Feb. 13, 2014

Letters ........................... 3 Opinion/Streetalk ........... 4 Sheila Leslie ................... 6 Brendan Trainor............. 7 News ............................. 8 Green ........................... 11 Feature ........................ 13 Arts&Culture ............... 16 Art of the State ............ 19

Foodfinds .................... 20 Film............................. 22 Musicbeat ....................25 Nightclubs/Casinos .......27 This Week .................... 31 Amy Alkon................... 32 Free Will Astrology ...... 34 15 Minutes ....................35 Bruce Van Dyke ...........35

TAKE THE SCHOOLS, NOW

See Let Freedom Ring, page 7.

IT’S MORE LIKE ‘IN RECOVERY’ THAN A RECOVERY See News, page 8.

PICKING UP THE PIECES See Film, page 22.

TIME ENOUGH FOR LOVE

HIS WITH T AR LW LIBERA CE? EN ON SCI

See Family Guide, inside.

RENO’S NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

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February 13, 2014

Send letters to renoletters@newsreview.com

MOOC to you, too

Leave the hipsters alone

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

I’m doing something right now that I’ve never done before, and I’m doing it twice: I’m taking free online classes that instructors are using to augment classes that I’m paying for. The first is from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It’s an app design class for Android phones based on Google’s now defunct Google App Inventor. It’s called MIT App Inventor 2, http://ai2.appinventor.mit. edu, and while TMCC’s structure for getting into the MIT class was a little frustrating at first, MIT’s interface is really easy and intuitive.

App Inventor 2 is an open source, Web-based system that allows people to create Android apps without having to know how to code. Instead of writing code, you just kind of drag around jigsaw puzzle pieces to make your phone do things. I use my laptop to do the design and then send the app to my phone. So far, all I’ve been able to do is make my kitty purr and scribble on photos I’ve taken of my friends, but I’m starting to get the idea.

The other class I’m taking is called Social Media for Journalists, sponsored by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). It’s a MOOC, which means Massive Open Online Course, which means everyone’s welcome to this party. Signup is here— https://knightcenter.utexas. edu—although they’re only accepting people for a few more days. Still, for people who like to stretch their brains, and don’t need to pay for the pleasure, there’s a whole world of MOOCs at some really prestigious universities: www.mooc-list.com.

Of course, if you want the certificate of completion, and who wouldn’t, you get to pay for the paper. Reminds me of certain brick and mortar institutions of higher learning.

At any rate, while I’m not very far into either of these classes, I’ve become very aware that the world has significantly advanced since I did my first online tutorial back in the early Oughts.

Re “Attitude Problem?” (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 6): This letter is regarding Jack Carter’s whining about the Bike Project. I go down to the Reno Bike Project from time to time, looking for parts, advice, and occasionally a little hands-on help. I’ve generally found them to be a pretty helpful bunch of hipster kids. Maybe some of ’em are a little too tragically hip, but ... whatever spins their sealed cranks ... that’s OK. They do, however, have to put up with all kinds of obnoxious riff raff coming in off the street and acting like jerkwads, doing things like demanding that somebody fix their bike for free, immediately.

Park tools makes a just plain dandy jack of all trades multi-tool called the MTB-33 rescue tool. They cost all of about 25 bucks, retail.

I’d personally be more than glad to contribute a buck or two to help the kids at RBP take up a fund for Jack to buy one of these, so that he can keep it with him wherever he goes on a bike. Then he can tighten his own damned Allen bolts. The Bike Project is a good community resource that doesn’t need Jack’s bad attitude.

Leave those poor little hipster kids alone. They have a hard enough time fitting into their over-tight man-pris and riding around on those sketchy little fixie bikes; they don’t need his attitudinal bovine fecal matter gumming up the works.

Chris Rosamond Reno

—D. Brian Burghart

No. 18 in college prep!

Re “Stop cheerleading” (Editorial, Jan. 16): I say, stop bashing! The tone of the editorial was to stop complaining or making excuses about the state data that reflects the state is “failing in education” (your words). Using state data good or bad is not relevant to Washoe County when only 15 percent of the population of the state is in this region. To take that data and complain, as you did, that we should just accept it, as apparently the state legislators you quoted did, is adding

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.

insult to injury as far as the success of Washoe County School District.

You can continue to beat up the superintendent about numbers he has no control over, that being the state’s, or take the time to professionally review the WCSD numbers and then determine if he is just “cheerleading” or being honest in his assessment.

A recent report published by the Buckley Education Group compares WCSD to the other 50 states. The report, dated December 2013, showed that the district excelled in several areas; “College Readiness in all Subjects” WCSD ranks 18th in the nation, ahead of Nebraska, California and most other states. On the “ACT test for Math and English” WCSD ranked 18th and 23rd respectively, again ahead of many high performing states like Colorado, Utah and Oregon. Unfortunately, WCSD also ranked low in some key areas such as “Per Student Funding” 50th; Student Teacher Ratio, 49th and “Graduation Rate” 43rd. If we want to focus purely on dollars spent per pupil or class room size then yes, we are failing as a state and a school district. However, if performance is at all considered, then I say, “stop the bashing” and recognize the success of a district that is clearly doing more with less.

Michael Kazmierski Reno

Re “America needs to rethink the Middle East” (Let Freedom Ring, Jan. 30): Regarding Brendan Trainor’s article. Bravo! About time. At last, an honest American view on the Middle East. Please don’t submit to any pressure to stifle him.

Ron Allen Reno

Drug war fuels crime Re “Don’t be a dick, Senator Brower” (Editorial, Jan. 30): Not only should medical marijuana be made available to patients in need, but adult recreational use

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 Manager/Ad Coordinator Karen Brooke Executive Assistant/Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker

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Re “America needs to rethink the Middle East” (Let Freedom Ring, Jan. 30): Excellent essay. Kudos to the RN&R for publishing it.

Paul Vandervoort Reno

Hooray for us Re “Reno News & Review” (The whole thing, Jan. 23): The Jan. 23 issue was well done.

Reader Dan Archuleta’s observations on saving water as well as weed control had me smiling for some time.

As far as the “smiley face” drones, no matter how we write of them, or describe them, I imagine that even the non-military ones could be weaponized with a small bit of ingenuity, if the nutcase wished. It might be noted that in the recent shootings at the medical centers, the shooter used a common duck hunting shotgun, rather than those “dangerous assault rifles.” It’s the intent of the person, either for good or evil, rather than the item used. Pressure cookers can cook beans, or be converted into a dangerous device, as we learned some months back. The same would apply to drones.

Our country in general needs to quit offering solutions for our problems that “feel good,” or solutions based on emotions. We need solutions that actually work.

As for the editorial “Don’t Panic,” I would criticize one aspect of a well written article—public buildings, hospitals, state offices, etc., are well known as “gun free zones.” I have observed that we never see a “crazy” person attacking a Hells Angel picnic, nor a retired police officers reunion—those fall under the notion that, “the attacker may be crazy, but not stupid.”

Ron Ryder Fallon

Why does Sen. Brower hate freedom?

Re “Don’t be a dick, Senator Brower” (Editorial, Jan. 30): Big Pharma is already losing north of $2 billion a year in lost sales to God’s medicine, the green plant.

Somebody has to look for the poor drug companies, so why not Sen. Brower? The other possibility is his ego would be shattered, if he had to admit he was wrong on the issue of medical marijuana.

Some senators like Brower want to continue to stick their nose in my doctor’s office and tell him what is or is not good for me. Brower is obviously neither a lover of liberty nor less government intrusion in the lives of the citizens of Nevada.

Howard Wooldridge Adamstown, Maryland

No pressure

Editor/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Staff writer Sage Leehey Contributors Amy Alkon, Todd South, Brendan Trainor, Laura Davis, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Dave Preston, Jessica Santina, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young

One for the team

should be taxed and regulated.

Drug policies modeled after alcohol prohibition have given rise to a youth-oriented black market. Illegal drug dealers don’t ID for age, but they do recruit minors immune to adult sentences. So much for protecting the children.

Throwing more money at the problem is no solution. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed desperate habits.

The drug war doesn’t fight crime, it fuels crime.

Taxing and regulating marijuana, the most popular illicit drug, is a cost-effective alternative to never-ending drug war. As long as marijuana distribution is controlled by organized crime, consumers will continue to come into contact with hard drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. This “gateway” is a direct result of marijuana prohibition.

Robert Sharpe Common Sense for Drug Policy Washington, D.C.

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February 13, 2014

aT

by Dennis Myers

THIS MODERN WORLD

BY TOM TOMORROW

Do you watch what you eat?

Asked at Java Jungle, 246 W. First St.

Steven Edward Angus Student

Yes, I do. Sometimes I slip a little, but I constantly work out, like five days a week, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle for me.

John Freeman Computer programmer

No. I feel guilty about what I eat, but it doesn’t really change what I eat very much.

Faith Senteio Student

When do we start getting married?

The fact that Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto has filed a legal brief saying that Nevada’s defense of the state’s anti-marriage equality law is unsustainable is a victory. Apparently, a case that was decided last month undermined Nevada’s whole inhumane case. High fives and hugs all around.

Here’s what Masto said in a press release on Jan. 24: “The [U.S. Court of Appeals for the] Ninth Circuit’s new decision, entitled SmithKline Beechum Corp. v. Abbott Laboratories, appears to affect the equal protection and due process arguments made on behalf of the State. After careful review of the SmithKline decision, these arguments are likely no longer tenable in the Ninth Circuit.”

But on Jan. 22, the very day SmithKline Beechum Corp. v. Abbott Laboratories was being handed down, the Associated Press reported that Gov. Brian Sandoval had written, “My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and woman. But as governor, I believe the people of Nevada should have the freedom to decide should the issue come before them for a vote. The courts will now make the decision and I will respect the decision of the court.”

Apparently, it took 19 days for the governor to find just the right words not to say, “I’m sorry, but I was wrong,” and not to admit to any change of heart to suggest that maybe, just maybe, he didn’t really believe that our great state of Nevada should have discrimination written into its constitution.

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No, I don’t watch what I eat. … Everything’s bad for you, like you drink a soda, and they’re like, “It’s going to kill you.” So you feel like, I’m going to die, anyway.

Here are the words he chose to offer to Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Steve Sebelius, “Based upon the advice of the attorney general’s office and their interpretation of relevant case law, it has become clear that this case is no longer defensible in court.”

Now, wait a second. Our governor was a federal judge. If there is anyone in this state who can look at the recent actions of federal benches around this nation and be expected to see which way case law was proceeding, it’s Gov. Brian Sandoval. He sat on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, for pity’s sake. That’s part of why people elected him. In fact, our average high school students (and which among them is not average?), could log onto their favorite news sites on the internet (Reddit? Twitter? The Onion?) and see the sea change that has undulated across this nation regarding same-sex marriage.

And yet, our governor chose to make the discriminatory statement, “My personal belief is that marriage is between a man and woman,” when he chose to commit the state’s resources to fighting for discrimination.

When a politician uses sanctimonious language to rationalize the use of state funds to further political and religious agendas despite knowledge of the frivolity of those actions, we have to wonder for whom they’re really posturing. Ω

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Kayla Marie Student

No, because I like food that tastes good, and I think McDonald’s is amazing. I watch what I eat to a degree now, like I don’t eat as much as I used to because I care about not being fat. At the same time, I work out a lot.

Kyle Davida Hotel clerk

I do. I try pretty consistently to watch what I eat. Sometimes I splurge a little bit on pizza or fast food, but by and large I usually try to eat good quality meat. A lot of stuff from the organic gardens that we’re going to have this summer sound pretty awesome. So I’m really looking forward to that.

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Bought and paid for legislators Nobody wants to look like they are bought and paid for. That’s the real reason Nevada legislators are so determined to avoid full disclosure of gifts, including fully subsidized foreign travel.

The issue of gift giving and receiving is actually of more interest during the 20 months the Legislature is not in by session during a two-year cycle. That’s Sheila Leslie when there are no mandated lobbyist spending reports, and legislators are far from the shared limelight in Carson City.

During the “off” months, legislators keep busy at their “real” jobs, but spend plenty of time at private sector meetings, reporting on the actions of the previous session, and then after about six months, forecasting what is likely to happen in the next one.

The lobbyists are never idle, constantly requesting private meetings, or a legislator’s attendance at various dinners and conferences, and providing meals, entertainment, and all-expense paid trips to locales both foreign and domestic.

Legislators like to look on these trips as more of an obligation than a gift, thereby conveniently convincing themselves there’s no need to mention them on the Annual Financial Disclosure Report since there’s no designated spot to record free “educational trips.”

Over the years, legislators have also requested and received a favorable legal opinion from the top-notch attorneys at the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB), opining that there is no need to disclose the trips as a gift. However, the legislators have declined to release the opinion to the public, raising doubt about what it actually says.

Journalists and legislative observers object because they suspect these trips do tend to sway legislators. Why wouldn’t they? It’s always easier to make your case when the opposing viewpoint isn’t represented. There’s no law prohibiting the trips, but shouldn’t the public know who’s underwriting them?

The trips have been occurring for decades, ranging from the periodic

treks to Taiwan attended by many a Nevada legislator, including some this very week, to the annual Lake Tahoe party weekend in September, a bash sponsored by the Nevada Mining Association. New legislators who raise an eyebrow at the timeworn practice are usually persuaded to go or encouraged to very quietly decline the opportunity.

The latest controversy swirls around four senators who traveled to Israel in 2013, Sens. Michael Roberson, R-Henderson, Mark Hutchison, R-Las Vegas, Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, and Greg Brower, R-Reno. Each initially failed to note the all-expense trip as a gift on the January disclosure report, paid by an affiliate of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, a proIsrael lobbying group.

Although the secretary of state has issued guidelines that trips of this nature should be reported, Brower insinuated the secret LCB legal opinion recommended the senators not comply. He told the Las Vegas Sun the senators agreed to amend

their disclosure reports to reflect the $12,000 trip rather than “exacerbating” the imagined dispute between LCB and the Secretary of State, noting that “… it’s really a very simple matter of following legal counsel’s advice.”

Or did legal counsel advise that disclosure isn’t absolutely required, thus providing a convenient excuse for not reporting? The senators won’t say, but it’s doubtful they’ve been advised they cannot fully report the trip in the spirit of full disclosure.

Even more laughable was Brower’s attempt to place blame elsewhere for the omission of the trip disclosure saying the “confusion” is a result of the “vagueness in the law that probably needs to be cleared up.” And whose responsibility might that be?

Meanwhile, the breathless tweets of “look at me at the Red Sea” are bound to continue until the public starts demanding to know why it’s worth $12,000 to fly a Nevada state senator half-way around the world for “education” and why their representative is so eager to avoid reporting it. Ω

This is interesting. It’s an ethics policy report from the Legislative Council Bureau to legislators: http:// tinyurl.com/o38ghtb.

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Schools of thought January 26 to February 1 was National School Choice Week. The Nevada Policy Research Center held a free screening of the documentary film The Ticket: the Many Faces of School Choice. After the screening, filmaker Dan Bowden, state Senator Jim Settlemeyer, and Nevada by Brendan Trainor Homeschool Network advocates Frank Schnorbus and Kelley Radow, participated in a roundtable discussion moderated by KOH talk show host Dan Mason.

The Ticket was the story of the School Choice train that travelled in 2013 from Los Angeles to New York with 14 “whistle stops” along the way, highlighting different personal experiences with forms of school choice.

For example, California has passed a “parent trigger” law, that allows a majority of parents in a school district to sign a petition demanding reforms up to removing their children from the school. Settlemeyer said this

could be an option for Nevada because Democratic Sen. Aaron Ford introduced such a bill in the last legislative session that passed the Senate unanimously and failed narrowly in the Assembly. He urged participants to contact Sen. Ford and ask him to re-introduce the bill in 2015.

Nevada is lacking in most school choice options, but one area in which we are strong is our homeschooling laws. Since 2007, homeschooling has become relatively easy to do in Nevada. There are at least 6,000 homeschooling families in Nevada, almost 2 percent of the school population. The documentary featured a home schooling family in Kansas.

Homeschooled children interact with other children in a homeschooling network. New forms of free online education are making it easier for parents to homeschool by removing the fear of being not qualified to teach different subjects.

The film featured a stop in Cleveland, Ohio, which is the birthplace of the school choice voucher

movement. Catholic St. Martin de Porres high school is profiled as a voucher recipient that accepts poorer children of many faiths into its corporate work and school program.

It has a much higher college acceptance rate than the public schools in Cleveland.

Vouchers that can be used for private school tuition are the most controversial of school choice options. Vouchers are hated by the education establishment. Some libertarians fear they could lead to onerous regulation of private schools.

Many states, including Nevada, have 19th century Blaine Amendments that forbid public funds being used for religious education. However, state courts have usually ruled that vouchers are given to the parents, not directly to private schools, and so are not restricted by Blaine Laws.

