at Geisel School of whole tab. Medicine at Dartmouth College in Medicare, with 50 million ben- Hanover, N.H. But “solving the fis- eficiaries and rising to 80 million cal crisis that is posed by rising by 2037, is the biggest “entitlement health-care costs is incredibly im- bomb” in the federal budget. But it’s portant.” not the only one. To a large degree, all the bud- Social Security is also projected getary bluster and hand-wringing to stake a rising claim on the by politicians this year boils down nation’s financial resources over the to a simple but vexing question: next decade and beyond. How should the US reform these Medicaid, though less talked programs that millions rely on, so about, is an important piece of the that benefits are provided without puzzle. It’s smaller in scale than breaking the nation’s bank? Social Security or Medicare, aim- Yes, the fiscal debates also in- ing at a narrower slice of the popu- clude important attention to tax re- lation. But as the safety net for the form and spending on everything poor, it increasingly serves as the from defense to farm subsidies. But backstop when seniors run out of entitlements, particularly in health money for costs not covered by care, are the elephant in the room. Medicare. Medicaid spending has The outlook isn’t all financial been rising steadily, and options for gloom. The growth of Medicare cost savings may be few. costs, per beneficiary, has slowed With the two political parties in the past few years. And although split on whether more tax revenue there’s no guarantee that trend will should be part of the fix, it’s not continue, many health policy ex- clear whether President Obama and perts say tallies of waste or over- Congress will make any legislative

Page 12 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 Business, labor reach immigration dealonguestworkers.Willitstand? The US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO have reached a deal on guest workers as a part of comprehensive immigration reform. That was a major issue, but more remain including border security and a pathway to citizenship. By Brad Knickerbocker Christian Science Monitor A major speed bump on the path to comprehensive immigration re- form appears to have been re- moved. That’s the issue of guest workers – low-skilled immigrants who come to the United States un- der a temporary visa program. Over the weekend, senior busi- ness and labor representatives came to an agreement on how many such workers could enter the US each year, what jobs they could hold, and what the pay scale would be. The agreement was reached in a phone call late Friday night with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, US Chamber of Com- merce head Tom Donohue, and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D) of New York, who’s been mediating the dispute, reports CBS News. By Sunday morning, senior law- makers of both parties were con- firming that a deal had been reached, and that this was an im- portant step toward reform – includ- ing how to address the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US today. “I think we’ve got a deal,” Sen. Several southwest Michigan pastors along with immigrant families and members of the general public take part in a pray-in for immigration Lindsey Graham (R) of South Caro- reform outside US Rep. Fred Upton’s office in downtown Kalamazoo on Friday. lina said on CNN’s “State of the immigration system, improves bor- Denis McDonough was kept in- the area of employment or the ac- factors. The cap can never go be- Union.” “We’ve got to write the leg- der security and enforcement and formed of the business-labor nego- tual wage level received by indi- low 20,000 or above 200,000 in any islation, but 2013, I hope, will be allows those here illegally to earn tiations on guest workers by viduals with similar experience and year. the year that we pass bipartisan the chance to one day apply for per- Schumer, who facilitated those dis- qualities – whichever is greater. To resolve the standoff with the immigration reform.” manent residency contingent upon cussions. The size of the program would construction unions, the deal in- “It will pass the [Republican- certain triggers being met. How- “The president continues to be ramp up over time, from 20,000 vi- cludes a cap of 15,000 visas for controlled] House because it se- ever, that legislation will only be a encouraged by progress being made sas in the first year to 75,000 in the certain higher-skilled professions in cures our borders, it controls who starting point. by the bipartisan group of senators,” fourth year. In the fifth year, the their industry. gets a job... [and] the 11 million [un- “We will need a healthy public White House spokesman Clark program would shrink or grow The visa holders could petition documented immigrants] will debate that includes committee Stevens said in a statement Satur- based on the unemployment rate, for permanent status after a year, have a pathway to citizenship, but hearings and the opportunity for day. “We look forward to seeing the ratio of job openings to work- and they would not be tied to a it will be earned, it will be long, and other senators to improve our leg- language once it is introduced, and ers seeking employment, and other single employer. it will be hard,” Senator Graham islation with their own amend- expect legislation to move forward said. ments. Eight senators from seven as soon as possible.” Even if the Graham and Senator Schumer states have worked on this bill to group of senators reaches a deal, the are members of the bipartisan serve as a starting point... But ar- legislation faces a tough battle, The “Gang of Eight” senators working riving at a final product will require Wall Street Journal notes. A bipar- to achieve immigration reform. it to be properly submitted for the tisan group in the House is work- “I am very, very optimistic that American people’s consideration, ing on its own immigration effort. we will have an agreement among through the other 92 senators from Some Republicans there have been the eight of