Letters

School of thought

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

It’s interesting to be back as a student working on a degree a generation after my last serious study at the university. How is it possible that the academic world changed so dramatically in the time it took to raise a child to nearly college age? That change is analogous to the journalism world.

The journalism world is in a state of flux, but it was in the early ’90s, too. Digital was just coming on, so the journalism school was flailing trying to adapt its curriculum. We were on the pivot point. The Reynolds school was one of the first journalism schools to have Adobe Photoshop. I worked with a young woman named Heidi Walters (if I remember correctly) to learn that application. At the same time, I took photojournalism and part of that skill was developing black and white film in a darkroom. There were no digital cameras, let alone cell phones. At the same time, I took design (and most of my early time at this paper was as a designer). We used X-ACTO knives and hot wax and counted headlines, one-half for l and one for n. Do you get my point? Cutting edge in the same curriculum as old school.

But now, there’s a difference. Everyone knows journalism is changing, but the direction it’s going is murkier. These students are still learning old-school skills, but it’s oldschool 2000-style, convergent media, where journalists have the skills to work in print, on the web, on TV as content providers of words and images.

But where’s the futurefuture? You’d have to be blind not to see that journalism and the internet are going mobile. So where are the app creation classes? Where’s the Smart Phone and Tablet Design 363 class?

Don’t get me wrong: It’s not just the school. It’s the profession. We specialized in content provision and abdicated modern skills to specialists—web designers or coders or technologists who have no stake in “journalism”—while we brandished the Bill of Rights like it would ensure us a place in the future. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Other states interfering

Re “We’re for law abiding!” (Letters to the Editor, Sept. 19):

I am wondering what the writer, Erik Holland, had in mind when he linked India to Abu Ghraib. Abu Ghraib is in a Muslim country, Iraq, and to my knowledge has no connection to India and their Hindi government. Was it a typo? Or hopefully it was just a comment to illustrate a senseless situation.

Jon Harrison Reno

Hunters are killers

Re “Nevada’s killing fields” (Guest comment, Sept. 19):

Mr. Voltz’s opinion about Nevada’s sportsmen and women is revolting and insulting. Hunting and fishing as done by the vast majority of Nevada’s sportsmen are a valuable and respected part of the eco-system and food chain Voltz refers to. He is a hypocrite to the nth degree every time he sits down to enjoy a steak dinner. The reality is Nevada’s sportsmen and women contribute far more to the preservation of wildlife and restoration of desirable habitat.

As a fourth-generation Nevada who spends a significant amount of time in the field fishing and hunting I don’t believe I have ever encountered an eco-tourist, especially one spending money and time traveling to our great state to view the relatively modest numbers of easily viewed wildlife in the state. I believe a close look at the total expenditure of wildlife enthusiasts whether it be hunters or fishermen spend far more pursuing their interests than eco-tourists. From hunting and fishing licensing fees, boating and sporting goods expenditures, hotel, food, volunteer groups, sportsmen’s groups contributing significant dollars to the overall wildlife programs, his statements are absolutely false and ludicrous. Voltz needs to get a life and quit insulting the people of this state who have every right to exercise their desire to hunt, fish, and any other lawful activity they desire. Who is he to call me a killer?

Bill Young State Wildlife Commission

That’s what he said

Sam Dehne warned about these (and myriad other) government boondoggle disasters more than all the other citizens added together. But the Scientology cult zealots who sign “their” checks and steal my votes shamelessly ordered the media (BURP!) to continue with its jealous rage and fear of anything “Sam Dehne.”

How’s that been working for the career politicians and their “bosses” after all these years? And the citizens of Reno. Reno is as bankrupt as Detroit and all those other bankrupt cities and counties. And it all could have been prevented if “they” had just listened to Reno’s philanthropically humble Sam. Sam has more spunk and gumption in his baby finger than all of these lowest common denominator career politicians that the vote-stealing traitors can steal votes for.

Sam Dehne Reno

Broken business model

I got ripped! I purchased the RG-J ($3) for one reason: TV guide. No luck. The cheapskates want to save money at my expense? I’ll fix ’em. I’ll buy a real paper. The RN&R. What? It’s free? Well, I’ll be damned!

Scott Reese Reno

Weapons of mass destruction

President Obama’s policy of creating a world free of nuclear weapons is possible. However, it is impossible if the Obama administration keeps its first strike nuclear weapons policy. The first strike nuclear weapons policy only encourages North Korea and Iran to escalate their nuclear programs because they need something that will deter regime change and counter the first strike nuclear policy.

Earl Ammerman IV Reno

Pay a living wage

When I was in high school, it was time to seek my first job opportunity and so I decided to apply at McDonald’s. The first time I applied the store manager asked me, “Why should I hire you?” My response: “I need the money.” Wrong answer. The following year I applied to the same place and this time when asked the same question answered “because I can get the job done.” Result: hired. I only worked for this particular franchise for one summer because another store closer to home was opening, and it was owned by the franchise owners who had employed my siblings.

