Letters

It’s just my face

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

Well, hell. Why do I always get to be the guy with the weird medical crap?

Lounging around the house Sunday, I noticed my left eye was dry—not that unusual, particularly during wildfire season. As I added Systane, my favorite artificial tears, I noticed some things weren’t working right. My eyebrow wouldn’t arch. I couldn’t close my left eye without closing my right.

Thinking in the back of my mind that these seemed very much like stroke symptoms, I raised my arms and stuck out my tongue straight and to the sides, because I’ve read that these are ways to determine if someone is having a stroke. Since I had a photograph to take, I blithely hopped in the car, and went to take the photo. During the small talk preceding pushing the button, I mentioned my peculiar issue. It made for a few pictures in which the subject had a concerned look on his face.

“You’ve got to get to the hospital now,” he said. “If you’ve got brain trauma, your brain is not working right, and you should not be making health decisions.”

That seemed logical. He followed me back to my home where my girlfriend was kind enough to take me to Saint Mary’s emergency room. Let me tell you, when you say, “I’ve either had or am having a stroke,” you don’t have to wait in line. Faster service than McDonald’s.

Turns out I’ve been stricken with a not-all-that-rare disorder called Bell’s Palsy. It’s a virus that infects a nerve on the face, sort of like chicken pox or herpes. So the left side of my face is paralyzed. There’s a good prognosis. Most research says 85 percent of people have full recovery without treatment in three weeks to six months.

Sucks. Most people can’t tell just by looking, but the left side of my mouth is turned down, I can’t smile with the left side of my mouth or left eye. I have sort of a constant sneer but since my right eyebrow is expressive, an interested look. Sort of like Spock but pissed off.

But if I run across you on the street or at school, please understand that I’m not actually angry with you. It’s just my face. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

Common knowledge

Re “Zoom. Zoom.” (Left Foot Forward, July 31):

These schools sound like segregated schools like in the old days, only instead of segregating blacks, Hispanics are being segregated into zoom schools (with a few other kids thrown in so that the appearance of segregation can be denied). It is common knowledge that children learn to speak the language they are surrounded by, and they learn some bits of other languages they are taught, but these taught languages rarely develop into competency like that one sees in the mother tongue. According to the article, the zoom schools have “high populations of English language learners and struggling students.” So the kids would be surrounded mostly by Spanish speaking children, or does someone claim this is not the case? Guess what language is spoken on the playground. Segregating Spanish language speakers does not help Hispanic kids master English. They need more than classroom rudiments to function well. Asking the people who got the taxpayers’ $50 million dollars whether they are succeeding is like Eric Holder investigating himself. Isn’t de facto segregation illegal, not to mention immoral? Tatiana von Fartzenburg Reno

Same old renaissance

I was driving back to town the other weekend and passed a billboard probably three hours out, near the Bay, for the Silver Legacy Resort. It was advertising the typical things, a washed-up rock band, a stand-up comedian, and some sort of $10,000 slot tournament. Also on the billboard was the “Official Renossance Approved” stamp, something that I have been noticing more around town. I am all for some sort of cultural Renaissance here in Reno, especially after the recent conversations about our image problem. The name of this movement is even pretty catchy. It really seems like a great thing that needs to happen around here. However, as I looked into it more I discovered it’s basically just a marketing campaign for the Silver Legacy, which hasn’t really reached out into the real community that is bringing change to this place. In order for a real Renaissance to happen, it needs to happen with all of our new and interesting businesses. It needs to happen with our music venues and art galleries. It needs to happen with the community, and not with the casinos advertising three hours outside of town for the same old shit that people already associate with us.

Jamie Kennedy Reno

They might construe that as negative

Re “Government is not the answer” (Let Freedom Ring, July 31):

It would help your pitch to the new demographics to clarify the relationship between Republican and Libertarian. You should explain that the Republican party is owned and controlled by Libertarian billionaires; Republican office holders merely roll out their “liberty” agenda as ordered. When Republicans can’t defund or deregulate, they just obstruct, broken government being almost as desirable as no government. Assure Millennials and Latinos that once enough of them squeeze inside the angry, white, shriveling tent that is this party, it’ll seem much less crazy in there. And don’t forget the rugged individualist appeal. Tell them they can be just like those plucky Koch brothers (the aforementioned owners). Armed with nothing more than a dream, some elite private schooling, multiple degrees from MIT, an inherited oil fortune, a great tan and perfect teeth, they built an empire—all by themselves. For Latinos, pitch a little more Jesus, a little less billonario. Mexicans come from a place that has both a $0.60 per hour minimum wage and one guy who has $80 billion. Don’t tell them you think the minimum wage should be $0. C.G. Green Reno

