Letters

You are what you ate

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

I know I don’t talk about this much, but I’ve had health issues in the past. As of late, I’ve been on a new diet. My friends Tory and Justin Van Pelt got me moving down the road toward vegetarianism, and finally— based in part on my viewing of the movie Forks over Knives—I decided to give it a shot. But I didn’t want to jump in with both feet, so I compromised with seafood, eggs and vegetation.

No problem. As I write this, I’m 19 days in. I’d committed to doing 90 days, but I’ve learned what I needed to know. I’ll go through til we publish Best Of. I immediately gained weight, eight pounds in the first five days. Fine, at least six pounds of it has dropped off. I can explain the science behind the weight gain, but I know you don’t give a shit, and you know I don’t.

Anyway, among the other things I learned was that Forks over Knivesis a lie. It would be propaganda if it were from the government, like the government’s food recommendations. Here, read this: http://tiny url.com/3pb5b3d. It’s from Denise Minger’s blog.

I’ve also learned some stuff about whole foods and the Paleo diet (which should be called the Reno diet since both the best selling book authors lived here). In fact, I saw both speak this week (as another parenthetical, I’m writing this column before I actually see them).

Bottom line to all this diet stuff: If a food is processed, it’s bad. And I’m making the personal choice not to eat most grains or legumes. And that may be the last diet column I write this week.

What do we have left? Eight days for voting. If you haven’t voted in our Biggest Little Best of Northern Nevada reader’s poll yet, you’d best get on the stick. My football coach used to say that to me. I never knew what it meant, but it was always a little disturbing. The poll is still open until Aug. 3. Simply go to our website, http://www.newsreview.com/re no/ballot/bestofreno12.

—D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Outdoor downtown

Re “One vision for downtown” (Editorial, July 19):

I’ve been visiting Reno at least once a year since 1981. It’s sad but I have to agree with the articles. All the small, friendly old-time casinos have disappeared never to be replaced and many left vacant. But nothing deters me from returning to my beloved Reno. Its outdoor appeal is what brings me back over and over. Big giant cement-and-steel buildings work in a city like Vegas, but I prefer looking at what God has left for us to enjoy. From Mount Rose to Virginia City to my daily walks all the way from my casino room up to Rancho San Rafael Park, and, of course, the Truckee River, I spend more time outdoors than indoors. (Say hello next time you see me walking in my Hawaiian shorts up Virginia Street. Is it opened yet?) But nothing of course comes close to Lake Tahoe. Make a campaign about tourists visiting there. Or better yet, I’d do a commercial for nothing about my favorite city Reno, and I was born in the Bronx and still live in Jersey. I’ve visited Reno over 50 times, and I hate Vegas because I can’t walk there, and it’s too damned crowded.

John Garzino Carteret, N.J.

Fish story

Re “Are you there God? It’s me, Jake.” (Feature story, June 28):

I’m glad I didn’t respond to Jake’s article.

I would have said Cod is not there.

Nor are Tuna, or other large fish which are being annihilated by Fukushima Fallout and pustulent pollution.

I almost Floundered into sending that off to you.

However, to most anyone with even a teensy analytical mind, the universe seems far too divinely orderly for me to believe that God does not exist.

If you recall, before we jumped into this experimental Vat of Universe, just before we went, God told us we would not remember. Or at least the slow ones among us would not remember ...

Awwww, crap, did I just let the cat out of the bag?

So let me ask you instead, do you think there is an afterlife?

Life/Spirit is the only antientropic thing there is. Food for thought? Craig Bergland Reno

Brain damage

Re “How the West was Won” (Feature story, July 12):

You did an excellent job of outlining the problems with Nevada’s funding, and overall governance, of higher education and how other states are moving ahead with innovative policies while we appear to be waiting for ideological one-liners to manifest. One addition you should also note, is that Utah also hired away the University of Nevada, Reno’s renewable energy policy scholar, Chris Simon from the Department of Political Science. While not as directly related to immediate impacts on the state’s ability to diversify the economy, Idaho just lured a prominent environmental literature scholar, Scott Slovic, as well as his wife who ran our overseas scholars and education office. Our own department also just lost its Chinese politics scholar to Hong Kong. The Nevada brain drain appears to be accelerating. Derek Kauneckis Reno

God loves Jake

Re “Are you there God? It’s me, Jake.” (Feature story, June 28):

No amount of intellectualizing or even reading scripture will bring you closer to God if you have a closed mind and heart. God is found through the heart (or soul) rather than through the brain (or mind). This is because God is not bound by the laws of the physical universe that he/she created.

