Smith, John L. - Columnists - ReviewJournal.com

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

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• E-mail: smith@reviewjournal.com

'JOHN L. SMITH' COLUMNS - 2009

Nov 20: Fraud investigation of Las Vegas police official might have legs
Nov 18: Hells Angels downright neighborly, except for those parties
Nov 17: The amazing thing is how close Sanford came to keeping his job
Nov 15: 'Mayor of Chinatown' feeling pressure in corruption probe
Nov 13: Bergeron Himel honored for athletic ability in CBS special
Nov 11: Saving piece of black history in blighted area would be miracle
Nov 10: Angle possesses conservative cred
Nov 08: Agassi's past doesn't diminish what his academy does now
Nov 06: 'Extreme Makeover' homeowners looking to sell house
Nov 04: Like all triathletes, his challenge is the course, no more, no less
Nov 03: Co-workers rally for cancer-stricken advocate for troubled youths
Nov 01: Unlike political races, car bomb attempts are no laughing matter
Oct 30: It simply won't seem like Halloween without Hammargren home tour
Oct 28: Benefactor refuses to quit scrambling to help children of slain single mom
Oct 27: Community support needed for Las Vegas Zoo's improvements
Oct 25: Last king of downtown, Jackie Gaughan made money, plenty of friends
Oct 23: Readers strike back at columnist about deaths of police officers
Oct 21: Police should take their own advice: Speed kills, seat belts save lives
Oct 20: Reid must show he's more than thoughtful son of political powerhouse
Oct 18: Highway Patrol troopers do their duty in helping to thwart terrorists
Oct 16: Former state Sen. Bob Beers out of politics? You make the call!
Oct 14: Jackson song flap proves Anka has a good head for business on his shoulders
Oct 13: Homeowners whose mortgages fizzled fight back with class-action lawsuit
Oct 11: Swiss bank disclosure may have some Las Vegans scrambling
Oct 09: Berkley to get into the spirit of things for liquor group's award
Oct 07: On behalf of humorists everywhere, I say: Hang in there, Senator Sanctimony
Oct 06: Bingo boss found better odds in Las Vegas than in B-17 over Germany
Oct 04: Investigators find evidence of trend in casino money laundering
Oct 02: Changes to golf course tee off some LV Country Club members
Sep 30: Latest work helps documentarian unlock his own cherished memory
Sep 29: The Strip's long overdue for street-savvy, soulful show like 'A Bronx Tale'
Sep 27: Las Vegas may have lost one of its last characters, but huckster's dreams live on
Sep 25: Ailing Stupak has had plenty of success, controversy on his wild ride
Sep 23: Paying top dollar for health care should rank us better than 37th
Sep 22: Senior softballers maintain their vitality playing a little boy's game
Sep 20: Maglev ghost train has generated spirited debate, not much else
Sep 18: Furniture event signals economy no longer a couch potato
Sep 16: Tire Works attorney gives consumer complaint First Amendment twist
Sep 15: Vic Vickrey's sense of humor served him well in Vegas for 60 years
Sep 13: Elementary school principal hopes students take Obama's message to heart
Sep 11: Labor Secretary Solis to tour U.S. Vets facility in Las Vegas
Sep 09: Sweeping up after understated ending to 'Mafia Cops' parade
Sep 06: Maybe Bat Boy knows why governor sees need for crime commission
Sep 04: 'Mafia Cops' drug case nears end while gloomy anti-Reid ads begin
Sep 02: Slain cabby's family will always be there to remind killer of his deed
Sep 01: Tea Party Express runs on slogans -- a whole lot of them
Aug 30: Cabbie's killer accepted his fate but still fights death sentence
Aug 28: Fraud case reinstatement tests Gage's promise to fight to the end
Aug 26: Janitors' lawsuit might dirty national image of Strip resorts
Aug 25: With 'Cash for Clunkers' ending, these models are headed for the junkyard
Aug 23: John Ensign's redemption tour hits road but dodges tough questions
Aug 16: Anti-terrorism intelligence analyst sounds like just another juice job
Aug 14: Time writer looks at rise and fall of Las Vegas prices and its economy
Aug 09: For mayor, Mob Museum's potential is as obvious as a bullet in the head
Aug 07: Hood remembered for giving respect to all, no matter how big or small
