Reporter’s Notebook

DURING AN EDITORIAL BOARD MEETING at the Review-Journal, opinion writers scoffed and rolled their eyes at the notion that better funding for public education would necessarily improve student performance.

"We have tried the other way," responded Joyce Haldeman, associate superintendent for Clark County School District. "Let's give you no money and see how you do."

JAMES HAUG

WHILE STUMPING FOR JOHN McCAIN in Henderson on Wednesday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shared a story about his recent trip to the Beijing Olympics.

Shortly after arriving there, he was greeted warmly by Chinese Olympic officials who remembered his role in the success of the Salt Lake City Winter Games.

That reception continued, Romney said, when he and his wife, Ann, visited a volleyball venue. After they settled into their seats, he noticed the Chinese and Americans on hand taking photo after photo.

"I can't believe how many people want my picture," he said to his wife.

Ann told him to turn around.

Seated right behind Romney was Kobe Bryant.

PAUL HARASIM

PART OF A CONVERSATION OVERHEARD BETWEEN TWO YOUNG LADIES on Monday, the first day of classes at UNLV: "I mean, right behind me and up against me and I could feel everything? I'm like, 'Ewwww. I gotta go.' "

RICHARD LAKE

IT'S WIDELY KNOWN THAT REVIEW-JOURNAL REPORTERS never pay for news tips. But that hasn't stopped an inmate at the Las Vegas city jail from offering his information for a hefty price.

The inmate, facing a firearms violation, sent two letters to the newspaper stating that he had vital information about a high-profile case.

"I'm putting my life on the line by telling you about this," he wrote.

The price for his information? $2,500. But he added that he was willing to negotiate. The inmate later sent another letter, in which he dropped his price to $2,000.

"You won't be disappointed by the story," he wrote.

The Review-Journal passed on the offer.

DAVID KIHARA

LAS VEGAS MAYOR OSCAR GOODMAN HAD A GIN MARTINI in his hand at a recent lunchtime kickoff for Restaurant Week, which starts Monday and raises money for Three Square, a food bank.

Of course he did, you say. Doesn't he always?

Maybe, but he's not always drinking. Goodman regularly proclaims that he doesn't drink before 5 p.m.

"It's five o'clock somewhere," he joked, after raising his glass to the crowd. "But not here. I am going to have the olive, though."

Actually, there were three olives. He only had one.

Moderation, is thy name Oscar Goodman?

ALAN CHOATE

OVERHEARD ON THE SCANNER: Apparently she threw a clipboard at the doctor. She wasn't pleased with the treatment.