Eyes wide open

Re “10 things I hate about Burning Man” (Feature story, Sept. 6, 2007):

I read your piece and find it well-written and fascinating. I am an interested party just now trying to put together a mental picture of me and a Burning Man experience. No tickets for this year, but who knows what the future will bring. I’m handy, mildly creative and willing to immerse myself in BM culture, but articles like yours here are a good basic guide to the trolls of all stripes on the playa. As a hiker and climber, I have often run into Sierra Club groups with an overdeveloped sense of exclusive, aristocratic ownership, much like your participation snobs. I’ve read through most of the BM website, looked at innumerable pics, and then decided I needed to hear about the dark side of BM, during which search I found your article. All the talk of freedom and radical self-expression sounded good, but I kept wondering how that ideal plays out with 70,000 people. The perverts, cougars, participation snobs, yahoos and tourists were all predictable, as was the ambiguous public/private space boundaries, etc., as soon as the floodgates opened in ticket sales. The Borg wanted a city, and they’re getting one, unfortunately. But I just want to say thanks for the well-worded descriptions. They help me to more realistically, and virtually (at this point), knit my spirit into this tapestry with open eyes. Charles Britzman San Dimas, Calif.

Support the support

Washoe County Commissioners David Humke and Kitty Jung, in their recent op-ed in the Reno Gazette-Journal, “Sage grouse need a Nevada solution,” make the case that Nevadans value self-determination and solving local issues right here at home. I couldn’t agree more that Nevada issues need Nevada solutions. It is no surprise that these home-grown, common-sense solutions are a win-win for Nevada. The presented plan places no restrictions on grazing, promotes economic planning, and sets aside important habitat for protection. Myself along with many local family and friends support it, the Washoe County Commission supports it, and our senators are championing it. Please let them know today that you support them in this important matter as well. Scott Moore Reno

Random rant

To the Harley riders out there loaded with tattoos, foot-long facial hair, jacked up old bikes in need of detailing and paint, ancient leathers, and a criminal record: Thank you. You embody the biker culture and you are how you are not to appear tough, but because you are tough. You have my respect.

To the Harley riders out there with $60,000 bikes, fresh leathers, a private law firm, and a grand total of 20 days per year spent on your motorcycle: You suck. You leave your hybrid in the garage and tool around high-visibility parts of town in force to feel tough for a week during Street Vibrations, but we all know you are poseurs. You are renting a time-share of a culture that you’ll never understand. Each night when you’ve finished pretending, you blaze through my neighborhood at midnight on your overpriced, lowperformance Harley, waking up my family and reaffirming to me that you are a poseur. No true badass Harley riders live in my neighborhood; it’s too Pleasantville. I will frequent a dive bar packed with rowdy, authentic, possibly problem-drinking bikers over a casino lounge filled with phony dentists or CPAs or contractors gallivanting in their leathers with their “brothers” for one week a year. We all see right through the act.” Bradley Golbov via email

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Web site www.newsreview.com Printed by Paradise Post The RN&R is printed using recycled newsprint whenever available. Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the RN&R are those of the authors and not of Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. The RN&R is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form. Cover and feature story design: Brian Breneman Cover Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service OPINION | NEWS | GREEN | FEATURE STORY | ARTS&CULTURE | ART OF THE STATE | FOODFINDS | FILM | MUSICBEAT | NIGHTCLUBS/CASINOS | THIS WEEK | MISCELLANY | AUGUST 21, 2014 | RN&R | 3

Itʼ s happening in !

ACTIVITIES

10 ESSENTIALS FOR SURVIVAL

Mike Rowan, wilderness specialist with more than 25 years experience with the Forest Service, will present “The 10 Essentials for Survival When Traveling in Nevada’s Backcountry”. F, 8/22, 5:30PM, free. Sparks Heritage Museum, 814 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-1144

MUSICIANS & FANS GOLF & ROCK TOURNAMENT

This is a fundraiser for the First Tee program sponsored by Wildcreek Golf Course. Two-man scramble. There will be food, raffl e, prizes and music by some of the area’s best local bands such as TaZeR and Renegade. Su, 8/24, 1:30PM, $45 per player. Wildcreek Golf Course, 3500 Sullivan Ln. (775) 6733100

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE

Through the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living’s (NNCIL) partnership with Canine Companions for Independence, they’re offering special workshops on how service animals can help people with disabilities live more active, independent lives. Tu, 8/26, 2PM and W, 8/27, 10AM & 4PM, free. Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, 999 Pyramid Way (775) 353-3599

BEST IN THE WEST NUGGET RIB COOK-OFF

Twenty-four rib cookers from across the nation will compete for prizes and the title of the “Best in the West” at John Ascuaga’s Nugget’s 26th annual cook-off. M, W-Su through 9/1. Opens 8/27, free admission. Victorian Square, Victorian Ave.

