consecutive sentences, and we decline Estes' invitation to compel such a requirement. See, e.g., Hughes v. State, 116 Nev. 327, 333, 996 P.2d 890, 893 (2000) (noting that "this court has never required the district courts to utter 'talismanic' phrases" and instead "looks to the record as a whole to determine whether the sentencing court actually exercised its discretion").

We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion, Houk v. State, 103 Nev. 659, 664, 747 P.2d 1376, 1379 (1987), and we ORDER the judgment of conviction AFFIRMED.

J.

Hardesty

Douglas

J.

cc: Hon. Connie J. Steinheimer, District Judge Washoe County Public Defender Attorney General/Carson City Washoe County District Attorney Washoe District Court Clerk

SUPREME COURT OF NEVADA (0) 1947A