Arizona gives parents state-funded debit cards that can only be used for educational purposes.

The bad guys in school choice are the Teachers Unions and the Federal Department of Education.

In Nevada, a “marginal tax” is on the ballot, which the union claims is for education, although taxes go into a general fund that can be used for any purpose. The teachers unions response to the failures of “universal, free, compulsory public education” is always to demand more money to throw at it. This benefits the union more than students or even teachers. The federal government is behind the “Common Core” initiative that many fear will remove more choice from parents by unnecessarily standardizing education.

Filmaker Dan Bowden advised the group to just concentrate on promoting school choice. Once we have more charter schools, parental trigger laws, vouchers or tax credits, and homeschooling firmly established in Nevada, the bad effects of teachers’ unions and federal interference in education will dissipate. Parents will be firmly in charge of their children’s education in a freely competitive educational marketplace. Ω

Check out The Ticket’s website: www. theticketfilm.com.

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Photo/Dennis Myers

Convenience stores may not seem like financial institutions, but they serve the purpose for some Nevadans.

Billboard trial approaches The city of Reno has failed again to get a lawsuit targeting its billboards dismissed.

In 2000, Reno voters approved a ban on new billboards. But in October 2012, a Reno City Council majority that included some lame ducks went ahead and approved some new billboards.

Scenic Nevada—which, as Citizens For a Scenic Reno, sponsored the billboard ban—went to court to overturn the action.

The city has tried more than once to get the court to throw out the lawsuit without success. Instead, last week State District Judge Patrick Flanagan set a trial date of Feb. 20.

Growing their own Since December, the Downunder Cafe on the University of Nevada, Reno campus has been using crops from the university’s High Desert Farming Initiative. They were grown in UNR greenhouses and field labs between Valley Road and Wells Avenue.

The first crops were eight varieties of organic lettuce. Future crops will include squash, carrots, tomatoes and herbs.

Sabotage incident reported In an article that took up nearly a full page, the Wall Street Journal last week reported that in April 2013 telephone cables at Pacific Gas and Electric’s Metcalf transmission substation in San Jose were cut, followed by 20 minutes of attacks by snipers that took out 17 transformers that provide power to Silicon Valley. Power officials were able to keep power flowing with rerouts and other measures, but the newspaper quoted Nevadan Jon WELLINGHOFF Wellinghoff—then chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as saying it was “the most significant incident of domestic terrorism” targeting the power grid.

Wellinghoff, former Nevada utility consumer advocate, said he went public about the incident because no arrests have been made, and he believes the power system remains vulnerable to the point that it is a matter of national security. He said the U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Center investigated the San Jose attack and called it a professional job. A FERC analysis concluded that surprisingly few such attacks could cut power to most of the nation.

Initiatives ahead Marijuana advocates are laying plans for another effort at all-out legalization of pot in Nevada by initiative petition. A group called the Nevada Cannabis Industry Association says it has raised more than $100,000 so far for the signature gathering.

Such a measure has appeared on the Nevada ballot twice, in 2002, when it received 39.13 percent of the vote, and 2006, when 44.08 percent of voters supported it. Since then, two other states have made the drug legal and at least one opinion survey has shown a majority of Nevadans now in support of legal pot.

And former state legislator Sharron Angle has filed an initiative petition to prevent Nevadans from voting unless they present identification: “A registered voter who wishes to vote in person must present his or her proof of identity to the applicable election board officer.”

Since the requirement applies only to those voting in person, mailing precincts and absentee balloting might become more popular.

—Dennis Myers

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Nevada’s economic doldrums Economic factors suggest recovery is a way off Nevadans are still “underbanked.”

It shouldn’t be a surprise— there have been studies that by said the same thing for years Dennis Myers (“Nevadans ‘underbanked,’” Dec. 10, 2009; “Nevada still underbanked,” Sept. 20, 2012), but it’s one more indice that shows the state’s economy remains in the doldrums. Of greater concern is that this time, the news comes as part of a broader study that shows Nevada’s economy and quality of life are dragging. It’s one of a whole complex of factors that are delaying recovery.

Underbanking can hamper a state’s economy the Assets and opportunities scorecard can be read at http:// assetsandopportunity. org/scorecard/

Unbanked individuals do not use banks or credit unions for their finances. Underbanked consumers have either a checking or savings account, but also rely on alternative services like payday loans, rent-to-own agreements, convenience store or postal money orders, pawn shops and checkcashing services. And underbanking can hamper a state’s economy.

“It certainly doesn’t help it,” said Heritage Bank of Nevada president Stan Wilmoth.

To the highest foreclosure rate in the nation can be added the shaky financial state of those who have managed to hang onto their homes—4.22 percent of them are 90 days or more delinquent on their mortgage payments, the worst rate in the nation except for New Jersey.

These figures come from the Assets and Opportunity Scorecard, a set of rankings compiled by the Corporation for Enterprise Development, an organization that studies household finances and relates them to public and business policies. Nevada ranked 50th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Mississippi kept Nevada out of last place, but not by much.

Most of the state’s households—55.6 percent—are “in a persistent state of financial insecurity.”

Two-thirds of Nevadans—67.7 percent—have subprime credit.

Nearly a fifth—18.8 percent— are in jobs with median annual pay below 100 percent of the poverty threshold for a family of four ($22,314).

The average Nevadan is carrying a credit card debt of $9,915.

Until the Affordable Care Act came along, Nevada was dead last in the number of health insured

in the nation—25.2 percent were uninsured. Among low income children the figure is 22.6 uninsured and among parents, 46 percent.

A whopping 41 percent of college graduates are carrying student loan debt that averages $20,568, but that’s the lowest student debt average in the nation, which may be explained by the facts that only 29.9 percent of Nevadans have a two-year college degree (46th in the nation) and only 22.4 percent have a four year degree (37th).

All of this helps explain how a state’s economy is an interlocking complex of factors. Unemployment is a symptom, not a cause. Some of these other factors are causes.

“I was pretty shocked at the number of bankruptcies being almost twice what it is in the national average,” Wilmoth said.

He said that in normal times that would be even more distressing.

But because of the way the housing market went over the last decade, there is probably less to that bankruptcy rate than meets the eye.

“What I ask myself is, the first thing that comes to my mind is, how far did the home value drop in Nevada—Las Vegas and Reno—over the last four or five, six years, that would cause that to happen? Now, does that mean there’s a lot of people out there that aren’t paying their other bills? I don’t think so. I think that some of them must have had to go bankrupt to get away from making that mortgage payment. So is that an indication that we got a lot of bad payers in Nevada? It could be.

But it also could be just the fact that we had equities drop so fast in Nevada that it forced people to do something that they normally just wouldn’t do.”

Wilmoth said that at his bank, and he believes at other banks as well, bankers are more likely to overlook bankruptcies—or put them in perspective—than they would have been in past hard times. When bankruptcies were driven by toxic mortgages of the era after 2006, it can draw surprising understanding from bankers.

Interrelated The problem for the state is that so many of the factors identified by the Assets and Opportunity Scorecard are deep rooted in

Nevada, which suggests a continued achingly slow recovery. There is a whole complex of interrelated factors holding the state back. The state’s weaknesses reinforce each other. Nevada’s low education rate, for instance, blends with the collapse of the state’s construction industry, which (with the casinos) was once one of the state’s most powerful economic engines.

Nevada high school dropouts at one time could expect a soft landing—a construction job that is no longer necessarily there.

Neither of those factors appears likely to improve at more than a snail’s pace.

In addition, the state’s limp efforts at economic development must compete with more dynamic programs in adjoining states.

Arizona and Utah invested more and earlier in beefing up their economies, and while Nevada officials like to tout the occasional company they lure over from California, the Silver State has never been in the same league with the Golden State in competing for the high tech industry that state officials have often said they wanted and which candidates continue to hold out as a goal— “the new Nevada economy.”

Where Utah can track its

growing economy in growth in whole sectors, Nevada officials frequently indicate progress by boasting about single companies’ arrivals.

Currently, Nevada’s jobless rate is at 8.8 percent, the next-to-last in the nation, with only Rhode Island experiencing a worse ranking. That figure was up, likely as a result of holiday hiring during the last quarter of 2013. The state added 14,100 jobs during that period, with retail

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The state’s weaknesses reinforce each other.

Saturday, February 22

providing the largest portion of those jobs.

The website Politico has also issued a state ranking list that put Nevada at number 40, but the site never spelled out exactly what they were ranking, except a vague reference to which states are “strongest.” In addition, its methodology seemed to be simply taking the average of rankings from other places like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FBI and then averaging them all out. The result seems to be a sort of quality of life index. Ω

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What appeared to be a long line of people waiting for tickets to a concert at the Reno Events Center last week turned out to be a “Feed the Hungry Feast.” The event was sponsored by the Salvation Army and the SCI Foundation.

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It’s happen ing in

ACTIVITIES PENNY SOCIAL

Please join us for Sloppy Joes, dessert, drinks, and a Penny Social raffle. Over a 100 items new or gently used. Alcoholic beverages extra. Sa, 2/15, 5PM, $12.00. Lord of Mercy Lutheran Church, 3400 Pyramid Way (775) 358-7863

SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: BASEBALL 101

Ball! Strike! Home run! Join us to learn basic baseball skills and drills from the Scheels Expert! All kids will receive a free ride on the Scheels Ferris Wheel. M, 2/17, 6PM, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

THURSDAY NIGHT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Many families have hectic weekends and sometimes attending church and Sunday school isn’t possible.

Once a month Lord of Mercy Sunday School is offering Sunday School on Thursday evenings. Th, 2/20, 6:157:30PM. Lord of Mercy Lutheran Church, 3400 Pyramid Way (775) 358-7863

SCHEELS HOME DECOR SEMINAR

Join Gift Lodge expert Marcia Basso as she teaches you how to identify your personal decorating style! Tu, 2/25, 6-8PM, $25. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

Jean Peters guides this class for knitters of all ages and levels. Yarn and needles are available. First and Third Su of every month, 1:30-3PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1800

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WOMEN’S DEFENSIVE TACTICS

Designed to build confidence through the knowledge gained by training in such techniques as Jeet Kune Do and Judo. Tu, 7-8:30PM through 12/31, $25 a month.

Osk Training, 636 Greenbrae Dr. (775) 343-2526

CONVERSATION CORNER

Washoe County Library presents a series of English language learning sessions. The group will practice speaking English around various scenarios that the average person encounters. W, 4:30-6PM. Free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC ACOUSTIC WONDERLAND

Original singer-songwriter showcase contest. The contest will run through Jan. 30, 2014. Bring your instrument and your song.Th, 8PM through 5/29, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

GREG GOLDEN BAND

F, 2/14, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

DENNIS DEYOUNG: THE MUSIC OF STYX

Sa, 2/15, 8PM, $49. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

VENTURA HIGHWAY

Tribute to America Sa, 2/15, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

LONG GONE

F, 2/21, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

STEPPIN’ OUT

ICDA Charter High School Dance Program presents an elegant evening featuring talented performances of dance, acrobatics, and song. We will also host a silent auction. Sa, 2/22, 5:30-8PM, $7-$25. Edward Reed High School, 1350 Baring Blvd. (757) 353-5700

BOURGEOIS GYPSIES

Sa, 2/22, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

12 OH 5

Sa, 2/22, 9PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

MIDNIGHT FIRE DUO

F, 2/28, 8:30PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

ERIKA PAUL

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

THE KARAOKE BAR

Wi-Fi Jukebox. Karaoke starts at 9PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. doors 6PM. Happy hour from 6 to. F-Su through 12/31, No cover. The Karaoke Bar, 2140 Victorian Ave. (775) 313-2772

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) 3563300

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

PHOTO/SAGE LEEHEY

Local bicyclists from the Reno Bike Project and the Nevada Bicycle Coalition ride in a bike lane on Sierra St.

Track your ride New bicycling app to help make changes in Reno If you ride your bike around town, you can now easily track your routes for yourself and help inform decisions about where new bicycle lanes should be by using the RenoTracks app.

RenoTracks was launched on the Apple App Store on Jan. 24 and is by Sage Leehey free. It has been recording live data since Jan. 31. The app allows users to track their routes, mark locations of interest—like public restrooms, bike s age l@ parking or your favorite coffee spot, or issues with things like infrastrure news review.c om or enforcement—shows the carbon dioxide emissions saved by not driving, estimates calories burned, shows your speed, time and distance, and the data is collected by the Nevada Bicycle Coalition (NBC) to help city officials figure out what needs to be done with bicycling facilities.

NBC president Terry McAfee said that the first thing people ask after a new bike lane has been put in is if anyone is using it, and this app can help to answer that question and others like it.

“The idea is when a lot of bicyclists do it, we’ll get a lot of route information and we’ll be able to find out where bicyclists are riding from a more data-intensive approach,” McAfee said. “From that we’ll be able to tell where a new bike lane might be needed to make them safer, but also when a new bike lane has been put in or another major change in an intersection or when the traffic patterns change, we can actually look to see how bicyclists have changed their patterns in response.”

The app started at Hack4Reno back in October, where RenoTracks took second place in the Live, Work and Play Challenge. Hack4Reno was a weekend-long hackathon meant to develop apps to help the Reno community. The team consisted ofsoftware developer Dylan Kuhn, app To download RenoTracks on developer Brad Hellyar, journalist/marketer Riley Snyder and NBC board iPhone, search for member Scott Hall. The app originated from an open source GitHub it in the App Store project called CycleTracks and can be adapted for other places as well. or visit renotracks.

“If you are familiar with GitHub, since I made the fixes, all others nevadabike.org. An using that code could also update their town’s/city’s version as well,” Android version is in the works.

Hellyar said.

NBC wants to create a strong bicycling network and community in Reno, and McAfee said that one of the main issues in Reno is that the bike lanes are not connected. Hall stated a principal area of concern is connecting the University of Nevada, Reno to Midtown.

Hall believes the biker using RenoTracks can benefit from this app from the improvements on the roads that will come from it.

“Using better data allows decision makers at the city of Reno, Regional Transportation Commission and NDOT [Nevada Department of Transportation] to prioritize bike lanes for sweeping, snow plowing and maintenance,” Hall said. “Federal funding through the Transportation Alternative Program can be directed specifically to projects that show significant numbers of bicycle commuters and recreational riders. These communities of bicyclists benefit from the RenoTracks mapping tool by showing where the most popular routes are for bicyclists such as themselves to travel around the Truckee Meadows.”

Android and southern and rural Nevada versions are expected. Ω OPINION

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he crowd stretched entirely around the front of the downtown Reno federal building.

Protest signs attacked transgenic food. “Your food—brought to you by the makers of AGENT ORANGE.” “It’s a SAD day when ‘NORMAL’ food is hard to find!” “HELL NO GMOS.” There were also angrier signs attacking Monsanto, and for other causes—Native American, veterans, the National Defense Authorization Act. It would have been easy to assume this was a group of flat earthers, and I suspect they were being characterized that way by plenty of observers on this day of coast-to-coast anti-transgenic food protests. But I knew some of these people as smart and sensible. Like a lot of scienceoriented people, I didn’t understand why some of them were present. This was another sortie in what scientists have begun calling “The Liberal War on Science.”

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s i h t h t i w p u s ’ t a ? h e c n W e i c s n o r a w l a r libe

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENNIS MYERS

panel that upheld the safety and usefulness of transgenic foods (www.nap.edu/catalog. php?record_id=10977#toc).

Many in this crowd cite the fact that there’s no known instance in history of death caused by marijuana but endless deaths caused by booze and tobacco. But they reject the fact that no one is known to have ever died from transgenic foods but plenty of people in history have died from natural, organic foods through salmonella, E. coli., etc. “Transgenic” is the scientific term for what activists call genetically modified food or organisms—GMOs. Many of those present are frustrated by the refusal of climate change critics to accept the findings of a scientific panel that has examined all the science and found that climate change is real and mostly caused by human activity. But most of them ignore the findings of a similar

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SCIENTIST Grant Cramer is a biochemist at the University of Nevada, Reno. He began his work on the campus studying cold tolerance of plants. At some point he got into grapes.

“Some years we’ve had a little trouble because it’s cold, but for most years we’ve grown them and made grapes and made wine from them,” he said. “That’s the feasible part.

Then, with time, we’ve started to realize that we were giving them too much water. That |

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was part of the problem. So we started reducing the water and found out that … we can get by with 12 times less water and produce better quality grapes than alfalfa requires. So from a point of view of using our water wisely in a state where water is a critical issue, it’s an ideal crop to grow.”

Now he consults with Nevada vineyards to help them with their crops. It’s a small contribution to economic development in Nevada. He doesn’t use genetic modification.

