Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

---------------------------------------
Activist jailed for circulating tax petitions
--- Police arrest pair seeking signatures for vote to challenge legislative action
By REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU*1

Through the courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ), Public Administration Institution (PAI) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) post the following report of the LVRJ's publication on the same day:

Saturday, May 08, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Activist jailed for circulating tax petitions
Police arrest pair seeking signatures for vote to challenge legislative action

By ED VOGEL
REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Longtime political activist Janine Hansen said Friday her arrest while circulating petitions at a Reno bus terminal is the latest example of government officials trying to stop legitimate political activity.*2

"They are trying to kill the petitions," Hansen said after spending six hours in a holding room at the Washoe County Jail. "It's like my brother Dan said: 'He has rights who is willing to assert them.' We were asserting them. If you don't take a stand, bureaucrats will run over you, no matter what the law is."

Reno police arrested Hansen and her 25-year-old son, Zack Triggs, about 6:30 p.m. Thursday after they refused to leave the Regional Transportation Commission's Citifare bus terminal, where they were gathering signatures on petitions. They were released on their own recognizance and ordered to appear in court May 27 on trespassing charges.

They are members of Nevadans for Sound Government, which is circulating petitions to force a public vote in November to repeal the $833 million tax increase approved last year by the Legislature and to block government employees from being in the Legislature.

"They told us to stop gathering signatures," Janine Hansen said. "I told them their policy was a violation of state law. We said we could and we weren't going to stop, so they arrested us. We aren't going to follow some illegal edict by a petty bureaucrat."

George Harris, the leader of Nevadans for Sound Government, said last week the petition gathering may fall short because of continued obstacles and harassment of petition circulars.

"This puts the icing on the cake," Harris said. "It shows conclusively we have been harassed. We are sick of it."

But Stanyan Peck, the Regional Transportation Commission lawyer, said Hansen could not collect signatures because she refused to fill out an application form that lists restrictions on gathering signatures at the bus station.

Although it could take as long as two days for him to approve the application, Peck said, it generally takes less than a day, and sometimes only 10 minutes.

"Her position is she doesn't have to do anything," Peck said. "She never told me what the petitions were. We have had six or seven other organizations fill out the paperwork, and they have had the ability to circulate petitions with no problems whatsoever."

Hansen's brother, Joel, a Las Vegas lawyer, plans to ask the state Supreme Court for a 60-day extension for gathering signatures, alleging harassment of circulators. Signatures are due May 18.

Less than two weeks ago, people were prevented from collecting signatures at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Reno. The governor's office admitted that was a mistake and informed DMV managers that people have a right to circulate petitions.

The Hansens also are leaders of the Independent America Party of Nevada, founded by the late Dan Hansen. Christopher Hansen of Henderson, the party's current chairman, filed a complaint with the secretary of state over the DMV incident. The attorney general's office is investigating.

Janine Hansen said she told Peck in advance that she planned to petition at the bus station and informed him of Secretary of State Dean Heller's order last Sept. 17, which states petition gatherers do not have to give advance notice of activities. Janine Hansen said following the RTC guidelines could have prevented her from gathering signatures for five days.

Peck said he thought the secretary of state was "exceeding his jurisdiction" in denying the RTC's right to require advance notice on petition gathering efforts.

Heller was away Friday on family business. Deputy Secretary of State Renee Parker said she told Peck about the order Friday that no advance notice was required.

"Only a court can designate whether a waiting time is reasonable. Whether they can impose other instructions is more for the court to decide."*3

--------------------------------
References

*1. REVIEW-JOURNAL CAPITAL BUREAU with the Author Ed Vogel.
*2. Vogel, Ed. 'Activist jailed for circulating tax petitions
--- Police arrest pair seeking signatures for vote to challenge legislative action,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 8, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

---------------------------------------
APPOINTMENT OF ROBINSON AS ADVISOR ON WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION AND RURAL ISSUES announced by Governor Kenny Guinn of Nevada, U. S. A.
By Office of the Governor*1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent
775-684-5670

GOV. GUINN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ROBINSON AS ADVISOR ON WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION AND RURAL ISSUES

CARSON CITY - Gov. Kenny Guinn announced today the appointment of Steve Robinson as the Governor's Advisor on Wildlife, Conservation and Rural Nevada Issues. Robinson's appointment will run through June using existing salary savings in the Governor's office.*2

Beginning July 1, contingent on legislative approval of a federal grant the state has received, Robinson will receive an annual salary of $95,100 as the Governorˇ¦s advisor.