Aug 05: Acting won't help lawyer representing nightclub; managerial changes will
Aug 04: Jackson doctor has at least one grateful supporter in town
Aug 04: If common sense is factor, then O.J. co-defendant might have chance
Aug 02: Last call came before Beer Summit got to the bottom of racial profiling
Jul 29: In any other town, Privé nightclub would be down for the count
Jul 28: Release of casino regulator's letter on heels of nightclub fine isn't coincidental
Jul 26: Indigents have little choice dealing with loved ones' funerals
Jul 24: Obama to reverse Bush policy hamstringing Nevada as conference locale
Jul 22: Zoo chief, former officer remembers 'instant evil' of rapist-murderer
Jul 21: Wading into the mire of the collapse of the local first-trust deed business
Jul 19: For those looking from afar, Las Vegas fantasies magically erase recession
Jul 14: Sarah Palin's fans are fervent, but she still won't be president
Jul 12: Something funny is going on with Ensign, but it really isn't laughable
Jul 10: Republican stalwart Bruce James says Ensign's Senate seat is safe
Jul 08: Palin's resignation is the beginning of the end of her political career
Jul 05: Legislature penny wise, pound foolish on AmeriCorps Nevada funding
Jul 03: Notion of Victorville-to-Vegas rail route mind-boggling to skeptics
Jul 01: Not Bad: Two Centennials in One Year
Jun 30: When it comes to rail politics, route is filled with twists, withering grades
Jun 28: Hey, mindless, speak up about what's 'right' at Springs Preserve
Jun 26: Compared with Sanford, Ensign offered little in his mea culpa
Jun 24: Cash-strapped Springs Preserve should get the Puck out of there
Jun 23: Chancellor Rogers set fighting example successor will need to follow
Jun 21: Ensign's confession shows his conceit has no boundaries
Jun 19: Ensign would do well to clear up reports of extortion plot
Jun 14: Reopening F Street could require more juice than it took to close it
Jun 12: Las Vegas march seeks to raise awareness of child sex trafficking crisis
Jun 09: Butera might have had the wildest ride of all the Las Vegas lounge legends
Jun 07: Deposition of Rizzolo's wife generates more questions than answers
Jun 05: Diverted customers not always pleased with final destinations
Jun 03: Seeking 30- to 50-year-olds for a stud farm generates nothing but suspicion
Jun 02: After not impressing His Honor, government witness defends his honor
May 31: Frankie Masterana played cards he dealt himself as illegal bookmaker
May 29: For the last time, Obama does not owe Las Vegas an apology
May 27: Reid works carefully not to be haunted by the ghost of Chic Hecht
May 24: Experience shows eager, young police officers forget caution
May 22: Readers share 'rewarding' stories of digging up unclaimed funds
May 20: How to win $741.09 of a $339 million jackpot without really trying
May 19: Claudine Williams blazed a trail for women in the gaming industry
May 17: Eight years after hotel maid's death, anyone with clue remains silent
May 15: Shecky Greene's return to Las Vegas stirs up memories of Sinatra, Caesars
May 13: Some might assume Tire Works lawsuits are attempt to chill newscasts
May 12: Latest fire sears the last flicker of life out of the historic Moulin Rouge
May 10: Underwhelming oversight leaves workers' compensation in bind
May 08: Exiting NLV mayor, arriving gubernatorial candidate prophesizes
May 06: After strange days in court, ex-lawman seeks return to jail job
May 05: ACORN hits streets to register Nevada voters, and hilarity ensues
May 03: Little League director protects Westside kids from bad hops and worse
May 01: Lawmakers save a few million, leave abused kids with less legal help
Apr 29: Compulsive gambler may have lost his bet as FBI informant
Apr 28: In Nevada, it's never the right time to do our best to protect neglected kids
Apr 26: 'Folies' let dancers lead normal lives while experiencing glamorous dream
Apr 24: It looks like banner season for governor's defenders as well as detractors
Apr 22: Mob rat graced with clear conscience, instinct for self-preservation
Apr 21: Zingers roll in after request for ideas for Gibbons' banner
Apr 19: Let's help governor find better slogan to make everything right
Apr 17: When going gets tough, casino executives get their raises, bonuses going