You must have an open heart to experience God—you must let God in. Like any other relationship, you have to be open to connect and feel the love.

Atheism is not a set of moral principles or beliefs, but rather the absence of belief in any deities. Atheism cannot be “deepened” because there is no underlying theology—it is simply disbelief.

When asked the question “What is the opposite of faith?” Salman Rushdie replied: “Not disbelief. Too final, certain, closed. Itself a kind of belief. Doubt.”

Doubt shows courage and questioning. Disbelief shows fear.

Jake is right in quoting Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The evidence lies in Love.

Why not take a Leap of Faith? Why not ask yourself, “What if God is real? What if God really does love me and the world, imperfect though we may be? What if I love God back?”

One of my favorite teachings is from 1 Corinthians 13:12-13, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

In other words, we can only see a reflection of God now, but will know God fully in the afterlife. Until then, faith, hope, and love stay with us, but the greatest is love. God loves and believes in you, Jake, whether or not you have faith and hope. Lizbeth Trotti Reno

Free the oil companies

There is some good news: fuel prices are down. However, this is little consolation for the millions of Americans who are worrying about finding a job and paying their bills. And let’s be honest, gas prices still aren’t cheap. The national average is still above $3.30 a gallon. While most Americans understand that energy prices are a big part of our economy, some people might not understand Washington can impact these prices. Take for example President Obama’s effort to raise taxes on American oil companies. These taxes get passed along to each of us in the form of higher prices at the pump. With the slowdown in the U.S. economy over the past few years, energy needs to get cheaper, not more expensive. No one understands this better than the people of Nevada. Our state continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the country at 11.6 percent. Higher energy taxes aren’t going to bring new jobs or power the economy. Celeste Knowles Reno

Don’t be a hater

Re “Are you there God? It’s me, Jake.” (Feature story, June 28):

Well, I’ve struggled with faith, but I like a quote from Will Durant, himself a “reluctant” atheist: “We are driven to conclude that the greatest mistake in human history was the discovery of ‘truth.’It has not made us free, except from delusions that comforted us and restraints that preserved us. It has not made us happy, for truth is not beautiful, and did not deserve to be so passionately chased. As we look on it now we wonder why we hurried so to find it. For it has taken from us every reason for existence except the moment’s pleasure and tomorrow’s trivial hope.”

I’ve tried to remove the idea of God from my life, but what I ended up doing was removing organized religion. It’s not that I fear my own extinction; I have my doubts about an afterlife. But I find the world ugly enough these days to prefer to believe that someone somewhere is in control, and there is a reason for all the bad things that happen. I may be deluded, but I prefer these days to live in a state of a delusion that is somewhat comforting. I have given up the search for truth. It’s not really worth finding. I do find some (not all) atheists similar to sadists who would pull the wings off of flies. Why would anyone want to obliterate whatever hope helps get other human beings through this vale of tears? Maddalena Colautti 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 Contributors Amy Alkon, Amy Beck, 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, Matt Odegard, Bev Savage Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Office/Distribution Manager/ Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke 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 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: Hayley Doshay Feature story design: Hayley Doshay

THIS MODERN WORLD BY TOM TOMORROW

Elect Jenny Brekhus

In our continuing efforts to supply our readers with information (and thinking and talking points) and to alienate opposing political advertisers and their friends, we’d like to offer our second endorsement for the November election.

In the Ward 1 race for Reno City Council, we endorse Jenny Brekhus. The fact that she’s more qualified to run the city—as a city—than her opponent, Bernie Carter, is just part of a long equation. But we’ll give you the short version.