"Steve Robinson has an extensive background in wildlife, conservation and rural Nevada issues, having served with distinction as State Forester," Gov. Guinn said. "He knows our state extremely well, and will be an invaluable resource as we continue to formulate policy in a number of critical areas. He has a well-earned reputation for his expertise in wildland fire, but is extremely well rounded in his knowledge in all areas of natural resources. He is a welcome addition to my administration."

Robinson, 55, has served as State Forester since December 2000.

Prior to his time as State Forester, Robinson served as director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Washington, D.C. He has held a variety of positions in the U.S. Department of the Interior including Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Director of the National Interagency Fire Center. He served as company commander in the Nevada National Guard, following active duty service.

As State Forester, Robinson has played a key role in implementing state programs that have ensured forest health while also combating the ever-present danger of summer wildfire.

ˇ§It is a distinct honor to serve in this Governorˇ¦s office,ˇ¨ Robinson said. ˇ§The chance to deal with a wide variety of environmental issues and work with the Governor's rural constituency is an opportunity I greatly look forward to.ˇ¨

Pete Anderson, Deputy State Forester, will be named State Forester on July 1. Anderson has been with the Division of Forestry since 1995.*3
Office of the Governor Media contact:
101 North Carson Street Steve Robinson
Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: (775) 684-5643
Fax: 775-684-7198

-------------------------------------
References

*1. Office of Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn. Dr. Kenny Guinn is the Governor of Nevada, U. S. A..
*2. Office of the Governor. 'GOV. GUINN ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ROBINSON AS ADVISOR ON WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION AND RURAL ISSUES; A Message From Governor Kenny C. Guinn - May 7, 2004,' "An e-mail to Dr. Tony Lei from the Office of Governor Kenny C. Guinn," (May 7, 2004), Carson City, Nevada: Office of Governor Kenny Guinn.
*3. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

-----------------------------------------
U. S. Senator Harry Reid fights for our people and country
By GSBPA of WBTI*1

Assistant Democratic Leader of the U. S. Senate and Senator Harry Reid has made a difference for Nevada. From humble beginnings in the tiny town of Searchlight, Nevada to the second highest ranking Democrat in the United States Senate, he has distinguished himself as a fighter for Nevadans and all American families in the corridors of power in Washington, D. C..

"Recognizing his trajectory in public service, the Las Vegas Sun said Reid 'has gone from underdog to Senate's top dog.' Parade Magazine, the nation's largest weekly identified Senator Reid as one of a handful of leaders in Washington who possess 'integrity and guts.' *2

"Since Nevadans elected him to the Senate in 1986, Harry Reid has developed a reputation as a consensus builder and an accomplished legislator. Even his Republican colleagues praise his reasoned, balanced approach. After Nevadans sent Harry Reid to the Senate for a third term in 1998, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Assistant Democratic Leader, also known as the Democratic 'Whip.' Reid provides valuable leadership to the U.S. Senate by guiding legislation through the Senate and securing the votes to pass key measures. The respected Washington publication National Journal observed that 'Senator Reid has quietly elevated a long dormant post.'

"In fact, Harry Reid has earned the trust of both Democrats and Republicans, and his reputation for integrity and fairness has given the small state of Nevada a strong voice in Congress." *3

Since entering the Senate in 1986, Senator Reid has assembled an impressive legislative and leadership record for the people of Nevada. Senator Reid has consistently fought for the rights and interests of children, families, and workers. In education, he has worked to reverse Nevada's school dropout rate by sponsoring legislation to establish a national program for dropout prevention. He has fought to bring much-needed funding for construction of schools and for hiring more qualified teachers in Nevada. In health care, Harry Reid has fought for the Patient's Bill of Rights as well as increased funding for cancer research, suicide prevention, and mental health initiatives. Harry has also fought for issues concerning senior citizens, including prescription drug coverage, long term care, and Social Security.

