WHEREAS, Dr. Tony T. Lei, Ed. D., a famous resident of Clark County for more than eleven years, has served the community through a variety of venues including: President of Washington Business and Technology Institute; Senior Advisor for Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Office of Clark County District Attorney, Constanble's Office of Las Vegas Township, and Raleigh, Hunt, McGarry & Drizin, P.C.; Director and Secretary of South Shores Community Association; Honorary President of Great Wall College and Xiamen Straits Foreign Language College; Chairman of Chinese American Academic Association of Nevada; Contributing Editor and Columnist of "Nevada Examiner" and "Reviewjournal.com - WBTI website"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Tony Lei received an M.B.A. in 1969 and a Doctorate of Education in Institutional Management in 1990 from Pepperdine University. He had been an Associate Professor of Information Management and a Fellow of Management of the Graduate School of Business Administration of National Chung Hsing University and Pepperdine University from 1985 to 1991 and 1991 to 1996, respectively.

Now, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of County Commissioners of Clark County, on this occasion, October 26, 2004, in celebration and recognition of his distingueshed professionalism and outstanding accomplishments, do hereby recognize and honor
Dr. Tony T. Lei, Ed. D.

and urge all citizens to join us wishing him a succesful and bright future."

The above Proclamation was signed by Board of County Commissioners of Clark County Chairman Chip Maxfield, Vice-Chair Myrna Williams, Commissioners Bruce L. Woodbury, Marry Kincaid-Chauncey, Yvonne Atkinson Gate, Lynette Boggs Mcdonald, and Rory Reid. It was attested by County Clerk Shirley B. Parraguirre.

Tue, 2 Nov 2004 13:47:12 -0800
<<11-2 Lukac statement.doc>>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent 775-684-5670

Gov. Guinn Statement On Death Of Marine PFC. John Lukac

CARSON CITY - Gov. Kenny Guinn has issued the following statement regarding the death of Marine Pfc. John Lukac, a 2003 Durango High School of Las Vegas graduate who was killed Saturday when a car bomb exploded on the outskirts of Fallujah in the Anbar province of Iraq:

※Dema and I extend our deepest sympathies, our thoughts and prayers, to the family of Marine Pfc. John Lukac, a brave young Nevadan who was killed in action in Iraq. John was only 19 years old, but his worldview extended well beyond his years, as he was the son of Czechoslovakian immigrants. His service and sacrifice in the line of duty is especially poignant this week as we exercise one of our country＊s great freedoms - the right to vote. We should all offer our prayers of thanks to this courageous young man, who died so that others could be free.§

Office of the Governor Grant Sawyer State Office Building
101 North Carson Street 555 East Washington, Suite 5100
Carson City, NV 89701 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Fax: 775-684-7198 Fax: 702-486-2505

Nevada Gov. Guinn Announces Federal Transfer of Carson Lake to Nevada
By Office of the Governor

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 09:12:47 -0700
<<10-28CarsonLake.doc>>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent
775-684-5670

CARSON CITY - The State of Nevada signed an agreement Thursday to begin the process of transferring ownership of the Carson Lake wetlands near Fallon from federal to state control.

Gov. Kenny Guinn, U.S. Senator Harry Reid and Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science Bennett W. Raley signed the historic agreement that has been more than 14 years in the making.

"The transfer of Carson Lake to the state has been a long-time priority for me, and I am pleased to see the state, as a partner in the negotiated settlement, living up to our responsibility to sustain and support these critically important wetlands of the Great Basin," Guinn said.

During the 1999 Legislative Session, Gov. Guinn signed Assembly Bill 380 sponsored by Assemblywoman Marcia de Braga, which secured $3.3 million for the Newlands Project Water Rights Fund.

The Carson Lake property is currently about 30,000 acres in size with a seasonal wetlands of about 8,000 acres. It supports thousands of waterfowl during fall migration, and is home to a large variety of shorebirds as well. Historically, Carson Lake served as the terminus of the Carson River, and is one of the last remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan. After development of the Newlands Project for agricultural irrigation in the Lahontan Valley, the wetland was reduced to about 850 acres. In the years that followed, and until a water rights acquisition program was set into effect, the wetland relied on drain flows from irrigation practices for sustenance.

The wetland is home to a diversity of wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, bald eagle, white-faced ibis, American avocet, great blue heron, long-billed dowitchers and numerous other migratory and non-migratory birds. It is among one of the most productive wetland areas in North America for waterfowl and shorebirds, and also has immense value as a feeding and resting destination for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway. The area was designated as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network in 1988.