“In my laboratory we can genetically modify plants,” he said. “We don’t do it, for the most part. Sometimes we do it just to understand the function of a gene. But our goal is not to go out there and create a new grape.”

But he doesn’t want modification removed from his tool chest, either, pointing out that while

“The Organic Food Lie” continued on page 14

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the industry has had its own scandals. Archer Daniels Midland was involved in scandals bigger than Watergate in the 1990s, but news of its activities was deemphasized on both commercial and public television that took ADM money— making journalism harder to trust.

No state knows better than Nevada how difficult trust in science can be. The Atomic Energy Commission’s rent-a-scientists assured the state of the safety of Nevada nuclear testing when they knew otherwise. Gilbert knows that history.

safety and nutrition

On May 25, 2013 a large protest against transgenic foods was held at the downtown Reno federal building.

“The Organic Food Lie” continued f rom page 13

there are now new procedures for doing it, the practice itself goes back centuries.

“We’ve been genetically modifying plants for 10,000 years, from the very first farmers who selected. If you go and look at the old wild corn, the Native Americans were selecting for bigger and bigger cobs. So they were modifying or crossing plants. We’ve done that with every crop we have today.”

Some wine purists are not crazy about fiddling with grapes. “That may change in the future when they get a disease that is a problem,” Cramer said.

That, in fact, was what happened with the papaya. For a long time, Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), was minor in its impact. Then it began to mutate into a much more damaging form. During the late 20th century the industry was nearly wiped out. Science came to the rescue. Transgenic PRSV-resistant varieties were developed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/18705869). The industry is back.

The new technology, according to Cramer, allows the process to be better controlled by scientists, making it better than cross breeding in the field.

“If anything, breeding is much more dangerous than genetic engineering. You’re crossing thousands upon thousands of genes with another species or organisms and you don’t know what you’re going to get out of that. You could be producing some new compounds in that new plant. … You didn’t know if you had an allergy for it, you didn’t know if it had this or that. Nowadays, everything’s tested, tested, tested, tested.”

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All of this is basic in the scientific community. The only places it’s being debated are outside that community. Scientists have moved on.

Protester I wanted to find out what motivated folks who are supporters of science to reject transgenic foods, so I called one I saw at the federal building protest. Jan Gilbert is very smart and tough—a skillful, knowledgeable lobbyist until retiring a couple of years ago. The White House website calls her a “Champion of Change.” She told me she went to the protest in part to support a friend who is an anti-transgenic activist.

“I went in some ways to support her and the work she is doing,” Gilbert said. “I think there are some real problems with modified food, and I think we need to have them labeled. That was the main point of that rally, and I don’t think that’s a difficult thing to do. I just think it’s a matter of information, that we should know what we’re buying.”

I get the part about supporting a friend.

Relying on allies is basic to politics.

Gilbert emphasized the information issue.

There have been efforts to require labeling of transgenic foods in legislatures—Assembly Bill 330 at last year’s Nevada Legislature—though the motives of the movement are not exactly pure. It wants labeling in order to stigmatize transgenics, and cherry-picks the modified foods it wants included—only foods modified by certain procedures, not all modified foods. This goes back to its claim that there’s a difference between foods modified in the field and in the lab. Nevertheless, there is a case to be made for labeling.

“Monsanto and the grocers are just paying million of dollars to keep it from happening, so you have to wonder why they won’t do it to have this information in our homes,” Gilbert said.

Indeed, there really is no reason not to have labeling, and it’s in the interest of the corporations. If they simply started doing the labeling themselves, and included all modified foods, not just lab-modified, the public would quickly understand that most of the food we already eat has been genetically modified.

Gilbert is also suspicious of corporate money that can taint studies of the safety of transgenics. “The subsidies of scientific studies can be compromising,” she said.

I suspect trust has a lot to do with the problems transgenic foods have. It requires trust in science and scientists, the kind of trust the nation had in the eras of vaccine discoveries. Today, however, we are in an age when trust is not easy to come by, particularly trust in large institutions. To the events of the last half century that fundamentally undermined public faith—U-2, Vietnam, Watergate, Iran-Contra, WMDs—must be added the ability of the corporate community and malefactors of great wealth to pay skilled opinion manipulators to employ public relations techniques that make falsehood and deception credible, as in the case of climate change.

Monsanto is a gigantic entity, and an arrogant one. Its lobbying and use of patent law and abuse of farmers is hard to get down. Moreover,

When Athens executed Socrates, it gave him natural, organic food—hemlock.

Some 2,400 years later, American Spirit markets its cigarettes with slogans like “made with organic tobacco grown on American soil” and “Natural tastes better.”

There’s nothing magic about natural food. It ranges from healthy to lethal. There is something magic about genetically engineered food. So far, at least, all of it is safe.

Traditional farmers use synthetic fertilizers.

Organic farmers use manure. Think about that for a moment in the light of simple common sense. What would be more likely to produce pathogens—chemicals or manure? In fact, a study of produce from organic and traditional farms found E. coli five times more often in the organic samples (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/15151224).

As for pesticides, while some critics call pesticides unnatural, that’s hard to support in view of the fact that plants themselves produce pesticides—and that organic farmers use pesticides.

“Plants produce pesticides of their own, poisons to prevent the infection from attacking,” Cramer said. “So when an insect starts chewing on the leaf, it tells the plant it’s under attack.

What does it do? It starts producing more of the poison. So a plant that’s attacked by insects is more poisonous than a plant that’s not attacked by insects. So what they did was a study of a comparison of the poisonous chemicals in the non-transgenic normal corn with the transgenic and they found out that the transgenic corn produced less of the poisonous chemicals to defend itself than the nontransgenic … So in fact, the transgenic corn was healthier for a human.”

Both traditional and organic farmers use pesticides, but those used by organic farmers can be health risks. Organic pesticides are produced from natural sources with less processing. Biologist Christie Wilcox wrote in Scientific American that it “turns out that there are over 20 chemicals commonly used in the growing and processing of organic crops that are approved by the US Organic Standards. … [M]any organic pesticides that are also used by conventional farmers are used more intensively than synthetic ones due to their lower levels of effectiveness. According to the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, the top two organic fungicides, copper and sulfur, were used at a rate of 4 and 34 pounds per acre in 1971. In contrast, the synthetic

Study: E. coli occurred five times more often in organic food.

fungicides only required a rate of 1.6 lbs per acre, less than half the amount of the organic alternatives.”

Some natural pesticides are health risks. (http://toxicology.usu.edu/endnote/Rodentcarcinogens-setting-priorities.pdf). One of them, Rotonone, is so toxic that it was taken off the market for a time. It was Rotonone that the state of California used in its 1997 effort to poison the unwanted northern pike in Davis Lake 55 miles northwest of Reno.

As for nutrition, first of all, it’s kind of a so-what issue. People in the United States are not short on nutrients. But for those concerned about it, here it is: In 2012, a study was released of the available research on nutrition in foods. A team of Stanford researchers examined 17 studies of the effect of organic and non-organic grown foods on humans and 223 other studies solely of the nutritional and contaminant contents of foods (http://annals.org/article. aspx?articleID=1355685). This was not a contest of organics versus transgenics, or even of processed foods. Rather, it examined nutrient and contaminant content based on how the foods (meat and eggs, fruits and vegetables, etc.) were grown—organically grown food compared to traditionally grown food.

In a prepared statement, senior author of the final report Dena Bravata said, “There isn’t much difference between organic and conventional foods, if you’re an adult and making a decision based solely on your health.” The team “did not find strong evidence that organic foods are more nutritious or carry fewer health risks than conventional alternatives, though consumption of organic foods can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure,” according to a Stanford release at the time the study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

There were findings in favor of organics.

Some of the studies reviewed by the team, for instance, did find lower pesticide presence in humans, though there was no evidence of any

Dedicated activist Jan Gilbert at the federal building protest.

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clinical consequence to the small difference.

Organic food supporters were nevertheless outraged by the findings.

A similar review by six British scientists of 12 studies (http://ajcn.nutrition.org/ content/92/1/203.full.pdf+html) found “no evidence of differences in nutrition-related health outcomes that result from exposure to organic or conventionally produced foodstuffs.” It did find that organic foods were higher in fats, but not much higher.

One of the best bits of evidence that transgenic food is safe is that virtually everyone eats it with no ill effects. Grocery stores, after all, are loaded with it.

Prof. Grant Cramer in his lab, though he spends more time at a computer and in a greenhouse.

EnvironmEnt Organic foods benefit from the perception that they are better for the environment, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Traditional farming is very efficient and becoming more so all the time, getting more foodstuffs from each square foot of land, which can shield some land—including wilderness—from being used for farmland. Organic food accounts for only a tiny percentage of agricultural markets. If it ever became a major economic force, it could be environmentally ruinous. Most organic farming produces a fourth fewer crops on average than traditional farming, according to a study in the journal Nature (www.nature.com/news/organicfarming-is-rarely-enough-1.10519). “Feeding the world with organic food would require vast new tracts of farmland,” according to New Yorker science writer Michael Specter. “Without ripping out the rainforests, there just isn’t enough of it left.”

University of California, Davis scientist Pamela Ronald goes further. Writing in the journal Genetics (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/21546547), she argues that millions of lives depend on genetically improved seed because arable land is limited, urbanization, salinization and other forms of environmental damage have ruined much land, and water supplies are under greater pressure from overpopulation and pollution. Humankind must get more crops from less land. “[I]t is no longer possible to simply open up more undeveloped land for cultivation to meet production needs. … Thus, increased food production must largely take place on the same land area while using less water.” Indeed, she wrote, transgenics have been a lifesaver to the environment.

“Without the development of high yielding crop varieties over recent decades, two to four times more land would have been needed in the United States, China and India to produce the same amount of food.”

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Fighting back There was the time genetically modified food saved the world. In 1968, biologist Paul Ehrlich wrote in his book The Population Bomb, “In the 1970s, hundreds of millions of people will starve to death. ... India couldn’t possibly feed two hundred million more people by 1980.” Food riots began in India even before the book got into print. And there was no certainty the famine would stop with the subcontinent.

But mass famine didn’t happen, even in India. Why? Because science came to the rescue with genetically modified food—dwarf wheat, developed by Norman Borlaug, who received the Nobel Prize for saving huge swaths of humankind. His disease resistant wheats produced larger harvests—the “green revolution.”

Interestingly, scientists and other experts who support transgenic foods are almost uniformly supportive of organic foods, too. But many, many organic food supporters oppose transgenic foods with a fierceness and emotion that is sometimes vicious, and has even spilled over into violence on the edges of the movement.

Transgenic critics call Borlaug’s achievement a mistake. Blogger Jill Richardson called his work “unsustainable” in an essay posted on the liberal Common Dreams website. One “healthy living” website calls Borlaug’s wheat “Another Arrow in the Backs of Americans.”

After the Stanford study was released, Rosie Mestel of the Los Angeles Times reported that the reaction of transgenic critics to the study was to “start a petition to have the study retracted, and to accuse the researchers of bias and being in the pay of nefarious industry concerns.”

Organic advocates have been chillingly effective in spreading false information about transgenic foods, with the result that those foods are stigmatized throughout Europe and Africa. Legal restrictions have been imposed in country after country—Kenya outlawed them outright—and what law has not done, the stigma has.

What is particularly disturbing about the hostility to transgenic foods on the left is that it hurts those who liberals normally try to help.

“Every, year, 500,000 children become blind as a result of vitamin A deficiency and 70 percent die within a year of losing their sight,” Hoover Institution scientist Henry Miller has written, describing the maladies golden rice was created to prevent (www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/ immpact/micronutrient_facts.htm).

Golden rice was invented by German cell biologist Peter Beyer and Swiss plant biologist Ingo Potrykus. It incorporates beta-carotene, a vitamin A precursor, into rice grains. Potrykus, in a gesture akin to Jonas Salk’s refusal to patent the polio vaccine, has allowed golden rice to be provided free to subsistence farmers, and it can be licensed free to developing nations. In August 2000, Monsanto announced it would give away patent rights to golden rice, a godsend to malnourished children around the world. In the Philippines, golden rice test fields have been damaged by anti-transgenic vandals (http://bicol.da.gov.ph/ News/2013/Aug10a.html).

But in part because of the stigma surrounding transgenic foods, golden rice has become bogged down in approval bureaucracy. In some countries, golden rice has taken longer in the regulatory pipeline than it took to develop in the lab (nine years).

Some advocates are fighting back. Canadian ecologist Patrick Moore, former president of Greenpeace Canada, has been holding antiGreenpeace protests in Europe and Canada to demand that the wraps be taken off golden rice and to highlight Greenpeace’s role in opposing golden rice foods. “Eight million children have died unnecessarily since golden rice was invented,” he said in a prepared statement. “How many more million can Greenpeace carry on its conscience?”

But most scientists prefer to let their work speak for them, which leaves the field to critics—which is how the stigma was created in the first place. Ω

Organic food advocates have been chillingly effective.

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Sarah Johnson and Scooby Meredith in A Tribute to Hazards of Love at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor.

A local vocalist leads a theatrical, musical tribute to a dangerous emotion

BY Katie

Dow

The final performance of A Tribute to Hazards of Love is at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor, 71 S Wells Ave., 3841652, on Friday, Feb. 14. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30. $15.

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FEBRUARY 13, 2014

DECEMBER ROMANCE The Decemberists are an indie folk rock band that has been around since the early oughts.

To date, they have released eight full-length albums, The Hazards of Love being seventh.

It fits into their repertoire neatly, maintaining the storytelling style of their previous albums.

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What’s unique about the album, though, is that it was written originally to be a full-scale musical performed on stage. Colin Meloy, the songwriter for the group, decided that it couldn’t work as a stage piece and continued with it as a rock opera.

A Tribute to Hazards of Love picks up on that original intention and carries it to fruition.

It’s the story of Margaret, who comes upon an injured fawn in the woods. When he transforms into a man named William, they fall in love. Soon Margaret realizes that she’s pregnant and returns to the woods to find William.

Along the way, the audience discovers that immortality was bestowed on William by the Queen of the Forest, who does not take kindly to William wanting to leave with Margaret.

She schemes with a Rake to tear the two apart and even as Margaret and William triumph over their foes, it all ends in tragedy.

The interpretation of this story by Marlene and her crew is artfully rendered and literally applied. As the songs are played in the back of the room by the band, they are translated into motion on the stage and surrounding areas. The trees move around on stage to suit the needs of the story as an aerialist on silks moves in time with the music just offstage.

Through a mixture of pantomime, interpretive dance, mood lighting, and acrobatics the tale comes to life all around the audience, never limited to just the space of the stage.

While the performance aspect of this tribute is beautifully done, the real show stopper was the band. The Decemberists are praised for having complex music, and the ensemble used for this show handles it exquisitely. Marlene herself provides the vocals for the Queen and occasional backing vocals. With the other talented artists in the band, the music came together with stunning fluidity and clarity.

Seventeen songs flew by as I soaked in the adroit handling of the intricate musical numbers. The spectacle is visually interesting and audibly outstanding. The love and care with which the cast and crew approached their roles comes across in every aspect and definitely lends depth to the overall experience. An after party follows each show with different bands playing each night to keep the fun flowing well past the end of the show.

The cast and crew all expressed excitement for being involved in such a creative endeavor.

The tribute is a performance by the community for the community.

Rory Dowd, who plays the Rake, summed up the drive to work hard on this venture.

“We’re not making money off this, we’re not getting a lot of fame. We just like putting on shows.” The love of performance and bringing art into the community in new ways is a big incentive for the crew of the show.

A Tribute to Hazards of Love is a full theatrical experience all wrapped up in a rock show. For the last performance, on Valentine’s Day, an all-night DJ party is scheduled to follow. It’s an opportunity to support local artists, and reflect upon all of your own hazardous love affairs.

“Even though it’s tragedy, it’s still a good date night,” says Marlene. ❤

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Love

can be a hazardous pursuit, as anybody who has ever been through a breakup could tell you. (I’m talking to you, ex-boyfriend I punched in the face. You know who you are.) With this idea in mind, the Portland, Ore., band the Decemberists wrote The Hazards of Love, a 17-song rock opera that follows the harrowing story of two lovers torn asunder by the cruelty of fate. The music is emotional with a healthy dose of fantasy.

Jill Marlene, a Reno local and Decemberists enthusiast, found it so compelling that she undertook the challenge of bringing it to the stage. A Tribute to Hazards of Love found that stage at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor, 71 S Wells Ave., 384-1652, where it was performed February 7, 8, and 9. The last chance to see it will be Friday, Feb. 14. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30.

Marlene first staged the show three years ago, and it was supposed to be a one-off performance. She had put it together to satisfy her need to pay homage to a band that she worships, to use her own word.

“This is my version of a fan film,” she says. “I don’t know how to make movies, and this is my way to celebrate them.”