"Working hard to protect Nevada's environment, Senator Reid has established programs to preserve clean air and water, especially in Nevada's treasured Lake Tahoe. In addition, Senator Reid has fought vigorously and successfully to keep nuclear waste out of Nevada. Citizens of Nevada benefit each day from the transportation funds Senator Reid fought to provide. Taken together, the work and achievements of Senator Reid have changed the face of Nevada for the better." *4

On October 22, 2000, U. S. Senator Harry Reid received the "Outstanding Democrat of the Decade" 1990's Award from the Paradise Democratic Club of Las Vegas (PDCLV) at the Skyview Room of the Bally's Casino and Hotel, Las Vegas. In the Program, the National Anthem was sung by Rose McKinny James. The Event was chaired by the President of PDCLV, John Ponticello. He introduced participants of all the elected officers, leaders of unions, persons campaigned for public service, among others. The Keynote Speaker was Senator Harry Reid. Special Speakers were U. S. Senator Richard Bryan, U. S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and U. S. Senate Candidate Ed Bernstein. Comments were offered by Rory Reid, Nevada State Democratic Party Chairman, and Danny Thompson, Secretary/Treasurer of Nevada State AFL-CIO.

The heightlight of the Event and Party was the presentation of the Outstanding Democrat of the Decade Award to U.S. Senator Harry Reid by the President of Paradise Democratic Club of Las Vegas, John Ponticello. U. S. Senator Reid graduated from Utah State University in 1961. He received Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University. On April 10, 1998, he was honored as Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of Washington Business and Technology Institute.*5

"Asian Pacific American have made profound contributions to American life, including the arts, economy, education, science, technology, politics, and sport. This community was here to help build trascontinental railroad, to serve in the Civil War, and to develop the latest Internet technology. I'm pleased to assure all you leaders of the community here today that I'll continue working to preserve and advance the heritage and value of Asian Americans. I'll put my effort to reach out and address issues of importance to the Asian American community, including the economy, education, safety, racial profiling, and hate crime, and immigration, among others. I'd like also to show my appreciation of all your accomplishments and contributions to the American way of life and your oustanding participation in the political, business , and educational processes. It's my pleasure to accept the honor as Professor of Administrative Strategies of the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration of Washington Business and Technology Institute," said Harry Reid, U. S. Senator and Assistant Democratic Leader of the Senate at Asian American Leaders Tea with United States Senator Harry Reid on May 31, 2003 at Korean Garden B. B. Q. House in Las Vegas.*6

The following is our post for Harry soon after we received the "WHIP ROUND UP" on Friday at 2:37 p. m., May 7, 2004 from the Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader of the U. S. Senate and Senator Harry Reid:

Reid for Nevada*7

VA Will Expand Veterans Health Services in Nevada

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi announced Friday that the Veterans Administration will develop a Medical Center Campus in Las Vegas that will include a new hospital, nursing home and outpatient clinic. Fallon also will receive a new facility and services in Reno will be expanded. Nevada has the fastest-growing veterans population of any state, and Senator Harry Reid and the entire Congressional delegation have been urging the VA to provide more health services for veterans in the state.
Reid, Ensign Working Together to Boost Homeland Security

Senators Reid and John Ensign are working closely with Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge to meet the needs of Nevada's police, firefighters and other emergency personnel. Reid and Ensign sent a letter to Ridge this week urging him to increase Homeland Security funding for Las Vegas, citing the need for a new $40 million communications system. Reid and Ensign worked with Ridge to secure an additional $10.5 million for Homeland Security last year.
Reid Offers Plan To Reroute Helicopter Flights

Senator Reid this week sponsored a bill that would give relief to Las Vegas residents who have complained about noise from helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon. Reid's proposal, which is supported by the entire Nevada delegation, would convey 230 acres of federal land to Clark County for use as a public heliport. The land is located just south of the Henderson city limits and east of Interstate 15. Helicopter tours currently originate at McCarran International Airport, and their flight path takes them over many residential neighborhoods.

Members of the National Breast Cancer Coalition of Nevada present Senator Reid with an award for his work to prevent and cure breast cancer. State President Gail Allen is at Senator Reid's left in the black NBCC shirt.

