Where I Stand -- Ruthe Deskin: Missed opportunity for candidates at media convention

MURPHY'S LAW was at work over the weekend as the Sun's Sandy Thompson and I, along with my daughter Terry Gialketsis, headed for Reno and the Nevada Press Association's annual convention.

Our plane was oversold by 30 seats and we were placed on standby. Offers of a $200 voucher convinced some ticket holders to give up their seats, and we finally boarded.

The weather, which had been reported as warm and sunny, evolved into intermittent rain storms that discouraged any outdoor activity.

Our biggest disappointment was in the cancellation of an afternoon program that would have featured Senate candidates Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., and gubernatorial candidates Kenny Guinn and Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, all of whom had cancelled because of other commitments.

Actually the candidates missed a great chance to mingle with editors and publishers. An appearance might have impressed some of the news people in the cow counties, and this is one year when those people could be influential if the vote is close in Washoe and Clark counties.

No one can stay disgruntled for long if you are a guest at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. Without any question the Nugget is one of Nevada's finest hotels and casinos, albeit small by comparison to some of Las Vegas' megaresorts.

One's stay is made enjoyable by a friendly staff and eight award-winning restaurants that serve some of the finest food to be found anywhere.

Our return trip to Las Vegas, on another loaded plane, was uneventful, but by that time I was extremely grateful to the airport brain trust that came up with the idea of seating arrangements for passengers waiting to pick up luggage. For some of us elder citizens, those benches are mighty welcome.

"Mr. Wynn builds his dream collection" is the title of a feature in the current issue of Vanity Fair.

The article gives insight into Steve Wynn's acquired passion for art and his willingness to spend more than $300 million to satisfy his dream of filling the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts with the finest.

After reading the story I came to appreciate what Steve Wynn is doing for Las Vegas -- long regarded as a cultural wasteland by art aficionados.

In the same issue of Vanity Fair, another Las Vegan was quoted in an interesting letter to the editor:

"Thank goodness the public is finally realizing that HMOs are not the white knights of the health-care system, as they promoted themselves to be. Rather, they have constructed a cold-hearted, bureaucratic machine to routinely delay and withhold care in the name of 'managed care.'

"America wanted cheaper health care, and that is exactly what it received from the Wall Street health-care giants. We found out that cutting costs really meant cutting care. Today's 'McMedicine' system is akin to visiting a gourmet restaurant but being allowed to order only a Big Mac -- if you can even find a waiter to serve you."

The letter to Vanity Fair was signed by Dr. Kazem Fathie, president of the Clark County Medical Society.

David Cash Jr. came off as a cold, calculating character in his appearance with Ed Bradley on "60 Minutes."

Not once did Cash show any sorrow and express any regrets regarding his action when he discovered his friend, Jeremy Strohmeyer, abusing a little girl.

It isn't any wonder fellow students viewed him with disgust.

Smile, you're in Safeway (or newly acquired Vons).

The Safeway courtesy campaign has been featured on national TV shows as well as in major newspapers. One grumpy critic described the smiles as insincere, but he was the only one. Most reviews are of the rave variety.

The courtesy campaign extends all the way from managers to box boys.

Personally I like it when I hand over the better half of a hundred-dollar bill for groceries and someone says "thank you."

Las Vegas lost a true pioneering spirit with the passing of Jerry Mack.

His credits are many, but most of all Jerry Mack believed in education and he expended time and wealth to further the cause of higher education in Southern Nevada.

He leaves a legacy of commitment to our community and love of family and friends.

He will be missed.

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