Letters

Field of streams

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Spring is springing like crazy around here. Crazy is springing like crazy around here, too, but I guess the concepts go hand in hand.

I’m so happy to see the crocuses, daffodils and tulips reaching their little green fingers toward the blue, blue sky. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I feel my chest expanding like a yogic cobra.

Something about this time of year makes me really appreciate new music, and since my brother, Chip, brought me a $50 Amazon gift certificate for my 50th birthday last week, I’ve been listening to a lot of it. I bought a bunch of MP3s I’ve been wanting. Let’s see, out of that $50, I got Beach Fossils, Cults, Jason & The Scorchers, Joe Walsh, St. Vincent, and The National’s latest. Awesome. Having all the music in the world instantly available at my fingertips is, to put it mildly, addictive. And then there’s this whole inexplicable Taylor Swift “Enchanted” thing. Do you think she’s really a good girl? Because I don’t.

I find Amazon’s and Google’s cloud computing platforms interesting but frustrating. I have an Android phone, so I mostly use the Google apps. For it to work easily, buying music on Amazon would require me to add the Amazon app, taking memory and battery power from my phone, which I won’t do. So I go this whole circuitous route of buying the music on Amazon, downloading to my home computer, uploading to Google Play, then pinning it back to my cell phone so I can listen to it without dependence on network “bars.”

That’s a lot of work when the nature of the cloud is sharing, instantly, anywhere. If somebody wants to make some money, they’ll figure out an app that works around all this proprietary, my-piece-of-the-pie stuff. The internet is a wholly collaborative environment, and Bill Gates and Steve Jobs business models are passing like those cold winter days that trapped the daffodils. — D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Truth to tell

Re “The naked truth” (Feature story, March 29):

Caitlin Thomas’s article, “The Naked Truth,” was terrific. The lady is quite a writer in my book. I would love to read more of her work—though I did read a few of her columns in the Sagebrush during the last few years. Her honesty is really impressive. Hopefully, she will pursue a carrier involving writing or even politics! Ed Jucevic Sparks

Nude college girls

Re “The naked truth” (Feature story, March 29):

So ... slow news week, eh, RN&R? College girls becoming strippers is nothing new or interesting. It’s pretty much the basis for the whole industry. B. Anderson Folsom, Calif.

You’re forked

Re “We’ll see about that” (Editor’s note, March 29):

I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis with coronary artery disease. I, too, have been struggling with health issues. But, I am learning that I have a lot more control over these things than I used to think. At Christmas, I watched a video called Forks Over Knives and decided to give their recommendations a try for five weeks, at which time, I would be having a new blood test. For me, the results were literally shocking. In those five weeks, I lowered my overall cholesterol from around 280 to 150. I lowered my LDLfrom 180 to 80. And, now at three months, I have lost around 10 to 15 pounds. Something I’ve been trying to do for years, only this time, the weight loss has been effortless. In the video, you will see far more impressive results with people who were/are having life-threatening heart/artery diseases. I greatly encourage you to watch the video. For myself, the rewards are far greater than the effort being asked. I wish you all the luck in the world on your desire for full health. Mark Womack Reno

Drug money

Re “Mushroom cloud” (15 Minutes, March 22):

I don’t believe it’s necessarily the government we need to fight, but the big pharmaceutical companies that are lobbying Congress. They want their drugs in because they have monopolized the trade of these drugs. They bottle their drugs up and put a price tag on them. The legalization of mushrooms would only hinder their profits. Mushrooms, when compared to these synthetic drugs, are relatively easy to grow at home and don’t require prescription after prescription. One dose may provide benefits for weeks to months. With money in politics we’ve destroyed the free-market. We need to get money out of politics, and make Congress “for the people, by the people” again. Jim McDermott La Crosse, Wis.

Fight for drugs

Re “Mushroom cloud” (15 Minutes, March 22):

I absolutely agree with you. I sell opiates and benzos and amphetamines to so many poor souls who come to the pharmacy I work at. I know there are natural, less addictive alternatives that they could use, if only they were legal. Especially Iboga—the drug that ends addiction to other drugs. Keep up the good fight, brother!

