St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church holds a “Keep Christ in Christmas Mass”

By Peter Green

Friday, Dec. 25, 2009 | 5:03 p.m.

Bishop Anthony  J. Koel spoke this morning to a swelled congregation at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church this morning about why we should remember the true meaning behind Christmas. Since he was given the title of Bishop by Pope John Paul the II in 1997 it has been his personal quest to bring the word to the people.  “I am but a servant to the word and the way of the LORD…”, he said today when asked about this new project he is working to get underway. Here is some of the sermon today:

“Good morning and may the LORD be with you. Today is Christmas I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. I would like to remind you of why we are here today; we are here to celebrate the birth of our savior. But more importantly this is the time to remember why we celebrate him. He came to use to forgive and to spread good will to all people on this planet. But now we have lost our path in this city of sin. With the new iPods, LCD TVs, and X-boxes we forget that this time is not about getting things out of greed. No my friends it is a time for loving and turning the other cheek. So this season remember to keep the faith and love everyone this Christmas and rest of your days.”

Also, today he unveiled in his sermon the new Take Back the Night Week. With the backing of the city council and new LV Metro PD chief will be working overtime to help keep the streets safe ending this year. LV PD will be pushing back into Old Vegas, running check points throughout this holiday season trying to cut down on gangland activity, and drunk driving. Also, if you suspect any crime or anyone might commit a crime please call LVPD.

Man shot, dies after argument over money

By Sun Staff

Friday, Dec. 25, 2009 | 5:03 p.m.

A 23-year-old man was shot and died early Friday after arguing with another man over money, Metro Police said.

Police said officers were dispatched to a parking lot in the 4300 block of Cy Cliffview Circle, where they found the victim. Medical units responded, but the man died, police said.

Detectives talked with witnesses and determined that the victim and suspect were in an argument about money when the victim ran from the suspect and was shot, officials said.

A number of people fled the area as patrol officers arrived, Metro said.

The investigation is continuing.

Justices rule pharmacies not liable for drug-induced mishaps

By Cy Ryan

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 | 5:26 p.m.

CARSON CITY — In a split decision, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that pharmacies are not responsible for their customers injuring somebody else while under the influence of prescription drugs.

“Pharmacies do not have a duty to act to prevent a pharmacy customer from injuring an unidentified third party,” the court said in a 5-2 decision.

It upheld the ruling of District Judge Douglas Herndon, who dismissed a suit filed against seven Las Vegas pharmacies by survivors of a man killed in an auto accident and by a man who was injured and his wife.

In June 2004, Patricia Copening was driving on U.S. 95 in Las Vegas when she ran into a vehicle on the side of the road as Gregory Sanchez Jr. and Robert Martinez were fixing a flat tire. Sanchez died and Martinez was seriously injured.

Copening was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of controlled substances. A civil suit was filed against Copening, two doctors and a medical association.

During discovery in the suit, it was revealed that the Prescription Controlled Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force sent letters to pharmacies informing them that Copening had obtained about 4,500 hydrocodone pills — a narcotic pain killer — during a 12 month period in 2003 from the pharmacies.

The suit was amended to include the pharmacies, alleging that the drug stores had filled Copening’s prescription after receiving the notice from the task force.

The majority decision, written by Chief Justice James Hardesty, said there is nothing in the law “to require pharmacies to take action to protect the general public after receiving a task force letter.”

The law requires pharmacies to create computer programs to track controlled substances they are filling. This law “did not intend to create a policy that requires pharmacies to protect third parties from a pharmacy customer’s action.”

Hardesty said there is no allegation that there were irregularities in filling the prescriptions.

Justices Michael Cherry and Nancy Saitta dissented, saying the case should return to District Court.

Cherry said the pharmacies owed a duty of care to the survivors to investigate the validity of Copening’s prescriptions and to refuse to fill them, if warranted.