With the small amount of experience I had attained, I was actually able to take charge of the rookie grill team and pull order out of chaos. This eventually resulted in my promotion to “swing” manager when I transitioned from high school to college in 1981. Exploitation of my services was the furthest thing from my mind as the goal was to earn enough money to pay for college. My coworkers were all my age with the exception of the “day ladies” who worked the morning shift. The commonly accepted idea was that this was a temporary stepping stone to better career opportunities once you graduated from college. I would certainly agree however that my experience at McDonald’s allowed me to utilize some of the talents and abilities I possessed by exercising various skills in particular situations. In other words, it wasn’t all just about flipping hamburgers. One time the owner of the franchise put his hands on my shoulders and stated, “I want this man paid $4 per hour.” It never happened, and I spent the remainder of my time there earning just a smidgen above what the crew earned. Today we recognize the dramatic demographic changes that have occurred in the fast-food industry over the last 30 years with most positions being filled by adults rather than teenagers. Consequently the industry has transformed from being a “temporary stepping stone” to a full-time career opportunity that still pays very little relative to the profits posted by McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s. One could argue that there is very little opportunity in our economy for someone with a high school diploma. It could be further argued that economic opportunity has been so slimmed down that these types of retail jobs are the only ones available and it will be that way for a long time to come. In the meantime people employed by these companies still qualify for public assistance because of the low pay and lack of medical benefits.

We also read daily of the failure to teach people to read and write upon graduating college not to mention high school. If this whole situation doesn’t smack of a deliberate and carefully planned booby-trap then I don’t know what does. Accordingly I am in favor of increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour at restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s as well as the provision of medical benefits. There is no evidence that doing so will cripple these major chains in any form whatsoever.

Joe Bialek Cleveland, Ohio

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 Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Editorial Intern Sage Leehey Contributors Amy Alkon, Chanelle Bessette, Megan Berner, Mark Dunagan, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Dave Preston, Jessica Santina, K.J. Sullivan, Kris Vagner, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Junior Art Director Brian Breneman Design Vivian Liu, Serene Lusano, Marianne Mancina, Skyler Smith Advertising Consultants Meg Brown, Gina 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, John Miller, Jesse Pike, David Richards, Martin Troye, Warren Tucker, Matthew Veach, Sam White General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Business Manager Grant Ronsenquist Business Nicole Jackson, Tami Sandoval 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&R are 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&R is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form.

It’ s happening in

EVENTS

GREAT BASIN LOCAL NEVADA FARMERS MARKET

Great Basin Brewing Company in Sparks is celebrating Nevada’s late-season harvests with a NevadaGrown farmers market that will feature local farms, ranches, food purveyors and... Th, 3:30-7:30PM through 9/26. Free. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

INTO THE LIGHT TOUR

Do not miss this amazing night of worship. Tickets available at Sparks Christian Fellowship, His Word, The Manger, itickets.com and Connected Music Ministries. Su, 9/29, 6:30PM, $20 for general admission; $25 at door; $30 for VIP. Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 331-2303

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Our 3rd Annual Harvest Festival and Artisan Fair. Come see the harvest of our local farmers and gardeners, enjoy great food, fun and activities. Sa, 9/28, 10AM-5PM and Su, 9/29, 10AM-5PM. Free. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

ACTIVITIES

SCARECROW BUILDING

Come build your own creepy or funny friend for Halloween. Fun for the whole family. You can bring your own clothes or use what we have. Sa, 10/5, 10AM-2PM, $15 per scarecrow. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB

Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group as we join the Reno Running & Fitness Tuesday night group runs. Tu, 6:30PM through 11/26. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SCHEELS BIKING CLUB

Join Scheels cyclists to do some road biking around the city of Sparks. Moderate to strong riders are encouraged to participate. Th, 5:45PM through 9/26. Free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

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

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

STREET VIBRATIONS WITH GROOVE CITY

Enjoy some live music after checking out the amazing bikes during the Street Vibrations Fall Rally. Th, 9/26, 9PM, F, 9/27, 9PM, Sa, 9/28, 4PM and Su, 9/29, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

KYLE WILLIAMS

Enjoy an evening with great food and lively music at Trader Dick’s restaurant in the John Ascuaga’s Nugget. F, 9/27, 6PM, Sa, 9/28, 6PM and Su, 9/29, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL SINGS

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

JULIAN VAUGHN

W, 10/2, 6PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

GORDON LIGHTFOOT

Gordon Lightfoot has written some of the most iconic folk songs of all time including “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Sundown” and “Rainy Day. Th, 10/3, 8PM and F, 10/4, 8PM, $60. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

MAGIC TO DIE FOR

Magic, comedy, talking dogs and showgirls will all grace the stage of the Celebrity Showroom during this classic magic show with a modern twist. Th, 10/17, 8PM, F, 10/18, 8PM, Th, 10/24, 8PM, F, 10/25, 8PM and Sa, 10/26, 8PM, $17. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