It was more successful than anticipated and ever since, she has been asked when she would do it again. Several months ago, she decided to revisit it. She gathered most of the talent she worked with the last time and sent out a call to other local artists and performers to fill out the rest of the cast and crew. The result is a psychedelic Midsummer Night’s Dream aesthetic, complete with aerialists, sentient scenery and an eight-person musical accompaniment.

The advertisements for the show encourage steam-punk attire, which is the first hint that the audience is supposed to be part of the whole experience. Marlene describes the Decemberists’ music as “evocative of a Nouveau Victorian vibe,” and she believes that the steam-punk style fits comfortably with the feel of the music. The intent is for the audience to have fun and feel a connection with the music and the story unfolding around them.

Walking into the large open area where the show is performed, the mood is set by trees lining the walls and actors in full character painted to resemble wood nymphs and trees wandering eerily around, pushing the boundaries of personal space. Painted green and brown vines create a mottled texture all over their skin and other worldly masks covered in branches evoke the impression of antlers.

The makeup for the actors, done by Andrea Hansen from House of Blackbird, is elaborate and elegant, giving each character a unique, ethereal beauty.

NOTICE TO POTENTIAL AGGRIEVED PERSONS On October 24th, 2013, a settlement fund was established to compensate persons with disabilities who encountered unlawful discrimination in connection with an assistance animal at Rosewood Park Apartments in Reno, Nevada. The Fair Housing Act requires that a landlord grant reasonable accommodation requests to persons with disabilities.

This includes granting requests from persons with disabilities who rely on assistance animals to waive pet rules and “no pet” policies. An assistance animal is an animal that does work or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability or provides emotional support or other assistance that alleviates one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability.

• • •

IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY AND HAVE AN ASSISTANCE ANIMAL, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO A MONETARY AWARD IF: You were denied the opportunity to live at Rosewood Park Apartments in Reno, Nevada because of a “no pets” policy.

You were required to pay pet fees or a pet deposit for the assistance animal.

You were required to live in a certain section of Rosewood Park Apartments.

If you believe you fall into one of these categories, or if you have information about someone else you believe falls into one of these categories, please contact the United States Department of Justice, no later than July 11th, 2014, at: 1-800-896-7743 and select menu option 8. You may also write to: United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section 1800 G Street, N.W., Suite 7002 Washington, DC 20006 Attn: DJ# 175-46-135 Your telephone message or letter must include your name, address, and, if possible, at least TWO telephone numbers where you may be reached. |

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Buy me love

Artist and UNR faculty member Elizabeth Ferrill stands next her print “Digestion.” Behind her are other pieces on display for the auction.

Sheppard Gallery Valentine Art Auction Sheppard Contemporary and University Galleries director Paul Baker Prindle imagines a day by where Reno’s galleries are packed every Ashley weekend, and lines lead out the door at art Hennefer exhibits and community spaces.

“I just have this dream that there will be so many things happening at once, and that going to a gallery will become part of people’s idea of socializing,” he says.

Baker Prindle took over the director position for the University of Nevada, Reno’s galleries back in August 2013 (“Big The Valentine Art picture,” Sept. 26, 2013). Since then, he says Auction will be held his experience has been “wonderful.” on Feb. 14, 5:30-8:30 “We have some really big programs on p.m., at Sheppard the horizon for next year,” he says.

Contemporary Gallery But the ambitious plans must be funded on the UNR campus.

For more information, in part by art department fundraising. So visit www.unr.edu/art. every two years, the UNR art department hosts an art auction featuring professional and student art work. The funds are matched by the federal Work Study program, which helps employ student employees.

This year, Baker Prindle estimates that there are around 117 art pieces up for auction, not including gift cards and other items for sale.

Elizabeth Ferrill, an artist who teaches screenprinting and printmaking, submitted her work as a faculty member to support the art department.

“It’s a really festive event,” she says.

“I think Paul managed to put it all up in a really classy way. There’s such a diversity of medium. The students here are really talented.”

Stremmel Gallery also donated 39 pieces to be sold on consignment.

“That was a first for them and for us,” says Baker Prindle. “It allowed us to greatly expand the range in price points.”

Auctioned art ranges from $50 in price up to $5,000. Ensuring that affordable art was available was a priority for Baker Prindle.

“I think that people who live here in Reno are interested in having locally-made art in their homes,” he says. “But not everyone can drop $6,000 on a piece. A lot

of people end up buying art from IKEA, so we wanted to make sure that we did have some art for the same price you can get from IKEA. But it’s all original, often locally-made art work.”

Interested buyers can already visit the gallery to bid, but the official opening is on Valentine’s Day. Patrons will be able to purchase art at the event using Square, a mobile payment service.

Baker Prindle wanted to make Sheppard Contemporary seem open and approachable even with so much work to display, so he opted for a randomized pattern on the walls rather than pairing art by size or color. Sculptures and models are perched

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on display podiums, and the mounted art ranges in medium—paintings, screenprints, photography and mixed medium pieces are all available.

“It’s a super eclectic display,” he says. “This is how I hang art in my house.”

Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film Marie Antoinette was Baker Prindle’s primary inspiration—he wanted to capture the romance of a Versaille palace without the typical Valentine’s Day tropes.

Blocks of pastel pinks and purples are painted on the wall, and it’s a subtle way to add dimension without detracting from the art work. The DJ will also be playing music inspired by the film’s soundtrack.

Baker Prindle is hoping the event will draw new people to the gallery space to showcase UNR’s place in Reno’s art scene.

“More than anything, people who live in Reno look forward to this every year, so we want to have a fun party,” he says.

“We want to see galleries become better social spaces.” Ω

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Chef Tiff Bream prepares a plate of crepes with fresh fruit.

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For more information, visit cremecafereno. com.

Owners Beth Carter, who got her culinary itch working in kitchens in the South, and Christian Christensen, a local with a good resume of working in some of Reno’s top restaurants and who also owns Süp, really were thinking wholesale bakery when they started Crème. But experience dictated a need for a “for-sure” way to make the rent and a crepe bistro filled a void in the local food scene.

The kitchen produces everything from scratch. The crepes are a classic recipe and cooked on hot plates that are electric heated. For a savory crepe, I did a build-your-own ($7.50) with spinach, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and chorizo. Two modest-sized wraps came filled with freshly sautéed spinach, mushrooms and a generous amount of ground chorizo and cheese. The veggies were not overly sautéed and the spice in the chorizo finished in the mouth as more of an accent than a big heat statement. The cheese carried through with every bite.

I also had a caramel apple crepe ($6.50) that’s on the new menu.

Sautéed apples, bananas and roasted pecans with fresh whipped cream on top. The beauty of a food like a crepe is that it can marry simplicity with elegance. The sweet congeal of the cinnamon and butter that glazed the fruit wrapped in the airy, bronzed pancake drizzled with the caramel with a dollop of whipped crème fresh and crisp pecans was bien-aimé for the taste buds.

There is a breakfast sandwich ($9.99) made with their house-made English muffins—I tried one, solid in flavor and texture—topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, egg and tomato, and served with a side of roasted potatoes. There’s also a breakfast taco ($8.99), with two corn tortillas filled with cheddar cheese, eggs, black beans and chorizo served with a salsa and a side salad.

Spinach and apple salads ($7.50) round out the menu with soft drinks and French press coffee for the beverages. They use Blind Dog Coffee in the press, and the blend varies depending on the roaster’s offering.

A wholesale bakery was their first thought, and they do have some tantalizing pastry goodies: lemon bars ($3), Mississippi mud bars ($4), a brownie topped with melted marshmallow, drizzled with dark chocolate and bits of pecan, and there’s a decent coffee cake ($3).

Then comes the seven-layer bar ($3.25), really not for the faint-ofheart. Imagine if you will, a graham cracker crust covered with milk chocolate, Rice Krispies, toasted coconut, toasted walnuts, white, dark and semi-sweet chocolate covered with sweet, condensed milk and then baked into a bar. Just thinking about how good this was makes me feel guilty. Every flavor danced in my mouth. I was in seventh heaven. My advice, bring a friend and share, so you won’t wreck this sublime, decadent chocolate experience by feeling guilty eating it alone.

They offer gluten-free versions of the crepes and some of their desserts, too. They also have catering and do private in-house parties.

There’s a simple elegance to a crepe. They allow for any flavor profile, sweet or savory, and always seem to work. It’s one of those civilized foods that will always tame the beast in just about everyone’s harried food habit. Ω

Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 | 7:30 p.m. | Nightingale Concert Hall Led by Rami Be’er, one of Israel’s most esteemed choreographers, the world-renowned Israeli troupe Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company combines dramatic high-energy moves in mesmerizing patterns of unison with free-flowing solos and duets. Their unique approach to full-body modern dance inspired the noted New York Times critic Anna Kisselgoff to share high praise: “...the performance of the cast and the purity of the choreography will win you over!”

Stunning. Indeed. www.kcdc.co.il/en Tickets: Adult $24/ Senior $20/ Student and youth $12

2013 14

The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company’s U.S. tour is made possible in part by a grant from Israel’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

(775) 784-4ART | Buy tickets online at www.unr.edu/pas

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A good build The Lego Movie The Lego Movie stands as 2014’s biggest and most welcomed surprise thus far.

Fast paced, frequently hilarious and visually fun, it’s the sort of movie we’ve come to expect from Pixar every time, one that appeals to both kids and adults on many levels. It’s also notable that it isn’t a Pixar film, but a product of the still formidable but inconsistent by Warner Brothers animation wing.

Bob Grimm Sure, it’s a big commercial for Lego toys, but the Lego product placement is more of a b g ri m m @ ne w s re v i e w . c o m sly wink than a hammer over the head. I’m more offended by a frequently placed Subway sandwich in an Adam Sandler movie than the constant presence of Legos in this one. Lego has developed its own universe over the years, especially with its video games, so I never felt like I was watching a commercial, even though it is a commercial, in a way, if that makes any sense.

4

Our First

2014

We’ll be accepting entries noW through February 28 once more into the breach, my friends. the reno news & review is hosting a poetry contest.

Only a single submission per person will be accepted, and entrants must live within 50 miles of the Reno News & Review’s office. While there will be panel of judges from both inside and outside the newspaper, we won’t be announcing who they are until publication of the winners to prevent lobbying.

We’ll only accept emailed entries, and the poem must be in the body of the email; we’ll not be opening attachments. email to renopoetry@newsreview.com and put poetry 2014 in the subject line. all entries must be received by 5p.m. on February 28. Winners will be published on april 3. Include contact information, including name, address and telephone number in the body of the same email as the poem. Nom de plumes will not be accepted. The individual who strips the names from the submissions will not be a member of the judging team. Other than the guidelines for submission, there are only two rules: Poems must be less than 500 words long, and poems must be submitted in a publishable form (for example, no one-line, 499-word submissions). While we’ll be mindful of intentional line breaks and word placement, we reserve the right to change if needed, so stay away from unusual fonts or formatting. We will presume all spellings and punctuation are intentional, and we won’t copy-edit. While we’ve tried to think of every contingency, we’re sure someone will attempt to game the system, so we reserve the right to reject any submission at the editors’ discretion.

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“He wanted to interlock with me!”

1 POOR

2 FAIR

3 GOOD

4 VERY GOOD

5 EXCELLENT

Here’s a movie that isn’t content to throw a joke here and there with hopes of intermittent laughter. Nope, Lego hurls jokes at you with breakneck speed to go with its super kinetic visuals. Sure, it stops to take a breath every now and then, but much of this movie is at light speed.

The voice talent is a who’s who of subversive humor, including Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, Will Forte, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill and Charlie Day. It also has Morgan Freeman as a God-like character, one who is given some of the movie’s greatest lines. It’s co-written and directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the guys who did Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the decidedly nonkid-friendly 21 Jump Street.

The plot follows Emmet (Pratt), a “generic” builder as he goes about his homogenized life, building structures under strict deadlines, listening to the same song (Tegan and Sara’s terrific “Everything is Awesome”) every minute of the day, and following the rules of the powerful President Business (Ferrell).

President Business demands conformity in a decidedly socialistic way, but he keeps everybody at bay by promising Taco Tuesdays.

Things change instantly when Emmet meets Wyldstyle (Banks), who reveals to Emmet that he’s living in a pre-programmed world, and there’s the possibility for real life beyond its walls (echoes of The Matrix and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil). Emmet joins forces with Wildstyle and her extremely cool boyfriend, Batman (Arnett), to take down the establishment and restore freewill.

I confess to being totally blindsided by the ending, which warmed my heart in a way on a level with Pixar’s Up and Toy Story. Without giving anything away, it’s brilliant, ingenious, and wholly satisfying. It also manages to tie the whole movie together in a way that’s beautifully mindboggling.

There are terrific cameos along the way, including members of the Star Wars universe, other heroes from the Justice League, Gandalf and more. Liam Neeson is killer funny as Bad Cop/Good Cop and even his father, Pa Cop, constantly breaking and kicking things. He’s this movie’s Darth Vader to Ferrell’s Emperor.

The film relishes random humor. At one point, a cowboy in a saloon asks quite earnestly, “Are zeppelins a good investment?”

I laughed out loud to an extent that was a little embarrassing. Arnett’s Batman is arguably a screen Batman on par with Christian Bale and Michael Keaton. Stick around for the credits, and Arnett’s Batman theme, “Untitled Self Portrait,” which repeatedly touches upon Batman’s dead parents and penchant for dark things.

The Lego Movie is a bit exhausting at times, but at least the constant stream of activity is laced with super intelligence rather than bombastic, vapid visuals. It’s a cliché, but I’ll say it: “Fun for the whole family!” OK, sorry to be so cookie-cutter here, but it’s totally true. Ω

4

American Hustle

3

Frozen

David O. Russell continues his impressive directorial roll with this semicomedic look at the notorious ’70s Abscam scandal. This is basically Russell shooting for Scorsese glory here, and while the style of the movie seems copied at times, there’s no denying the power of the ensemble cast.

Bradley Cooper scores laughs as a pathetic FBI agent looking to make a name for himself, and Christian Bale looks great in a comb-over as the conman forced into an alliance with the law. Amy Adams gets one of the strangest roles of the year as a con artist pretending to be British, and she pulls it off quite nicely, while Jennifer Lawrence steals her every scene as a seemingly dim Long Island housewife. You also get stand up comic Louis C.K. as Cooper’s field boss. The film falls a little short of greatness due to its sometimes carbon copy feel, but the cast pulls it out of the fire.

It also has the best use of Robert De Niro as a bad guy in many years.

I have to admit I was more into the strange Mickey Mouse short that precedes this musical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen” than the actual feature. It features retro Mickey busting out of a black and white film and becoming 3-D as he battles a bad guy kidnapping Minnie. It’s worth the price of admission. As for the actual feature movie, Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel have wonderful voices, and the visuals are fun to behold in this middle-ofthe-road Disney fare. It has a lot of music— some of it quite good, some of it, well, not— and a beautiful look to it. For recent Disney animation, my vote goes to Tangled for best, but that’s not to say this one is a letdown.

It’s OK. Just OK. It’s about on par with Pixar’s latest, Monster’s University. It’s fun to watch, but not altogether memorable.

1

I, Frankenstein

Aaron Eckhart, in a career move as fatal as the time Halle Berry said, “Sure, I’ll play Catwoman. What’s the worst that could happen?” plays Adam Frankenstein, a.k.a. Frankenstein’s Monster. Adam (I’m going to just call him Adam has led a lonely undead life for the hundreds of years since he was stitched together and brought to life by crazy science involving electric eels. He’s spent those years scowling a lot, and hitting demons with sticks like some sort of super ninja. His look has progressed from gothic longhaired badass to clean cut (but probably stinky) metrosexual, replete with a hoodie/ trench coat that is just to die for. Really, Adam’s coat is the best thing about the movie, and I confess to wanting one. The film takes place in modern day England, where some sort of demon prince (Bill Nighy … of course!) is looking to create an army of Frankenstein Monsters so that he may defeat some sort of gargoyle army that equates to the good guys in this movie. I’m not making this up … demons vs. gargoyles aided by a semi-reluctant Adam Frankenstein in a kickass jacket. That’s the plot. Stay away … dear God, at all costs, just stay away.

4

Lone Survivor

This is an explosive passion project from writer-director Peter Berg that takes an unrelentingly gruesome look at Operation Red Wings, the failed 2005 Afghanistan mission that claimed the lives of 19 American soldiers. Most of the movie centers on the four Navy SEALs dropped into hostile territory, and how an unfortunate civilian encounter and communications problems led to a massive gun battle of insurmountable odds. Mark Wahlberg plays Marcus Luttrell, the Navy SEAL who co-wrote the book this movie is based upon. Luttrell, along with Navy SEALs Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matt Axelson (Ben Foster), were performing reconnaissance for a mission meant to capture or kill a notorious Taliban leader when a trio of goat herders stumbled upon their camp. The resultant ambush is filmed with many gory details, and will be a hard watch for some. The stuntmen who worked on this movie did an incredible job, and the cast is one of 2013’s strongest ensembles. This is a nice comeback for Berg after Battleship.