He suggested the letter from the task force justified a common-law negligence suit against the pharmacies.

Sanchez’s minor daughters and his widow filed a wrongful death suit, and Martinez and his wife filed a personal injury complaint.

The suits were brought against Wal-Mart, Longs, Walgreen, CVS, Rite-Aid, Sav-On and Lam’s.

Still pending in District Court is the suit against Copening.

*Las Vegas Sun Times article in ‘Local and News’ subarticles*

By: James Laury

4 Las Vegas University students have gone missing since their departure to perform research for the upcoming play ‘My Psychotic Libido’ to be performed at LVU later this Spring. Families and Friends of the missing have stated reports they never returned from their research session. Anyone with information is to call the Las Vegas Police Department.

*This news covers time from posting to the next session*

Word begins to spread quite fast after the December 11th Denver Conclave. The Assamites are the Seventh Pillar of the Camarilla.

Following the official installment of Justicar Tegyrius and the installment of his first Archon, Al-Ashrad, Clan Assamite have begun to pilgrimage outside Denver to nearby cities and territories, establishing havens and garnishing Acknowledgement.

Primogen have emerged from this massive migration in cities along the US coasts. New York City, Boston, Philidephia, to Chicago, Milkwalkee, Detroit, and even the west coast including Seattle, Vancouver, San Diego and especially Denver have seen a sudden influx of Assamite presence. The amount of presences unnerves many Kindred.

Especially those of Clan Tremere. The Warlocks in most cities holding an Assamite Primogen openly rebuke and deny the Assamite’s claims to Status for their seat. The approval of the Assamites entrance by Justicar Anastaz de Zagreb of Clan Tremere, show signs of dissent and unrest amongst the Tremere population. The reason for the sedition between the Warlocks and the Assassins is unknown, and no one is talking.

Many of the Assamites who have claimed a Primogen seat are showing capable aptitude in their stations, and showing sincerity to their observance of the Traditions, a situation that even worsens the Tremere’s stance of non-approval. Some cities such as Chicago has seen the Tremere Primogen push for a No-Seat to the Assamites, which garnished approval from the rest of the Primogen Council, ensuring Clan Assamite has no representation. Other areas, such as the weak New York City, has ousted the Tremere Primogen from their Council, allowing the Assamites their willing and desperately needed aid.

Not just in the United States, across the pond is just as ferocious. Queen Anne Bowsley of London has openly denied the Assamites a seat on the Primogen Council regardless the open invitation and welcome from Jan Pieterzoon at the Denver Conclave, even to the point of claiming Lextalionis on any Assamite attempting to take the non-existant seat; Her hated of the Clan reaching untold heights for reasons unknown. In Greece, the Brujah Prince of Athens has installed a blood_hunt on any Assamite who claims adherence to the Camarilla, calling them spies and traitors. In Rome, the unstable Ventrue held domain utilizes the Catholic Church to hunt down Assamite covens and slay them in the name of ‘God’.

Others in the Old World regard the Assamite’s entrance as a blessing. Giangeliazzo, Prince of Milan has placed an Assamite as his Seneshal as well as firmly supported the Assamites taking a Primogen seat making Milan a place of safety for a ideal-torn Europe. In Paris, the Assamites are held in equal standing by the Toreader Elder Raphael de Corazon, saying their entrance resolidifies what the Camarilla stands for.

In the end, the Camarilla has taken a seperating stance on the official indoctrination of the Assamites, a very wide seperation.

Man those Harpies are certainly on a tuff about something. They seem to be discussing what appears to be a document written in a typewriter. When asked, they will tell you that it was found in the entrance of the art gallery, stapled onto a 3rd shift guard and left in the Kindred only areas. The staple, they will show you, is about the size of a large dog, and made from rubar steel.