Apr 15: Bank president talks a good game, but troubling signs abound
Apr 14: Tax-free kickbacks for strip club rides bring bustle and hustle
Apr 12: Life of crime standing up for peace has landed 'Father Louie' in many jails
Apr 10: Attorney spearheads movement to stop kickbacks for strip club clientele
Apr 08: Spread of legalized sports betting is double-edged for pariah state Nevada
Apr 07: Las Vegan does time as Suriname officials show no interest in justice
Apr 05: Former county commissioner trying to make best of things after prison
Apr 03: Topless clubs take the gloves off to fight for business during recession
Apr 01: Las Vegas strip clubs waging high-stakes cash-for-customers war
Mar 31: Investment fraud case reveals need for more oversight up front
Mar 29: Sands maitre d' remembers when mobsters made Las Vegas what it is
Mar 27: Strip marquees to go dark as part of global initiative Earth Hour
Mar 25: Ruling gives lawyers a chance to pursue assets of former topless bar boss
Mar 24: As Gibbons' image falls, so goes his ability to influence important issues
Mar 22: Even governor's fans must find latest hypocrisy nothing to laugh off
Mar 20: Drug case against 'Mafia Cop' son, acquaintance may disappear
Mar 18: Let's do right-wing thing and send that pork back to Washington
Mar 17: Nevada Republicans have had enough of Gov. Jimmy Jitters
Mar 15: Collusion case looks beyond taking one surgeon's word over another's
Mar 13: Scalps compete with smiles for spotlight at St. Baldrick's fundraiser
Mar 11: Defiant to end, 'Mafia Cops' face reinstated sentences of life in prison
Mar 10: Former Sands Corp. president decided 'it was time for me to move on'
Mar 08: At 84, 'Rat Pack' showroom captain is still the man who knew the men
Mar 06: Family-owned diner serves up some success in troubling economic times
Mar 04: There's a bit of Ponzi in the way government does business
Mar 01: Grand jury investigation of McDonald keeps Rizzolo in hot seat
Feb 27: Government witness has some choice words for former mob colleagues
Feb 25: Not everyone has key attribute of corporate tycoons: shamelessness
Feb 23: Former Tropicana owner still has faith after mob, corporate muggings
Feb 20: Remembering Las Vegas' brand of angels, demons and classless acts
Feb 18: Some wiseguys were killers while others really lived to kill
Feb 15: Mobster's biographer scoops clueless Illinois detectives, fingers 1981 killer
Feb 13: First do no harm: Goodman attempts to repair the image of Las Vegas
Feb 11: Never-ending revolving door frustrates Nye County sheriff
Feb 10: For Las Vegas, the only thing to fear is an assault on excess itself
Feb 08: Let's hope scolding teaches crooked cop lesson for conning 87-year-old
Feb 06: Sheriff slams on the brakes about idea of legalizing prostitution
Feb 04: The bookmaker likes color of money; the fan loves black and gold
Feb 03: Taxing prostitution distracts lawmakers from the real issue: Fixing the system
Feb 01: Binion grandson learned to hedge his bets with loyalty, good deeds
Jan 30: Anthem's rendition at Super Bowl will have bettors holding their breath
Jan 28: Clinic's performance dangerously less than maximum, lawsuit says
Jan 27: Mayor's idea for a mob museum sleeps with the fishes in Washington
Jan 25: Mining industry needs to help dig Nevada out of economic hole
Jan 23: A beating, robbery -- just another day at the office for Texas poker great
Jan 21: Inaugural address most impressive for noting start of long, hard journey
Jan 20: A day to dream: Parade a reflection on King, a projection to Obama
Jan 18: It looks like Gibbons plans re-election run by ignoring negatives
Jan 16: Reputed mob soldier's new gig at the O.G. might keep him out of trouble
Jan 14: Plea agreement for Lynette Boggs is a blessing in disguise -- potentially
Jan 13: Real scandal is yet to come for Family Services when ax falls
Jan 11: Retired cop and family help kids learn life's lessons in gym, not on street
Jan 09: Brittney's compelling tale of survival moves veteran broadcast journalist
Jan 07: Wall that segregates West Las Vegas much more than just a symbol
Jan 06: Until he pays his debt, Rick Rizzolo hangs like a monkey on your back
Jan 04: Brave cancer fighter inspired hundreds to join bone marrow network

John L. Smith

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