Letters

The more things change

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

I graduated with a journalism master’s at the University of Nevada, Reno last week. Since I’m a terminal screw-up, I managed to do everything on deadline but apply to graduate, so my name didn’t end up in the program or in the Reno GazetteJournal. I should have known I’d left a T uncrossed because I hadn’t paid the university any money for the pleasure of walking across the stage, but I did get the application in soon enough to officially finish.

People keep asking me what’s next, and all I can really do is shrug. I have the only job in journalism in Nevada that I’d want, so I don’t go to school thinking I’m going to improve my financial lot. I just like learning new things. I still have about a year left to complete the English master’s I’ve been working on, but I’m thinking about trying to convert that master’s over to either an MFA or a Ph.D. I hope running a 4.0 GPA in each of my concurrent masters will be enough to recommend me, but I don’t assume anything.

I’ve got a bit less than two years left to complete the Fatal Encounters database. I’m hoping at that point that the federal government will have proven that it’s committed to collecting the data with the same rigor that our team has been doing it. Honestly, though, machine-language learning, which is the method of writing a sophisticated script to perform internet searches the same way our volunteers do it, is advancing so fast, I think our human-powered efforts will be obsolete about the same time.

Hunter, my son, is off to college in the fall, which is a golden opportunity to downsize my life. I’ve been trying to unload possessions for a few years, and while I love my house, I need four bedrooms like I need a third ear.

So I guess the short answer is “Everything is next.” I’ve got a great summer planned with conferences and relaxation and exciting projects. It’s my guess you’ll be reading all about it. —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

This one time at opposition camp

Re “Fox News Lies” (Letters to the editor, April 23):

The Reno News & Review has certainly provided plenty of opportunity to be in the opposition camp. J.R. Reynolds’ comments give me a perfect opportunity to respond to what in my humble opinion is a bunch of hogwash to be polite. His claims to “hardly” be “a member of the elite liberal progressive class,” are truly delusional.

Over the years I have learned to recognize that almost all liberals think of themselves as elite no matter how much they deny it. As to his claim that Fox News lies on a daily basis, if so, I imagine he won’t have any problems providing examples as proof. Of course, his implication is also that no other news programs make mistakes.

Oops, I suppose the concept of mistakes versus lies may in fact escape him. I hope that he also understands the difference between “News Reports” and opinion shows as most of Fox News shows tend to be. As to his comments regarding Jon Stewart’s commentary on his comedy show, however, I would advise against taking his take on news programming to have any news value. Reynolds’ comment, “Professor Rush, with his many degrees in science,” clearly exposes him as that elite liberal that he is. The proof is that he has no appreciation for exquisite sarcasm.

I can appreciate Jon Stewart’s sense of sarcasm while vehemently disagreeing with his political point of view. While I have little doubt that many liberals have been persuaded of “climate change” and truly believe in the theory, conservatives also are true believers that it’s a hoax perpetrated by the “elite” liberal establishment purely for establishing a power base. What liberals believe to be proof is in fact theory and no more. Furthermore there have been numerous instances where the often quoted scientific establishment has been exposed as being frauds. Remember the “University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit” emails? As to Reynolds’ claims of Republican members of Congress “vilifying the sitting president,” what part of disagreeing with his policies can’t you understand? I ask this with all due respect. I’m sure that Reynolds, as such a reasonable man, would be happy to compromise with me on that issue. Fred Speckmann Reno

Editor’s note: Politifact did a fact check on 50 lies the Daily Show claimed Fox News told: www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2015/ feb/26/fact-checks-behind-dailyshows-50-fox-news-lies.

Abstinence only

Re “Fertile fillies” (Green, April 23):

The passion of my heart is, and has been, to emphasize how nature through its own mechanisms will and should be allowed to maintain natural ecological balance without human intervention. It does this through physiological differences, found within each species inside any given ecosystem. Each of those differences contribute as a vital factor in a broad ecological equation. It also accomplishes this through the numbers or density of any given species of animal or plant within that system, in conjunction with competitive species and the carrying capacity of the land.

There is a misconception, even among advocates of the wild horses, that the only things that are necessary to check wild equine population growth are the presence of its predators and/or natural environmental factors. Although natural predation and environmental impacts are important, density dependent inhibition plays an important role also. In this scenario, this means the numbers or density of wild equines, versus competing ruminants, such as the pronghorn, each will fluctuate in response to the other based upon the carrying capacity of the land, yet always in perfect balance.

In essence, the pronghorn need the presence of wild horses and burros, just as much as the wild horses need the pronghorn. Each population will have the effect of keeping the numbers of competing population at levels that are ideal for the carrying capacity of the land.