To the Cainites of the ‘Camarilla’:

Let it be known this day, December 15th 2009 that we, the Sword of Caine, true inheritors of our legacy, lay claim to power and dominance in this the city of Las Vegas. Our power is sacrosanct, and our vengeance upon betrayers is mighty. Your grovelling at the feet of Brand Crimson is over, for we are gratious hosts.

Yet gratious hosts must contend with the wayward flock, those who do not see the Truth. For this, we must be harsh, and with this harshness we offer our sympathy. The territory known to the cattle as ‘Old Las Vegas’ is territory blessed by those who have heard the call and True Sabbat. Any others will be destroyed and forfeit of their heartsblood. Do not contest our wrath.

Those who continue to follow the ideals and misguided edicts of the “Sect” dubbed as ‘Camarilla’ shall be hunted to the last Cainite. Let their blood fuel the holy war, and let their loss of power bring power to those who fight for all Cainites.

So we claim as doctrine, so shall be enforced. We are generous to those who show sympathy, for your Malkavian Primogen is proof of our sympathy for our fellow Cainites.

Glory to Caine,

The Council of Bishops

Man dies in apartment fire in eastern valley of Old Las Vegas

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 | 2:27 p.m.

Las Vegas Sun Times

A man died Tuesday in an apartment fire in the eastern Las Vegas Valley.

Clark County firefighters received a call from a neighbor at about 9:48 a.m. today indicating that smoke was coming from an apartment in Old Vegas near Pecos Road and Hacienda Avenue. Firefighters found a man who was dead near a bedroom window, Clark County Fire Department spokesman Scott Allison said.

Allison said the fire erupted in the bedroom on the bed. He said the man died of excessive burns over his body. The man lived alone and no one else was at the apartment at the time of the fire.

Allison said it was possible the victim might have lied down and fallen asleep while smoking because of  the scorch marks on is bed and around the room. Few analysts are thinking spontaneous combustion since it seems there was a large amount of isolated damage and no accelerant.  An estimated amount of damage wasn’t available Tuesday afternoon. More information to come as it becomes available.

Local News, Same time as previous pose:

Heather: “In other news, we have received news of a boycott at LVU in regards to possible board of director legislation of a theatre play being brought to the attention of the Board. We are going live to the standing boycott, Jacob Wade reports…”

*The screen succumbs to white static, rather than smooth transition to reveal a man wearing what appears to be rags. Brown, head-long disheveled hair with a ragged goatee and the eyes of a madman, grinning at what appears to be a handheld personal camera.

???: “Hello, Heather. Your as sexy as a candy cane at Christmas time.”

Heather: “….I…am sorry, what is this? Who are you?”

???: “You dont know me? I certainly know you. Sick little half-breed like you? I bet you just suckle at some big buyers tit dont you?”

Heather: “I am sorry, what is going on here? Can we get this asshole off the air?”

???: “Oh dont mind me, Heather. I am just here to talk to our friends? You have friends dont you?”

Heather: “…Sir? Who are you, and what do you want?”

???: “Oh, I forgot how these things work. I suppose that happens when your FUCKING locked up for doing great work. Ahem. *cough*. Hi. My name is Marcus Halworth, I am a Saggitarius, and I love asian women, and hate nightstalkers.”

Heather: “….oh my god.”

Marcus: “Hi Heather. Nice wig. Anyway! I have a vision! Of a great…revival! And here to assist us in this passion play are some people I am so glad to have helping us. Oh, here hold on.”

*The camera turns toward a small warehouse. Inside what you can assume to be barred windows, which the glass has been broken but the bars are secure, are dozens of people rattle the bars and are crying out for help.*

Marcus: “What you see before you, Heather is a date with destiny. These fuckers have been bleeding the Money State since they dug themselves out of the fucking dirt.”

Heather: “Umm…Marcus…what are you talking about?”

Marcus: “Simple. Survival of the fittest. I am here to tell our friends Heather that everything burns. The most simplest of chemical theorems. Heat always makes things better.”

Heather: “Oh god.”