Week in Review

Senate Makes Progress on FSC/ETI Bill - The Senate this week worked on a measure to repeal the foreign sales corporation/extraterritorial income tax break, approving several amendments. On a 52-47 vote, an amendment was approved that protects the rights of American workers to receive overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours a week. Another amendment will provide up to $2 billion in federal bonds to redevelop environmental "brownfield" areas. Senate leaders are still trying to reach an agreement that would allow the bill to move forward after a vote on an amendment to extend unemployment benefits for up to 1.5 million workers.

Senate Approves New Ambassador to Iraq- The President's nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, John Negroponte, was overwhelming approved by the Senate on Thursday (95 to 3). Ambassador Negroponte, who is the current U.S. Representative to the United Nations, is scheduled to report to Iraq at the end of June. He will oversee the United States' single largest embassy of 3000 persons.

Defense Secretary Rumsfeld Faces Senate Panel- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday, responding to questions about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Rumsfeld announced the formation of a special investigative commission to examine the allegations and warned the panel that there are more graphic pictures of prisoner abuse yet to be disclosed.*8

INSIDER'S CALENDAR
The Senate will convene Monday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m., with a period of morning business.
The Senate is expected to resume consideration of the FSC-ETI legislation. Cloture was filed on the bill, and if no further agreement is reached, this vote will occur on Tuesday.
In addition, the Senate is expected to vote on an Iraq prisoner resolution at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday.
During the remainder of the week, the Senate is expected to consider the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Reauthorization bill.

Reid's Words
I am delighted the Veterans Administration will develop a Medical Center Campus in Las Vegas that will include a new hospital, nursing home and outpatient clinic. Our veterans in southern Nevada are finally going to get the kind of care they deserve.*9

http://reid.senate.gov Fax: (202) 228-7362 Phone: (202) 224 - 2158

-------------------------------
References

*1. GSBPA is the initial of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration (GSBPA) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader. 'Meet U. S. Senator Harry Reid,' "A search from yahoo.com at Yahoo!" Washington, D. C.: Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader Harry Reid.
*3. Ibid.
*4. Ibid.
*5. PAI of WBTI. 'Outstanding Democrat of the year 2003 -- Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Burckley,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (March 2, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*6. GSBPA of WBTI. 'U. S. Senator Harry Reid fights for oue people,' "PPAA18 of WBTI," (March 26, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*7. Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader. 'WHIP ROUND UP,' "An e-mail to Dr. Tony Lei from the Office of U. S. Senator Harry Reid," (May 7, 2004), Washington, D. C.: Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader Harry Reid.
*8. Ibid.
*9. Ibid.

Advisory Board: Governor Kenny Guinn, Chairman; U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign, Vice Chairmen; U. S. Representatives James Gibbons and Shelley Berkley, and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Executive Directors.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao
Chairperson
Dr. Tony T. Lei
President
District Judges Mark Denton and Valorie Vega
Vice Presidents
Dr. William N. Thompson
Director of Public Administration Institution
Dr. E. Lee Bernick and Dr. G. Keong Leong
Deans of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration
Dr. Sue Fawn Chung
Director of Culture Institution
Justice of the Supreme Court William Maupin, Attorney General Brian Sandoval, and District Judge Stewart Bell, Honorary Chairmen of Clark County District Attorney and Police Civil Commission (CCDAPCC)
District Attorney David Roger and Clark County Sheriff Bill Young
Chairmen of CCDAPCC
(702) 255-9058
*It's our pleasure to pay a tribute to the above officials who dedicate to the civic and community service spects of our organization in an honorary or adjunct capacity.

-----------------------------------------
Fair and food festival starts Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in Las Vegas, Clark County, and Nevada
By CI of WBTI*1

It's our pleasure to serve for the publicity of the events and activities on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by the Asian Community in Las Vegas and Clark County on the month of May in 2004.*2

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District will feature free public events that highlight Asian and Pacific cultures in celebration of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month throughout the month of May. We invite you to participate with us in this month-long celebration as a member of the Las Vegas community.*3

Our Asian Pacific American Culture Fair and Food Festival will be held on Saturday, May 8th from 11am-4pm at the Sahara West Library. Over 2000 people are expected to attend this event.*4

Through the courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal, we are pleased to post a concerned report on the Events from this largest newspaper in Nevada as in the following;

Friday, May 07, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Embracing Culture*5

Fair and food festival starts Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
REVIEW-JOURNAL

*****"Taiwan: Touch Your Heart," a touring photo exhibit, reveals the culture and beauty of Taiwan during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.(For the photo, please check it with LVRJ.)
*****Paintings by Jupiter Nagatsuka are on display at the Sahara West Library Grotto.(For the photo, please check it with LVRJ.)
*****A fashion and dance show is part of the festivities.(For the photo, please check it with LVRJ.)

