Letters

All of us think about it

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Anyone who’s read this newspaper for a while knows I’m a skeptic. Worse than that, particularly where government, money or religion are concerned, I’m kind of a cynic. But, sometimes doesn’t it just feel like there must be something pulling the strings, that the meme is an active and sort of benevolent intelligence?

I can’t tell you how many times in the last few months I’ve said, “I don’t believe in fate, but I do believe in synchronicity.” Sometimes I get drunk and can’t remember which one I believe in. What I’m trying to say is that I’m not one of those people who believes everything happens for a reason. Usually, things happen for no reason at all. And then, there are reasons you don’t talk about. And that’s how I stay in the fight club.

Tangents aside, after I wrote about my recent disquieting diagnosis from my good pal the mainstream physician, the confluence of seemingly random events coming into alignment was mindboggling. Suddenly, all these people— many of whom I had no idea of their interest in alternative methods of healing—started coming out of the woodwork, trying to help me with real advice. These weren’t some wild-eyed true believers, just friends who’d had family members who had learned some stuff. It’s all helpful. It’s all good. (And for a change, no sarcasm intended.)

Honestly, just as peculiar are the people who think that an admission of heart disease is some kind of a weakness. I saw somewhere that half of all people 35 and older have some form of heart disease, so you’ve got it too, bunky. So, no, my stress level is still unimportant to me. I am still pushing my heart rate as high as I can make it go on the elliptical machine. It is not my intention to leave a good looking corpse. I hope to leave one that looks like I almost—almost—survived being dragged by my stirrup through a buffalo stampede.

D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Closed email policy

Re “UNR and library divert email” (Upfront, March 29):

Emails cannot be sent directly to a member of the Board of Trustees of the Washoe County Library, as is stated in the article by Dennis Myers. Due to security concerns of the Washoe County Technology Service Department, emails submitted via a Washoe County web page, including the Library’s website, cannot be directed or auto-forwarded to a destination outside the county network, such as the personal mailbox of a library board member.

In addition, as private citizens who are not Washoe County employees, board members can send emails to county mailboxes, but they are unable to access such mailboxes and view their contents. Because of this situation, in early 2008 the Trustees addressed the issue of enabling the public to communicate with the board by directing first that a county mailbox be set up to receive emails that individuals wish to send to the board; secondly, that a link be set up on the library’s web site by which individuals could send emails to the library board mailbox; and thirdly that the library director be authorized to access the mailbox regularly so that all pertinent emails could be forwarded to the individual library trustees.

Since March 2008, when the county mailbox for the library board was created, the only emails not forwarded by the director are those that are categorized as spam. The library staff is currently examining other options for library board e-mail, but at present the County mailbox is the most workable solution.

The article also made reference to library hours on Easter Sunday of this year. At its March 21 meeting, the board voted to approve closing the two branches on April 8 that are normally open on Sundays. The issue of whether to have libraries with Sunday hours open on Easter in 2013 and future years will be addressed by the library staff and/or the board. Alfred W. Stoess Washoe County Library Board of Trustees

Not an empowered woman

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

I look forward to reading your newspaper, but I must say that I was very disappointed to see the cover story of March 29 and honestly pissed off that you proclaimed Caitlin Thomas to be UNR’s most provocative feminist. Do you at the RN&R even know what feminism is? I’m a 20-something female UNR student, familiar with Thomas and her so-called knowledge of sex. I do not find anything newsworthy about what she has to say. What has she done in this community that is so great? Did you really think about what kind of message you were sending when chose to put this woman on your cover? Thomas is not what feminism is all about, and she certainly is not a symbol of a progressive woman.

What disturbed me the most is that her story and her persona were highlighted in such a way as to suggest that she is the epitome of female empowerment only because she speaks frankly—and crudely—about sex and paints pictures with her menstrual flow. Her ideas of womanhood are not fresh and new. They are nothing but shallow, old stereotypes of female sexuality that do nothing but reflect a culture that is narcissistic, intellectually shallow and disconnected. Ideas such as hers are part of the reason why female sexuality is misunderstood—something she claims to be fighting against. There are plenty of other female 20-somethings more deserving of recognition that have dedicated their lives to fighting for equality and are trying to make a difference but are overlooked because, as always, sex, attention mongering and the recycling of old news presented in a new form sells, while intellect, having dignity, fighting and sacrificing for others does not.

Marion Sanni Reno

Here’s to bankruptcy!

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

Sure singular sign of a slow news day at the RN&R: AUNR co-ed feature story, since her exhibitionist, sexploitive column got spiked at the Nevada Sagebrush student newspaper.

