ReviewJournal.com - Columnists

John L. Smith
writes on topics from human interest to politics. His column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in Nevada News.

Visit the eForums to discuss local news.
• E-mail: smith@reviewjournal.com

'JOHN L. SMITH' COLUMNS - 2008

Oct 12: Only crazy people talk about overhauling state's financial structure
Oct 10: Checks still in mail for elderly waiting for property tax, rent assistance
Oct 08: He's weakened by disease, but more strongly than ever connected to life
Oct 07: HOA member calls response of state ombudsman's office 'inept'
Oct 05: O.J. Simpson a mediocre criminal who committed a stupid crime
Oct 03: Businessman finds himself on wrong side of the net with Agassi, Rogers
Oct 01: Ex-cop linked to HOA probe clearly carried burden before apparent suicide
Sep 30: Friendly Vistaña board steered millions in repair work to Leon Benzer
Sep 28: Retired LV police captain's name echoes within HOA investigation
Sep 26: HOA corruption investigation touches on former law enforcement
Sep 24: Behind Crumley's coyote grin was a man who howled to his own tune
Sep 23: Former Sahara employees savor memories of style, spectacle and celebrity
Sep 21: Barack Obama appeals to Cashman crowd with Will Rogers folksiness
Sep 19: Break-in at reservoir forces painful loss of 20 million gallons of water
Sep 17: Gamble pays off in dismissal of wife's charges in counterfeiting case
Sep 16: Semi-retired singer keeps a load of memories and a tune at the ready
Sep 14: Sometimes little people come out on top against arrogant big shots
Sep 12: Federal judge in counterfeiting case rolls with the punch lines
Sep 10: Tapes in counterfeiting conspiracy case a real concern for defense
Sep 09: Problem facing PERS obvious; solution will be complicated beyond measure
Sep 07: Look beyond O.J. memorabilia to high roller case with fake $100 bills
Sep 05: Though forced off the ballot, Woodbury remains key to commission race
Sep 03: Distance runner loses painful race, but he lived and died as a winner
Aug 31: Reid's toughness, political clout paying dividends for Nevada Democrats
Aug 29: Triathlete to hit the road -- a long road -- to raise money for institutes
Aug 27: Co-defendant in O.J. case is so unlucky black cats won't cross his path
Aug 26: Gibbons' approval rating goes from bad to worse, and more trouble lurks
Aug 24: Boxer didn't recognize his limitations in or out of ring
Aug 22: Illegal immigration out of sight, not out of mind of Nevada voters
Aug 20: Educational achievement hinges on opportunities and high aspirations
Aug 19: Readers take issue with praising the ACLU for defending religious freedoms
Aug 17: Pray tell why godless ACLU meddles with protecting religious freedoms
Aug 15: No-taxes pledge helps conservative activist oust three Republicans
Aug 13: Boring Bruce Woodbury lacked wrong stuff to be County Commission star
Aug 12: Pardon my audacity, but Obama needs Clinton as running mate
Aug 10: Las Vegans have love-hate relationship with sexually oriented businesses
Aug 08: Stumbling economy hurting those who need and those who give
Aug 06: From seamy streets to penthouses, Maheu's life encompassed it all
Aug 05: Dozens of performances later, 'Mamma Mia!' still enthralls super fans