The conveyance of title from the Department of the Interior to the state was authorized under the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990, Title II of Public Law 101-618, as approved by Congress. The Carson Lake wetlands is one of the significant wetland areas identified in the public law as critically important to the overall goal of sustaining 25,000 acres of wetlands in the Lahontan Valley. The Nevada Department of Wildlife and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continue to purchase water rights from willing sellers in Lahontan Valley in support of this goal.

M O R E

To date the state of Nevada's Department of Wildlife (NDOW) has invested more than $4 million to purchase 9,037 acre-feet of water from willing sellers for the Carson Lake wetlands. Funding for the water rights purchases were provided through the Question 5 Bond Initiative, which was approved by voters in 1990.

The property will be managed by NDOW as a state wildlife management area. NDOW's management objectives for the area are to preserve and enhance up to 10,200 acres of the shallow wetlands and wet meadows that are unique to the area to benefit all wetland-dependent wildlife species; provide nesting, feeding and resting habitat to meet the needs for a maximum number and variety of migratory and nonmigratory wildlife; and to provide for waterfowl hunting, bird watching, and other forms of public recreation in a manner which is compatible with the area＊s wildlife and wetland resources.

Office of the Governor Grant Sawyer State Office Building
101 North Carson Street 555 East Washington, Suite 5100
Carson City, NV 89701 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Fax: 775-684-7198 Fax: 702-486-2505

Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: Thousands cheer Kerry in LV
Democrat makes his seventh visit to Silver State
By ERIN NEFF
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, in his seventh campaign trip to Nevada, addresses a crowd during a rally Tuesday at Jaycees Park.
Photo by John Locher. (Check with the newspaper please.)
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., introduces Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., during a rally Tuesday at Jaycees Park in Las Vegas.
Photo by K.M. Cannon. (Check with the newspaper please.)

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry used his seventh visit to Nevada to tell supporters Tuesday that "hope is on the way" if they vote for him.

Just seven days before the election, Kerry opened his 20-minute stump speech at Jaycees Park by saying he had asked Nevada Sen. Harry Reid who the best magician in Las Vegas was: David Copperfield or Lance Burton.

"He said, `Neither, it's George Bush,' " Kerry said. "He made our allies disappear. He cut jobs, sawed them right in half, and he made a huge deficit appear out of nowhere."

The Secret Service estimated the crowd inside the park reached 9,500. Another 2,000 outside the park roared with approval, waving signs that said, "7 more days to a fresh start" and "Nevada is Kerry Country."

Kerry hammered the Bush administration for this week's news that 380 tons of ammunition and explosives are missing from a stockpile in Iraq.

"George Bush has not made America safer," he said. "I will."

Kerry argued Bush didn't have a plan to guard ammo dumps or guard the country's borders.

"My friends, we deserve a commander in chief who knows how to make America safer and protect our troops," Kerry said.

He said the stolen explosives were the same kind "that took down Pan Am 103 and that blew up the USS Cole."

"Safer with them?" he posed. "Come on, folks."

Bush-Cheney regional spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt said Kerry was leveling "false attacks." She said the ammunition and explosives were already missing the day after the war began when the U.S. military went to secure the dump. ...................
..................................

Friday, October 22, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

PLAYER'S EDGE: Las Vegas casinos offer Halloween-themed giveaways

It appears that Halloween is becoming a major casino giveaway day, especially this year when Oct. 31 falls on a Sunday.

At the Palms, someone will celebrate Halloween by winning a 2005 ML 350 Mercedes Benz SUV. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (both this weekend and next), the casino is giving away a $1,000 prize plus a car key to 10 players. The winner with the key that opens the car automatically qualifies for the grand prize drawing on Halloween night. Club Palms members can swipe their card every day for a free entry and can earn additional chances playing slots, video poker and video keno. Winners must be present at all drawings.

What good is a car without gasoline? You can win that Halloween night at Santa Fe Station when the casino will give away five gasoline cards worth $100 to $500. Entries for this giveaway can only be earned at the tables -- blackjack, craps, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride, three card poker, roulette, or 3-5-7 poker. The drawing will be at 6:15 p.m., and you must be present to win.

Boulder Station players making a minimum $5 bingo buy-in or a $5 keno play Oct. 31 will win a set of turkey salt and pepper shakers, while supplies last. Bingo players at Terrible's can pick up a witch dauber Oct. 30 and a pumpkin-dressed teddy bear Oct. 31.