Another sure sign of slow news is your misplaced grousing on the Reno trench for rail traffic through town.

Look, Barstow, Calif., has all above-street-level rail traffic—entirely freight without Amtrak, and that’s a planned major stop on eventual highspeed rail from Disneyland/Apple Valley, Calif., to Las Vegas.

So, fess up, you local yokels, neoLuddites posing as critics of the Reno trench. Would you prefer the status quo ante, the condition existing prior to the status quo?

That means long waits 24/7 at above-ground, street-level railroad crossings? Freight and Amtrak passenger train traffic.

Be honest, now! Would you? Really? Let’s have a show of hands. Dave Phillips Reno

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

Stripped of power

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

Gee, you gals have come a long way, baby, when a sexploitative exotic dancer becomes the spokeswoman for feminism. Now I see why none—or very few—of the college students I teach ever want to identify themselves as “feminists.” On the whole, after perusing the article, I must conclude: The new feminism is really hot! And better yet, feminism has finally found its proper place in the grand ole scheme of patriarchal objectification! Brad Summerhill Reno

Even FLoW

Re “Open for business” (Green, March 29):

Thank you for your coverage of the launch of Cleantech Open Nevada. Bringing this international program for accelerating the growth of Cleantech start-ups will be a big help in developing this vital industry in Nevada. I did want to address some misconceptions in the article. First, Cleantech Open is a network of networks that operates as an accelerator beyond just the annual business competition. Second, our Northeast branch merged into us from MIT’s Ignite Group, but the Cleantech Open itself was founded independently in the Bay Area. Lastly, Cleantech Open has a “youth” competition through our International Programs division and allows student teams to participate in the national competition. Chip Evans

Nevada Director Cleantech Open

The book’s better

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

I really agreed with your review of Hunger Games. I, too, was wondering about the freaky shaky cam. I thought for all the imaginative, mind-blowing events and characters in the book that the movie barely touched what it could have been. The arena actually looked like somebody’s back yard, and the “cornucopia” was a shack/trailer in a tiny grassy clearing. What had transpired in my mind from reading the book was epic and colorful and more ... this film is not. Although I did like Jennifer Lawrence somewhat, the rest of the movie fell flat and one-dimensional around her. Some of the motives and the emotional stories were only confused and oppressed in the movie. Some weren’t dealt with at all. I understand that movies can’t satisfy every detail of a personal experience of a book, but this movie really lost out on some opportunities.

Riki Rushing Austin, Texas

Ninety to go

Re “Top 10 Worst Supreme Court Decisions” (Feature story, March 8):

Next, please develop an article on the 100 worst decisions by the Supreme Court, because 10 just don’t do justice to the scope of the problem. In reviewing the decisions that look so flawed in retrospect, it helps us appreciate the limitations of the current Gang of Nine. I’d like to add Korematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 (1944), a landmark case concerning the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, which ordered Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II. In a 6-3 decision, the Court sided with the government, ruling that the exclusion order was constitutional.

Linda Everhart Pittsburgh, Penn.

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

Court of public opinion

So, it appears that Nevada will again be a battleground. This time, the battle will be about gay equality.

As first reported on April 10 by the Metro Weekly, “Today, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund took what one of its lawyers calls ‘a strategic step’in the national effort to advance marriage equality by filing a federal lawsuit in Nevada seeking equal marriage rights for eight same-sex couples in the state.”

It’s about time. And even though this is a federal case, Nevada is the right place to hold court.

Nevada is among the most libertarian states in the nation. Libertarians are supposed to believe in civil liberties—as long as people are not hurting anyone else, they should be able to marry whom they want without government intervention.

Nevada is, too, pretty equally divided among Republicans and Democrats. The majority of Republicans claim to believe in smaller government, fewer regulations, less intrusion. Republicans by and large accept same-sex couples into their fold, particularly when those votes may get a no-new-taxes Republican elected. But for the most part, they truly do not give a damn who sleeps with who, particularly if it’s not at their own house. Think of it as a party-wide version of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The smallest segment of the Republican Party—the religious right—may support discrimination against entire classes of people, but, you know, screw that.

Democrats have largely supported equality among people—even though, as of late, they’ve been more supportive of equality among rich people. But if those rich people are gay and want to get married, hey, more power to them.

Here’s some more from the Metro Weekly story: “According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, the lead plaintiffs in the new lawsuit—Beverly Sevcik, 73, and Mary Baranovich, 76, of Carson City, Nevada—have been together for more than 40 years. As the complaint notes, ‘When Beverly and Mary committed their lives to each other on October 2, 1971 and bought rings to signify their relationship, they were careful not to purchase matching rings for fear of having their relationship discovered.”