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3

The Monuments Men

3

Nebraska

Think Free

Director George Clooney’s war epic about historians racing to save art from the Nazis looks and feels like it was just taken out of a time capsule buried in 1958. It’s quite breezy for a war movie, peppered with laughs provided by a strong cast including Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban and John Goodman as men trying to thwart Hitler’s plan for a giant museum. It has one of those whistleinfused soundtracks, and it doesn’t hurt that Clooney and Dujardin look like Errol Flynn and Gene Kelly. The movie moves briskly, and is perhaps a bit too weightless for a movie of such heavy subject matter. It also has a useless subplot involving Damon and Cate Blanchett that’s deserving of the cutting room floor. Still, Clooney has great command of the camera here, the ensemble (especially Murray and Goodman) shines, and it’s fun to watch. This is an interesting piece of World War II history, and it’s good that somebody has made a decent movie to cover this chapter of Hitler insanity.

I can’t deny the wonderful acting work from the likes of Bruce Dern, Will Forte, Bob Odenkirk and especially June Squibb. They are all wonderful in this movie. What I can bemoan is the stupid, stupid story propelling that acting. Dern plays an old codger who becomes convinced that he’s won a million dollars because of a magazine subscription letter saying he’s a winner. So he starts walking from Montana to Nebraska, and his son (Forte) eventually helps him on his quest with an automobile.

It’s a dumb idea to start, and the premise is too improbable for a serious comedy movie.

Still, it does lay the groundwork for some decent father-son dynamic between Dern and Forte, and Odenkirk shows up as another son and knocks his part out of the park. Of the six Oscar nominations this film earned, I would call Squibb the most deserving for her work as Dern’s droll wife. The black and white cinematography is also quite nice. As for Best Screenplay, Best Picture and Best Actor, I wouldn’t go there. The movie is good in a peculiar way, but far from great. The premise annoyed me a bit the whole time I watched it.

1

That Awkward Moment

This romantic comedy starring Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan has a promising start. It actually plays like a cool throwback to the romantic/sex comedies of the ’80s for its opening, until somewhere around the mid point of the movie. Then it takes a drastic downward turn towards comedic Hades and becomes a total garbage party. This ensemble of decent-to-great actors play Jason, Daniel and Mikey (Efron, Teller and Jordan respectively) as some New York Citydwelling 20-somethings dealing with modern day romance in a time of Facebook, texting and infidelity. When Mikey finds out his wife is cheating and he’s heading for divorce, the other two join him in a pact to avoid relationships and stay single. It’s dating and debauchery for the three, with no commitments allowed. Is there a distinct moment where this film goes tragically bad? I’m not exactly sure, but I’d wager a guess it would be the moment when Efron shows up dressed as “Rock Out with Your Cock Out!” for a cocktail party. This is a moment so jarringly stupid, so unrelentingly inane, that think the actors got whiplash from the violent tonal shift. To bad, because the actors have a hint of comic chemistry, and Imogen Poots is sweet as Efron’s love interest. The fatal flaw of this movie is that rather than sticking to a plan and being a true film about the perils of dating and relationships, it wants to be the new American Pie. Striving to be something that already sucked and falling short means you suck more.

$

249

plus tax per month

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February 13, 2014

Style rangers Yelsa Where’s a band name like Yelsa come from?

“It’s a tabula rasa,” says bassist Jordan Keach. by Brad Bynum “There’s definitely a story behind it, but the story’s insigbradb@ nificant,” says drummer Aaron newsre view.c om Edgcomb. “We were going through a few names that had very specific connotations, and ultimately we don’t want to be associated with anything specific. The name doesn’t have any specific connotations. It can be funny or it can serious, so we can be funny or serious.”

PHOTO/BRAD BYNUM

Williams. “We come at it more like a garage band, just a bunch of guys making music, rather than the jazz approach”—a rotating cast of different musicians forming pick-up bands—“which we’re all very used to and very tired of.”

“What we’re going for with this group is a certain voice, and we have that voice consistently because of the way we play and the way we interact,” says Edgcomb.

The exact sound of that certain voice is a bit ineffable. Because there’s a trumpet in a lieu of a vocalist, it would be easy to pigeonhole the group as jazz, which in the broadest definition of the word, it is. But the music has grooves inspired by electronic music, like Flying Lotus, and since Keach and Wesely both play electronic instruments, with a full array of pedals and effects, and Edgcomb is able to hit with a sure hand, there’s also an element of rock in the music, especially when they build up a full head of steam, with guitar and bass feeding back, the drums rocking hard, and Williams’ trumpet cascading over the top.

Because they use a lot of improvisation, the musicians are able to adjust their sound according to the venue and the audience. There’s a big difference in audience expectations and reactions to a show at a bar late at night versus a formal concert hall early in the evening.

“We have consciously adjusted sets to venues,” says Wesely. “We say, this is more of a jazz venue, or this is more of a rock venue, so we should play these sorts of tunes more, at least for openers and closers. Our style ranges a lot. It covers a lot of ground musically, so we can do that.”

But the band members say their favorite shows locally are the ones for rock audiences, on rock bills, for energetic audiences that hoot and holler, dance and drink, rather than the stoic, patient, all-toopolite listeners at many local jazz performances.

“This band thrives off the audience,” says Keach. Ω

Musicians who draw from many influences: Jordan Keach, Drew Wesely, Chris Williams and Aaron Edgcomb of Yelsa.

“It means nothing, so we were able to grab it and define it however we want,” says trumpeter Chris Williams.

Yelsa is a Reno-based quartet.

Keach, Edgcomb, Williams and guitarist Drew Wesely are all young, but experienced, jazz musicians, veterans of the local jazz scene and the university’s jazz program. But Yelsa is not strictly a jazz band. The musicians also draw inspiration from electronic music, hip-hop and rock.

And, perhaps most importantly, Yelsa is a band, not just a pick-up group of jazz musicians organized for a single gig or to perform one player’s compositions, but a cohesive musical group, where everyone contributes compositional ideas and the sum is greater than the parts.

The musicians were all familiar with each from playing in pick-up jazz bands prior to forming Yelsa early last year.

“I started the group because I really wanted to make a group with my friends that I could spend a lot of time on focused rehearsals without a specific game plan,” says

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ ChrisWIlliamsYelsa.

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THURSDAY 2/13

FRIDAY 2/14

SATURDAY 2/15

3RD STREET

SUNDAY 2/16

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 2/17-2/19

Alias Smith, 9:30pm, no cover

125 W. Third St., (775) 323-5005

5 STAR SALOON

DG Kicks, 9pm, Tu, no cover DJ Ricky Rick, 10pm, Tu, no cover Karaoke, 10pm, W, no cover

Karaoke, 10pm, no cover

132 West St., (775) 329-2878

THE ALLEY

White Bulbs, Pushing Back, Fighting the Future, Ras Kass, Copywrite, Goonie Wolf, D.Lynch, Livitz Livitz, Del Mar, 8:30pm, $7 Easter Island Moving Co., 8pm, no cover The Halve Two, Moral, 8:30pm, $10-$12

906 Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775) 358-8891

BODEGA LIVE

1) Digital Thursdays, 10pm, $5-$8 2) Reggae Vibez Thursdays, 10pm, 5-$8

555 E. Fourth St., (775) 378-4507 1) Main Room 2) Ultra Lounge

CEOL IRISH PUB

1) Mr. Dalvin, Autumn Carter, Rasheed, 8p, $15-$25

Pub Quiz Trivia Night, 8pm, no cover

James Wilsey Jr., 9pm, no cover

1099 S. Virginia St., (775) 324-2244

Sonic Mass w/DJ Tigerbunny, 7pm, no cover

Good Friday with rotating DJs, 10pm, no cover

COMMA COFFEE

Mark Diorio, 11:30am, no cover

538 S. Virginia St., (775) 329-5558

CHAPEL TAVERN 312 S. Carson St., Carson City; (775) 883-2662

COTTONWOOD RESTAURANT & BAR 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee; (530) 587-5711

Blarney Band, 7pm, no cover

1) Baeza, 7pm, $20-$25

The Grups, 9pm, no cover

Motograter, Anchors For Airplanes, Krosphyer, Scattered, 7:30pm, $10-$12

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Music Trivia with Chris Payne, 9pm, W, no cover

Baeza Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

Bodega Live 555 E. Fourth St. 378-4507

Traditional Irish Tune Session, 7pm, Tu, no cover

CW and Mr. Spoons, noon, M, no cover Mark Diorio, 5:30pm, W, no cover

Comedy

Earthrise, 7pm, no cover

DAVIDSON’S DISTILLERY

Kimo Sabes, 9:30pm, no cover

275 E. Fourth St., (775) 324-1917

FUEGO

Open Mic Jam, 9:30pm, M, karaoke, 9:30pm, Tu, open mic, 9:30pm, W, no cover

Thee Orbiters, 9:30pm, no cover

Live flamenco guitar music, 5:30pm, no cover

170 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-1800

THE GRID BAR & GRILL

Karaoke w/Andrew, 9pm, no cover

8545 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach; (530) 546-0300

HIMMEL HAUS

Bass Heavy, 9pm, W, $TBA Open Mic Night, 9pm, M, no cover Trivia Night, 9pm, W, no cover

3819 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe; (530) 314-7665

THE HOLLAND PROJECT

Spitting Image, Culture Abuse, Marion Walker, 8:30pm, $5

140 Vesta St., (775) 742-1858

Greg Bennick, Spoken Views, Bat Country, 7:30pm, Tu, $5

JAVA JUNGLE

Outspoken: Open Mic Night, 7pm, M, no cover

246 W. First St., (775) 329-4484

JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN 1180 Scheels Dr., Sparks; (775) 657-8659

JUB JUB’S THIRST PARLOR 71 S. Wells Ave., (775) 384-1652 1) Showroom 2) Bar Room

Erika Paul, 6pm, no cover

First Take featuring Rick Metz, 6pm, no cover

Bill Davis, 6pm, no cover

2) Blood Stands Still, No Altars, Worst Intentions, Black Sails, Compromised, 9pm, $5

1) A Tribute to The Hazards of Love, 7:30pm, $12 -$15, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Valentine’s Day Bash, 10pm, $10

1) SK8 ART 2 Skate Jam w/Smoke Filled Skies, Liver Scars, Vampirates, Sucka Punch, noon, $10

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3rd Street, 125 W. Third St., 323-5005: Comedy Night & Improv w/Patrick Shillito, W, 9pm, no cover Catch a Rising Star, Silver Legacy, 407 N. Virginia St., 329-4777: Dave Russo, Th, Su, 7:30pm, $15.95; F, 7:30pm, 10pm, $15.95; Sa, 7:30pm, 10pm, $17.95; Sean Donnelly, Tu-W, 7:30pm, $15.95 The Improv at Harveys Cabaret, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Stateline, (800) 553-1022: Allan Havey, Jodi Borrello, Th-F, Su, 9pm, $25; Sa, 8pm, 10pm, $30; Will Durst, David Gee, W, 9pm, $25 Reno-Tahoe Comedy at Pioneer Underground, 100 S. Virginia St., 686-6600: The Utility Players, Th, 7:30pm, $12, $16, Justin Rupple, F, 7pm, 9:30pm, Sa, 6:30pm, 9:30pm, $14, $17

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THURSDAY 2/13 KNITTING FACTORY CONCERT HOUSE

SUNDAY 2/16

Mark Sexton Band, 8:30pm, no cover

787 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe; (530) 544-8004

PADDY & IRENE’S IRISH PUB 906-A Victorian Ave., Sparks; (775) 358-5484

THE POINT

Traditional Irish Celtic Night, 7:30pm, no cover

Mark Sexton Band, 8:30pm, no cover

Mark Wilson and friends, 7:30pm, no cover

Guest duos, 7pm, no cover

Karaoke hosted by Gina Jones, 8:30pm, no cover

Karaoke hosted by Gina Jones, 9pm, no cover

Karaoke hosted by Gina Jones, 9pm, no cover

POLO LOUNGE

Bobby G, 8pm, no cover

Gemini, 9pm, no cover

Jake’s Garage 5.0, 9pm, no cover

Steel Rockin’ Karaoke, 7:30pm, no cover

Baker Street, 8pm, no cover

PONDEROSA SALOON 106 S. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7210

Karaoke, 8:30pm, Tu, 9:15pm, W, no cover

RED DOG SALOON

Open Mic Night, 7pm, W, no cover

76 N. C St., Virginia City; (775) 847-7474

RUBEN’S CANTINA 1483 E. Fourth St., (775) 622-9424

Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Knitting Factory 211 N. Virginia St. 323-5648

Karaoke, 8pm, no cover

SIDELINES BAR & NIGHTCLUB

Hip Hop Open Mic, 10pm, W, no cover Greg Golden Band, 9pm, no cover

1237 Baring Blvd., Sparks; (775) 355-1030

SIERRA TAP HOUSE ST. JAMES INFIRMARY 445 California Ave., (775) 657-8484 432 E. Fourth St., (775) 410-5993

Country In Lights, 8pm, $5

Everything Hard EDM, 8pm, $5

WILD RIVER GRILLE

4275-4395 W. Fourth St., (775) 787-3769

Open Mic Night w/Tany Jane, 8pm, M, Black and Blues Jam, 8:30pm, Tu, no cover

Dance party, 9pm, no cover

Strange on the Range, 7pm, M, no cover Tuesday Night Trivia, 8pm, Tu, no cover

Strangeworld, 8pm, $5

Karaoke Night, 7pm, Tu, Open Mic Wednesdays, 7pm, W, no cover Sunday Jazz, 2pm, no cover

17 S. Virginia St., (775) 284-7455

WILDFLOWER VILLAGE

Ventura Highway, 9pm, no cover

Mark Castro Band, 9pm, no cover

252 W. First St., (775) 322-7678

STUDIO ON 4TH

Open Mic Night, 7:30pm, W, no cover

Acoustic Wonderland, 8pm, no cover

3001 W. Fourth St., (775) 322-3001 1559 S. Virginia St., (775) 322-8864

Escape the Fate

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 2/17-2/19

MOODY’S BISTRO BAR & BEATS MURPHY’S IRISH PUB AND ROCKWATER RESTAURANT

Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.

The Alley 906 Victorian Ave. Sparks 358-8891

SATURDAY 2/15

211 N. Virginia St., (775) 323-5648 10007 Bridge St., Truckee; (530) 587-8688

Motograter

FRIDAY 2/14

John Ager III, Ethan Pickett, Jym Bettencourt, Attila, I See Stars, Capture The Crown, Ice Bluff Caller, Apprentice, Crush, The Bonfire Escape the Fate, Eve to Adam, New Year’s Day, John Gallagher, Matt Wiegand, 8:30pm, $8 Nine Kills, Myka Relocate, 7:30pm, $15-$35 Set, Naked for Safety, 7pm, $7 She Has A Fashion Vice, 7:30pm, M, $18-$35

My Acoustic Heart, Love You Miss You, Mason Frey, 6pm, $5

Reno Music Project Open Mic, 6:30pm, no cover

Wildflower Comedy Power Hour Open Mic, 8:30pm, Tu, no cover

WHIT WHITE WH HIT HITE ITE E BULB BU BULBS LBS BS

Thursday, Thursd Th day, y February Fe ebruary y 13 3

Fighting Fight ting the ti th he Future, Fu Futture, Easter Eastter Island Is I land Moving Mo oving C pany, Pushing Back Com Company,

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Saturday, February 15

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W/ Livitz Livitz, Stonedaddy, One Car Funeral

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Sunday, February 16

W/ Anchors For Airplanes, Krosphyer, Scattered

SCOTTS BDAY BASH

THESE DON’T MIX Think you know your limits?

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If you drink, don’t drive.