First, Brekhus has all the bona fides, including public service, and an education specifically focused on the running of cities (dual master’s degrees from the University of New Mexico in community and regional planning, and public administration). She’s passionate when talking policy and, according to a few sources, in her personal communications. She’s not one of those people who goes along to get along. We’re not saying people should not work together, only that they should be able to do so while still standing for what they believe in.

Now, Bernie Carter is a cagey business leader who actually has the ability to inspire friendly feelings in people who don’t necessarily agree with him. He’s been, particularly in his efforts in the Midtown District, very successful in very trying times. He’s got his eye on the dollar and appears to consider black ink a personal principle.

But let’s be honest: Bernie Carter is and will be conflicted in many of his business dealings with the city for at least the next year or so. He’s going to be voting millions of dollars of the city’s money in ways that will or will not benefit himself personally. Please, no. And partic-

ularly nowhere that downtown post office is concerned. But if Bernie Carter is willing to offer some of that leadership, consensus building and business savvy to the service of our city? That’s pretty cool. And we know just the place for him. Bernie Carter should run for mayor in 2014, and even two years down the road, it’s hard to imagine who the citizenry might support over him. The question of whether a termed-out councilmember can run for mayor is still up in the air, but it appears if the question is settled as a matter of law, as opposed to politics, they will not be able to (see “No Comment,” RN&R, July 19). Still, it’s possible that Jessica Sferrazza, Dwight Dortch or Dave Aiazzi—the three Council members who’ve reportedly Bernie Carter may floated the idea—will be able to run, so it’s premature to offer any endorsebe running for the ment for 2014, but Carter’d be a tough wrong office. contender. In fact, it’s premature to make any guesses as to who will be available in 2014 for any office. That’s our endorsement. Jenny Brekhus is eminently qualified and has a personality that will offer a little lively discourse on the Council. She’ll be an awesome representative for Ward 1 and our city. Bernie Carter will be too conflicted until that downtown post office project is complete—we’re not talking thousands of dollars, we’re talking millions—but when 2014 rolls around, we think he’s got a skill set that would serve Reno well. Just like anyone else, we’ll have to see what his business connections say about his candidacy when the time comes. Stay tuned to these pages to see where we’ll cut our own throats next. Ω

Still have any vinyl?

Asked along the river walk

George Swainston

Computer worker No, I do not. They actually got water damaged in 1997. I had them as a family remembrance.

Troy Teixeira

City worker Actually, I do. They’re actually my grandfather’s. … Some old 78s, albums. Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Ray Charles. The cracks and the hisses and pops are better than what you get on the radio, for sure.

Dan Tresley

City worker I do not. I just never got into it. My family never listened to them, so I just never did. We just had the radio.

B.J. Hunt

Documentary producer Unfortunately, no. But I loved them. They were great fun. In fact, I had comedy albums back then. I had an early Bill Cosby album and an early Phyllis Diller.

Ron Stefanelli

Retiree Yes, I do. The sound quality is much better than CDs. I have about 60 albums, pop music, a lot of ’80s.

It’ s happening in

ART FROM THE HEART OF ALZHEIMER’S ARTISTS’ GALLERY

This month-long gallery shows more than 50 professionally framed, original art creations by people living with Alzheimer’s, using specifically-designed techniques. M-Su, 10AM5PM through 7/31. Free. Arbors Memory Care Community, 2121 E. Prater Way (775) 331-2229

PAUL COVARELLI

Cattalis by Donna G

Th, 7/26, 5:30PM, F, 7/27, 6PM, Sa, 7/28, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

DEAD WINTER CARPENTERS

Th, 7/26, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

FELIX AND THE SOUL CATS

Th, 7/26, 7PM, F, 7/27, 8PM, Sa, 7/28, 8PM and Su, 7/29, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

SHAKA

F, 7/27, 5:30PM, Sa, 7/28, 5:30PM, Su, 7/29, 5:30PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