Besides trying to win something this Halloween, why not celebrate the occasion by also losing some blood, voluntarily? On Oct. 31, the Suncoast is sponsoring a community blood drive from 8: a.m.-5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. All donors will receive a free breakfast or lunch buffet, a glow-in-the-dark T-shirt, "blood" putty and a treat bag. Walk-ins are welcome all-day, but you can also make an appointment by calling 228-8400 (ext 221) or log on to http://www.bloodhero.com (sponsor code: Suncoast).

The fourth annual World Players Conference will be at the Bellagio on Nov. 6. Poker players, and those who want to be, can learn tips and secrets on poker strategies, money management, tournament skills, game selection and more from the best in the business including Doyle Brunson, Mike Caro, Roy Cooke, George Epstein, Jan Fisher, Mark Gregorich, Jennifer Harmon, Linda Johnson, Lee Jones, Daniel Negreanu, Mike Sexton, Barry Tanenbaum and Mark Tenner. If you call 655-0919 today, you can still get the early bird price of $??, otherwise the fee is $???.

The Las Vegas Hilton has extended its award-winning Supernova promotion through Dec. 30. All new Resorts International Club Card members as well as existing members earning 50 points in one day will get a chance to win $1 million at a special kiosk in the SpaceQuest Casino.

Bonus Point Days: Barbary Coast (Coast Club): 2x Oct. 31; Barley's (Ultimate Rewards) 5x Tuesdays, 2x midnight-8 a.m.; Casino MonteLago (Club Uno): 2x Fridays; Casino Royale (Club Royale): 2x 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 8-11 p.m., 3x 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m.; Ellis Island (Passport Players Club): 3x every day; Fiesta Henderson (Amigo Club): 5x Fridays-Sundays (swipe card at kiosk); Gold Coast (Coast Club): 2x Oct. 31; Key Largo (Players Club): 3x every day; Longhorn (Big Shot): 2x Mondays-Thursdays, 3x Fridays-Sundays; Opera House (Slot Club): 2x Tuesdays; Orleans (Coast Club): 2x Oct. 31; Railroad Pass (Players Junction): 2x Wednesdays and 3x Thursdays; Silverton (Players Club): 5x Fridays; Slots A Fun (One Club): 2x Wednesdays; Suncoast (Coast Club): 2x Oct. 31, 2x 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Wednesdays; Terrible's (Players Club): 2x cashback redemption Sundays-Wednesdays; 5x points Thursdays and Sundays; Tuscany (Players Club): 2x Tuesdays and Thursdays; Vegas Club (Ultimate Players Club): 2x 6 p.m.-midnight Mondays; Wild Wild West (Wild Card): 3x Sundays (players must swipe card at kiosk).

The Player's Edge appears Fridays in Neon. E-mail Jeffrey Compton and Bob Dancer at jeffrey.compton@compdance.com.

Friday, October 22, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Music for the Masses
Monday's Radio Music Awards are an excuse to gather big names from all genres for live performances

By MIKE WEATHERFORD
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Janet Jacksonwill receive the Radio Legend Award on Monday night during the Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin.
Destiny's Child will perform "Lose My Breath" during the Radio Music Awards. (Check photos with the newspaper please.)

Las Vegas is so rich with entertainment and celebrity-spotting, locals hardly think twice about a star-studded awards show falling on a Monday.

But Las Vegas isn't the rest of the country, which makes Monday a prime TV night. "If you think of our target audience, most of them are not out partying on Monday night," says Paul Joseph, co-producer of the Radio Music Awards.

Hence, Joseph is fine with going up against "Monday Night Football" when the awards show originates from the Aladdin for its fifth year in Las Vegas and the second time on NBC.

The awards, chosen by radio programmers across the country, are an excuse to gather big names from all genres. Carson Daly hosts the show that includes performances from Chingy, Green Day, Tim McGraw, Usher and Big & Rich teaming with Gretchen Wilson.

Two of the stars preview new albums: Destiny's Child returns from a three-year break to perform "Lose My Breath," the hit lead-off single from "Destiny Fulfilled," due Nov. 23. And Elton John is set to sing "Answer in the Sky" from "Peachtree Road," due Nov. 9.

"We do believe in a stadium approach to the show, keeping it moving quickly and making sure the audience feels like they're watching a concert almost instead of a droned-out awards show," Joseph says.

The honors may mean more to the artists than viewers who are inundated with awards shows, which serve as TV's last real variety format.

"They know it comes from radio. I think that means a lot to them, because everything else is television giving the artists awards. This is the program directors and music directors," Joseph says.