'John L. Smith' COLUMNS - 2008

Aug 03: Brittney's victory offers hope to 1,500 other children, their advocates

'JOHN L. SMITH' COLUMNS - 2008

Aug 01: Heroes rush in where other passers-by might fear to tread
Jul 30: Sheriff credits the force: More officers on the street means less crime
Jul 29: Parched Sandy Valley isn't sure if the Fat Lady has sung in aquifer case
Jul 27: Families torn apart, forced marriages, 'lost boys' don't seem like America
Jul 25: No anniversary would be complete without remembering slain FBI agent
Jul 23: A century old, the FBI changed our desert den of sin forever
Jul 22: Heard outside Starbucks: 'Brother, can you spare a Frappuccino?'
Jul 20: Max lived nearly 10 years amid love that many drug babies never feel
Jul 18: Lonesome Guv says at 63, he is just looking for a good lady friend
Jul 16: Adoptions can't keep pace with unwanted pets in a struggling economy
Jul 15: Terry Moore made most of every moment during remarkable career
Jul 13: Bus shelter tragedies sadden, but don't surprise, those who know better
Jul 11: After stroke, jazz man 'on the mend,' tickling the ivories once more
Jul 09: Immunity deal dims spine surgeon's shining passion for medicine
Jul 08: Volunteers needed to help brave 10-year-old battle against the odds
Jul 06: This never-ending story is one of murder, loss and remembrance
Jul 04: Sales tax to fund more police welcomed by Clark County residents
Jul 02: Welfare money might be going to illegal immigrants, but don't call it a scandal
Jul 01: Gaming regulators' blessing a mixed bag for strip club-casino joint venture
Jun 29: Fantasy business begins with outrage over licensing hypocrisy
Jun 27: Televised speech a missed opportunity for a governor with a plan
Jun 25: State welfare chief looks for cuts in times of plenty ... of people in need
Jun 24: Honest John offers cost-saving suggestions for cash-strapped Silver State
Jun 22: Drug-stealing former paramedic gets legal breaks most junkies don't
Jun 20: Rio-Sapphire joint venture an inevitable merging of casinos and strip clubs
Jun 18: Prosecution likely to press on in Gage conspiracy case despite ruling
Jun 17: Nevada's budget mess has moved a lot faster than the SAGE Commission
Jun 15: Happy Father's Day to the many dads who play hurt
Jun 13: With all the state's troubles, governor should cut out the sweet nothings
Jun 11: Gibbons' fingers must be nimble, but his brain is another matter
Jun 10: Watch millions of dollars sashay away after local contractor loses bid
Jun 08: Let's hope walkout after CityCenter death puts safety ahead of speed
Jun 06: Federal judge opens eyes of jaded journalists, recounts chilling tale
Jun 04: County Commission's slings and arrows add little to anti-Yucca fight
Jun 03: Affidavits paint a disturbing picture of Texas Child Protective Services
Jun 01: Governor, first lady ready to take their best shots in dog-eat-dog world
May 30: Nasty divorce sparks coverage of first lady's anti-drug campaign
May 28: Difficult economic climate calls for a little protectionism by state officials
May 27: Harry Reid's memoir reveals a lawmaker forged by the bouts of life
May 25: Huddled masses exported
May 23: Gov. Jim Gibbons took a junket from one battlefield to another
May 21: Golf course dwellers frustrated with players acting like bums
May 20: Stand down holds out a helping hand to veterans down on their luck
May 18: Growing up poor helps principal get to heart of helping kids
May 16: After brief foray into political arena, prosecutor Daskas back on the job
May 14: Endoscopy center doctors getting free ride compared to DMV scofflaws
May 13: Drug testing: What's good for student-athlete should be good for educator
May 11: Governor's Mansion rental should attract pretty penny, if it already hasn't
May 09: Former big-leaguer happy pitching ice cream for the home team
May 07: Public office makes governor's bid for privacy in divorce case indefensible
May 06: Mother's bid to regain guardianship might not be in best interest of teen
May 04: Personal injury lawyers see no humor in damage done by Gage
May 02: Renowned sports bettor Lem Banker doesn't let bypass sideline him
Apr 30: Stupid doggedness in Gage case endangers pursuit of larger quarry
Apr 29: School district deserves the bird over math test -- and a chance to improve
Apr 27: Nighthawk may vanish but Nevada desert will still draw UFO fanatics
Apr 25: Roll call of fight night A-listers left Gibbons in the shadows
Apr 23: Endoscopy center's assembly-line syle has many patients worried
Apr 22: Sick 4-year-old girl from Norfolk, Va., gains a new Las Vegas family
Apr 20: Charlie Waterman helped Democrats follow their hearts with passion
Apr 18: Assemblywoman has second thoughts about $8,000 flower order
Apr 16: In judge's case, not even a certified Casanova could use the love defense
Apr 15: Under Blackwater, our troops would finally make a killing for killing
Apr 13: A closer look at 'Buffalo Jim's' death reveals little to support rumors
Apr 11: Gunslinging Mayor Goodman shoots, scores against embattled doctors
Apr 09: Diamonds boondoggle a testament to the power of public relations
Apr 08: Larger-than-life character 'Buffalo Jim' Barrier meets untimely end
Apr 06: No one questions closing one prison and expanding another