Joel Rosenblum Philadelphia

Bear essentials

The Nevada Department of Wildlife strikes again with their murderous plot to kill all the bears in Nevada: The bear captured yesterday was a male, they were looking for a female with two yearling cubs ... they killed this bear anyway. Now, they are backing up their ongoing killing spree by claiming this bear was also guilty of something. What? Nothing more than smelling the bait they placed inside the trap and coming to the dinner invitation, his last meal. Please call the governor’s office. Don’t listen to their lies, but instead tell them how disgusted you are by these mass murders: 684-5670. Be polite but firm.

Kat Smith Incline Village

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages people to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live. Editor/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Ashley Hennefer Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Photographer Amy Beck Contributors Amy Alkon, Megan Berner, Matthew Craggs, Mark Dunagan, Marvin Gonzalez, Bob Grimm, Michael Grimm, Dave Preston, Jessica Santina, K.J. Sullivan, Bruce Van Dyke Design Manager Kate Murphy Art Director Priscilla Garcia Associate Art Director Hayley Doshay Editorial Designer India Curry Design Brennan Collins, Marianne Mancina, Mary Key, Skyler Smith, Melissa Arendt Art Director at Large Don Button, Andrea Diaz-Vaughn Advertising Consultants Gina Odegard, Kelly Funderburk, Matt Odegard, Bev Savage Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office/Distribution Manager/ Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke

Cry me a river

Re “Royale with cheese” (Film, March 29):

Foremost, clearly Bob Grimm has no clue whatsoever what he is talking about. Whilst the concept of Hunger Games may be similar in some ways to Battle Royale, it is completely different in the way that it puts on the spot the ignorance of mankind and what people will do to survive. The characters of Peeta and Katniss are developed amazingly. The fact that characters from the capitol are colorful and ridiculous-looking compared to the drabness of District 12 is an amazing way of putting in stark contrast the difference of the districts with the rich capitol. When you see how ridiculous they look, and the positive spin they put on it, and how they genuinely enjoy watching this death match with a total disregard for the lives of the 24 children they’re killing, it makes you hate them and despise them with passion. This is especially felt when you get a taste of the genuine kindness and goodness of Peeta’s character. The shakiness of the camera at all times gives you the sensation that no matter what is happening, even if it’s a calm scene, you’re still in danger. Watching the movie, you can’t help but feel sick at the entire concept. It’s not a movie you watch for fun. It’s a movie that, in itself, continues to amaze. When I saw it, more than half the audience were sobbing. People don’t sob at movies that are shocking and cheap. Sean Landis Melbourne, Australia

Hey, Deidre!

Re “The naked truth” (Feature story, March 29):

Caitlin Thomas’essay was fascinating. Thank her for this and for her work to date. Looking forward to the book.

Deidre Pike Honolulu

Gassy politics

There goes the price of gas.

My take is it’s the speculators and political zealots who want to deny Obama a second term.

Until we get off our auto-addiction, we will be hostage to those sleazy sinister forces.

What can we do? Summer’s coming. Get a scooter, a bicycle, make one trip instead of 10 for shopping, walk, and pressure our local governments to synchronize our damned stoplights.

Lowering our energy use does not mean a reduced or inferior quality of life. It can often enhance and improve it. And it will certainly extend it.

ABTU saved is a BTU earned. Craig Bergland Reno

Broke Bob’s heart

Re “Royale with cheese” (Film, March 29):

Dear Bob Grimm: I would like to comment on your judgments about The Hunger Games. I have read the book, and I feel you should not have criticized the way the actors acted because, FYI, Stanley Tucci is supposed to play a self-entered person from the capital who over-analyzes himself 24/7. I’m sorry you think Battle Royale is way better, but what teen wants to see a movie called that? Anyone will agree that everyone loves Twilight because there is a little action and hot men, which The Hunger Games has, so don’t be such a hypocrite.

Oh, and by the way, Jennifer Lawrence was voted overall best style, not “silly wigs, prosthetic teeth and has pounds of makeup that makes them look clownlike.” Maybe people would like you more if instead of purposely looking for flaws in a movie, you write something positive because half the movies you said stunk were actually really good. So, basically, don’t become a Donald Trump and be a hypocrite. Be nicer.

Lexxie Hall, 11 Reno

Editor’s note: I’m with you, Lexxie. Bob’s a big meanie, and I loved TheHunger Games. Thanks for the commentary.