CLAPTON FOR CLAMS BENEFIT

KTHX’s annual benefit, featuring local bands covering Eric Clapton songs. Sa, 11/2, 8PM, $20. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL SINGS

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. No cover. Th, 6PM. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 / (775) 657-8659

LIVE MONDAYS WITH TANY JANE

Open Mic Night every Mon night at 8PM, hosted by Tany Jane. M, 8PM through 9/30, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

BLACK AND BLUES JAM

Tu, 8:30PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

COUNTRY AT THE CABARET

The Casino Cabaret comes alive with the best in country music and dancing for “Country at the Cabaret” featuring DJ Jamie G. W, 7PM and Sa, 9PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave.(775) 356-3300

LIVE JAZZ

Vocal and instrumental jazz from “The Great American Songbook”, performed by First Take featuring Rick (SAX) Metz. Fridays, 6PM through 12/27, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks, NV 89441 (775) 657-8659

LADIES 80S WITH DJ LARRY WILLIAMS

Ladies ’ with DJ Larry Williams, every Thursday! Th, 7PM through 10/4, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

COLORLESS BLUE

Colorless Blue performs live jazz for your dining pleasure. Su, 1PM through 12/2, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

OPEN MIC

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

THis secTion is pRoViDeD as a pUBlic seRVice BY THe Reno neWs & ReVieW anD is noT FUnDeD oR aFFiliaTeD WiTH THe ciTY oF spaRKs

ThIS MoDeRN WoRlD by tom tomorrow

Asked of Sparks merchants

Steve Cartinella

Blue Ribbon Meat Company We recycle. We recycle all our plastic, all the plastic that comes off our packaged beef and so on.

Bonda Young

Great Basin Brewing Company At our Reno location … we recycle everything. We have two very small containers that go to the dump once a week. … And then we also recycle all of our [brewery] grain. We produce a lot of spent grain from our brewery, and we have farmers that come and pick it up and feed it to their cattle and their pigs.

Is hunting moral? Is your business green?

Last week we ran a Guest Comment called, “Nevada’s killing fields” by Fred Voltz, an activist who lives in Carson City. In it, Voltz wrote about Nevada’s hunting seasons, and how many of us Nevadans, who as residents of this state and stewards of its lands, don’t really “get” the concept of why a tiny minority of people get to kill animals that technically belong to all of us.

That’s a forelock tugger, for sure. Some of us, even within this office, grew up hunting, so the fact that we’re willing to have an intellectual discussion on the topic doesn’t necessarily predict our conclusion or our level of hypocrisy. Still, the fact that our society doesn’t much talk about humans killing wild animals seems to suggest this is an area ripe for a conversation. Let’s start with the Sage Grouse (a.k.a. Sage Hen). Wasn’t it just a year ago our governor was touting a plan to keep the bird off the endangered species list by preserving some 13 million acres of Sage Grouse habitat? If that bird goes on the endangered species list, it could cripple parts of our state’s economy—agriculture, mining and recreation—and it could abort this new green energy economy people keep talking about. And yet, it’s Sage Grouse hunting season in the great state of Nevada. Can anyone rationally tell us why this isn’t irresponsible? What is the pro-hunt-to-extinction argument when so much of this state’s future is at risk?

There are few who believe leg traps are humane. At most, the thinking appears to be that they’re effective, a necessary evil. Right now, the law states that a trapper only has to visit the traps every 96 hours. Four days to have a crushing steel trap on an animal’s leg, possibly grinding into broken bones, while it is helpless in the blazing sun or freezing cold, with no food or water, while predators are able to harass and kill the unfortunate creature. Four days is the longest period of time allowed in any state in the country, and the Legislature may choose to decrease that time. We’re not really sure what the opposing argument to this is. Maybe trappers are less inconvenienced if they check the traps less often, or maybe the trapped animals are less dangerous if they’re allowed to soften up before they’re killed?

It’s possible that there are some creatures, like beavers for example, that could potentially cause problems with the human-centric infrastructure that can’t be controlled by methods other than trapping. We can’t say for sure. We would certainly not suggest poison over traps. Do bullet holes make the pelts useless?

So we reach the root of the question. Aside from tradition, aside from target practice for people who might go into the military, aside from being extremely expensive food, is it moral for humans to hunt and kill animals when there are other methods of food procurement available? Again, here at this office, there are no vegetarians, nobody who doesn’t eat the delicious meat provided by animals often kept in horrible conditions.

Why do we have to kill wild things? Ω Brent Bryan

Port of Subs No. 1 Oh, absolutely, I recycle every chance I get—bottles, cans, papers, cardboard.

Joseph Chiappetto

The Book Gallery The whole place is a recycling center. We sell used books.

Miguel Lopez

Scoopers Drive In We recycle our grease. We keep our trash area in shape to keep insects away and prevent things from blowing away.