Mankind’s sole responsibility has to be focused on keeping the restrictions off of nature, so that nature can be itself, and not an offspring of man’s seemingly brilliance. The moment mankind seeks to alter nature according to a fixed number, or an average of numbers, is the moment that nature and balance itself begins to break down. This has occurred in every branch of nature where mankind has endeavored to manage natural balance, assuming nature to be static and not dynamic. With these thoughts in mind, the tenacious destruction of a vital component of nature’s beauty and balance continues to be removed from the rangelands of the West, even the wild horses and wild burros, by the Bureau of Land Management. It has turned a blind eye to the solid science that opposes the idea that these creatures are a detriment to the ecosystems they exist in. Just as much, it is opposed to the myth that there is overpopulation of our wild equine. The ludicrous concept of the “appropriate management level” of wild horses in any area out west is a lie concocted by the bureau. This is based upon how much forage that the BLM is going to allow the mustangs, as opposed to how much they would actually consume. This is opposed to cattle and other competing ruminants in these same areas, which are allocated the major percentage of the forage by this same bureau.

In a desperate attempt to curb devastating roundups many advocates are succumbing to the pressure of the BLM to utilize the PZP contraceptive on our wild horses. First, the numbers of the wild horses remaining in the wild are not the 20,000 to 30,000 that many assert are out there. The numbers of our wild ones are not even in the teens of thousands. This has its basis upon the liberal use of PZP, the thousands of wild horses and burros already removed, and the adjustment of sex ratios. Added to this are mortality rates in the wild that range between 19 percent to 75 percent annually, both first year and adult.

The proponents of PZP aid the BLM in driving them to extinction. The only answer is to continue fighting for the truth, and to allow nature to remain untouched.

Robert C. Bauer Manvel, Texas

Don’t give up

Re “Voters exchange liberty for complacency” (Feature story, May 7):

Everyone knows we have the best government money can buy!

You posit the young may decide if nation states have reached the zenith of their power, but I despair such an event may ever occur. The monied classes are too entrenched and all others are too involved in the travails of daily survival to make time for the necessary steps of wresting power from the 1 percent. Political activism, at the national level, seems fruitless and doomed. While you use the term constitutional monarchy, I prefer oligarchy.

I want so much to be optimistic, but I’m afraid the immortal words of Jiminy Cricket come to mind: “It’s hopeless, Pinocchio.”

Steve Waclo Carson City

How do you know?

Re “Water over the lawn” (Notes from the Neon Babylon, May 7):

I would like to have some details on the bird watching tour Bruce Van Dyke went on. My brother-in-law up in Salem, Oregon, is quite the bird watcher, and he recently lost his wife of 45 years. I would like to encourage him to do something like this if he feels it worthy. And, have Van Dyke watch it with the “batshit crazy 70-year-old” remarks. I’m nearly there, and I’m not crazy yet! Remember, if 60 is the new 40, then 70 must be the new 50! Cheryl Fillinger Sparks

Clarification

In “Beyond the Shadow of a Drought,” RN&R, May 14, we implied that Marlene Olsen of the Truckee Meadows Water Authority believes there is no drought. This is incorrect. Ms. Olsen’s point was that we live in the high desert in Northern Nevada and sustainable living requires that we fundamentally rethink how we use water.

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages people to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live. Editor/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor Georgia Fisher Calendar Editor Kelley Lang Contributors Amy Alkon, Woody Barlettani, Bob Grimm, Ashley Hennefer, Sheila Leslie, Eric Marks, Jessica Santina, Todd South, Brendan Trainor, Bruce Van Dyke, Allison Young Creative Director Priscilla Garcia Art Director Hayley Doshay Associate Art Director Brian Breneman Ad Design Manager Serene Lusano Production Coordinator Skyler Smith Design Melissa Bernard, Brad Coates, Kyle Shine Advertising Consultants Joseph “Joey” Davis, Gina Odegard, Bev Savage, Jessica Wilson Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Operations Coordinator Nanette Harker Kelly Miller Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Manager Anthony Clarke Distribution Drivers Sandra Chhina, Steve Finlayson, Debbi Frenzi, Vicky Jewell, Angela Littlefield, Joe Medeiros, Ron Neill, Christian Shearer, Marty Troye, Warren Tucker, Gary White, Joseph White, Margaret Underwood General Manager/Publisher John D. Murphy President/CEO Jeff vonKaenel Chief Operations Officer Deborah Redmond Human Resource Manager Tanja Poley Business Manager Grant Rosenquist Business Nicole Jackson, Kortnee Angel Sweetdeals Coordinator Courtney deShields Nuts & Bolts Ninja Christina Wukmir Lead Technology Synthesist Jonathan Schultz Senior Support Tech Joe Kakacek Developer John Bisignano System Support Specialist Kalin Jenkins 405 Marsh Ave., Third Floor Reno, NV 89509 Phone (775) 324-4440 Fax (775) 324-4572 Classified Fax (916) 498-7940 Mail Classifieds to classifieds@newsreview.com Website 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

It’ s happening in

EVENTS

SUNDAY NIGHT MOVIE NIGHT!