Executive Assistant/Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Assistant Distribution Manager Ron Neill Distribution Drivers Sandra Chhina, Jesse Pike, John Miller, Martin Troye, David Richards, Warren Tucker, Matthew Veach, Neil Lemerise, Russell Moore General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Senior Accountant Kevin Driskill Credit and Collections Manager Renee Briscoe Business Zahida Mehirdel, Shannon McKenna Systems Manager Jonathan Schultz Systems Support Specialist Joe Kakacek Web Developer/Support Specialist John Bisignano 708 North Center Street Reno, NV 89501 Phone (775) 324-4440 Fax (775) 324-4572 Classified Fax (916) 498-7940 Mail Classifieds & Talking Personals to N&R Classifieds, Reno Edition, 1015 20th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 or e-mail classifieds@newsreview.com Web site www.newsreview.com Printed by Paradise Post The RN&R is printed using recycled newsprint whenever available. Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the RN&Rare those of the authors and not of Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. The RN&Ris not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form. Cover design: Priscilla Garcia Feature story design: Priscilla Garcia

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

Just grow up

There are few things more irritating to us here in the editorial department at the Reno News & Review than to have to act mature and adult in the face of whiny behavior on the part of our elected officials. So, please, don’t expect it.

We’ve said it like a million times: “The Reno City Council spent money like drunken children for the last 15 years, pandering to the corporate bosses who financed their campaigns.”

We begged councilmembers to consider their responsibilities to us, the people, the citizens of Reno, instead of their childish desire to be big shots, to stroke their own egos. It didn’t happen. And now, it’s going to happen too late.

We’re fully cognizant that there’s not a spare million bucks in there for Reno to deal on an adult, equal-to-equal level with Washoe County for integrated fire services.

And things are just going to get worse for citizens of Reno as government is forced to further downgrade services below what other communities think of as the bare minimum. It’s already happened to police, roads and parks.

Actually, it’s already happened to fire and firefighters, hasn’t it?

On the other hand, it’s not like we can’t remember what happened when the Reno City Council and the Washoe County Commission “cooperated” like adults—a train trench. There’s the big chicken coming home to roost. Just one of many “fowl” balls the Council struck, not to mix metaphors or issues.

But we here in the editorial department are way too adult to say, “We told you so.” Again.

It’s very difficult at this point to even hope that a deal can be struck. And it’s not because of the money. It’s because of personality flaws and inter-jurisdictional conflicts that have been brewing for years. It’s because some members of each government couldn’t act as adults but had to constantly call names, had to grandstand, had to point fingers while ignoring the ones pointed at them. Some members of the Reno Council literally made a point of an us-vs.-them stratagy against the county throughout their time on the Council.

Citizens of Reno and Washoe County did not need two giant fires this winter to know that the conflagration doesn’t give a damn in which jurisdiction it kills people or burns homes. Wildfires are thoughtless but we know they will find the weak spots in the system. Things burn in the unprotected spots; it’s what gives them fuel to overwhelm the secure areas.

So here’s our advice. It’s the same advice we’d give to a third grader who didn’t do his homework so he’s pissed off at his teacher: Make the best of your bad situation.

Don’t stomp your feet and scream like a baby because your opponent can’t be forced to negotiate with you. Swallow your arrogance.

Deal with it. No more name calling. No more bad faith games.

Your friends’and families’lives and property are at stake. Ω

Is there such a thing as local culture?

Asked at Nevada Women’s Lobby meeting

Nancyann Leeder

Attorney Yes. We have a tremendous musical community here. It’s really wonderful. … We have folk dance. That’s not usually live music, but contra dance is always live music, second Saturday of the month.

Frances Wedmore

Paralegal I was born and raised here. I hope that there is. Unfortunately, I have not seen much of it of late, but would like to get back to it.

Diane Loper

Victim advocate I think so. Yes. I think that’s one of the good things about Reno. I know people who are very active in alt music

Cecelia Colling

Retiree Sure. There’s local art, definitely. There’s local music, there’s local artists that are unique. And certainly the food has its own flavor and eclectic approach.

Brent Boynton

Journalist I have a strong feeling there’s a local culture. Some of it reaches back before our time. Some of it has grown up since the ’60s or the ’70s. But I think it’s a mixture of the casino culture, the solid Nevada mining and ranching culture. I think there is something that is distinctly Reno.