us next week,” Schumer 43 states that weren’t part of this critical of any path to citizenship for said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” initial drafting process. In order to illegal immigrants in the US today. “[Senate Judiciary Chairman succeed, this process cannot be Here are some details on the Patrick] Leahy has agreed to have rushed or done in secret.” weekend agreement as reported by extensive markup and debate on the Schumer acknowledged the Politico: bill in April, and then we go to the challenges in changing an immigra- Employers would be required to floor in, God willing, in May. So I tion system that has major eco- pay either the prevailing wage in think we’re on track. This is a ma- nomic, political, and social impli- jor, major obstacle that’s over- cations across the country. come.” “As Senator Rubio correctly Another member of the Gang of says, we have said we will not come Eight – Sen. Marco Rubio (R) of to final agreement till we look at Florida – issued a more cautionary all of the legislative language,” he statement Sunday morning. said on “Meet the Press” Sunday. “I’m encouraged by reports of “And he’s correctly pointing out an agreement between business that that language hasn’t been fully groups and unions on the issue of drafted. There’ll be little kerfuffles. guest workers,” he said. “However, But I don’t think any of us expect reports that the bipartisan group of there to be problems.” eight senators have agreed on a leg- The other members of the gang islative proposal are premature.” of eight senators are John McCain Senator Rubio then laid out what (R) and Jeff Flake (R) of Arizona, he sees as the legislative road Dick Durbin (D) of Illinois, Bob ahead: Menendez (D) of New Jersey, and “We have made substantial Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado. progress, and I believe we will be Immigration reform is one of able to agree on a legislative pro- President Obama’s top priorities, posal that modernizes our legal and White House Chief of Staff

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Call 702-436-8830, or email her at [email protected]. You’ll be glad you did. Page 12 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 13 Business, labor reach immigration dealonguestworkers.Willitstand? The US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO have reached a deal on guest workers as a part of comprehensive immigration reform. That was a major issue, but more remain including border security and a pathway to citizenship. By Brad Knickerbocker Christian Science Monitor A major speed bump on the path to comprehensive immigration re- form appears to have been re- moved. That’s the issue of guest workers – low-skilled immigrants who come to the United States un- der a temporary visa program. EarthTalk is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss Over the weekend, senior busi- and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Maga- ness and labor representatives came zine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: to an agreement on how many such [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/ workers could enter the US each subscribe; Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. year, what jobs they could hold, and what the pay scale would be. Dear EarthTalk: I’m getting my hold electric bill by 40-60 percent. The agreement was reached in a roof redone and have heard about Such an installation can cost a ho- phone call late Friday night with solar shingles. Are they avail- meowner over $20,000, but federal, able—and are they practical for state and local incentives can bring AFL-CIO President Richard Among other negative impacts, sequester-based cuts mean reduced response efforts following weather the Northeast? — John Denson, the cost to half that in some areas. Trumka, US Chamber of Com- disasters, which are on the rise due to climate change, and less funding for weather-monitoring systems, Glastonbury, CT Powerhouse shingles are currently merce head Tom Donohue, and Sen. including the national radar network used for tornado warnings. Chuck Schumer (D) of New York, Solar shingles are photovoltaic available (from Dow-authorized mean reduced response efforts fol- sessments means Alaskan fisheries who’s been mediating the dispute, cells designed to look like and in- contractors) in California, Colo- Database of State Incentives for lowing weather disasters, which are may remain closed for longer than reports CBS News. tegrate with conventional asphalt rado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Renewables and Efficiency on the rise due to climate change. needed given lack of data on fish By Sunday morning, senior law- roof shingles. First commercially Maryland, Massachusetts, Michi- (DSIRE), a free online resource Likewise, cuts at the National Oce- runs. And sequester cuts reduce ef- makers of both parties were con- available in 2005, solar shingles gan, New York, North Carolina, provided by the North Carolina anic and Atmospheric Administra- forts to combat illegal overfishing. firming that a deal had been were much more costly than tradi- Texas and Washington, D.C. Solar Center and IREC with fund- tion mean less funding for mainte- Meanwhile, the Department of Ag- reached, and that this was an im- tional “bolt-on” photovoltaic pan- Another leader in solar shingles ing from the U.S. Department of nance and operations of some riculture will treat 200,000 fewer portant step toward reform – includ- els, and thus were used mainly by is building products manufacturer Energy. weather-monitoring systems, in- acres this summer for “hazardous ing how to address the estimated 11 those wanting to go solar but main- CertainTeed. The company’s * * * * * cluding the national radar network fuel,” meaning a higher risk of wild- million illegal immigrants in the US tain a traditional roofline. But more Apollo line of grid-tied monocrys- Dear EarthTalk: What does the used for tornado warnings, and a fires. today. recently solar shingles have become talline solar shingles and roofing budget