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Thursday, February 20

W/ MaryJane Rocket, 10 Cent Mistake, Ten Cent Mistake, Slut Fungus

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THURSDAY 2/13

FRIDAY 2/14

SATURDAY 2/15

SUNDAY 2/16

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 2/17-2/19

2) Joey Carmon Band, 8pm, no cover

2) Joey Carmon Band, 4pm, Soul Experience, 10pm, no cover

2) Joey Carmon Band, 4pm, Soul Experience, 10pm, no cover

2) Soul Experience, 8pm, no cover

2) Atomika, 4pm, M, Tu, no cover

2) Stew Stewart, 8pm, 10pm, no cover

2) Stew Stewart, 8pm, 10pm, no cover

2) Stew Stewart, 8pm, 10pm, no cover

2) Phil Prunier, 6pm, no cover

2) Phil Prunier, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

14 Hwy. 28, Crystal Bay; (775) 833-6333 1) Crown Room 2) Red Room

1) Love Fool, 9pm, $15-$35

1) XOXO w/Ana Sia, B.Bravo, Comma, 10pm, $20-$40

1) ALO, Rainbow Girls, 9pm, $22-$25

2) The Duhks, 9pm, M, no cover

ELDORADO HOTEL CASINO

1) Ring of Fire, 8pm, $24.95+ 2) Brazen, 10:30pm, no cover 3) Skyy High Fridays w/Roni Romance, DJ Dragon, 10pm, $10 4) Live piano, jazz, 4:30pm, no cover

1) Ring of Fire, 7pm, 9:30pm, $24.95+ 2) Brazen, 10:30pm, no cover 3) Four Play Saturdays w/Roni Romance, DJ Dragon, 10pm, $10 4) Live piano, jazz, 4:30pm, no cover

1) Ring of Fire, 7pm, $24.95+ 2) Brazen, 10:30pm, no cover 4) Live piano, jazz, 4:30pm, no cover

1) Ring of Fire, 7pm, Tu, W, $24.95+ 2) Live Band Karaoke, 10pm, M, DJ Chris English, 10pm, Tu, Garage Boys, 10:30pm, W, no cover 4) Live piano, jazz, 4:30pm, W, no cover

1) Clint Black, 9pm, $25-$55

1) Rob Schneider, 9pm, $27.50-$38.50

1) Mung Xuan Moi, 8pm, $28

1) Kellie Pickler, 7:30pm, $79.50 3) Sky Blu of LMFAO, 10:30pm, $20

3) DJ Nick Ferrer, D-Money, 10:30pm, $20

ATLANTIS CASINO RESORT SPA 3800 S. Virginia St., (775) 825-4700 1) Grand Ballroom Stage 2) Cabaret

CARSON VALLEY INN

1627 Hwy. 395, Minden; (775) 782-9711 1) Valley Ballroom 2) Cabaret Lounge 3) Valley Sky Theatre

CRYSTAL BAY CLUB

1) Ring of Fire, 7pm, $24.95+ 2) Brazen, 10:30pm, no cover 4) Live piano, jazz, 4:30pm, no cover

345 N. Virginia St., (775) 786-5700 1) Showroom 2) Brew Brothers 3) BuBinga Lounge 4) Roxy’s Bar & Lounge 5) Stadium Bar

GRAND SIERRA RESORT

2500 E. Second St., (775) 789-2000 1) Grand Theater 2) WET Ultra Lounge 3) The Beach

HARRAH’S LAKE TAHOE

15 Hwy. 50, Stateline; (775) 588-6611 1) South Shore Room 2) Casino Center Stage 3) Peek Nightclub

HARRAH’S RENO

1) Frank Marino’s Divas, 8pm, $35-$45

219 N. Center St., (775) 788-2900 1) Sammy’s Showroom 2) The Zone

1) Frank Marino’s Divas, 8pm, $35-$45 3) DJ Cooper, 8pm, no cover

JOHN ASCUAGA’S NUGGET

MONTBLEU RESORT

1) Sweet Talk: A Delicious Electro-Cirque Kiss, 8:30pm, $20

1) Sweet Talk: A Delicious Electro-Cirque Kiss, 8:30pm, $20 3) Boogie Nights, 8pm, no cover w/’70s-’80s attire

2) Ike & Martin, 7pm, no cover 3) 3-D Thursdays w/DJs Max, Chris English, Kronyak, 10pm, $20

2) Ike & Martin, 8pm, no cover 3) Salsa dancing with BB of Salsa Reno, 7:30pm, $10 after 8pm, EDGE Valentines Party w/DJ Audio, 10pm, $20

2) Ike & Martin, 8pm, no cover 3) DJ Miles Medina, 10pm, $20

3) University of Aura, 9pm, no cover 4) Live music, 6:30pm, no cover

1) Goo Goo Dolls, 8pm, $55.50-$69.50 2) Fresh, 9pm, no cover 3) Fashion Friday, 7pm, no cover 4) Live music, 8:30pm, no cover

1) 112, 8pm, $34.50-$49.50 2) Fresh, 9pm, no cover 3) Seduction Saturdays, 9pm, $5 4) Live music, 8:30pm, no cover

55 Hwy. 50, Stateline; (800) 648-3353 1) Theatre 2) Opal 3) Blu

PEPPERMILL RESORT SPA CASINO 2707 S. Virginia St., (775) 826-2121 1) Tuscany Ballroom 2) Terrace Lounge 3) Edge 4) Capri Ballroom

SILVER LEGACY

407 N. Virginia St., (775) 325-7401 1) Grand Exposition Hall 2) Rum Bullions Island Bar 3) Aura Ultra Lounge 4) Silver Baron Lounge 5) Drinx Lounge

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NEWS

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GREEN

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FEATURE STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE

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IN ROTATION

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ART OF THE STATE

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FOODFINDS

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FILM

Feb. 16, 9 p.m.

Crystal Bay Club 14 Highway 28 Crystal Bay 833-6333

Karaoke Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave., Sparks, 359-3526: F-Sa, 7pm; Tu, 6pm, no cover

1) Frank Marino’s Divas, 8pm, $35-$45

1) Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx, 8pm, $49 2) Country at the Cabaret w/DJ Jamie G, 9pm, no cover

1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks; (775) 356-3300 1) Showroom 2) Cabaret 3) Orozko 4) Rose Ballroom

OPINION

1) Frank Marino’s Divas, 8pm, $35-$45 3) DJ Cooper, 8pm, no cover

ALO

El Cortez Lounge, 235 W. Second St., 324-4255: Daily, 9pm, no cover 2) Country at the Cabaret w/DJ Jamie G, 7pm W, no cover

Ponderosa Saloon, 106 South C St., Virginia City, 847-7210: Steel Rockin’ Karaoke, F, 7:30pm, no cover West Second Street Bar, 118 W. Second St., 384-7976: Daily, 8pm, no cover

2) Anderson, Ackerson & Teran, 6pm, M, Tu, W, no cover

2) Recovery Sundays, 10pm, no cover 3) Industry Night, 9pm, no cover 4) Live music, 6:30pm, no cover

| MUSICBEAT

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NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS

2) Gong Show Karaoke, 8pm, Tu, no cover

| THIS WEEK

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MISCELLANY

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FEBRUARY 13, 2014

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For a complete listing of this week’s events, visit newsreview.com/reno

Buy It or Burn It: A Fundraiser for Embrace The event will feature food, music, performance art and many local artists’ works for auction. Bidders can chose to keep the piece or art or destroy it in a community burn.

The evening will feature fondue provided by Wedge—A Cheese Shop, music by Mindful Massive and aerial silks performances by Lina Maria from the Siren Society and independent artist Alexa Ray. All funds raised from the auction will benefit the construction of Embrace, two 70-foot tall sculptures for Burning Man 2014 which are being built by members of the The Pier Group. Doors will open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at The Generator, 1240 Icehouse Ave., Sparks. The community burn will take place at about 10 p.m. Visit http://embrace2014.com or www. therenogenerator.com.

Reno Pajama Crawl Break out your favorite footies, long johns or Snuggie and hit the town for the first Pajama Crawl this weekend. More than 15 bars and nightclubs will offer drink specials to participants age 21 and older who are wearing their favorite bedtime attire (birthday suits, don’t count) with pub crawl cup in hand. There will also be a $500 cash prize photo contest. The crawl starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at The Waterfall, 134 W. Second St. Commemorative cups and maps can be purchased in advance for $5 at Junkee Clothing Exchange, 960 S. Virginia St., or at The Waterfall on the night of the event.

Call (775) 342-9565 or visit http://renopajamacrawl.com.

SK8 ART 2 Skate Jam The all-day, all-ages event features skateboarding demonstrations, contests, art, a raffle, food trucks and music by DJs and bands including Liver Scars, Vampirates, Sucka Punch, Machine Gun Vendetta, among others. The fun begins at noon on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor, 71 S. Wells Ave. Admission is $10. Call 384-1652 or visit www.jubjubsreno.com.

Animal Ark Wild Winter Weekend The wildlife sanctuary and nature center doesn’t officially open for the season until April, but it will offer one more special weekend for visitors to view their lynx, bobcats, wolves and other resident animals in a cooler outdoor environment. The facility, located at 1265 Deerlodge Road, about 25 miles north of Reno, is open on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $10 for children ages 3-16. Admission is free for children age 2 and younger. Call (775) 970-3111 prior to your departure as poor weather or road conditions could cancel the event. Visit www.animalark.org.

From Reno With Love—A 007 Bohemia Brüka Theatre invites you to bring out your inner Bond Girl or Boy for a night of poetry, music, performance art or other creative work at this James Bond-themed open mic event. Slots range from 5 to 10 minutes long. Sign-ups begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, at Brüka Theatre, 99 N. Virginia St. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5-$10. Call 323-3221 or visit www.bruka.org.

OPINION

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NEWS

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GREEN

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FEATURE STORY

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ARTS&CULTURE

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ART OF THE STATE

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FOODFINDS

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FILM

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MUSICBEAT

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NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS

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THIS WEEK

—Kelley Lang

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MISCELLANY

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A LIFE CUT SHORT! (Bear Tag #W92)

• Brought to the Animal Ark with his sister as orphans in July, 2011.

• Returned to the wild in dens at Marlette Lake February, 2012.

• Killed by a Nevada bear hunter in Lake Tahoe State Park November, 2013.

HELP US STOP THE NEVADA BEAR HUNT CALL Governor’s office 775-684-5670 BUY a “SAV-UM” license at NoBearHuntNV.org WE AND THE BEARS THANK YOU!

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I’m good friends with the woman next door, but she and her husband fight constantly in front of me and others.

Recently, we were all in their car. She was driving, and he repeatedly told her everything she was doing wrong.

Then he called to order a pizza, and she laid into him, saying he was ordering wrong. He yelled, “Why do you always complicate things?!” It was really unpleasant.

Then, last week, they came to a dinner party at my house and started fighting right at the table! Is there any way to stop the tension and this rude behavior?

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There are social conventions we all just know to adhere to. For instance, you don’t get to use other people’s ears as hampers for your relationship’s dirty laundry.

Unfortunately, this couple seems to have reached the “winning is everything” point—the point at which social conventions get crumpled up and thrown out the car window and you and your guests are dismayed to find your dinner party doubling as a jury trial: She Never Listens v.

He Orders Pizza Wrong.

Well-meaning people will advise you to take the woman aside—embarrassing and uncomfortable!—or chirp, “Yoo-hoo, I’m right here!” when they go from zero to “I hate you” in front of you. But there’s a good chance these suggestions won’t work, thanks to our body’s sloppy and imprecise “fight or flight” system, which is seriously in need of an upgrade. It turns out that the adrenaline rush that would get triggered to help our ancestors escape a hungry tiger’s attack can also be triggered by a verbal attack by

a wife when her husband fails to meet certain apparently essential takeout-ordering standards. Psychologist Daniel Goleman calls this an “emotional hijacking” because the brain’s reasoning center gets bypassed. He explains in his book Emotional Intelligence that the surge of adrenaline and other crisis hormones make a person’s emotions “so intense, their perspective so narrow, and their thinking so confused that there is no hope of taking the other’s viewpoint or settling things in a reasonable way.”

In other words, the behavior you should have the best success modifying is your own. And no, the modification shouldn’t involve riding in the trunk when you go places with them or having the garden hose close at hand at your dinner parties so you can break up any snarling dogs or married couples. A couple whose party manners fall off faster than pants on a nude beach doesn’t deserve your company—much as they might like to have a witness in case one of them needs to claim “self-defense.” You may want to see the wife alone, but you should decline all future opportunities to be in the presence of this duo. Of course, on occasion, it may be worth it to you to make an exception, like when you want to see a big boxing match but can’t afford pay-per-view: “Hi, I’m having a party next Saturday. Wanna come over so I can take bets on which one of you will bite off a piece of the other’s ear?” Ω

Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave., No. 280, Santa Monica,CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com (www.advicegoddess.com).

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OPINION

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NEWS

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GREEN

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fEatuRE StORy |

aRtS&CuLtuRE

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IN ROtatION

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aRt Of tHE StatE

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fOODfINDS

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fILM

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MuSICBEat

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BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In her TED talk,

science writer Mary Roach made it clear that human beings don’t need genital stimulation to experience orgasms. She spoke of a woman who routinely reaches ecstatic climax by having her eyebrows caressed, and another woman who reaches the “big O” simply by brushing her teeth. Then there’s the woman who can simply think herself into coming, no physical touch necessary. I can’t guarantee that a similar aptitude will suddenly turn on in you, Aries, but the coming days could bring you as close as you have ever been. Right now, you’re a connoisseur of deep pleasure—a blessed bliss master.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The fact

that someone else loves you doesn’t rescue you from the project of loving yourself,” writes blogger Sahaj Kohli. Nothing else rescues you from that quest, either, I would add. Sooner or later, whether it’s now or 20 years in the future, you will have to master this fine art. It’s not enough to merely feel affection for yourself; not enough to seek pleasure and avoid pain. You’ve got to make extensive investigations to discover what it means to love yourself, you have to develop rigorous plans for how to accomplish it; and you must fire up a deep commitment as you actually carry out those plans. By the way, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to work on mastering this fine art.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Drunk with

my madness, I shouted at him furiously, ‘Make life beautiful! Make life beautiful!’”

So says a character in a prose poem by Charles Baudelaire. And now, even though I am neither drunk nor furious nor consumed with madness, I am whispering the same command to you. I hope you will respond by embarking on a heroic effort to make life beautiful everywhere you go. The astrological omens suggest that if you do, you will be inundated with practical blessings that are as valuable as money. This will also be an excellent way to drum up the kind of love you crave.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Here’s what I wish for you during the Valentine season: to be happily in love with an intimate partner who loves you back. If that’s not feasible, here’s what I hope: that you are learning provocative lessons about yourself through your growth-inducing relationship with a close ally. And if you’re not blessed with either of those experiences, here’s a third alternative: that you cherish your fathomless longing for its own sake, feeling wonder and reverence for its wild power even if it’s unfulfilled.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Making eye contact

is essential for building potent links with people you care about. It bypasses rational thought, stimulating chemical reactions in your bodies that enhance empathy and intimacy. In practicing the art of love, it’s one of the most potent moves you can make.

This Valentine season would be an excellent time for you Leos to explore the frontiers of what’s possible through prolonged eye contact. Start here: Cultivate a sincere desire to know what’s simmering inside the souls of your dearest allies. With that as your driving force, your gaze won’t be clouded by shyness or self-consciousness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “I prefer an ec-

static orgasm to a lot of angst,” says Filipino artist David Medalla. I hope you consider making that your battle cry during this Valentine season. It would be in rapt harmony with the current cosmic omens. There really is no need for you to get sidelined by anxiety or distracted by stress when the natural remedy is so easily available. In every way you can imagine, Virgo, fight off sourness and dourness by engaging in acts of joy and pleasure.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In her poem

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34 | RN&R |

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

“Implications of One Plus One,” Marge Piercy marvels at the way she and her long-term partner keep finding new nuances in their lovemaking. “Ten years of fitting our bodies together / and still they sing wild songs in new keys,” she writes. What’s their secret?

It’s “timing, / chemistry, magic and will and luck.” What I wish for you this Valentine season, Libra, is that you will have access to all five of those ingredients as you reinvigorate your relationship to love. More importantly—based on the current cosmic omens—I predict you will have access to them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Jesuit priest

Pedro Arrupe touted the practical value of being totally in love. “What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything,” he said. “It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, … how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, … and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.” Are you in love, Scorpio? With either a person, a beloved animal, a certain patch of land, your creative work or life itself? If not, there’s no excuse!

Astrologically speaking, it’s an excellent time for you to be stupendously in love with someone or something—anything! If you are already in this state, trust your intuition to make it even smarter and finer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Borrowing the words of Rumi (translated

by Coleman Barks), I’ve prepared a love note for you to use as your own. Give it to a person whose destiny needs to be woven more closely together with yours: “You are the sky my spirit circles in, the love inside love, the resurrection-place.” Would you like even more inspirational words to deliver to your chosen one? I hope so. Be greedy for lyrical bonding. Lust for springy intimacy.

Feed your churning yearning. Try saying this, lifted from the book The Last Unicorn: “We are two sides of the same magic.” And be sure to say this, paraphrased from Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh: “I love you in a way that will always make you feel free.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “People think a soul mate is your perfect fit,” said author Elizabeth Gilbert. “But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back. ...