Marcus: “The warehouse before you contains a wonderous amount of people Heather. Bad people. Though I have to say unfortunately the warehouse laborers were just too damn stubborn to leave. Well, Omlet and eggs Heather, omlets and eggs.”

Heather: “You cant do that!! What are you doing?!”

Marcus: “Oh, my own special blend of justice. What you have presented for you is a warehouse that has been doused in about 75 gallons of gasoline, butane, and other highly flammable substances. Inside, are inlaid various bombs made from household ingredients, ammonia to ruin blood traces, and well…so much shit you will think we’re celebrating new years early. To ignite this flame of revival, I have a special made Mortar cannon.”

Heather: *You hear Heather gag.*

Marcus: “I wish to bet that everyone in that warehouse will burn to ash in fifteen seconds. What do you think, Heather?”

Heather: *Silence*

Marcus: “Well, so much for pillow talk.”

*You hear some sounds off in the background, until a loud *BANG* is heard as something bright, and fast strikes the warehouse, causing one explosion until suddenly about seven other explosions rock and utterly obliterate the warehouse. The sound of Heather vomitting via the wire is accompanied by people running out of the remains of the warehouse, screaming in pain, fear and sheer terror before they fall to the ground already damaged beyond repair. Some seem to melt as they try to escape while others can be seen in the light of the fire as nothing more than husks burning with the wreckage.*

Marcus: “Hey look, Heather! A runaway!”

*The camera points and zooms on a firey figure running in the distance with a limp as a revolver is seen off to the side. Loud bangs are fired off, as the man eventually flies his head off to the side and collapses onto the ground. The camera turns back onto Halworth*

Marcus: “And with this he shall marshal the Time of Reckoning. He shall speak to the wayward flock and they shall rise to be his generals. The weak shall become the strong, and those who are strong will be found to be the prey….Your time is close. I can smell you. SD cant protect you forever from me. Seek shelter where you can. In your little hovels, your brothels and hotels. In God, or Allah, or Yawheh, or Satan, or whatever fuckers you worship this week. I will find you. I will hunt you. I will kill you. Oh…and SD…your mine. Traitor.”

*The video feed cuts to static, and returns to Heather who is crying with her face buried in her arms on the newstable counter before the news station cuts to commercials ‘with technical difficulties.’*

Local 6pm News:

“Hello, this is Heather Chang. Recent police action has placed former chief deputy Keith Mayes, 36, as the new Las Vegas Chief of Police. In a recent discussion by reporters, Mayes had this to say about his position:”

Mayes: “I thought that Johnathan Andrews would have been Chief for many more years, and it is with a deep respect that I take this position. I wish to tell the people of Las Vegas, that I will ensure, with every breath that I shall return Las Vegas to the peace it is deserved and the freedom that this city is to represent. Ongoing crime, murder, all on the rise to the point even John was a victim. This will not stand. I will promise everyone that.”

Heather: “Keith Mayes has served in the Las Vegas PD for 19 years, as a member of traffic division and also as a Detective for the Special Case division. At six decorations he was promoted to chief deputy in 1999, and has served in that station until now. When asked about the death of former chief Andrews, Mayes had this to say:”

Mayes: “Currently, our investigation is nearing it’s conclusion. We are currently gathering evidence of the culprit for this heinous act against John, and his family, and we believe very soon our members of Internal Affairs will bring the murderer to justice.”

Heather: “Mayes declined to comment on any forthcomings of the investigation. Onto sports. Jack?”

Vegas Times 11/10/2009 - 21 year old Mike Hardwick was found dead in his room on November 8th after campus security investigated a strange smell coming from his LVU dorm room. According to students, Hardwick had not been to class in weeks.

Those closest to him state that they last saw him after he came home from a Rave in the industrial portion of West Vegas (OOC: Old Vegas). They state he seemed to be unable to recall details of the evening.

