Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Thoughts for the new millennium

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at [email protected].

I made it to 2000.

There were a few times during 1999 when I had my doubts, but thanks to the skills of my doctor, Faud Moazez, and the TLC (tender, loving care) of nurse Carolyn Estell and the friendly folks at Option Care, here I am.

When the aging process begins to take its toll and the old ticker goes bump-bump in the night, it's time to stop and smell the roses. All the things I took for granted -- bowling, basketball games, driving, swimming and a bit of partying -- are becoming fond memories as I look forward to a different kind of lifestyle. Shucks, I am glad to be here. There are a few random thoughts I want to pass on for posterity or whatever.

I still harbor a grudge against former UNLV President Robert Maxson and his cronies for their roles in dethroning Rebel basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian. Watching the Rebels being so thoroughly trounced by Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon was the final indignity for me. Especially when Cincinnati's coach, Bob Huggins, stated to reporters that he learned much about coaching from Tarkanian and his Runnin' Rebels. His Cincinnati team proved it. They could go all the way this year.

On the subject of basketball: Will this be the year Dennis Rodman completely self-destructs? Or Isaiah Rider reforms? What a waste of talent.

Ask me and I will tell you I believe the University Regents moved too fast on the proposed state university in Henderson. The whole thing smacks of what we once called "railroading." Now comes the time for backers to put their money where their mouths are. Regent Tom Kirkpatrick has charged the board with violating the state's open meeting law and disregarding the policies of the Board of Regents. Watch this one. It has the potential of a mighty brouhaha.

Watching all the celebrations around the world reminded me of an old World War II song. It went something like, "When the lights go on again, all over the world." It was a kind of musical prayer for world peace. Maybe this will be the century mankind will find the way to eternal peace and brotherly love.

The room and entertainment prices on the Strip and downtown were pure gouging. All the excuses won't make that fact go away. Some of us remember the motel wars of years back when tourists balked against price gouging. That should have been a lesson.

Talk about a nutty situation. The latest Clinton ado over Hillary's brothers' hazelnut venture with the former Soviet Republic of Georgia is a laugher. The president has disavowed the matter. Hillary isn't talking. And the brothers are still trying to peddle hazelnuts.

There is a certain incongruity about the TV commercial showing a young lawyer driving along what we assume is a public roadway while turning his head away to tell viewers to call him if they are involved in an accident. To quote David Letterman about the late Andy Kaufman: "Sometimes when you look in his eyes, you get the feeling that someone else is driving."

Don't believe it if someone tells you there's not a future to old age.

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