They tear down your walls and smack you awake ... shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you ... transform your life.” Does that sound like the kind of person you want in your life, Capricorn? Or do you prefer someone who likes what you like, appreciates you just as you are, and makes your life more secure and comfortable? This Valentine season is a good time to make or renew your commitment to one choice or the other. Whatever you decide, you’re likely to experience it on a richer, deeper level during the next 12 months.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Do you

feel oppressed by Valentine’s Day? Maybe you’re single and reject the cultural bias that says being in an intimate relationship is the healthy norm. Or maybe you’re part of a couple but are allergic to the cartoonish caricatures of romance that bombard you during the Valentine marketing assault. If you’d rather consecrate love and intimacy in your own unique way, untainted by the stereotypes flying around, I invite you to rebel. Make this the year you overthrow the old ways and start a new tradition: Valentine’s Day 2.0. Mock sappy, sentimental expressions of romance even as you carry out futuristic experiments in radically slaphappy love.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I have come

to be fascinated with the messiness of desire,” wrote novelist Ashley Warlick, “with the ways people fit themselves together, take themselves apart for each other, for want of each other, of some parts of each other.” Your assignment, Pisces, is to celebrate the messiness of desire, to not just grudgingly accept it as an inconvenience you’ve got to tolerate, but rather to marvel at it, be amused by it, and appreciate it for all the lessons it provides. Your motto this Valentine season could be, “ bless the messy largesse of my longing.”

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes and daily text message horoscopes. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at (877) 873-4888 or (900) 950-7700.

by Dennis Myers PHOTO/DENNIS MYERS

Barber Jim Carpenter is a barber at the Town Barber, a five-chair shop at the corner of Apple and Wrondel behind the Park Lane movie theaters. This is his 50th year as a barber.

The Beatles came to the United States in 1964, and you were going to barber college in Sacramento that year. Did they teach you how to cut the new styles the Beatles brought?

No, we were just doing the standard short hair cuts back them because the impact really hadn’t hit yet.

So what did you do?

Well, I had to either learn how to cut long hair or move on to another job. I didn’t want to keep watching people walking past my shop on their way to beauty shops. And so I trained myself in the long hair and moved on to the styling.

You taught yourself?

Yes, and there’s classes you can take where you learn. Just like shaving and razor cutting and anything else, you have to do it to learn it. So you’re going to make a lot of mistakes, but once you get it, you get it.

How else has the business changed in the 50 years you’ve been in it?

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My father had this old fashioned barber shop on Center Street right into the ’80s, with a Police Gazette to read and old Koken barber chairs and straight edge, hot lather razor shaves. Are there any shops around the valley now like that?

Our shop has been in business since 1976, and we have five barbers, three fairly young ones. But we’ve established quite a clientele. … This is our third location.

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No, I guess I can celebrate still being here. But I hadn’t thought about doing anything for the anniversary. Ω

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∫y Bruce Van Dye

or down? Like most people in this world of Too Much Information, I really enjoy it when I can make my decision based on a nice, simple, emotional kneejerk, one that’s not compromised with all sorts of pro/ con stuff graying up the process and making things all ambivalent and informed and, you know—intelligent. I finally found my footing on Keystone, and it’s a solid No, don’t build it.

Here’s the factoid that pushed me off the fence.

Because a permit denial will steam, and steam royally, the Koch Brothers.

In the crap game of Canadian tar sands and the sludgy billions of barrels of oil it will eventually produce, the Kochs have bet big on the come line. They’re banking that Keystone will get built, and if it does, ole Chuck and Dave stand to make billions.

Some say the Keystone pipeline will mean as much as 100 billion in profits for these evil bastards, mainly because of the 2 million acres of Alberta that Koch Industries owns, which is more than Chevron, Exxon, and |

You’ve been around awhile. You must have quite a stable of regulars.

Do you still give shaves?

I can’t really say that, because things have reverted back to the shorter hair. But I think if it had continued on, you would have seen a lot of them because there’s guys today who still don’t know how to cut long hair. You either know how to cut it or don’t, so like any education, it’s good to know it all.

Block that Koch CBS actually did a pretty good job with its Beatles 50th Anniversary show. Yes, there were the usual assortment of wince-able moments, but there were plenty of moments that were genuinely unwince-able. So that was nice.

It was a lingering shame, though, was that for whatever reason, Paul and Ringo didn’t get Dhani Harrison and Sean Ono Lennon up on stage for a couple of songs. I mean, jeez—come on, guys! There’s no way such a scene would not have been one deluxe, supercool, heartwarmin’, tearjerkin’, ultra groove ’60s moment. To have John and George’s boys up there, now grown men, both capable of playing totally competent guitars on “All You Need Is Love” or whatever.

You know the topic was discussed.

It had to have been. I wonder why it didn’t happen. Maybe I don’t want to know why.

• Lots of heated chatter clogging the media lately about the Keystone XL pipeline project, and which way the thumb of approval should go. Up

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other oil giants combined.

For me, that seals the deal.

Screw the Koch Brothers. FTKB. And you know what? I’m betting the president would love to do the exact same thing. Why on Earth would Obama approve any project that will put billions into the pockets of the Kochs, who will then turn around and blowtorch that money all over the country in their ongoing attempts to turn America into a political loony bin of far-right, neo-fascist nutballs?

The president won’t come out and say so, of course, but I’m thinking that he will find some handy green reason (no shortage of those) to cover his real intentions, which are to—FTKB. Not only does he get the pleasure of infuriating the Kochs with a permit denial, he also gets, as a nice little bonus, to be a champion in the battle against climate change.

In the end, Barack will, I predict, find this particular combo platter to be irresistible. Ω FOODFINDS

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First introductions page 3

Family fun page 4

last-minute love crafts

Furry family

long-distance love

to the theaters

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page 10 page 11

a special supplement to the Reno news & Review | FeBRuaRY 13, 2014

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omorrow kicks off Valentine’s Day weekend, and everything is hearts and love galore, including this family guide.

No matter what your feelings are about this day and how you’re celebrating—or not celebrating—it, I’m sure you all have made or bought and handed out some Valentine’s Day cards, even if it was just when you were a kid. It’s a holiday that everyone has vivid memories of because the feelings surrounding it tend to be pretty intense. I loved Valentine’s Day as a kid, and I go back and forth about it now.

Getting gifts is pretty great though. That’s always fun. And the candy is something for which I not-so-patiently wait all year long.

Love is a feeling and idea that I do, well, love. It may have its ups and downs, but it’s something to which all of us can relate.

For those of you who still need to make some last minute crafts or cards for tomorrow, we’ve included some fun and easy do-it-yourself projects for you and your kids. And Tim Hauserman talks about suggestions to make Valentine’s Day a memorable day for the whole family.

There’s also a story about all those love story movies coming out in theaters. Erin Meyering talked to people in long distance relationships about the kind of things they experience in their particular kind of love.

We’ve also included some advice on how to introduce and bring your significant other into your family. And for those with loved ones of the furry variety, turn to our story about how to love and care for your pet at this time of year.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and it’s the time of year when people let it show a little bit more. So to get into the lovey-dovey spirit, grab this family guide and start reading.

Cheers, Sage Leehey

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SO’s rescue if necessary to take the heat off them, but also talk to your SO about helping change the subject if any especially embarrassing stories come up. If you’re in each other’s corners the whole time, you will probably come out the other end a stronger couple.

eciding that you want your significant other to meet your family is one of those things that most people don’t take too lightly. And while everyone knows that your SO is most likely panicking at least a little bit, you have a right to a little panic yourself. You may know that your SO is fantastic, but your family may not agree so readily, especially if that significant other is too frightened to be the person you’re so madly in love with.

No judgments Talk to your SO and family about keeping an open mind and not judging each other too quickly. A forced meeting of your family and your SO isn’t an organic situation. Everyone involved is going to act at least slightly different than how they normally do in order to handle the situation. If you sense someone—either your SO or a family member—beginning to judge the other, respectfully take them aside and remind them. However true an initial judgment might be, people should have a chance to show you who they really are.

Briefing A nervous SO can lead to a lot of unnecessary awkwardness with your family, so try to rein in some of your SO’s nerves in by preparing him or her for your family members. Are there any topics that should be avoided at all costs?

Any embarrassing stories your family is sure to tell? Any pet peeves your SO should know about before entering the household? Anything at all that might come up and surprise your SO or end up with their foot in their mouth should be included in your preparation. Also, make sure to include any stories or information about yourself that your SO should not talk about to your family. You can also practice some of the basics with your SO, like their major or career, how you met, etc. Doing this can take some stress away from the situation, and your SO might feel less awkward meeting someone they’ve already heard so much about.

Prepare your family, too It’s easy enough to focus in on your SO and what they should know before being brought into your family, but you can’t forget that preparing your family can help avoid awkwardness, too. Make sure you let your family know any and all relevant peculiarities about your SO so that there are no glaring surprises when your family and SO finally do meet. Dietary restrictions or oddities are a big one for this category. For example, if your SO doesn’t eat meat, has a strong hatred for all things vegetables, or needs ketchup in order to eat pretty much anything, it’s a good idea for you to let your family know beforehand, especially if they’re cooking for you and your lover. Sensitive topics are also something good to let your family know beforehand, too, so that your significant other hopefully doesn’t end up talking about something they don’t wish to in an already awkward situation.

Advice on how to bring your significant other into the family

by Sage Leehey Get alone

Hands-off policy

In the midst of all the stress and panic of meeting your family and the awkward moments that have almost definitely occurred, make sure to find ways to be alone—however briefly—every once in a while to check in and see how your significant other is handling everything.

Maybe you can go pick up some groceries or go on a quick walk around the block. This will also give you both some time to breathe and calm some of the panic down.

Most people really do not enjoy public displays of affection, so do your family a favor and adopt a hands-off policy around them. No matter how your family members feel about seeing you make-out with your SO, it’s best to keep it for your personal couple time. It shows respect for your family—and saves them from wanting to vomit.

Spread out Pay attention to everyone in your family. Whether it’s a big family event, a handful of family members or just your parents, make sure that you and your significant other spend time with each one of them. Ignoring or forgetting a family member is an easy way to sour their opinion of your significant other.

You’ve made a big decision bringing them into your family, and you want all of your family to know how amazing your lover truly is.

Under the microscope If your SO has been fielding the questions for a while or just seems like they need a break from the spotlight of the night, try to divert the conversation elsewhere. This might save some of your SO’s sanity, and it’ll show them that you care and are aware of their feelings throughout this encounter.

Be loyal Make a pact with your SO to stand up for each other if necessary. I’m not saying that you should vow to make a scene or start any fights if something unwanted happens, but you two should be there for each other so that a bad situation created by conversations with family members doesn’t turn into a fight between the two of you. Like I said earlier, come to your

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Share the importance Tell both your SO and family members just how much this meeting means to you. If it’s important that your family approves of your SO, then make sure your significant other knows that. It’s also good to make sure your family knows just how serious you are with this person. If you remind them that you love this person and would love for them to love them, too, they might be able to see your significant other through your eyes a little easier.

Jokes on jokes Encourage your SO to have fun with your family. Maybe bring some games along to push along the bonding process and make the whole situation less stressful. If the stress levels fall, your SO is much more likely to be who they really are—the person you love.

Don’t change who you are At the end of the day, you’re with your SO for who they are, and you want your family to love them for who they are, too. Although some behavior alterations are necessary to be respectful and courteous, don’t let your SO change themselves too much for your family.

Encourage them to be themselves and hold them to it when they’re with your family. The whole goal is to introduce your lover to your family—not someone else who just looks like them. You’ll both have more fun this way, too.

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alentine’s Day, like Christmas and Halloween, is a holiday that can create childhood memories that last a lifetime.

Take Kathy Ledford from Gardnerville.

She remembers her Valentine’s Day celebration in Mrs. Heinke’s kindergarten class at Tahoe Lake School in Tahoe City like it was yesterday, except it was 45 years ago.

“I’m making my very first present for my Mom, getting to use scissors and cut hearts,” she says. “I can feel the anticipation of pressing the heart to the lacy doily. Then you got to take that pasty white stuff out of a jar with a stick and smear it with your little pudgy fingers onto the paper. It may have been the first time I made something and felt pride, in a room warm and safe, with snow falling

outside and big wooden blocks in the corner.”

What more could you ask for?

Well for some kids, what you could ask for are Conversation Hearts. Sure, you might not remember what they are when you hear the name, but look at a picture of those petite multi-colored candy hearts with a word of love emblazoned on each one and the memories will come roaring back. Artist Jaclyn Woznicki from Kings Beach likes to transport her friends back to their childhood Valentine’s Days by sending out emails with pictures of piles of those sugary little wonders. She adds a sappy little saying to give it the full Valentine’s kitschy effect. All it takes is a photo, and you can smell ’em, see ’em and remember that cute girl with the ponytail three seats over on the left who gave you

one that said “Love,” and you just knew it had to be true.

What was it about Valentine’s Day that makes it a memorable, even warm and cozy, reflection of love for some, and just a Hallmark holiday to be avoided by others?

Whether that love is from a kindergarten kid for his mom (Hey, dads over here … don’t forget the dads … hello, is anybody listening?), a middle school student’s frustrated expression of desire for a secret crush, or the person you’ve been sharing a home with for 30 years, expressing emotions can be something that sticks in your brain, whether good or bad.

Like other holidays, Valentine’s Day can be awkward. By the time my daughter Sarah had reached school, it was all about being inclusive, so she didn’t just make a heart for mom or that special crush, she had to make a paper heart for every kid in class. “I remember mom and I were up late into the night making 30 different cards,” she says. Then by the time she reached middle school the student council saw selling roses on Valentine’s Day as a fundraising opportunity. Most of the roses were purchased for friends, eliciting friendly oohs and ahs. But some were from secret admirers, which of course would lead to an embarrassed recipient, with the rest of the class determined to

by Tim Hauserman

Valentine’s Day is for creating memories 4

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figure out who this secret admirer was and what they were thinking.

Sarah didn’t know what to think when a secret admirer gave her a red rose made out of duct tape. Did it show imagination and creativity, or just a lack of financial commitment? So how do we create memories that our children will look back on fondly 40 years later? It’s not about bigger and better, it’s about making the kids feel loved, without being so sappy that it makes them squirm. It really is the holiday where it’s the thought that counts.

While you may spring for the big bucks to woo that special someone later in life, with kids, all you need to do is a little reminder that their parents love them.

A few suggestions: »» Create»a»fancy»dinner. First, remove the computer and all the other crap sitting on that large all-purpose flat surface that used to be known as the dining room table. Put out the tablecloths and fancy napkins. Dress up in your finest and prepare a classy several-course dinner. Then raise a glass of sparkling cider or champagne in dedication to love. Or if you prefer, you can go simple with a Valentine’s breakfast, since nothing says love like getting up in the morning and having breakfast ready to go. How about heart-shaped pancakes? Chocolate chip muffins? Perhaps a few Valentine’s decorations to set the day off right. »» »Raining»or»snowing? Begin with a sledding adventure followed by hot cocoa (preferably with heart-shaped marshmallows), then get dried off and settle into the couch to watch a few love movies. Go with an older classic like Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, or cuddle up with one of those sad love stories, like Casablanca, An Affair to Remember or The Notebook. If your tykes aren’t ready for that icky smooching and stuff, perhaps they will go for A Charlie Brown Valentine. Your teenagers might be ready to face the cold, cruel reality of love with Love Actually. »» Feeling»crafty? Decorate each other with temporary heart-shaped tattoos. Or have the kids make hearts in advance.

Then you can hide them around the house after they hit the sack. He who finds the most hearts wins a prize. Consider it training for finding the eggs at Easter. »» »Skype»the»Grandparents.

While sending Nanny and Bumpa a Valentine’s card in Palm Springs is advised, the grandparents will be even

more appreciative of the opportunity to see their favorite rugrats up on the little screen.

Teenagers can use their creativity to create keepsakes for that special someone.

The jury is still out on that duct tape rose, but my niece was pretty stoked to receive a metal rose wielded by a boyfriend.

Have a starving college student out of town for Valentine’s Day? Perhaps he’s a freshman who is not only sick of dorm food, but is also missing the girl that he fell in love with two weeks ago that dumped him last week. Send him a care package full of his favorite food or a gift certificate to buy his own. My daughter loves a good steak, but that isn’t on her Top Ramen meal plan. It’s amazing how what they took for granted in high school will make them so happy in college.

The power of Valentine’s traditions can be multi-generational. Kathy Ledford was recently cleaning out a cabinet owned by her mother and inside found a beautiful paper heart just like the one she had made in Mrs. Heinke’s class. Except this heart was carefully constructed by her son for his grandmother, who had kept it as an important keepsake in the drawer for over 20 years. It’s the power of love.