Janet Jackson is set to receive the Radio Legend Award. Other presenters or celebrities appearing include Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Clay Aiken, the Black-Eyed Peas, Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne and Carmen Electra.

Many of the celebrities are expected in town early for a Saturday party at Curve, which also will host the after-party for the show, which gets an early 6 p.m. start here to be in prime-time on the East Coast. (It will be tape-delayed for broadcast locally at 9 p.m.).

Joseph and co-producers Anthony Eaton, Von Freeman and Dave Broome came up with the awards concept through their Tall Pony Productions. They launched the show on the WB network in 1999 from Mandalay Bay, moving to ABC and the Aladdin the next year.

"It's been a fun ride," Joseph says. "Even though it doesn't yet have the glamour of the Oscars, in the music industry it's become a very powerful show in a very short time."

statement of Neveda gov. kenny guinn
on the death of nellis airman 1st class jesse m. samek
By Office of the Governor

Fri, 22 Oct 2004 15:42:05 -0700
<<10-22 Samek death.doc>>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 22, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent
775-684-5670

statement of gov. kenny guinn
on the death of nellis airman 1st class jesse m. samek

CARSON CITY - Statement of Gov. Kenny Guinn regarding the death of Nellis Air Force Base Airman First Class Jesse M. Samek, 21, of Rogers, Ark., who died of injuries Thursday from a non-hostile helicopter crash in Afghanistan:

※Dema and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss Airman First Class Jesse M. Samek, and we extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to Airman Samek＊s family and friends. In addition, Dema and I also send our thoughts and prayers to the courageous men and women of Nellis Air Force Base, who have obviously suffered a great loss as well.

※Jess Samek gave his life in the line of duty, and it is important for all Nevadans to remember that this young man＊s sacrifice was in an effort to bring freedom and democracy to a war-torn country. Today＊s news is a reminder that we must be mindful to offer our prayers of support not only for our troops in Iraq, but for the military personnel who remain in harm＊s way in Afghanistan and other locations throughout Southwest Asia as well.

Office of the Governor Grant Sawyer State Office Building
101 North Carson Street 555 East Washington, Suite 5100
Carson City, NV 89701 Las Vegas, NV 89101
Fax: 775-684-7198 Fax: 702-486-2505

Based on the following invitation card, you are welcomed as our VIP Guests to attend the following Event and Party:

[101804-7001 ***** Jasmine Guo visited Dr. and Mrs. Tony Lei at their home in the afternoon on October 18, 2004. She told Dr. Tony Lei that Nevada Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt will personally attend the following Event and Party:]

Dear Regional Representatives of U. S. Senators Honorable Harry Reid & John Ensign and U. S. Representatives James Gibbons, Shelley Berkley, & Jon Porter,

Dr. Tony T. Lei, President of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) and Ms. Jasmine Guo, President of Vegas Milky Way Inc.
request the honor of your presence as

Special Guests

at the Event and Party for
2004 Election Champagne and Cocktail Reception
present by Vegas Milky Way Inc. and Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)

on Saturday, the Twenty Third of October, 2004
in the Key West Ballroom at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Please RSVP to (702)461-8998; (702)255-9058 or E-mail: tojulei@yahoo.com; Shiowmeiguo@aol.com

Attendants: About or more than 200 people.

RSVP: Seating is limited. $35 for each person. Confirmation required for seating. Please call for requirement of attendance (complimentary) at (702)461-8998 or Judy Lei at 255-9058 on or before 12 noon, Friday, October 22, 2004.

Dear Dr. Tony Lei,

Join Congresswoman Berkley at the Paradise Democratic Club's $5 dinner

Time: 6:30 pm

Date: Wednesday, October 20

Place: Teamsters Local #14/1250 Burnham

Donation: $5

In order to offer you the convenience and speed of reading the both sections of "Social & Community" and "Business & Administration", we shall continue them in programming only. We are opening the new section of "Photos & Pictures" in special from them with many photos and pictures.

Sincerely,

WBTI

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 11:19:43 -0700
Re: You're to be on reviewjournal.com!//RESPONSE - thank you Dr. Lei (Hello Pretty Lady - Judy)
To WBTI:
Dear Sir,

How wondeful! I hit the visitor's winner number Eighty
Thousandth (#80,000) [now at Eighty Four Thousand Five Hundred Thirty Sixth (#84,536th)] of the Washington Business and
Technology Institute (WBTI) website for Bobby G.