PERENNIALS

Presented by Mark Mercier. Learn the keys to a beautiful garden bed using perennials that give you an ever-changing look to your garden. Sa, 8/30, 11AM & 1PM, free, but a donation of a can of food for the local food bank is appreciated. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

SCHEELS RUNNING CLUB

Run with expert pacers and enjoy running in a group Tu, 6:30PM through 12/9, free. Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SHIRLEY’S SPARKS FARMERS’ MARKET

This 22nd annual farmers’ market features fresh local produce, arts and crafts, specialty foods, prepared foods and children’s activities. Th, 3-8pm through 8/21, free. Victorian Square, Victorian Ave

CROCHET CONNECTION

Learn to crochet or share tips with other crochet enthusiasts. Th, 4-5:45PM, free. Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway. (775) 424-1800

FOUR SEASONS BOOK CLUB

The book club meets the fi rst Saturday of each month. Call to fi nd out each month’s book title. First Sa of every month, 1-2PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

CONVERSATION CAFE

The drop-in conversation program meets on the fi rst Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

FOOD TRUCK DRIVE-IN

Food Truck Drive-In comes to Victorian Square on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month through October. 5PM to 9PM. Enjoy the fi nest in mobile cuisine including Hawaiian fusion, desserts, hot dogs, pulled pork nachos and much more! After dinner, head to Saint Mary’s Ampitheater for a free movie at 8PM. This week’s movie (August 23) is Crazy Stupid Love. Victorian Square, Victorian Ave, free.

CLICKETS KNITTING GROUP

This class is 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

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

ERIC ANDERSON

Th, 8/21, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co. 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

DAVE MANNING

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

THE FANTODS

Sa, 8/23, 8PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co. 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

GET EM TO MEMPHIS

The 2014 International Blues Challenge will be the 30th year of Blues musicians from around the world competing for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. Su, 8/24, 1PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co. 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

PAISLEY BRAIN CELLS

W, 8/27, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

JOSHUA PAIGE

W, 8/27, 7PM, Th, 8/28, 7PM, F, 8/29, 7PM and Sa, 8/30, 7PM, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

DEAD WINTER CARPENTERS

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

TREY STONE BAND

F, 8/29, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co. 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

BLUES MONSTERS

Sa, 8/30, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co. 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

BIKINI BULL RIDING

DJ and Bikini Bull Riding Competition. Su, 5 & 9PM through 12/28, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LOCALS NIGHT

Locals Night, DJ. M, 5PM through 12/29, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LIVE MONDAYS WITH TANY JANE

Open mic night every Monday at 8PM, hosted by Tany Jane. M, 8PM, no cover. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

CLASSIC ROCK NIGHT

Classic rock night with DJ. Tu, 5PM through 12/30, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

OPEN JAM WITH TAZER & FRIENDS

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

LADIES NIGHT & TOUGHEST COWBOY

Ladies Night w/live music and Toughest Cowboy Competition. DJ breaks until midnight. W, 7 & 9PM through 12/31, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ERIKA PAUL

Enjoy Louisiana-style food and the soulful, breathtaking jazz sounds of Erika Paul on keyboards and vocals. Th, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 6578659

A SINGERS-SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

Bring yourself, your instrument and your song. We look forward to hearing and seeing you there! Th, 8PM through 12/18, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

LIVE MUSIC & LATE NIGHT DJ

Live music with late-night DJ. F, 5PM-2AM & 7-11PM through 12/26, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

LIVE JAZZ

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

BILL DAVIS

Sa, 6PM, no cover. Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1180 Scheels Dr. (775) 657-8659

LIVE MUSIC & LATE NIGHT DJ

Live music with late-night DJ. Sa, 5PM-2AM & 7PM-midnight through 12/27, no cover. John Ascuaga’s Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

KARAOKE

KARAOKE COMES TO SIDELINES

Every Monday Night!!! M, 8/25, 8PM. Sidelines Bar & Nightclub, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 355-1030

KARAOKE WITH BOBBY DEE

Tu, 8PM, no cover. Morelli’s G Street Saloon, 2285 G St. (775) 355-8281

KARAOKE

Th-Sa, 9PM, no cover. Bottom’s Up Saloon, 1923 Prater Way (775) 359-3677