WEEK IN REVIEW: Reporters’ Notebook

University of Oregon Paleontologist Ted Fremd is in Las Vegas this week for an international meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology.

You might not know it from reading the agenda, but these things can get pretty crazy, Fremd said.

In the scientific community, geologists in general -- and paleontologists in particular -- are known for their ability to have a good time.

Fremd said he can think of a few places where the paleontologists' convention would probably not be welcomed back.

"That's one thing I'll say about Las Vegas," he said. "It will have absolutely no problem accommodating the antics of 1,500 paleontologists."

HENRY BREAN

A Review-Journal reporter and photographer were on a ride-along Wednesday with Las Vegas police officer Mark Washington when he pulled over a man who was driving erratically on Interstate 15 near D Street. Backup officers later arrested the man, who was likely to be charged with driving under the influence -- of marijuana -- Washington said. The officer said he knew the man was high because, when asked if there was anything he wanted to tell police, the man said: "I would never drive high, officer."

LYNNETTE CURTIS

The grand opening of the new Metropolitan Police Department headquarters complex turned into a semi-roast of Sheriff Doug Gillespie, thanks to County Commissioner Larry Brown.

Before an audience of several hundred local movers and shakers, Brown praised Las Vegas' top cop for his contribution to building the agency's first headquarters in its 38-year history.

"Sheriff Gillespie was responsible for the names of these buildings -- A, B and C," Brown deadpanned.

BRIAN HAYNES

TWEET OF THE WEEK: @Joan_Rivers (Comedian Joan Rivers) Ahhh ... finally back in NY after a week in Vegas and LA. My dogs barely recognize me! Maybe I should have taken off my Halloween costume.