Chief topic of conversation at a recent Kaffee Klatsch was about football coach Norvell leaving Nevada. The conversation then evolved to coaches past and present at the U. My most memorable two were Jim Aiken and Jake Lawlor. Then I recalled a coach who got very little publicity—who was Art Broten. He was a physical education mentor. Of all the physical disciplines in … [Read more...]
Nevada Steeler
Recently, while watching the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Ravens by one point I recalled the most famous Nevadan to play for the Steelers, his name was Pat Brady. The late Nevada quarterback Brady was a left-footed kicker, as well an outstanding all around performer for both the Silver and Blue and later for the Steelers. He set an NCAA record that to my knowledge has … [Read more...]
Remembering Bill Harrah
Recently I traveled to Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and while visiting Harrah’s, realized that the magnificent building would be 50 years old in a couple of years. The highrise edifice still dominates the skyline at Stateline and the legendary Harrah’s credo of excellent service, extreme cleanliness and the latest in innovations continues on today. On opening day, 48 years ago, … [Read more...]
Master producer
The title of this week’s column refers to one Pierre Cossette, a booking agent for Mapes entertainment during Reno’s Golden era. A little over 10 years ago I happened to meet Pierre’s son, one John Cossette, who told me of Pierre’s passing. He noted that two funerals were held for Pierre, one in L.A. and one in his birth place in Canada. Over the years I had many … [Read more...]
Floods & Route 66
The recent huge floods in the northwest corner of our country, reminded me of the turbulent floods that troubled the Biggest Little City in the past. As I mentioned before in this space, one of the favorite disciplines of journalists is the use of alliteration. Below is an example that was written long ago about how the Truckee flooding literally cut Reno in half. The … [Read more...]
Who’s in charge?
Last week we had another example of exactly who is in charge in the Biden White House. It started off with Biden being questioned about a rumor circulating around D.C. about the fact that illegal immigrants who had been separated from their children were going to receive some $450,000. Biden replied absolutely not and in some reports he had also called it “garbage”. This seemed … [Read more...]
‘Woke’ Wake up please
This year’s Election Day proved one thing, and that is wokeness took a terrific beating, especially in the commonwealth of Virginia. In spite of trotting out their biggest guns, the Democrats could not salvage a win for the former Governor, “Terry” as he was called on his campaign literature. That same Terry, who led in the polls initially, may have had the major part in the … [Read more...]
Build backwards better
Like most towns in America, the morning kaffee klatsches in Reno are the best source for getting the political pulse of the country. The early morning gatherings usually consist of Republicans, Democrats and Independents. This gives you a full dose of the thinking of the various entities. Naturally, the main topic of the current caffeine infused gatherings is President Joe … [Read more...]