Apr 04: Jazz great's legacy lives on in Joe Williams Music Scholarship concert
Apr 02: Activist and prison chief confront parole paradox in Nevada prisons
Apr 01: Governor shows signs of leadership in state's deepening budget crisis
Mar 30: From Elvis to Liberace, first lady of fingerprints made an impression
Mar 28: Moving documentary embodies Hank Greenspun, a Las Vegas character
Mar 26: One way or another, Desai was always in control at endoscopy factory
Mar 25: Cowboys, keep an eye out for dastards on the wide-open business frontier
Mar 23: After lawyer's mistrial, move on down the road in search of justice
Mar 21: Idaho father laments death of medical resident son after traffic stop
Mar 19: Getting answers in health care mess requires help from patients, lawyers
Mar 18: When we need a governor, instead they send in the clown
Mar 16: Fire inspector night shift goes dark in the city that never sleeps
Mar 14: Las Vegan accused of duping investors in gold mining proposition
Mar 12: Disabled kids who rely on Medicaid for nursing care face bitter reality
Mar 11: Lawyer Gage wins round in court, but taking a deal must be tempting
Mar 09: In a word, medical center's horrifying procedures are indescribable
Mar 07: Mistrial sets back high-profile meth distribution case for third time
Mar 05: With every step, clinic's boss fails to demonstrate any professionalism
Mar 04: Immunity deal keeps Venger safe from prison, but it can't save his reputation
Mar 02: CSN professor threatens essential fabric of Southern Nevada society
Feb 29: Medical examiners board investigating witnesses in Gage trial
Feb 27: Plea unmistakable: Get involved in problem of youth gun violence
Feb 26: Halverson, Del Vecchio cases show open season on court staff is over
Feb 24: Doctor testifying in medical malpractice fraud case makes sleaze stylish
Feb 22: Hockey players, journalist willing to go bald to defeat childhood cancer
Feb 20: Judge's innovation engineers state's progressive approach to drug abuse
Feb 19: Clemens' smackdown before House panel may only be warm-up match
Feb 17: Let's count reasons judge's boorish behavior should get him removed
Feb 15: Missing Nye County woman's husband might want to lie low
Feb 13: Public corruption will always be with us, on that you can rely
Feb 12: Fattest City? Biased magazine didn't even count video poker as a sport
Feb 10: 'Only a piece of paper' kept Brittney waiting for new mom and dad
Feb 08: CNN takes on tale of LV boy's broken heart vs. flawed health care system
Feb 06: Legalized pro sports betting in Jersey a long shot, but it does make sense
Feb 05: So much is at stake, so jazz up those Super Tuesday spot ads
Feb 03: Boxes may contain glow-in-the-dark spy rings and medical licenses
Feb 01: Workers can take a bow for their efforts during Monte Carlo's crisis
Jan 30: Former youth camp 'client' found his worth, got off path to abyss
Jan 29: Crowds flocking to snowy mountains causing dangerous situations
Jan 27: While top Democrats scrap in schoolyard, Edwards plays grown-up
Jan 25: Don Davidson can take some solace that sentence is shorter than Kenny's
Jan 23: Democratic Party hears deaf caucus-goer's complaint loud and clear
Jan 22: Some surprises appear among real winners and losers of Nevada caucuses
Jan 20: Candidates are the embodiment of a dream no longer deferred
Jan 18: Stage is set for Saturday's big show; question is who will steal the spotlight
Jan 16: Democrats make nice during debate, but gloves come off on Saturday
Jan 15: Nobody got elected by embracing concept of giving money to foreigners
Jan 13: Tough talk keeps anger focused on nothing but illegal immigration
Jan 11: Richardson's experience might be enough to earn vice presidential bid
Jan 09: Nevada's political importance intact, at least until Jan. 20
Jan 08: Presidential hopefuls try to spin defeat into victory after Iowa caucuses
Jan 06: Despite attack, youth camp staffer remains dedicated to facility's promise
Jan 04: Family man, doctor and legislator ready for his tour of duty in Iraq

eFORUMS

ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING: Simpson asks for new trial
Image: http://media.lvrj.com/images/3051817.jpg ---Quote--- *O.J. Simpson filed a motion for a new trial Friday, saying District Judge Jackie Glass improperly restricted questioning of prosecution witnesses and potential jurors, allowed the removal of two black potential jurors and gave...
HOUSING: FORECLOSURE WOES RISE (WITH LINK INCLUDED)
Image: http://media.lvrj.com/images/3051583.jpg ---Quote--- *Foreclosures have nearly tripled in Clark County through September, and the number coming down the pike is growing, a California-based online foreclosure source reported. Foreclosures.com counted 3,563 real estate-owned...

BOOKS

Sharks in the Desert
The Founding Fathers and Current Kings of Las Vegas

Order Now!

Moving to Las Vegas
This book goes beyond the neon to capture the spirit of the town while providing information essential to prospering in Las Vegas.

Order Now!

On the Boulevard
The Best of John L. Smith

Order Now!

The Animal in Hollywood
Anthony Fiato's Life in the Mafia

Order Now!

No Limit
The Rise and Fall of Bob Stupak
and Las Vegas' Stratosphere Tower

Order Now!

Archives

eFORUMS

BOOKS