A Culture Fair and Food Festival this weekend at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., helps celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a series of events sponsored by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library.

Set for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature crafts, food and entertainment.

Admission to all events is free.

Other activities include:

***Megumi, bilingual storyteller, narrates Japanese folk tales she remembered as a child, and real-life stories from the Japanese internment camps in World War II: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Whitney Library, 5175 E. Tropicana Ave.; 1 p.m. Tuesday, West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave.; 10 a.m. Wednesday, Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road; 3 p.m. Wednesday, Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive; and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd.

***Martial Arts Festival, with students from local martial arts schools demonstrating various styles of martial arts, 7 p.m. May 14, Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive.

***Achieve balance and harmony through feng shui with local resident and feng shui master Lin Huang, plus tips on good health, fulfilling relationships and lasting prosperity, 6:30 p.m. May 18, West Charleston Library.

Plus, feng shui expert and local resident Peter Lung will lecture on "How to Feng Shui Your House," 7 p.m. May 26, Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave.

***Fashion and dance show presented by local groups, 2 p.m. May 22, Clark County Library.

***Asian Cinefest with feature-length, shorts, animation and documentary films, 2 p.m. May 15, Clark County Library, including "I Am Driving in My Car/I Am Walking Up the Hill," "Lost," "Butterfly," "Chocolate," "Saigon USA," "Mahjong to the Grave," and "A Place Where There Are Moths."

Other films, showing at 2 p.m. May 16, West Charleston Library, include "American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawaii," "Cooleyville," "Killavator," "Double Exposure," "Friday" and "Carnal Noise."

***"Something Strong Within," a video about the Japanese internment camps in the United States during World War II, starts with a reception at 6 p.m. May 17, with the video at 7 p.m., in the Whitney Library.

***Children's programs include "Kawi Pawi Po (rock, paper, scissors)," a Korean folk tale for 6 and older, 4 p.m. Thursday, Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway; 4 p.m. Thursday, Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North; 4 p.m. May 19, Rainbow Library; 4 p.m. May 20, West Las Vegas Library; and 7 p.m. May 20, Enterprise Library, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave.

Origami: 4 p.m. Tuesday and May 18 and May 25, Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd.

Puppet show: Asian tales presented by the Library District's Web On Wheels (WOW) Team, 3 p.m. Monday, Mount Charleston Library, 1252 Aspen Ave.; 11 a.m. May 15, Moapa Valley Library, 350 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.; and 3 p.m. May 25, Indian Springs Library, 715 Gretta Lane.

***Gallery exhibits include "Taiwan -- Touch Your Heart," a touring exhibit featuring an award-winning collection of photographs showcasing the culture and scenic beauty of Taiwan, through May 23 at the Sunrise Library and West Charleston Library; and through May 25 at the Las Vegas Library.

Also "The Happiness," artist Jupiter Nagatsuka's paintings reminiscent of the Asian landscape, through May 31, Sahara West Library (during library hours.)
---------------------------
***This Week's NEON
*****PREVIEW
what: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month*6
when: Throughout May
where: Various library locations
tickets: Free (734-7323)

------------------------------------
References

*1. CI of WBTI is the initials of Culture Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. Segura, Kristine J.; and CI of WBTI. 'Please help us publicize Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,' "PPAA18 of WBTI," (April 6, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*3. Segura, Kristine J.; and CI of WBTI. 'Response from Kristine for our article to help publicize the events of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,' "PPAA18 of WBTI," (April 12, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*4. Ibid.
*5. LVRJ. 'Fair and food festival starts Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,' "Las Vega Review-Journal," (May 7, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*6. Ibid.

