Calendar coincidences call for official Nevada comedian
Nevada Day is officially Oct. 31, but that's not the only scary coincidence on the calendar where the Silver State is concerned, UNLV associate history professor Michael Green says.
He would know. The author of 10 books, Green's latest work is the informative and entertaining, "Nevada: A History of the Silver State" recently published by University of Nevada Press.
"We became a state on Halloween," Green says. But remember, he adds, Nevada officially became part of the United States on Feb. 2, 1848, with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War.
"If you think that everything in Nevada repeats itself, just remember, this area became part of the United States on Groundhog Day."
Maybe we should make Bill Murray the state's official comedian.
And while we're on the subject, why doesn't Nevada have an official comedian?
BOOKMAKING BUST: No surprise a Las Vegan would be included in the 126-count indictment involving 17 people in what the Queens County, N.Y., district attorney alleges is a $32 million sports betting ring with action on both coasts.
Named in this week's indictment is Las Vegan Michael Gallagher, 39, who is allegedly a money agent in the operation. He is charged with money laundering counts, enterprise corruption, promoting illegal gambling and conspiracy.
Gallagher's address is listed at the Panorama Towers on Dean Martin Drive.
CONSERVATIVE GRADES: Conservative political think tank Nevada Policy Research Institute continues to fire away at Republican legislators who embraced Gov. Brian Sandoval's budget package and tax increase in the 2015 session.
According to NPRI, just 20 legislators registered voting records "generally favorable to taxpayers" with Assemblywoman Robin Titus and state Sen. Don Gustavson leading the way in their respective houses.
"Although Republicans had unexpectedly gained control of both Legislative chambers, Gov. Brian Sandoval and Sen. Majority Leader Michael Roberson used their influence to push successfully for the largest tax increase in state history, while working behind the scenes to stop or weaken various pension and labor reforms," an NPRI press missive says.
Still not sure Sandoval and Roberson have lost any sleep over the NPRI criticism.
SHELDON'S MAN: With Jeb Bush's lackluster debate performances shaking the confidence of Republican mega-donors, casino multibillionaire Sheldon Adelson appears closer than ever to Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio. Multiple sources, including The Guardian newspaper, report Adelson appears ready to send a "multimillion-dollar donation" into the Conservative Solutions Project. Rubio, the Florida senator and one-time Las Vegas resident, gave Bush a smackdown in Wednesday night's debate.
Speaking of Adelson, after spending years lauding the now-moribund Macau gaming market, he is talking about building a $2 billion casino-resort — in Atlanta.
ON THE BOULEVARD: Did you hear that Donald Trump is suing the Culinary union because the labor group published an inaccurate flyer about the precise whereabouts the Republican presidential candidate slept during a recent visit to the Strip? So much for major political candidates rising above the fray. ... Much to the chagrin of some of his neighbors, on Nevada Day all roads lead to former Lt. Gov. Lonnie Hammargren's zany residence for his annual open house. The tour begins at 11 a.m. at 4318 Ridgecrest Drive. Check out nevadadays.org for more details.
— Have an item for Bard of the Boulevard? Email comments and contributions to jsmith@reviewjournal.com or call 702-383-0295. On Twitter: @jlnevadasmith
