Every harried editor I’ve ever driven crazy at deadline has heard this excuse: “Something came in late and I had to rewrite from scratch. Please be patient.” This is such a time. I was scrambling for a killer lead when conveniently arrived a compelling offer from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the folks distributing defrocked Sen. Dean Heller’s résumé and … [Read more...]
We Should Be Thankful for Capitalism
Thanksgiving is rich in traditions. The turkey. The dressing. The pumpkin pie. The family assembled in prayerful reverence in remembrance of the plight of the early settlers of this country — much of which is complete fiction. The Plymouth colonists set out to live in an idealistic communal fashion. Everyone would share equally in the products of the colony. But after nearly … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving
Of all this country’s Holiday celebrations non more reflects the American dream and spirit as does Thanksgiving. From the earliest days when Columnist shared with the Indians the feast of Thanksgiving the yearly tradition has become an event of togetherness-in most cases family togetherness. Each year on this day we celebrate the many things for which we have to be thankful. … [Read more...]
When Kids Use ‘Bad’ Words
2010. My son is 8, and in the second grade. I am driving him to school. He is in the back seat, lost in his Nintendo DS game device. Suddenly a long-suffering sigh wafts up into the front seat. Then the voice so quiet, so innocent, so sincere and thoughtful: “This is all [EXPLETIVE DELETED]’d up.” Did you see me dance around that word? That’s one powerful word! I might as … [Read more...]
Standing by Your Word
I know a business man in a lifelong love affair with Japan. He studies and admires the culture and history. He studies the language, the customs and traditions. His relationship with Japan reminds me of my maternal grandmother’s cosmic ‘crush’ on Mexico. These are the kinds of people that make you want to believe in previous lives. The business man shows me, on paper, the … [Read more...]
UNR Mackay Muckers
The University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) Mackay Muckers mining team will be hosting a fundraiser on Wednesday, November 14 from 5-8 p.m. at Reno’s Mellow Fellow Pub located at 300 East Second Street. Twenty percent of the proceeds will support the Mackay Muckers as they prepare to welcome teams from around the world to the 41st Annual International Intercollegiate Mining … [Read more...]
Should Each County Get a Single State Senator?
The blue Clark County tail wagged the red Nevada dog in this past week’s election. Election results show rural and urban Nevada are of two vastly different states of mind. For example, in the race for the U.S. Senate, Democrat Jacky Rosen carried only Clark and Washoe counties, while Republican incumbent Dean Heller won every other county handily. In the more heavily … [Read more...]
Bluish Waves, Silver Bullets, Yellow Dogs & Chickens
Nevada’s vaunted Blue Wave was a spray bottle of Windex. You could have won bar bets on last week’s political races with no more knowledge than which party registered the most voters in a district. Statewide, all the Donkeykongs won save secretary of state candidate Nelson Araujo, defeated by incumbent Wicked Witch of Voter Suppression Barbara Cegavske. He failed to raise … [Read more...]