sequester that recently took delay in launching two new satel- On the energy front, outgoing “I think we’ve got a deal,” Sen. Several southwest Michigan pastors along with immigrant families and members of the general public take part in a pray-in for immigration price-competitive with bolt-on pan- tiles offers efficiency similar to hold mean for the environment? lites designed to help track severe Energy Secretary Steven Chu re- Lindsey Graham (R) of South Caro- reform outside US Rep. Fred Upton’s office in downtown Kalamazoo on Friday. els, and are getting much more larger “bolt-on” photovoltaic arrays — Jane Burgos, Los Angeles, CA The sequester that went into ef- weather events like hurricanes. ports that the sequester jeopardizes lina said on CNN’s “State of the immigration system, improves bor- Denis McDonough was kept in- the area of employment or the ac- factors. The cap can never go be- popular accordingly. Eco-conscious at around the same price (and in- fect March 1 is a budget measure Also, sequester-based cuts to fund- ongoing research into increasing Union.” “We’ve got to write the leg- der security and enforcement and formed of the business-labor nego- tual wage level received by indi- low 20,000 or above 200,000 in any home and building owners might centives similar to those for Dow that cuts federal spending across the ing for the repair or replacement of automobile fuel efficiency and re- islation, but 2013, I hope, will be allows those here illegally to earn tiations on guest workers by viduals with similar experience and year. find solar shingles especially attrac- may also apply) but with less bulk: board to the tune of $85 billion, decaying water and wastewater in- ducing gasoline consumption, in the year that we pass bipartisan the chance to one day apply for per- Schumer, who facilitated those dis- qualities – whichever is greater. To resolve the standoff with the tive when they are re-shingling any- EachApollo tile is less than an inch meaning every federal agency is frastructure are putting local drink- turn slowing down the country’s immigration reform.” manent residency contingent upon cussions. The size of the program would construction unions, the deal in- way since the solar shingles also thick and will integrate with, re- affected and must reduce discre- ing water at risk in communities quest for energy independence. “It will pass the [Republican- certain triggers being met. How- “The president continues to be ramp up over time, from 20,000 vi- cludes a cap of 15,000 visas for double as functional, protective and place, or lay on top of existing as- tionary spending. Indeed, the cuts from coast to coast. Also, less funding means less over- controlled] House because it se- ever, that legislation will only be a encouraged by progress being made sas in the first year to 75,000 in the certain higher-skilled professions in weatherproof roof shingles in their phalt roof shingles or tiles and gen- are already having a negative im- One way we’ll feel the pain this sight of hydraulic fracturing cures our borders, it controls who starting point. by the bipartisan group of senators,” fourth year. In the fifth year, the their industry. own right. erate 12 watts of power per square pact on everything from air quality summer is via staff cuts and clo- (fracking) for natural gas and re- gets a job... [and] the 11 million [un- “We will need a healthy public White House spokesman Clark program would shrink or grow The visa holders could petition The biggest name in solar foot. monitoring to extreme weather re- sures at national parks and historic search into the environmental im- documented immigrants] will debate that includes committee Stevens said in a statement Satur- based on the unemployment rate, for permanent status after a year, shingles is Dow’s Powerhouse line, CertainTeed says a typical instal- sponse capability to staffing at na- sites. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar pacts of the practice. have a pathway to citizenship, but hearings and the opportunity for day. “We look forward to seeing the ratio of job openings to work- and they would not be tied to a which uses cutting edge Copper lation will save homeowners 40-70 tional parks. says the sequester is responsible for Green group leaders are espe- it will be earned, it will be long, and other senators to improve our leg- language once it is introduced, and ers seeking employment, and other single employer. Indium Gallium Selenide solar cells percent on their electric bills. Their Some of the harshest cuts are an indefinite delay in reopening the cially annoyed that under the se- it will be hard,” Senator Graham islation with their own amend- expect legislation to move forward (aka “thin-film” solar) to turn sun- Apollo products are available starting to kick in at the Environ- Statue of Liberty after Hurricane quester oil companies get to keep said. ments. Eight senators from seven as soon as possible.” Even if the light into electricity via a supplied across the U.S. but the company mental Protection Agency (EPA). Sandy (though as of this writing billions of dollars in taxpayer sub- Graham and Senator Schumer states have worked on this bill to group of senators reaches a deal, the inverter box. The Powerhouse recommends using one of their au- On the chopping block there are Liberty Island will re-open July 4 sidies while drastic budget cuts are members of the bipartisan serve as a starting point... But ar- legislation faces a tough battle, The shingles generate 12 watts per thorized roofing contractors to some critical air monitoring sites while Ellis Island will remain limit the EPA’s ability to monitor, “Gang of Eight” senators working riving at a final product will require Wall Street Journal notes. A bipar- square foot and are “grid-tied,” make sure they are installed prop- that check for dangerous pollutants closed) and for undermining his limit and clean up the pollution they to achieve immigration reform. it to be properly submitted for the tisan group in the House is work- meaning they’re designed for