Beside its knownledgeble and richful information, the
creative design with beautiful and colorful paintings
are really impressive.
I was also inspired by WBTI's
many years of contribution in academic research,
community service, and humane spirit.

It was my first time to witness the performance of
the Thai dancers at the "Appreciation Day 2004" which was
supported by WBTI among others - I was so impresssed with
the entertaining and enjoyable performance that was done.

A special thanks to Dr. Tony Lei for inviting myself and my boss,
Bobby G, Las Vegas Township Constable.

I look forward to attending the next culture event in
which my husband will also be joining me.

Sincerely,

Marian Replogle, Executive Assistant
Las Vegas Township Constable's Office

Ms. Marian Replogle is the Executive Assistant of Constable's Office Las Vegas Township. Booby G. Gronauer is the Constable. It is our pleasure to post the following feature article:

PPAA18 ***** 2:37 p. m., Saturday, July 17, 2004 #First Edition *****
The popularity, integrity, and professionalism of Las Vegas Constable ROBERT "BOBBY G" GRONAUER
By PAI of WBTI*1

***"Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him." --- Booker T. Washington
***"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more." --- Jonas Salk, MD
***"Those who trust us, educate us." --- George Eliot
***"Watch your thought, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character. Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny."*2

After nearly three decades in police work, Robert A. Gronauer, better known by his friends as "Bobby G" has been our Las Vegas Township Constable since the January of 1999. His endeavor for Las Vegas as a constable is remarkable with his popularity, integrity, and professionalism.*3

The International Association of Chiefs of Police chose Gronauer as one of the top police officers in America for using innovative and progress techniques to solve problems in one of the most crime ridden areas of Las Vegas, "Gerson Park", one of those places where they said it couldn't be done. Dedication to his country and community brought "Bobby G" a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with a V for Valor in Vietnam, and the Marine Corps looked to Robert Gronauer to teach its young officers to be leaders. "Bobby G" has been presented with the following awards: "Humanitarian Award" - presented in March 2002 by the Seniors' United Organization, "Elected Official of the Year" - presented in April 2001 by the Asian Chamber of Commerce, "Constable of the Year 2001" - presented on April 7, 2002, by the National Constables' Association, the "Citizen of the Month Award-June 2002" - presented on June 5, 2002, by the Las Vegas City Council and "Proclamation Award" - presented on July 16, 2002, by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for serving his country and the Clark County community with dedication and pride.

Some of Bobby's objectives are to help preserve and clearly define the significant role of the constable in the delivery of justice system in the United States, train, educate and upgrade the quality of performance of the constable, provide membership benefits which will contribute to the general welfare and quality of the constables, continue to carry court orders from the court offices and be available to assist the needs of the office of the county sheriff and local police departments.*4

"Bobby G" is a Vice Chairman of Clark County District and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI),

"As the Vice Chairman of Clark County District and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC), Bobby G. Gronauer was invited by the Pan Pacific and Asian American Forum (PPAAF) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) to attend this Party. With selected important people as a group from WBTI, it was leading by its President Dr. Tony Lei accompanied by his wife. The General Manager Nadia Sales of 'Nevada Examiner' came with her photography just on time. The presence of U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley hightlighted the event. Executive Director of PPAAF Bud Cranor appointed Brian Sandoval Honorary Chairman, David Roger and Bill Young Co-Chairs of CCDAPCC on January 2, 2003. It's my honor and challenge to endeavor to our community as a Secretary with the excellency of our Secretary General Cheryl Moss," said Agnas Chan, Consultant (now the President) of the United Business Source at the Campaign Party by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman on February 20, 2003.*5

--------------------------------
*1. PAI of WBTI is the initial of Public Administration Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Lei, Becky. (2003). "Super E. Q. Onece for All". Taipei, Taiwan: Spring Publishing Co.
*3. Google.co. 'About Bobby Gronauer,' "A search on google. co for Las Vegas Constable Bobby Gronauer," Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*4. Ibid.
*5. Gronauer, Bobby; and Chang, Tiffany Chang. 'Motivation and entrepreneurship contribute to city development,' "Special Column; PPAA15)," (September 12, 2003), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.

U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign had been invited to attend the Event and Party as the Guests of Honor. Kathie Ambrosio reprented U. S. Senator John Ensign to offer Washington Business and Technology Institute and Thai Cultural Arts Association of Las Vegas the Senatorial Recognition Awards. Nancy Diaz represented Senator Harry Reid. Special Guests by Washington Business and Technology Institute to present including U. S. Senator John Ensign(represented by Kathie Ambrosio), Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglass, Distrct (Family Court) Judge Cheryl Moss, Las Vegas Township Constable Bobby G. Gronauer, Nevada Assemblywoman Valerie Weber, District Judge Mark Denton (represented by Agnas Chan), District Judge Valorie Vega (reprented by Gloria Wong), business executives, among others.