Call»the»babysitter

OK, so you made your charming urchins a spectacular heart-shaped pancake and created a pile of those lovely hearts for them to hand out in school. Perhaps that is enough, and it is time to find a babysitter and get out there with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. You could head up to the mountains for one of these February 14th events: »» Sweetheart Sunset Snowshoe with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association in Tahoe Meadows. It’s part of the opening festivities for the Alpenglow Mountain Festival and it’s free. Check out the details and register at www. alpenglowsports.com »» Valentines Day, Full Moon Yurt Dinner. Enjoy a delicious meal on the snow in the intimate surroundings of Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Area’s wood stove heated yurt. It’s a fundraiser for the Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships and the Tahoe CrossCountry Ski Education Association. So while you are savoring a glass of wine and having adult conversation, you can feel good about it because you are supporting environmental education for children.

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by Sage Leehey

Procrastinators’ Valentine’s creations for the family

S

o Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and you’re still lacking in the cards, gifts or decorations department. You could run out to the store and buy some of the boxed cards and pre-made decorations and call it good. Or you can make some last-minute quick and easy homemade cards, gifts and decorations for your friends, family, classmates and secret admirees to make the holiday a little more personal.

“ Stained glass” hearts These come out really pretty and are much simpler than they seem. All you’ll need is some construction paper, wax paper, crayons, pencil sharpener, scissors, glue or tape and an iron—a hair straightener would probably do the trick if you’re desperate.

First, take crayons of various colors—make sure they’ll look good together with each other and the construction paper you’ve chosen—and sharpen them. It doesn’t really matter if they’re actually sharp, you just need the shavings. After you’ve collected your crayon shavings, sprinkle them on the wax paper. Make sure that the piece you’ve cut is big enough to fold in half and fit inside a piece of construction paper folded in half. Next, fold the wax paper in half over the shavings, cover it with a towel and iron it on a low or

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medium setting to melt them. Then cut some hearts—or whatever design you choose—into the construction paper and place the wax paper inside. Tape or glue it shut when you’re done. You can now write a message on the card or hang it up as a decoration. It’ll look something like stained glass through the construction paper when you’ve finished it. You can also simply cut hearts out of the wax paper after melting the shavings in it, string the hearts at different lengths and make a window display that the sun can shine through.

Love tree If you have young kids, this is a great one because not only will you have a cute Valentine’s craft or gift, but it’s also a memento to remember how little your little one was this year. For this one, you will only need your kid, washable paint, a paint brush and construction paper.

First, lay out your construction paper and roll up your child’s sleeves all the way.

Next, paint your kid’s arm from elbow to fingertip in brown paint—how far you paint will actually depend on how big your construction paper and your child is—and immediately “stamp” the arm and hand onto the construction paper. This will be the tree and branches. After cleaning off his or her arm and hand, start painting his

or her thumbs with different colors—pinks, reds, purples, whatever you like—and “stamping” them as leaves on and around the tree branches. You can “stamp” two thumbprints of the same color together so that they form a heart shape leaf on the tree, too. Once you’ve finished that, make sure your child signs and dates the project, so you’ll remember how old they were when their hands were this small. (If they’re too young, you can do this step.)

You can complete it with a Valentine’s Day message, too.

Heart caterpillar This one can be done on a card or as a large craft to display. Grab some construction paper in Valentine’s colors, crayons, scissors, markers or colored pencils and glue, and you’ll be good to go. Trace or draw some hearts of about equal size—that size and how many will depend on how large you want the caterpillar to be—and cut them all out. Next, arrange them on the card or construction paper in a bumpy line to figure out how you want the body of your caterpillar to look and then glue them down. Then, you’ll want to cut out a heart that’s a tiny bit larger for the head and

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paste it on the front end of your caterpillar.

To finish up the cutting and pasting, cut out two very thin rectangles and two very small hearts to create the antennae on your caterpillar’s head. You can then draw in little legs and a face to make it a cute Valentine’s Day caterpillar. Add a Valentine’s Day message if you’d like to finish it up.

Valentine’s Candle Jars This is a great homemade gift or decoration. You can use jars or old votive candle left around your house, Elmer’s glue, water, scissors, a paint brush and colored tissue paper. First, clean off and dry the jar or votive candle holder you’re using.

Next, take the tissue paper you have and cut out hearts of varying sizes and colors.

Make sure to keep some of it whole for the background. Next, you’ll make the glue mixture. Just mix some glue with water in equal parts. You then paint the mixture onto the surface of the jar or votive candle and strart sticking your tissue paper to it. You can first place a background color and then stick hearts over it—making sure to paint more glue on top of the first layer of tissue

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paper—or you can go for a collage look.

When you’re finished, let it dry and then light a candle inside of your creation. The tissue paper will make a pretty and festive glow.

Secret message Valentine’s Cards This one is very simple, but it’s also a lot of fun, especially for kids. All you will need is some paper and crayons. What you’ll need to do first is figure out what you want your card to look like and fold the paper accordingly. This works best as a message for the inside of the card, but you can use this technique to decorate the rest if you want as well. Then, take any color crayons you want and go crazy coloring all over your paper. Blocks of various colors all over the page work well for this.

Make sure to write a secret Valentine’s message in the crayon or in marker, too.

Just make sure not to use black at this step.

After you’ve finished that, take that black crayon and color over the entire thing and make it dark. This will hide your secret message, and the person you’re giving it to will scratch away the black to read it. This technique can also be used by coloring with

blocks of color under the black crayon and writing a message or drawing a picture by scratching the black crayon off and leaving it that way.

Flower lollipop holders This is a Valentine’s Day craft idea from Martha Stewart’s website, and it’s very easy to do. The materials you will need are construction paper, lollipops, crayons, a hole punch and scissors. Take some construction paper in those Valentine’s Day colors again and fold it in half. Next, cut out a heart shape with the center line being the fold in the paper, making the two sides of your heart symmetrical. Continue doing this until you’ve made enough to make as many as you plan to hand out.

Keep in mind that each lollipop holder will need four hearts. Take four hearts, gather their points together and punch a hole through them so that a lollipop’s stick can fit through and form the center of the flower. Lastly, you can write a message and the name of the Valentine’s recipient on the petals. Have fun!

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taying in touch, staying in constant contact even, is easier than ever. We are people with iPhones, selffacing cameras and a plethora of tools to contact the ones we love. These “advantages” in personal tech have affected how we interact with our communities. And in turn, has greatly affected the age old, romantic notion of long-distance relationships.

Making a relationship “Facebook official” is seemingly as crucial as the actual act of dating. It’s the modern

day, and surprisingly semi-formal, relationship announcement—posted on blast, on newsfeeds far and wide.

Whether you’re living in the same house as your significant other or 10 hours away, Facebook remembers who you’re with. Facebook plants “in a relationship” on your profile page, for future onlookers to see.

People make the decision to carry their relationship over to the sometimes frightening, long-distance arena for a multitude of reasons—and none of them are easy. Loved ones can move for

school, for work, for the military, for family—the list is endless.

Ben Chen, 21-year-old student and Laryssa House, 22-year-old part-time student and waitress, have been in a long-distance relationship for threeand-a-half years of the more than five years they have been together.

The decision to carry the relationship over to long-distance knowing the solid foundation could be shaken can often be a difficult and overwhelming decision to make for any couple.

“It was not simple,” Chen said.

Technolog y makes long distance not as diff icult by Erin Meyering

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“There wasn’t necessarily one thing that swayed the decision one way or the other,” House said. “It was a gradual conclusion we came to as we felt it out.”

Mark Meyer, 20-year-old student and car salesman, has been in a longdistance relationship for a year and a half because he and his girlfriend, Jordan Peterson, went to different colleges after high school. Although the distance between the two is slightly more than the 130 miles from Reno to Sacramento, they are able to communicate with technology throughout the day.

Similarly, Chen and House maintain their relationship predominately by using electronic communication.

“We keep a kind of stream-ofconsciousness texting conversation going, just to keep each other updated about our day,” House said.

One problem with technology, which is not just relationship specific, is that of interpretation. Meyer mentions the ability to read a text 10 different ways and the common error of reading texts in different ways than intended.

Although it is common to view longdistance relationships as temporary, maybe fleeting and honestly, a real pain, some are able to see the perceived perks in being in a relationship from afar.

“There’s perks and downfalls to everything,” Meyer said. “[One perk of being in a long-distance relationship] is that every time you see the person it’s exciting … It’s hard to take them for granted.”

Althea Lim, 32-year-old IT supervisor, has been in a long-distance relationship for a little over five years.

She moved to Reno to be with her sister because of an overwhelming aversion to driving in the snow coating of Michigan’s harsh winters. Because her significant other lives so far away, Lim says FaceTime is one her favorite tools in communicating.

“We FaceTime at least twice a day,” Lim said.

She later mentioned a unique perk to her relationship—the distance forced her to become handy, learning to repair various items in her house and car.

The downfalls, easily guessed yet

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not so easily dealt with, include putting off outings and special days, birthdays, holidays along with countless other life moments.

Katie Hubbard, 21-year-old Marine and Reno native, started a longdistance relationship with another service member about nine months ago.

Then, she had a permanent change of command from Monterey, Calif., to Chicago.

Many military families and couples face the risk or reality of maintaining relationships from a distance. Often, service members may not have the time or ability for a lengthy phone call or Skype session, so texting can become the bulk of communication in longdistance relationships.

“The hardest part is not being able to see each other every day,” Hubbard said. “The physical part of a relationship is extremely important and plays a large role in the success of any such relationship.”

Another difficult factor in long-term relationships is the simple notion of emerging social circles and a different physical environment than your significant other.

“Changes in personality that are results of the environment that one half of the relationship is in but the other is not,” Chen explained.

When the interviewees were asked if they had anything surprising they’d want people to know about longdistance relationships, nearly everyone had a similar answer—that if you work at them, they are not as hard as they may seem. By communicating openly, couples can become closer and more satisfied, even from a distance.

Chen added that his relationship’s regular communication was radically changed by the adoption of Google Voice and highly recommends it over carrier pigeon.

Although this may be an oversimplication, long-distance relationships—like any other relationship—take work. If you respect your partner, tend to the relationship’s needs, and have compassion, the long distance might not seem so horrible a the end of the day.

“If there’s genuine trust and love in the relationship, everything works out,” Lim said.

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Family Guide 2014

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Wrapping worries Speaking of wrapped presents, leftover wrapping and party supplies, like tape, balloons or ribbons, can cause vomiting or choking if your pet swallows them.

Pick up all of those materials as soon as you’ve used them and as soon as you’ve unwrapped to avoid this. If your furry friend enjoys playing with things like this as much as my cat does, this can be especially important.

Cold weather activities No matter what the temperature is outside, your pet still needs to play. Even if the weather makes you want to curl up in a ball and watch Netflix with your blankie all day, remember that your four-legged pal still wants his walk. If a walk just can’t happen, something as simple as tug-of-war can help release some of your pet’s pent-up energy. Toys of all kinds are great for this, too. Also, don’t forget that some breeds are better equipped to deal with the cold than others, and no matter what you shouldn’t leave your pets outside in the cold for too long. Sweaters and clothing can also help with pets that need some extra help to handle the cold. And remember, keeping your pet hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

by Sage Leehey

Love for the four-legged friends, too

Keeping them groomed

is the season for love, and we can’t forget our pets’ needs, wants and dreams, too. I don’t know about you, but the seven dogs and one cat I’ve had as pets have been a pretty big part of my life and heart. I love my furry family members, as I’m sure you do, and I want them to feel just as loved and cared for as they are, even if they do sometimes eat my food.

’T

Double-check your bouquets

Keep the chocolate out of reach

You might be getting some flowers soon from an admirer—or maybe just your mom, but either way, make sure to remove any potential dangerous plants or flowers from the reach of your pets. Any kind of lily can be fatal to cats, so keep that in mind when you receive, send or purchase flowers. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a library of toxic and non-toxic plants with photos if you visit http://bit.ly/19xkhoG. It’s also good to keep in mind that thorns on plants can be dangerous for your pets if they get a hold of them, too.

When I was pretty young—probably around 8 or 9—my family’s dachshund unwrapped a present left out that happened to be a box of chocolates. He ate the entire box and became very ill. Luckily, he survived after some help from the vet, but the whole situation was terribly frightening and something I’ll never forget.

Chocolate can cause many different lifethreatening consequences if eaten by your pet. Many other sweet treats can cause similar problems, too. Make sure you don’t have to go through that by keeping those chocolates, gum and candies far out of the reach of your furry family.

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FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Family Guide 2014

A SpeciAl Supplement to the reno newS &

This year hasn’t been especially cold in Reno, but when it starts to officially warm up for springtime and summer, that’s a great time to get your pet groomed. They start shedding their thicker winter coat, if they have one, and it begins to cover everything in your home. In order to avoid having every inch of your home covered in dog or cat hair … or to at least try to avoid it, getting thicker-coated pets shaved is a great option. But for now, brushing your pet regularly will help remove loose fur that may bother them. This also will help them to regulate their temperature better.

Brushing is good to do all year round because it keeps your pet’s fur in tip-top shape, and many pets really do enjoy this.

And if you’re looking to your pet’s claws or nails, specifically your cat’s, trimming them can be good for your pet and for your arms. It’s typically best to take your pet to the vet or groomer for this, though, because they can trim them closer to the quick and ensure your pet doesn’t get hurt at all in the process. At the end of the day, the more attention you give your pet, the happier you’ll both be living together. So when you’re thinking of all your loved ones, don’t forget to remember the furry ones.

A

bout two Valentine’s Day holidays ago, I was celebrating with some of my best girlfriends, looking to have an “I hate Valentine’s Day” party somewhat similar to Jessica Biel’s in Valentine’s Day, but instead, we decided to go to the movies. We planned to go see The Vow, I believe, but when we got to the theater, the line was crazy and we soon learned the movie was sold out, along with some of the other offerings for the night. So we went home and binged on Netflix and Sweethearts.

I’m not sure what it is about Valentine’s Day, but people really love to go to the movies. Maybe it’s because it’s a popular date location or maybe it’s because a bunch of love stories come out around this time every year and everyone’s in the spirit? I’m not sure, but I do know that it seemed like half of Reno was at the movie theater that night. And I’m sure tomorrow night won’t be much different. Here are some of your options this year.

About Last Night, R

Winter’s Tale, PG-13

This romantic comedy is a reimagining of the ’80s film by the same name, but it’s based more on the play Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet. It stars Kevin Hart and Regina Hall. According to Hart in an ABC News interview, they “went a little raunchy” for the film to “show relationships in a real way and real perspective.” It follows two couples after meeting in the bar and moving to the bedroom. It won’t be suitable for the whole family, but maybe it’s good for a parents’ night out.

A romantic drama, starring Colin Farrell as Peter and Jessica Brown Findlay as Beverly, is a more magical love story. Also starring Jennifer Connelly, the film is set in 1916 and modern Manhattan. Peter meets Beverly, who is dying, after he attempts to burglarize her home. He later has to avoid an Irish gangster and a mysterious horse saves him.

In some ways, the Beverly character has a feel similar to Mandy Moore’s character in A Walk to Remember. There are high hopes for this movie, although some are confused by what it is actually about, because it was directed and written by Akiva Goldsman, who also wrote A Beautiful Mind.

Endless Love, PG-13 This is a more traditional love story than About Last Night with some Romeo and Juliet feelings to it. Also a remake, it follows two young lovers, Jade and David, played by Gabriella Wilde and Alex Pettyfer, through a love affair that their parents do not exactly approve of. Jade is a sheltered, rich girl, and David is working class with a not-so-great past. Jade’s father tries to interfere extensively with their relationship, but it doesn’t seem to work.

This one is more family-friendly, although the littlest ones still have to stay home.

Annual love story day at the movies is tomorrow

by Sage Leehey

A SpeciAl Supplement to the reno newS & review

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Non-love stories If you’re not into any of the above movies, there will be plenty of other options at the theaters around Valentine’s Day. For younger audiences, The Lego Movie (G) will still be playing and is an animated action/comedy film about a Lego figure who is thought to be someone he is not and goes on a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant. For slightly older audiences, The Monuments Men (PG-13) and RoboCop (PG-13) will be in theaters as well. The Monuments Men is about a platoon trying to rescue works of art from the Nazis during World War II, and RoboCop is about a good cop who is injured in the line of duty and made into a part-robot police officer by a multinational corporation. These are only some of the movies playing. And if you’re planning on going to the theaters, make sure to check if tickets are available.

Family Guide 2014

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June 16th - July 18th

Grades K-10, everyone is welcome! we invite students from all schools to participate.

• Around-the-world enrichment camps • Adventure Camps

• Two-week Theater Camp • Teen Overnight Adventure

• Sports skill development

To learn more and to register for Summer at The Ridge, please visit our website:

www.sageridge.org/summer 2515 crossbow court, reno, nv 89511 Sage Ridge School is a 501(c) nonprofit organization

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