That’s awesome. Even the most cynical among us has got to appreciate the love and commitment that led to 40 years of wedded ups and downs and the stability of that family unit, a pretty good example of marriage, one that compares favorably to just about any we can think of.

Nevada has in recent years made some ostensible steps toward marriage equality with new separate-butequal domestic-partnership laws. Many will argue that these laws are just as good as marriage equality.

But then, really, the point of equality is not to have separate laws for different classes of people. It’s sort of like even gay people deserve equal protection under the law. Because “white” and “colored” drinking fountains had no real, essential differences, and yet nobody was fooled into thinking they were the same. Ω

Getting your money’s worth for your taxes?

Asked at U.S. Post Office, 1674 N. Virginia St.

Brandon Godin

Student No. Our education system is falling. Our roads are falling. Our economics are still in the gutter. Our government infrastructure definitely needs change. We need to step up and [start] doing better.

Dennis Meredith

Retiree No. Not at all. GSA[General Services Administration] is a perfect example recently of our tax dollars being wasted. There’s the research dollars spent on things that are absolutely meaningless. Grant money is being spent on studies that are intended to be biased, for example, climate change and certain social studies research.

Paula Nielsen

Non-profit director No. I pay too much, and I just don’t seem to get much for it.

Mark Bender

Heating/cooling technician Most the time, yes. Some things we have to pay for in this country. I think that we all need to pay taxes so it all works. There’s some waste.

Scott Lambert

Small-business owner I’ve heard from two different people two different things about where most of our government’s money is going. From one person, I heard that it’s 80 percent military, for war. And from another person I heard it’s mostly people receiving money from the government, like food stamps. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I’m skeptical that I’m getting my money’s worth.

It’ s happening in

TITANIC NIGHTS AT THE SPARKS HERITAGE MUSEUM

The Women, Children, Fashion and Dance of the Titanic Learn about some of the women and children on board the Titanic on her maiden voyage, from Madeline Astor in first class to nine-week-old Millvina Dean and the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”. Take a look at the fashion of the early 1900’s and learn a dance or two that could have been enjoyed by third-class passengers. Th, 4/12, 7PM, $10/adults, $5/kids age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144 www.sparksmuseum.org

NIGHT of THE TITANIC

This 22.5-minute multi-media planetarium program combines “fully immersive” computer animation with the latest scientific research, allowing viewers inside dome theaters to experience what it was like to stand on the deck of the doomed ocean liner Titanic the night she sank. “Night of the Titanic” shows the unique conditions in Earth and space that, coupled with human errors, contributed to the sinking of the ship on April 15, 1912. Learn about ocean currents, iceberg formation and drift and global warming. Sa, 1-4PM through 4/28, $10/ adults, $5/children age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144 www. sparksmuseum.org

MEdIA, MUSIC ANd food of THE TITANIC

Explore the Titanic in media and culture, from movie clips to interactive video games and more. Listen to some examples of popular music of the time period, some of which was played on board. Chef Craig Rodriquez will provide samples of recipes served to first, second and third-class passengers while you listen and learn more about the most famous ship ever built. F, 4/13, 7PM, $10 adults; $5 kids age 12 and younger. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144 www.sparksmuseum.org

SCoT & SCoTT

Th, 4/12, 5:30PM , F, 4/13, 6PM , Sa, 4/14, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JASoN KING

Live local music. Half-priced margaritas all day. Th, 4/12, 6PM, no cover. Cantina Los Tres Hombres, 926 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-6262

ESCALAdE

Th, 4/12, 7PM , F, 4/13, 8PM , Sa, 4/14, 8PM , Su, 4/15, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

Todd SNIdER

With Exit F, 4/13, 9PM and Sa, 4/14, 9PM , no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

GRoWING BERRIES

Presented by Jack Jacobs of Jacobs Family Berries in Gardnerville. Learn how to grow berries in our area and what varieties and growing techniques will produce. Sa, 4/14, 10AM. Free with canned food donation. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way. (775) 355-1551

SPRING PoNd START-UP

Presented by Justin Meckley (the Pond Guy) and Anthony Saez (the Other Pond Guy). Learn what it takes to have a healthy pond. Sa, 4/14, 1PM , Free with canned food donation. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way. (775) 355-1551

THE CHEESE TRUCK doCUMENTARY PREMIERE

The Cheese Truck is a documentary following the ladies that run the local Gourmelt food truck. Sa, 4/14, 6:30-9:30PM. Musician Rehearsal Center, 581 Dunn Circle. (775) 355-9494

STEVE KAUfMAN

Sa, 4/14, 8PM , $15. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

Good TIME RoCK WITH THE BUBBAS

Rock your tax day blues away with The Bubbas at Grumpy’s!