------------------------------
GAMING OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS: Gambling on Macau
--- Coming Sands opening to end longtime island monopoly
By Rod Smith

Thursday, May 06, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal*1

GAMING OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS: Gambling on Macau
Coming Sands opening to end longtime island monopoly*2

By ROD SMITH
GAMING WIRE

Sheldon Adelson(For his photo, please check LVRJ)
Steve Wynn(For his photo, please check LVRJ)

Gaming magnate Sheldon Adelson's 1-million-square-foot Sands Macau casino and entertainment complex, which is leading a wave of new casino developments off the coast of China, is expected to open May 18.

The $240 million Sands Macau will be owned by Adelson's holding company, Las Vegas Sands, and will have 319 table games, 600 slot machines, 18 restaurants, bars and entertainment venues located near the ferry terminal in Macau.

Las Vegas Sands President Bill Weidner said the Sands Macau will give a face lift to Macau, which he compared to downtown Las Vegas or Reno.

He said the growth of China, whose economy has been growing at more than 14 percent a year over the past decade, is driving the development of Macau as a visitor destination.

"China is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and the fourth-largest export economy in the world," he said.

It boasts the fastest-growing and second-largest middle class, which is rapidly becoming the largest middle class of any country in the world, Weidner said.

He said with about 1.4 billion people within a couple hundred miles of Macau, the island is also destined to become one of the biggest and fastest-growing visitor destinations anywhere.

Las Vegas Sands plans to use the market to compete with other Asian destinations and to lure more visitors to its properties in Las Vegas, Weidner said.

The opening of the Sands Macau casino will break up a monopoly on casino operations in Macau that Stanley Ho, 82, and his gambling cronies have enjoyed for almost 50 years.

Two years ago, authorities approved breaking the monopoly on casino operations by awarding gambling concessions to three groups -- Adelson, Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts and Ho's group of companies.

The Sands Macau is next to the $60 million Galaxy Waldo Hotel-Casino, a smaller property with 38 tables and 100 slot machines being developed by Galaxy, a company started by Hong Kong property tycoon Lui Che-woo, who shares a casino license with Adelson. It is run by Francis Lui and is set to open in June.

A $122 million waterfront entertainment and retail complex called Fisherman's Wharf is being built on the other side of Adelson's casino by Ho and David Chow, his partner, and is set to open before year's end.

Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn is also planning to build a $500 million hotel-casino, which is expected to open in 2006, although he is hoping for reforms to the enclave's gambling laws before he commits further.

In addition to opening the Sands Macau next to the ferry terminal, Las Vegas Sands is obligated to open the Macau Venetian Casino Resort, a second and permanent casino, by June 2006, and invest $550 million in its Macau developments by June 2009.

Adelson's long-term plans to develop the $10 billion, so-called Cotai Strip, a strip of reclaimed land between the Macau islands of Taipa and Coloane, includes a 1,500-room resort and casino. He is inviting others to join in building the 20 casinos and 60,000 hotel rooms that will constitute the new Las Vegas Strip East.

The Galaxy operation, a group of Hong Kong investors that has teamed up with Adelson, also plans to build a 3,000-room resort casino on separate land in 2006.

In all, these projects will require 22,000 additional workers and increase the number of jobs in Macau by about 10 percent.

All the development is transforming Macau. The latest boom helped push Macau's economy ahead by a 15.6 percent last year, with growth hitting a 21.1 percent in the fourth quarter.

Wynn, who declined to discuss his development, remains the wild card amid this sudden bustle of development.

He threatened in August to pull out of a planned venture if Macau failed to enact gambling reforms by the end of last year. It didn't happen, but Wynn didn't make good on his threat to bail out.

He is hoping for legislative changes in Macau that would let gaming companies extend credit to gamblers, as well as tax reforms.

Macau lawmakers are working on allowing casinos to lend money to gamblers, but one of them, Ng Kuok-cheong, said the bill stops short on tax concessions.*3

***The Associated Press contributed to this report.

--------------------------------
References

*1. Through the courtesy of Las Vegas Review-Journal.
*2. Smith, Rod. 'GAMING OUTSIDE LAS VEGAS: Gambling on Macau --- Coming Sands opening to end longtime island monopoly,' "Las Vegas Review-Journal," (May 6, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: reviewjournal.com.
*3. Ibid.