BARBARA BAXTER SINGS

Relax with “Jazz in the Evening” in the outdoor dining area at Great Basin Brewing! F, 7/27, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

CHANTICLEER

The multiple Grammy Award-winning all-male vocal ensemble performs as part of Artown. F, 7/27, 9PM, $35. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

SEASONS OF INSANITY

F, 7/27, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

SCHEELS KIDS’ TRIATHLON

The race is designed to introduce boys and girls ages 12 and younger to the sport of triathlon – swimming, biking, running – in a non-competitive environment. Sa, 7/28, 8AM, $18 before July 26; $20 after. Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr. (775) 353-2376

MOON GRAVY

Sa, 7/28, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

WICKED HICKS

Sa, 7/28, 9:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S BARK FOR LIFE

The Bark for Life is a non-competitive walking event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Su, 7/29, 9AM. $10 in advance; $15 day of event. Sparks Marina Park, 300 Howard Dr. (775) 353-2376

ROB TARDIK

W, 8/1, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LAZY 5 SUMMER MUSIC SERIES: MYGIA FEATURING THE WIZZ

An evening of smooth jazz and R&B as part of the summer concert series. W, 8/1, 6:30PM. Free.Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1801

WHOLE FOODS SPARKS FARMERS’ MARKET

Presented by Shirley’s Farmers’ Markets, the 20th annual farmers’ market returns with a family-friendly atmosphere and farmer-focused event. This year’s event has been extended to 11 weeks. Thursdays, 3-8PM through 8/2, Th, 8/16, 3-8PM and Th, 8/23, 3-8PM. Free. Victorian Square Plaza, Victorian Ave.

SUMMER SWIM SEASON!

The City of Sparks summer swim season is underway, with designated swim areas open at the Sparks Marina Park and the outdoor pool at Deer Park (Oppio Park pool is closed). The 2012 outdoor swim schedule is: Sparks Marina Park: Recreational swimming in designated swim area/ north beach only (weather permitting), 12PM-4PM, 6/9 - 8/19, 8/25-26, 11AM-6PM 7/4 and 9/1-3. Free. Deer Park Pool (1700 Prater Way): Recreational swimming in the heated, zeroentry pool from 12PM-4PM through 8/19, 8/25-26 and 9/1-3. Under 18/$3.50,18-54 yrs./$6, 55+/$4, Family (up to 6 members)/$15. An “Almost Free Friday™“promotion takes place throughout the summer offering all ages a reduced rate of $1 per person to swim on Fridays. Swim lessons will be conducted at Deer Park pool, pre-registration required. Call 353-2385 or go to www.sparksrec.com

CAR CRUISE NIGHTS

Every Thursday, bring your classic cars to show. Great food and a DJ for music. Summer fun and prizes. Thursdays, 5PM, Free. Grumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2240 Oddie Blvd. (775) 358-2316

SCHEELS BIKING CLUB

Moderate to strong riders are encouraged to participate. Rides will vary from 20-30 miles. Participants will need to sign a liability form when they attend. Th, 5:45PM through 9/27. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

MUSIC AT THE MARINA

Sing for fun or compete for prizes,depending on the number of contestants, with DJ John Graham. Th, 9PM and F, 9PM. No cover. Anchors Bar & Grill, 325 Harbour Cove Dr. (775) 356-6888

JAZZ

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

WATER PARK

The popular water play park will be open W-Su, 10AM-5PM through 8/26. $3; free for seniors (61 and older) and children under 3. Melio Gaspari Water Play Park at Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Hwy. (775) 424-1801

BEADS AND BOOKS!

Learn basic beading techniques with volunteer beading expert, Jamie, and work on projects with other beaders. First Su of every month, 1-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

KARAOKE

STEVE STARR KARAOKE M, 8PM. No cover. Grumpy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2240 Oddie Blvd. (775) 358-2316 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

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

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.

Mayor and Council members can be reached at 353-2311 or Sparks City Council Chambers, 745 Fourth St.

WEB RESOURCES:

www.cityofsparks.com www.sparksrec.com www.thechambernv.org www.sparksitshappeninghere.com

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