Join us for Sunday night movie night. Kick back and relax while watching a flick. Enjoy our drink specials! Su, 6PM through 7/5, no charge. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799

BARE BONES

Jerry Snyder cut pieces of scrap plywood into shapes of individual bones, then glued the layers together, shaped them further with grinders and sanders, stained and finished the pieces. The work was inspired by Snyder’s involvement in building the Ichthyosaur Puppet Project, an ichthyosaur skeleton made of plywood which was installed at Burning Man in 2013 and is now permanently installed at the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum. M-Su through 5/27, free. For more information about this activity, contact (775) 232-5013. The Generator, Inc., 1240 Icehouse Ave.

ACTIVITIES

RENO COIN CLUB MEETING

Reno Coin Club presents Coins of Constantine. David Elliott will present the “Coins of Constantine: Propaganda in Bronze.” Just how Christian was the first Christian emperor and what did he want the Roman people to know about him? All ages welcome. Early bird prizes, quarter pot, raffle, and more! Tu, 5/26, 7-9:30PM, free. Denny’s, 205 Nugget Ave. (775) 359-9053

SCHEELS PADDLE DEMO

Must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a legal guardian to participate. Sa, 5/30, 10am-2PM, free! Sparks Marina, 325 Harbor Cove Dr. (775) 353-2376

LINE DANCING LESSONS AT GILLEY’S!

Free line dancing lessons from professional teachers. Two dances taught at a comfortable pace for everyone! W, 6-8PM through 10/21, free. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave (775) 356-3300

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 first Saturday of each month. Call to find 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 first Saturday of each month, 2-4PM, free. Sparks Library, 1125 12th St. (775) 352-3200

BIKINI BULL RIDING AT GILLEY’S!

Get ready for a wild night with Bikini Bull Riding at Gilley’s! Get your favorite bikini on and show off those skills for the chance to win the CASH PRIZE! Su, 9PM through 10/25. Opens 4/12, $5 for bull ride. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

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

CHAD BUSHNELL BAND

Th, 5/21, 8PM, F, 5/22, 8PM and Sa, 5/23, 8PM, no cover. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

9BELOWZERO

Talented blues band you will not want to miss. Sa, 5/23, 8PM, no cover. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799

CJ SIMMONS

Th, 5/28, 8PM, F, 5/29, 8PM and Sa, 5/30, 8PM, no cover. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

ARNOLD MITCHEM

F, 5/29, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

THE P’S & Q’S WITH MEL WADE

Sa, 5/30, 7PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

OPEN MIC COMEDY

Th, 9PM, no cover. Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

CYCO MIKE

Come dance the night away to Cyco Mike! Every Friday night, drink specials! F, 9PM through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

DANWISE AND FRIENDS

A free monthly comedy show featuring local talent. The event is BYOB and limited beer will be provided free as well. Third Th of every month, 8PM, free. The Generator, Inc., 1240 Icehouse Ave.

THURSDAY SHOWCASE

Showcase your act on the Sparks Lounge stage. We have a full backline for all your performance needs. Check the Sparks Lounge website or Facebook for upcoming shows. Th, 8PM through 8/28, no cover. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd. (775) 409-3340

DJ NIGHTS AT GILLEY’S!

Come in and scoot your boots! The Dj plays the new favorites and the old hits. DJ is open to requests! W, 6PM through 10/28, Th, Su, 7PM through 10/25. F, Sa, 8PM through 10/24. No admission fee. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave (775) 356-3300

ACOUSTIC WONDERLAND

This is a singer-songwriter showcase. Come down to Paddy’s and bring your acoustic instruments. Sign-ups are at 7:30PM and music begins at 8PM. Drink Specials all night! Th, 8PM, through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

LADIES NIGHT

Deep discounts just for the ladies from 8pm-10pm: $1 off all shots and specialty drinks. Sporting bootie shorts 20 percent discount. Parties of three or more 20 percent discount. Sa, 8-11PM through 8/29. Sparks Lounge, 1237 Baring Blvd (775) 409-3340

DJ RAZZ

Come dance the night away to DJ RAZZ! You can even karaoke if you like. Ladies Night every Friday night. Drink Specials all night. F, 9PM. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

KARAOKE

KARAOKE NIGHT

Join us for a rocking good time every Tuesday for Karaoke Night. Tu, 6:30PM through 7/7, no cover. Elbow Room Bar, 2002 Victorian Ave. (775) 356-9799

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

CYCO MIKE

Come dance the night away to Cyco Mike! The best Karaoke show in Sparks! Every Friday night, drink specials! F, 9PM through 9/25, no cover. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave (775) 358-5484

KARAOKE WITH PSYCHO MIKE

Sa, 8PM, no cover. 50 Yard Line Bar & Grill, 400 S. Rock Blvd. (775) 358-8848