The scene was grisly, with strange drawings of a young girl and drawings of cats taped to his walls and the words “Why can’t I remember?!?” scrawled on the walls in what appears to have been his own blood. Although an official autopsy has not been performed at this time, an unnamed source within the coroner’s office states Hardwick likely died due to blood loss from self inflicted injuries, however homicide has not yet been ruled out.

A source within LVPD states the deceased was found holding a cell phone and a business card for a local area lawyer.

Mike Hardwick was survived by his parents Chris and Bethany Hardwick, his younger brother Scott, and sister Nancy. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Drew Hardwick in 1988.

*In the Tuesday newspaper

POLICE CHIEF NEWEST HALWORTH VICTIM? OR WORSE?

By: James Laury

Las Vegas - At an official conference with reporters, the Mayor of Las Vegas has officially given the report that the rumors pertaining to the death of Las Vegas Police Chief Johnathan Andrews, 39, and his family to killer-at-large Marcus Halworth was false.

At the conference the Mayor, obviously not speaking of detail, discussed how police officers had kept silent on the topic that the Chief was not into work that day however three days of No notification, the police went to his home in New Vegas to find himself, his wife Anna, 34 and his daughter Jessica, 15, dead in their home.

“Due to that nature surrounding the Andrews killings it has come to the state department that this is not Marcus Halworth. In actuality, we believe that due to evidence found at the crime scene that someone within the Las Vegas police department was involved in the triple murder.” The Mayor refused to comment in detail.

The Mayor closed the discussion with saying that Internal Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be in a joint-operation to investigate this turn of events. “I will not have our department in Las Vegas fall like other cities,” The Mayor assured. “I have given authority to the local federal branch. I will have the problem rooted, prosecuted, and thrown in jail before I fall asleep before letting the Department continue to protect and serve with full authority.”

As usual, the Three Harpies that no one ever truely sees actually presented in game(sorry), have begun to spread their words around to the Kindred populace of Las Vegas.

“So I hear that the Sabbat have formalized a seige I hear.” The fashion-designer Toreador says. “And in one move, they’ve already crippled us I fear. From my ghouls I hate to say it but it seems that Old Vegas has been overrun by the enemy!”

“I heard the same too.” The Dance Instructor Toreador responds. “I heard in one assault, a pack of foaming Sabbat managed to down the Sheriff’s two Deputies!” The fashion-designer and the painter gasp, as the Dance Instructor continues. “And not only that! The brutes! They drank their hearts-blood!” The other two look horrified.

“Good heavens, the barbarians!” The Fashion-designer says. “But that’s not all of it, I fear what I’ve heard only makes the situation far worse.” The other two look over, worried. “I heard that the Sabbat managed to take down Primogen Malice! And that the Nosferatu Elder is forced into Torpor!” They gasp, heavy-hearted. “Luckily, one of the Nosferatu I heard managed to save the Elder before the Sabbat could drink him dry as well!” The gasp, is turned to a soft smile, for a moment or so.

“You think that is bad!” The Painter says, “I have heard similar news, they arent the only ones to get it!” Once more worry strikes the Harpies. “I’ve heard that Primogen Garth is MIA!” Worry turns to fear. “Two of our Revered Primogen! Taken by the enemy if not destroyed to the final death and we are still missing our Revered Toreader and Brujah Primogens! What are we going to do!”

“Well,” Says the Fasion-Designer, “I know one thing is for certain, most definately so. Rumor amongst my friends is that the Sheriff is declaring Dux Bellorum.” They get wide-eyed. “He’s challenging the Prince?!” The other two say unified, to which they get idly tapped with her notebook. “Good gracious no, taking command of the war effort. This is a seige! Not just some idiotic raid! Havent you seen the targets so far? Elders? PRIMOGEN? He’s taking command of the city until the seige has ended. So long as the Prince approves, of course.”