struc- erly. like ozone and particulate matter, ability to fight fires and clean up cause. Perhaps the one silver lining “I am very, very optimistic that American people’s consideration, ing on its own immigration effort. tures already connected to the Now is an especially good time as well as funding the agency has after storms. is a slowdown in the issuance of we will have an agreement among through the other 92 senators from Some Republicans there have been power grid and can send excess to go solar — shingles or otherwise traditionally given states to moni- The sequester also means less new off-shore oil and gas develop- the eight of us next week,” Schumer 43 states that weren’t part of this critical of any path to citizenship for power back to the grid. They are — because costs have started to tor their own air quality. The agency natural resource management. ment permits given cuts at the De- said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” initial drafting process. In order to illegal immigrants in the US today. wireless, snap together and can be come down and the federal govern- is also reducing the number of staff- Fewer funds for fishery stock as- partment of Energy. “[Senate Judiciary Chairman succeed, this process cannot be Here are some details on the installed by regular roofing contrac- ment is still offering 30 percent tax ers tasked with monitoring compli- Patrick] Leahy has agreed to have rushed or done in secret.” weekend agreement as reported by tors just like (or alongside) conven- credits with no cap on the purchase ance with environmental laws, and extensive markup and debate on the Schumer acknowledged the Politico: tional asphalt shingles (an electri- of solar electricity equipment. will do around 1,000 fewer inspec- bill in April, and then we go to the challenges in changing an immigra- Employers would be required to cian needs to set up the inverter Twenty-seven states and several tions accordingly in 2013. floor in, God willing, in May. So I tion system that has major eco- pay either the prevailing wage in box). cities offer additional incentives Meanwhile, sequester-based think we’re on track. This is a ma- nomic, political, and social impli- Dow reports that a typical resi- that can get pricing on solar gear cuts to the Federal Emergency jor, major obstacle that’s over- cations across the country. dential cluster of 350 solar singles and installations down even lower. Management Agency (FEMA) come.” “As Senator Rubio correctly on a roof could slash one’s house- For more information check out the Another member of the Gang of says, we have said we will not come Eight – Sen. Marco Rubio (R) of to final agreement till we look at Florida – issued a more cautionary all of the legislative language,” he statement Sunday morning. said on “Meet the Press” Sunday. “I’m encouraged by reports of “And he’s correctly pointing out an agreement between business that that language hasn’t been fully groups and unions on the issue of drafted. There’ll be little kerfuffles. guest workers,” he said. “However, But I don’t think any of us expect reports that the bipartisan group of there to be problems.” eight senators have agreed on a leg- The other members of the gang islative proposal are premature.” of eight senators are John McCain Senator Rubio then laid out what (R) and Jeff Flake (R) of Arizona, he sees as the legislative road Dick Durbin (D) of Illinois, Bob ahead: Menendez (D) of New Jersey, and “We have made substantial Michael Bennet (D) of Colorado. progress, and I believe we will be Immigration reform is one of able to agree on a legislative pro- President Obama’s top priorities, posal that modernizes our legal and White House Chief of Staff

Recently solar shingles have become price-competitive with bolt-on panels, and are getting much more popular accordingly. On top of that, federal, state and local incentives can bring the cost down considerably EEDITORDITOR AATT YYOUROUR SSERVICEERVICE more. Pictured: solar shingles from the Dow Powerhouse line.

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Call 702-436-8830, or email her at [email protected]. You’ll be glad you did. Page 14 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 ENTERTAINMENT AcademyAwardsInterviewsalongtheRedCarpet Chippendale dancer James Davis (Rio Hotel & “The Amazing Race”), Kathy Coleman former child star of “Land of the Lost” TV series. By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by Sandy Zimmerman unless otherwise indicated Champagne was served in an open lounge where everyone had the chance to meet before they walked the Red Carpet. The Acad- emy Awards Las Vegas-Style at- tracted many celebrities from the strip shows as well as those in films. Sexy James Davis, one of the dancers from the famous Kathy Coleman as a child when Chippendales Show (Rio Suites she starred in the “Land of the Hotel), commented, “We show a Lost” series. (Photo supplied by little skin but the cast does more Kathy Coleman) than just taking our clothes off. I Charity of Southern Nevada, (a 501 dance and also play the guitar while (c) 3 organization), serves special several of the dancers are involved needs children in the Las Vegas in other aspects of the show. Valley and has donated in excess of This past season, I went through $7 million worth of goods, services a casting process and was chosen and money to children’s programs with my team mate Jaymes Vaughn, affiliated with dozens of local agen- the lead singer in Chippendales, to cies. appear on CBS’s Emmy-award SUGGESTIONS: Do you have a winning “TheAmazing Race” tele- favorite comedian, singer, produc- vision program. We came in sec- tion show, magician, group, or en- ond, almost, almost won. We were tertainer appearing in Las Vegas? very close. Just let us know about your favor- The race was very challenging ite and you may win free show tick- and super exciting. It was a once in ets or other prizes. Send the name a lifetime experience. We did a glo- of your favorite, reasons for your bal trek around the world for a $1 choice, name, e-mail address, and million prize. They paid all of our telephone number to: P. O. Box expenses. The race was super ex- #750211, Las Vegas, NV. 89136. citing the rush, the adrenalin, you Kathy Coleman’s “Land of the Lost” television series is celebrating its 38th anniversary. For information or any questions, can’t beat it. ganization), serves special needs please call Sandy Zimmerman at We became part of a special children in the Las Vegas Valley. 