Follow me to Sparks - where it’s happening now!

Sa, 4/14, 8PM . No cover. Grumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2240 Oddie Blvd. (775) 358-2316

KIdS ACTING

Learn to act while gaining self-confidence and poise. Wednesdays, April 18-May 23. Register online. W, 4/18, 4-5PM , $45 for six classes. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

LoYd WATSoN, JR. & JAMES CoRRIHER

W, 4/18, 6PM , no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ART AdVENTURES foR KIdS

It’s painting, collage, clay and more! Explore different media and techniques weekly. Give your child a sound base for a lifelong appreciation of the arts. Th, 4/19, 4-5PM , $45 for six classes. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

fUN WITH dRAWING

Give your child a lifelong gift–learning the fundamentals of drawing. Your child will learn value, shading and an introduction to perspective while developing techniques. Th, 4/19, 5:15-6:15PM , $45/person. Alf Sorensen Community Center, 1400 Baring Blvd. (775) 353-2385

dARCY

Th, 4/19, 5:30PM , F, 4/20, 6PM , Sa, 4/21, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

STEW STEWART

Th, 4/19, 7PM , F, 4/20, 8PM , Sa, 4/21, 8PM , Su, 4/22, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM

Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan’s interactive comedy focuses on a fictitious Catholic nun who teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students”. F, 4/20, 8PM, $40. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LAdIES 80'S NIGHT

Hosted by DJ BG. Th, 6-11PM, Trader Dick’s Lounge. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

JAZZ

With First Take, featuring Rick Metz. Th, F, Sa 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

WEEKENd JUMP-off PARTY

With DJ BG. F, Sa, 10PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

SCHEELS RUNNING ANd WALKING CLUB

Looking for a group of people to run with on a weekly basis? Join the Scheels Running Club today! Tu, 6:30PM through 11/27. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

ZUMBA fITNESS

Zumba is a way to burn calories that’s more like a dance party than an exercise routine. Tuesdays &Thursdays, 6:157:15PM. Designed for all levels, beginner to high fitness. Bring workout shoes and water. $42 or $35/month for Sparks residents. Drop-in option, $6/class. Sparks Recreation Gym, 98 Richards Way.

INTERMEdIATE BLACKSMITHING

Build upon your blacksmithing skills while exploring a variety of techniques like piercing, tooling, using a striker, upsetting, slitting and punching. Tu, 6:30-8:30PM through 5/15. Opens 3/20, $245. Sparks High School, 820 15th St. (775) 829-9010

CELTIC HERITAGE EXHIBIT

The Sparks Heritage Museum has created a Celtic exhibit in their 900-square foot changing gallery displaying loaned items from the Northern Nevada Celtic community. M-Su through 4/30, $5 donation for reception. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

KARAoKE

SPIRo’S F, 9PM, no cover. 1475 E. Prater Way (775) 356-6000 THE RoPER dANCEHALL & SALooN Country music dance lessons and karaoke, Th, 7:30PM, no cover. 670 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 742-0861

oPEN MIC

GREAT BASIN BREWING Open mic comedy. Th, 9PM, no cover, 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

SENd US YoUR SPARKS EVENTS!

E-mail to: sparks@newsreview.com

GET INVoLVEd WITH YoUR CoMMUNITY!

CITY of SPARKS

Geno Martini - Mayor, Julia Ratti - Ward 1, Ed Lawson - Ward 2, Ron Smith - Ward 3, Mike Carrigan - Ward 4, Ron Schmitt - Ward 5, Shaun Carey - City Manager, Tracy Domingues - Parks & Recreation Director.

oTHER ELECTEd offICIALS

Judge Barbara S. McCarthy - Dept. 1, Judge Jim Spoo - Dept. 2, Chet Adams - City Attorney. Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311

SPARKS CITY CoUNCIL CHAMBERS

745 Fourth St., Sparks

CITY of SPARKS WEBSITES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

Chamber of CommerCe

1420 Scheels Drive, Ste. 108

(next to Forever 21, Legends at Sparks Marina) 775-358-1976 www.thechambernv.org

THis secTion anD iTs conTenTs aRe noT FUnDeD BY oR cReaTeD BY THe ciTY oF spaRKs