“But what will the Prince say about that? Most certainly His Exalted Prince Crimson will not allow such outright claims! Has he even discussed this move with the Prince?” The Painter asks.

“I do not know, for certain. I just know since Halloween and that…strange affair, the Sheriff and Scourge have been quite busy. I figured either of them would claim Dux Bellorum, if not His Exalted Prince sooner than them…I wonder why the Prince hasnt declared such,” They all tap their chins with feathered quills, their prefered writing instrument. ”On a lighter note, I hear the two are betting on a body count.” The Fashion-Designer retorts, to which the harpies chuckle. “Boys will be boys I suppose.”

A phone rings, to which the Painter picks ups, discusses quietly and gasps hanging up the phone. “Oh dear lord.” The harpies look, expecting obviously for their friend to squeal. “Another one is confirmed dead, to the Final Death.” The harpies are no longer chuckling. “Who is it now?”

“Went by the name of Freya, nothing more than a mere neonate.” The Painter says, but the harpies give an idle shrug. “She was merely acknowledged wasnt she?” They ask, to which the Painter nods once. “Oh, well I suppose collateral damage is meant to happen. At least it isnt another Primogen. How did she go? Another raid victim?”

“A fellow in touch with the Scourge got wind he took care of the poor girl’s body. Burned it and dumped it underneath trash in a dumpster. Poor way to go, he said it looked like diablerie.” The Toreador all give a heart-deepening sigh of fear.

“I still do not see why you talk to that fellow. You do realize he is nothing more than a killer, no matter how polite he makes himself out to be. No one takes the reigns of Scourge willingly without a thirst for blood.” The Dance Instructor tells the Painter, who gives a polite shrug. “Same could be said of anyone, including the Sheriff if you wish to go that route.” The Harpies, in your reliance to overhear their talespinning, are disappointed for about twenty minutes as they smalltalk the above topic, which goes into Money, which goes into the fact they dont think Benjamin Franklin was a good choice for the 100 dollar bill.

“Well, besides all that,” The fashion Designer says, “I certainly hope this seige ends soon. If this place turns into another New York City…or god forbid San Francisco? I wish my home the best, but I will not stay long.” The other two girls nodding, in agreement. “On a completely different note however, I have heard interesting news among my friends in the Archons.”

The Toreador look to the Fashion Designer. “You have friends in the Archons?” The Designer smiles. “Of course I do, I have been known to attend a gala with an Archon or two.” She gives a pretty smile. “However listen, listen dears. I hear a Conclave has been called to officially discuss the entrance of the Assamites.”

They look disgusted. “Really? What brutes.” They seem unappeased. “The Assassins are looking for nothing more than a place to eat more people. We have enough Amaranth’s in this place now with the Sabbat, we dont need to extend our hand to famous diablerists.”

“Well,” The Fashion Designer says with a smirk. “We shall wait and see.”

The Dance Instructor gets a sour face. “I think the blood within me is rotting with that news, please. Excuse me,” She runs off.

—-Summary of IC aquired information/gossip

*The Sabbat have officially overrun Old Vegas.

*RIP of the Sabbat Raid: 2 Deputies of the Sheriff, Freya(PC), Marcus Malice(Nos Primogen, NPC, Torpor), Garth/Mr. J(Malk Primogen, MIA)

*The Sheriff has officially declared himself Dux Bellorum(Cam-Lore 2 required: War master during a seige, when Title in effect, outpowers the Prince(in theory) in a Contested City but the Prince usually allows the Dux to perform his duties without inquiry. Is usually the Prince of the domain, but not always.). The Sheriff has done so using 7 points of Status. Acknowledged, Feared, Feared, Respected, Well-Connected, Well-Known, and Cherished.

*The Sheriff and Scourge are once more on a betting contest for a Body Count of Sabbat.

*A Conclave has been called soon to discuss the official placement of Clan Assamite to replace Clan Gangrel as the Sixth Pillar of the Camarilla.