731-6491 or email her at group of people who participated in Today, Variety, The Children’s [email protected]. this race around the world. You make life- long friends with the other participants. You can’t top appearing on the “Amazing Race”. Awesome;” I never know who is going to appear along the Red Carpet. When you see Kathy Coleman there is something familiar about her. She was the young actress por- traying Holly Marshall on NBC’s “Land of the Lost” television pro- gram (1974-1976). Kathy reminisced, “I was proud that “Land of the Lost” played on PBS last year. It is a moralistic story which helps keep kids off the street and gives good moral values. This is the program’s 38th anniversary and it is still appearing like a cult classic. As for the Academy Awards, “Daniel-Day Lewis should win. I would love for him to read me a bed time story. Wouldn’t he be the best bed time story reader? For information about other events, contact Variety, the Children’s Charity visit the websites www.onalv.org or www.varietysn.org. Quvenzhane Wallis, the Academy Awards youngest nominee (9-years- James Davis is a Chippendale dancer and contestant on the Variety, The Children’s Charity old) for Best Actress for her role in “Beasts of the Southern Wilds.” “Amazing Race” television program. of Southern Nevada, (a 501(c)3 or- (Photo by Entertainment Magazine)

Photo by the “Amazing Race” television program. April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 15 CeeLoGreenisLOBERACE,anewLasVegasshow

The 8thAnnual Opportunity Vil- lage Celebrity Poker Tournament will also feature raffle prizes, with all proceeds of the event benefitting This Week individuals served by Opportunity Village. Check in begins at 10 a.m. and VIP brunch begins at 11 a.m. in Las Vegas inside PURE Nightclub. Tickets for brunch-only attendance can be pur- chased for $50. For more informa- tion, or to purchase tickets and reg- By Mike Kermani ister, visit www.ovpoker.com. * * * * * AMERICAN COUNTRY Scheduled to appear on Friday, Record of the Year & Song of the MUSIC PARTY April 5th is headliner The Band Year Nominee); FOR A CAUSE Perry, along with performers Greg 7:45 pm, Dierks Bentley; The Band Perry and Dierks Bates, Brantley Gilbert, Justin For information, call (888)-234- Bentley headline ACM Party for a Moore, Cassadee Pope and Florida 2334. Cause Festival, hosted by Outnum- Georgia Line. East Parking Lot at the Orleans ber Hunger on April 5 and Kix Scheduled for Saturday, April Arena, 4500 W. TropicanaAve, Las Brooks and April 6 outside the Or- 6th is headliner Dierks Bentley, Vegas, NV 89103 leans Hotel and Casino Arena. along with performers Lee Brice, The festival is part of THEACM Event will feature performances Kix Brooks, Hunter Hayes, Dustin EXPERIENCE, a FREE open-to- by Greg Bates, Lee Brice, Kix Lynch, Eli Young Band and Love the-public country music lifestyle Brooks, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter and Theft. event created for fans by the Acad- By Mike Kermani Hayes, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Friday, April 5, 2013: emy of Country Music. The fan- Las Vegas Tribune Cassadee Pope, Eli Young Band, 3:00 pm, Greg Bates; focused, three-day event, heldApril This truly unique new Las Ve- Florida Georgia Line & Love and 3:50 pm, Cassadee Pope; 5-7, 2013 at The Orleans Hotel and gas concert show designed exclu- Theft . 4:40 pm, Florida Georgia Line Casino in Las Vegas, includes the sively for Planet Hollywood Resort ACM Party for a Cause Festival (New Vocal Duo or Group of the ACM EXPO presented by Roper, and Casino will be an electrifying is a 2-day outdoor music festival Year & Nominee for Vocal Duo of ACM & Cabela’s Great Outdoor journey into the world of CeeLo’s taking place in the East Parking Lot the Year and New Artist of the Year Archery Event, Ram Ride and brainchild, “LOBERACE,” playing of the OrleansArena, featuring per- Presented by Kohl’s); Drive, Cooper Tire Stage, Kraft off the Las Vegas entertainment formances by country’s top hit mak- 5:55 pm, Justin Moore; Country Kitchen and more. icon Liberace. ers and some of this year’s ACM 6:00 pm, Red Carpet Interviews The events will culminate in the CeeLo Green, the conductor/ Award nominees, all in the name of with Participating Artists until 3rd Annual ACM Fan Jam, a tick- ringmaster of “LOBERACE,” will raising awareness and funds for a 7:00pm; eted event headlined by Brad Pais- take fans on a ride through colorful variety of charities. 7:10 pm, Brantley Gilbert (New ley, on Sunday, April 7. decades of music, stopping at leg- PENN JILLETTE Donations on behalf of Big Ma- Male Vocalist of the Year & Nomi- To purchase tickets for Party for endary moments in time from Smith, Associate Executive Direc- chine Label Group, General Mills nee for New Artist of the Year Pre- a Cause, please visit Prince and Blue Magic to The Roll- tor of Opportunity Village. “With a and ACM Lifting Lives will be sented by Kohl’s); www.theacmexperience.com or call ing Stones, from new wave to disco few seats left, we are still encour- made to the charities represented 8:25 pm, The Band Perry (Vo- the Orleans Arena Box Office at and beyond. aging people to sign up and go all during this celebratory weekend for cal Group of the Year Nominee); 888-234-2334. For updates on THE Visually, the production will in for Opportunity Village!” fans. Saturday, April 6, 2013: ACM EXPERIENCE, the ACM combine CeeLo Green’s flamboy- Celebrities scheduled to appear Friday’s line-up will be spon- 12:00 pm, Dustin Lynch; Awards and all Academy events, ant sense of style and over-the-top at this year’s tournament include sored by Outnumber Hunger, an ini- 1:05 pm, Love and Theft (Vocal please log onto creativity, magnified and intensi- Opportunity Village board member tiative from General Mills, Big Duo of the Year & New Vocal Duo www.ACMcountry.com, fied, with his soulful voice cover- and supporter as well as The Ap- Machine Label Group and Feeding or Group of the Year Nominee); Schedule/hours for THE ACM ing some of his favorite music, as prentice and currentAll-Star Celeb- America. 