Weekend hobby show at Sands Expo ready to reveal the year's hottest toys
By KEN WHITE
REVIEW-JOURNAL

***Model trains will be on display at HobbyVisions. ***Model airplane enthusiasts are expected to flock to the annual HobbyVisions show at the Sands Expo. (Check the newspaper please.)

It may come as a shock, but Las Vegas is a mecca for something besides gambling.

"Las Vegas is the best trade show city in the world, because of the attractions that are here," says Rob Gherman, director of the HobbyVisions International Show going on through Sunday at the Sands Expo.

The trade show, spread over 300,000 square feet, began Thursday, but is only open to the public Saturday and Sunday.

"Las Vegas people in general are amenable to hobbies," Gherman says. "There are great hobby clubs here."

This is the second annual HobbyVisions show. Last year's event, also held in Las Vegas, attracted 15,000 people.

This year, there are 300 booths, down some from last year because of a competing show that takes place next week in Chicago, according to Gherman.
........................................

Friday, October 08, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Las Vegas Planning Commission gives thumbs up to 73-story tower
By MICHAEL SQUIRES
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Passers-by at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue might have a reason, other than their memories of a defunct casino, to say, "Holy cow!"

Plans for what would be the Las Vegas Valley's tallest residential building, on the former site of the Holy Cow! casino, were approved by the city's Planning Commission late Thursday.

The 73-story Summit tower would reach skyward 863 feet, higher than any high-rise building in the valley or any of the multitude of tall buildings on the drawing board. It would stand second only to the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere on the city's skyline.

"We think it will set the standard for continued development along Las Vegas Boulevard heading north," said the project's designer, Tom Schoeman, a principal of JMA Architecture Studio. "It will revitalize the area. You're bringing several thousand new residents to that location."

The Australian developers behind the project, Victor Altomare and Joseph Di Mauro, couldn't be reached for comment.

The city's endorsement of the tower's size underscores, yet again, that when it comes to downtown redevelopment and its nascent skyline, the city's philosophy is: The taller the better.

"I'd like to see it higher," Mayor Oscar Goodman said of the project earlier in the day. "I want to distinguish downtown Las Vegas as being a place where we can go into the heavens as far as our projects are concerned. ... As high a density as I can get into the downtown, that's what I'm looking for."

The building, which would house 951 condos, would sit on two acres, part of which was until March 2002 home to the Holy Cow! casino. The developers expect to sell 75 percent of the units as second and third homes, while only 25 percent would be purchased by Las Vegans.

The tower's bottom three floors would be public space filled with shops, restaurants and clubs, Schoeman said.

The Planning Commission also was scheduled to consider plans for: a 50-story, 560-foot tower on the northwest corner of Rancho Drive and Sirius Avenue proposed by Highrise Partners; and two 10-story and two 16-story high-rises at Rancho and Lake Mead Boulevard by Investment Group.

The commission recommended approval of the Highrise Partners project and recommended denial of the Investment Group project.

The City Council will have final say on the projects next month.

If built, the Summit would trump Donald Trump's proposed 645-foot tower slated for west of the Strip near the intersection of Industrial Road and Fashion Show Drive. When Trump unveiled his plans in July he billed it as Las Vegas' tallest.

Neighbors, who in the past fought the Stratosphere over plans to add a thrill ride to the casino's tower, have met with the Summit tower's developers and support the project.

"The general feeling is it's a positive thing for the neighborhood," said Ben Contine, president of the Beverly-Green Neighborhood Association. Residents, however, fear the tower might alter the flight paths of tour helicopters, moving them over their homes, Contine said.

But some said the lofty plans for a nearly 900-foot tower and other high-rise developments should be greeted with a healthy dose of skepticism over whether they will even be built.

"There is no greater repository of grandiose plans than Las Vegas," said UNLV history professor Hal Rothman. "They come here and promise the moon."

Local real estate expert John Restrepo, who has warned a cooling in suburban home sales could make high-rise condos a tougher sell, expects at least half of the projects will never be built.

"We're seeing both speculators and real developers," he said.

Schoeman said financing is lined up for the Summit tower, but it requires that a certain number of buyers sign on the dotted line before the money becomes available for construction.

"Whether the project will be realized is dependent on sales," he said.