2:10 pm, Kix Brooks (National EXPERIENCE are Friday, April 5, well as original songs, in a just for rity Apprentice contestant Penn Saturday will be hosted by Kix On-Air Personality of the Year 2013 – 10:00am – 10:00pm, Satur- Las Vegas show. Jillette, entertainment reporter Brooks and will include a presen- Nominee); day, April 6, 2013 – 10:00am – Part Las Vegas concert, part Robin Leach, actresses Tia Mowry- tation of charitable donations to the 3:15 pm, Lee Brice (New Male 10:00pm and Sunday,April 7, 2013 dance party, part live intimate Hardick and Tamera Mowry- military-inspired non-profit organi- Vocalist of the Year & Song of the – 10:00am – 4:00pm Planet Hollywood Las Vegas con- Housley, actor Adrian Zmed, ac- zations Wounded Warrior Year Nominee); * * * * * cert, this energetic, exotic show will tress Phoebe Price, The Apprentice ProjectÆ, Folds of Honor and 4:45 pm, Hunter Hayes (New Mike Kermani is an entertain- be as inspired and visually alive as and current All-Star Celebrity Ap- Nellis Air Force Base Force Sup- Male Vocalist of the Year, Single ment writer for the Las Vegas Tri- CeeLo Green. There will be mind- prentice contestant Omarosa port Squadron.Angie Johnson, who Record of the Year, Song of theYear bune newspaper. He writes a weekly twisting magic, sexified showgirls Manigault, ballroom dancer Lacey appeared on Season 2 of “The & Video of the Year Nominee); column in this newspaper. To con- and larger-than-life wardrobe and Schwimmer, model and Playmate Voice,” will be performing the Na- 6:15 pm, Eli Young Band (Vo- tact Mike Kermani, email impressive stage design that will Claire Sinclair, celebrity hairstylist tional Anthem on both nights. cal Group of the Year, Single mkermani@ lasvegas tribune.com out-glam and out-clever anything Michael Boychuck, hypnotist Marc you’ve seen to date from this Savard, illusionist Jan Rouven, Muppet-ized, sequin-styled interna- NASCAR driver Taylor Barton, tional Lady Killer. Elvis impersonator Jesse Garon, pro Planet Hollywood Las Vegas BMX dirt jumper Ricardo Laguna, show audiences experiencing Mrs. Nevada Deborah Ashton- “LOBERACE” will be transported Cooke, Miss Nevada Randi inside the incredibly creative, eclec- Sundquist, singer Lyssa Lynne, tic mind of CeeLo Green and into “Mystic Mona” Joseph, The Duke the supernatural, surreal and the of Fremont Street, Champagne extra-ordinary. Showgirls; members of * * * * * Chippendales Male Revue includ- CELEBRITY POKER ing James and Jaymes, also from TOURNAMENT Amazing Race season 21, the casts Penn Jillette, Adrian Zmed, of Thunder from Down Under, The Lacey Schwimmer and more celeb- Musical, Legwarmers: An 80’s rities are scheduled to appear. 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The registration fee for this friendly, No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em compe- tition is $300 per person and in- cludes one seat in the tournament as well as entrance to a VIP brunch for the player and a guest at PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. “The interest we’ve received for our Annual Celebrity Poker Tour- nament has been overwhelming and we are so grateful for the support of our community,” stated Linda

ADRIAN ZMED Page 16 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 ‘Finding Dory’: The ‘Finding Nemo’ sequel coming in 2015 ‘Finding Dory,’ a ‘Finding Nemo’ sequel, will follow Dory and other ‘Nemo’ characters about a year after the original film. ‘Finding Dory’ will be released in November 2015. By Sandy Schaefer Christian Science Monitor We heard that Oscar-winning animation filmmaker Andrew Stanton is directing a Finding Nemo sequel last year, not so long after his expensive live-action debut John Carter proved to be a disap- pointment at the box office. It didn’t take long for Ellen DeGeneres to enter negotiations to reprise her beloved voice role as the memory- impaired blue tang fish Dory from the first movie. A few months later, Disney/ Pixar introduced DeGeneres’ char- acter to the current kiddie genera- tion – who were either not alive or too young to remember the year 2003 - by giving Finding Nemo a 3D theatrical re-rerelease. That de- cision was rewarding on two lev- els, in terms of immediate profits AND early marketing for the se- quel, which has now been officially titled... Finding Dory. Here is an excerpt from the press release, with Stanton and DeGeneres discussing the story and long, long, long, long, long, long people at Pixar were busy creating tastic.And it has everything I loved featured in the 3D re-release. In- themes for Finding Dory: time,” said DeGeneres. “I’m not ‘Toy Story 16.’ But the time they about the first one: It’s got a lot of deed, those effects should be all the “I have waited for this day for a mad it took this long. I know the took was worth it. The script is fan- heart, it’s really funny, and the best more pronounced in the sequel, part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.” thanks to more pre-planning and Director and Pixar veteran An- advancements in computer anima- ‘Room237’willexplorethelastingimpact drew Stanton takes audiences back tion over the past decade. to the extraordinary underwater While you have to take a grain of and fans’ theories about ‘The Shining’ world created in the original film. of salt with Stanton’s claims about “There is no Dory without Ellen,” him committing to Finding Dory said Stanton. being a matter of good timing – and ‘Room 237’explores the making of ‘The Shining’while exploring “She won the hearts of movie- not a direct response to John its lasting legacy. ‘Room 237’ will also include contemporary goers all over the world—not to Carter‘s smaller-than-desired mention our team here at Pixar. One ticket sales – what’s been revealed debates about themes and hidden meanings in the movie. thing we couldn’t stop thinking about the sequel so far sounds By Daniel Johnson about was why she was all alone in promising, especially considering Christian Science Monitor the ocean on the day she met Mar- how many people appeared con- Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining lin. In Finding Dory, she will be cerned that a followup to Finding may have received polarized reac- reunited with her loved ones, learn- Nemo would just re-hash the Best tions upon its 1980 release, but the ing a few things about the meaning Animated Feature Oscar-winning film is widely considered a horror of family along the way.” original movie’s storyline. classic today thanks to a terrifyingly According to Stanton, Finding Instead, it sounds as though the manic performance from Jack Dory takes place about a year after “Finding” will be more figurative Nicholson, an immensely haunting the first film, and features return- than literal in the Nemo sequel, setting and disturbing surrealistic ing favorites Marlin, Nemo and the which has Albert Brooks returning imagery. The film has undoubtedly Tank Gang, among others. Set in as Marlin and DeGeneres as Dory left a lasting nightmarish impact on part along the California coastline, becoming a more fully-rounded viewers, as evidenced by the tagline the story also welcomes a host of character (e.g. the protagonist, by for the upcoming documentary on new characters, including a few the sound of it). the making of the film: “Some mov- who will prove to be a very impor- There’s potential for Finding ies stay with you forever... and tant part of Dory’s life. Dory to rank alongside the second ever... and ever.” Finding Dory will open in the- and third Toy Story movie – as Pixar The documentary, titled Room aters on November 25th, 2015. The sequels which keep pushing the stu- 237, takes fans of Kubrick’s adap- ocean-set adventure will surely be dio to mature and grow from a cre- tation of the famous Stephen King released in both 2D and 3D, which ative standpoint – something its last bestseller behind the scenes, explor- is encouraging news for those who followup to a lucrative original ing how the film was crafted while were impressed by how the extra work, Cars 2, failed to accomplish. examining its subtext. This week, dimension enhanced the breadth We’ll keep our fingers crossed for we are getting a look at the debut and scope of Finding Nemo‘s that to happen (in the meantime – trailer for Room 237, which you can aquatic setting and fishy inhabitants just keep swimming, swimming...). check out above. Unfortunately, the trailer doesn’t give us a peek at never-before seen footage from behind the scenes of The Shining, but it does create a similar tone and mood that the film did. The very simple trailer builds excitement for the niche audience ‘Room 237’ will analyze the movie ‘The Shining,’ which starred Jack by scrolling quotes about the film’s Nicholson (pictured) and Shelley Duvall. cultural significance and its am- After the box office failure of a considerable cult of Shining devo- biguous nature, while re-creating Barry Lyndon, Stanley Kubrick de- tees has emerged, fans who claim one of the most memorable images cided to embark on a project that to have decoded the film’s secret from the film. might have more commercial ap- messages addressing everything The trailer promises the docu- peal. The Shining, Stephen King’s from the genocide of NativeAmeri- mentary will tackle some of the biggest critical and commercial suc- cans to a range of government con- symbolism and hidden meanings of cess yet, seemed like a perfect ve- spiracies. RodneyAscher’s wry and the film that are still heavily debated hicle. After an arduous production, provocative Room 237 fuses fact today, including literary allusions to Kubrick’s film received a wide re- and fiction through interviews with fairy tales and the argument that the lease in the summer of 1980; the cultists and scholars, creating a ka- film is a larger metaphor for the reviews were mixed, but the box leidoscopic deconstruction of genocide of Native Americans. office, after a slow start, eventually Kubrick’s still-controversial clas- Here’s the official synopsis for picked up. End of story? Hardly. In sic. Room 237: the 30 years since the film’s release, Like many of Kubrick’s films, The Shining was not immediately embraced by audiences or critics. Rather, the film slowly built a cult following that helped transform it into an accepted classic years later. Many members of its following JoyfulParties became obsessed with what they perceived to be underlying themes in the film, creating intriguing dis- cussion and informative essays – many of which contained what Guaranteed! some may call radical, outside- thinking perspectives. Corporate, private, cruises, It’ll be interesting to see how the documentary unravels and explores schools, hospitals, libraries, many fans’ interpretations of The Shining and why it still resonates festivals, birthdays, holidays... with horror aficionados more than 30 years after its theatrical release. many different characters. It may not touch on much of Kubrick’s intensity as visionary Affordable. auteur or the relationships between cast and crew, but its ambitious ap- Call “Vegas Best Party” proach to the subject and the layers beneath one of our favorite horror at 831-454-6333 movies definitely has us intrigued. April 3-9, 2013 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / Page 17 HEALTH&LIFESTYLES America’s Got Talent Live in Las Vegas By Sandy Zimmerman for 7 seasons. Las Vegas Tribune “America’s Got Talent Live” Photos supplied by appears at 7:30 pm thru April 14. “America’s Got Talent” and acts (Please see website for nights.) Whenever “America’s Got Tal- Tickets are on sale now and can be ent” appears in Las Vegas it is an purchased at any Venetian| Palazzo opportunity to see the most unusual Box Office, online at Venetian.com as well as the best performers to- and Palazzo.com or by phone at day. 414-9000. www.palazzo.com How do illusions and music www.olatedogs.com mix? Beyond the usual, Illusionist Award winning Sandy Jarrett and Concert Pianist Raja Zimmerman has been involved in bring illusions to a new level. The producing television programs, TV duo worked well together with their commercials, and travel specials own interpretation combining mu- for 28 years. Sandy is a syndicated sic with illusions. Show and Dining Reviewer, travel During the show, Raja was play- writer, professional photographer ing his piano inside a large box that and talk show host of the Las Ve- was propelled up to the top of the gas Today Show and Discover the stage and suddenly the box splat- Ultimate Vacation travel specials. tered into pieces! Where was Raja? For information or questions about I don’t want to spoil the illusion by Sandy’s columns, contact Sandy telling you. Zimmerman at P. O. Box #750211, I was disappointed after the Las Vegas, NV. 89136. SUGGES- other acts appeared in their short TIONS: Do you have a fav produc- segments they returned again for tion show, singer, hypnotist, come- more but Jarrett and Raja were just dian, specialty act, or other per- scheduled for one act. Concert Pianist Raja and Illusionist Jarrett former? Let us know the reason for The most original act was the which were outlined in electrolu- the variety show. The Olate Dogs (First Place your choice, your name, e-mail, and electronic storytellers Lightwire minescent wires. This marks a new A fan fav, Anna Graceman, the Winner) will be reviewed soon. telephone number and you may win Theater that stood-out for their cre- beginning of the possibilities of pretty 13-year old singer, didn’t use America’s Got Talent, #1 hit free show tickets or other prizes. ativity. The group performed a bold what can be done utilizing elec- her powerful voice and performed television show, has been seeking Please send to: P. O. Box #750211, mix of music, dance and electronic tronic art on the stage. a nice mix of popular songs. the finest talent in the United States Las Vegas, NV. 89136. art. Some of the designs imitated Another enjoyably different act animals in many shapes and sizes. was the musical speed painting art- Their best routines had falling ist David Gariboldi and his danc- leaves and multiple actions at the ing assistants. His instant paintings same time. These became colorful are incredible in their vivid colors scenes which dazzled the audience. and The Lightwire Theater act was With fresh material, headline performed in the dark with special comedian Tom Cotter (Second lighting materials in their costumes Place Winner) brought comedy to

13-year-old Singer Anna Graceman Comedian Tom Cotter

Musical Speed Artist David Garibaldi and CMYKs/Dancing Painters. Electronic Storytellers Lightwire Theater

Olate Dogs, Winner of “America’s Got Talent” Page 18 / LAS VEGAS TRIBUNE / April 3-9, 2013 PLACES TO GO QUICK GETAWAYS DiscoveringExcitingRestaurantsinL.A.

By Sandy Zimmerman Las Vegas Tribune Photos by Sandy Zimmerman unless otherwise indicated Executive Chef/ Partner Bran- don Boudet explained, “We like to refer to our cuisine as Updated Ital- ian American food. Little Doms definitely has its Italian influence. We have a wonderful wood burning oven which gets up to 800 degrees, a great tool to roast any- thing from meats to pizzas to some- thing as simple as a prawn. It roasts so quickly just in a snap of a finger it is done. One of the favorites are the clas- sic Rice Balls appetizer with white wine, risotto, mushrooms and fish mozzarella rolled into balls and deep fried. We make all of our own pastas. The most popular item is definitely our spaghetti and meat balls. It is kinda’ our ode to old school Italian American food bringing it back using all the best possible ingredi- ents to create the best possible spa- ghetti and meat balls. I have a love affair with meat balls and always try to incorporate different ones. The meat balls are made from anything we can get our hands on. Our lamb meat balls are Executive Chef /Partner Brandon Boudet is in front of the Wood Burning Oven. mixed with onions, celery, garlic and parsley then marinated with degree wood oven. They are per.” heirloom tomatoes and cucumber sprinkled with a little bit of lemon Little Doms is in an artsy com- yogurt. and white wine to give it a little munity 10 minutes from Holly- We serve the Little Neck Clams steam in the skillet as they pop wood, just a walk to Griffith Park roasted in their shells, a simple way open. Once they are open we serve and the Greek Theater.You can dine to taste the true greatness of those them with clarified butter mixed and walk to see the play. clams by putting them in an 800 with oregano and crushed red pep- Little Dom’s, 2128 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles, (323)-661- 0066. www.littledoms.com PLACES TO STAY Elaine’s Hollywood B&B is lo- cated at: 1616 North Sierra Bonita Avenue, in Hollywood, California (between Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard). Call (323) 850-0766 or visit www.elaines hollywoodbedandbreakfast.com Los Feliz Lodge is located at 1509 North Hoover Street, near Griffith Park and Silver Lake. Call (323)-660-4150 or visit the website www.losfelizlodge.com. Award winning Sandy Zimmerman is a syndicated Show Spaghetti and Meat Balls (Photo by Little Doms) and Dining Reviewer, travel writer, photographer, and talk show host of the Las Vegas Today Show and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel specials. For any information or questions about any of Sandy’s columns, please contact Sandy Zimmerman at P. O. Box #750211, Las Vegas, NV. 89136. SUGGES- TIONS: Do you have a favorite ho- tel, resort, or destination in the US or around the world? You may win free show tickets or other prizes. Let us know the reasons for your choice, your telephone number and Wood Oven Roasted Cedar Salmon e-mail. Please send to: P.O. Box #750211, Las Vegas, Nevada 89136. Rice Balls (Photo by Little Doms)

Raw Mixed Baby Kale Salad Wood Oven Roasted Little Neck Clams