Letters

What? What?

Welcome to this week’s Reno News & Review.

It’s funny how—no matter what else is going on in your life—when you have something physically wrong, everything else is secondary.

One of your best friends could be dying of cancer. Your ancient dog could be checking out, too. Your family member could be moving across the country. Your entire life could be turning topsyturvy, and that health issue is the thing that’s going to occupy your mind. Everything else is, by comparison, something to be dealt with. I’m losing my hearing at an alarming rate. It’s hard to say what the rate is, because my audiologist hasn’t received the results of the last time it was checked by a different doctor earlier this year, but to me it seems fast. They don’t measure hearing loss by decibels, as I understand it, but by some algorithm that includes the amount of human speech a person can hear. My left ear is at 53 percent; my right is at 73.

So, why would I waste a couple hundred precious words on a health problem? Like everything I write about that is superficially personal, I think it speaks toward universal truths. I’ve written about the health-care and insurance industries in this column. Did you know that insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost of hearing aids, but there is no other treatment for deafness caused by nerve damage? My insurance doesn’t cover them.

I’m looking at $2,500 to $3,000 worth of hearing aids for each ear. From a job standpoint, a lot rides on me correctly understanding what people tell me, especially when they’re discussing someone else’s reputation.

But isn’t this an economicdivide issue? People who have to pick between food and hearing a song the way it was intended to be heard aren’t going to spend the money. I wonder how many automobile accidents are caused by people not being able to hear what’s going on around them.

What if my hearing continues to deteriorate? My girlfriend notices I listen to the radio loudly. If it’s loud noises that caused it, and it causes people to listen to progressively louder noises, doesn’t it seem logical that insurance would work for prevention? Go Team America! —D. Brian Burghart brianb@newsreview.com

It depends on how the money is delivered

Re “Studies funding revealed” (Upfront, June 11):

This article is almost enlightening and almost news. After the recent scandal in climatology with so called scientist changing and cherry-picking data to support the conclusion of man-caused global warming, we need to look closely at anything coming out of the scientific community that could influence public policy.

Using doom and gloom predictions to influence public policy has always been a popular and effective tactic. We look back at the hysteria that solar eclipses used to cause and the advantage that huckster politicians and priests use to take of it and smugly know we are enlightened as we turn off our electric lights and burn candles to fend off global warming. I myself am sponsoring a study to determine if people who send me money are smarter, healthier and live longer. I will let you know the results. Arguan Modeth Reno

Literally speaking

Re “Biggest Little Best of Northern Nevada” (Feature story, Aug. 6):

We always appreciate the “Best of Northern Nevada” issue and RN&R’s commitment to marking the changes that happen in Northern Nevada, especially those featuring our creative local culture and characters. We were surprised, though, to see that with the exception of the bookstores categories there were no literary figures, events, or places listed this year. Our whole region is in the midst of a literary revival. There are now two Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing programs, and the city has its first Poet Laureate, Gailmarie Pahmeier, the subject of a terrific profile in your paper.

We have four significant literary magazines, and our residents and alumni continue to publish work worthy of national recognition. And just as exciting, we have a fast-growing number of literary events around the region, including public readings, literary festivals, workshops, salons and more. In that spirit, we hope that the RN&R will consider bringing back the literary category for “Best Creative Writer” for the 2016 edition (perhaps even bringing back your genre categories), and that you also consider adding “Best Literary Event/Reading Series/ Reading Venue” categories as well. We’re working hard to make the RenoTahoe region a literary epicenter in the West, and would be grateful for the RN&R’s support via the Best Of list! Mark Maynard Sparks

Illuminating

Re “Off the wall” (Art of the State, July 2):

It’s unfortunate that the Liberty Street murals were painted over, but Vagner’s facts are a bit off. No one “Zero Dark Thirtied” their way in at 1 in the morning to paint over the murals. The buildings were repainted Sunday at 6 a.m. due to parking and traffic concerns. It is downtown Reno after all. Work was halted several times so passersby could take pictures of the murals before they were painted over. I wonder if the person who tagged the back of the building did so in the light of day. Chris Smith Reno

Head of the class

Re “The 2015 Nevada Legislature was a mixed bag” (Let Freedom Ring, June 11):

I give Brendan Trainor an “F” for not seeing the truth in these “school choice bills.” Nothing but veiled income and race discrimination. I will also give an “A+” to the same for his continued “trickle down” mentality that has failed this nation since Reagan was in office. Mark Mcphail Reno

We think so you don’t have to

Re “Self-defense rare in gun deaths” (July 16):

The Violence Policy Center is a pure propaganda outfit with no regard for the truth. If you expect to be taken seriously, you need to quote legitimate sources, or quote sources who might disagree. You know, the old “we report, you decide” mantra.

Stephen Bloyd Carson City

Very interesting

Re “Give ‘em the bird” (Feature story, July 30):

I’ve been reading the RN&R since Vol. 1, No. 1—seems like over 20 years ago. But lately your stories have been much more interesting than usual. Somebody new at the paper?

I read, with great interest, the story about the Red-tailed hawks. It mentioned that they eat rodents and small birds. I’m here to tell you that they will take larger birds, too, if they are that hungry. I’m a seagull feeder, and I’ve seen the Red-tails stalking those beautiful birds many times. I’ve never seen a catch, I’m happy to say, but that’s because the gulls are very aware of the fatal intentions of hawks.

Keep the interesting stories coming.

Brad MacKenzie Reno

Clean it up

While taking a morning walk by the river, I couldn’t help but be astounded by the effects of the drought. I’m not talking about the water-coming-fromthe-sky drought, I’m talking about the lack of positive attention and maintenance coming from the Reno city government drought. The area east of Virginia Street is totally inundated with trash. Both in the river and around it. Between the rusty broken shopping cart on the walking path and the sleeping bags strewn all over the place, you would think the place is becoming a wasteland of human negligence. It’s so shockingly bad that it almost has an apocalyptic feel to it.

The city should use some of that rebranding money and put it towards cleaning the river and areas around it, and it should instruct law enforcement to aggressively enforce whatever laws are on the books about not letting people camp out by the river and leave all their trash behind. The city government should view the Truckee River as the flowing jewel in the heart of the city, and therefore take full responsibility for its wellbeing. Who knows, maybe then the snow and the rain will come back. It’s a nice thought, at least. David Flynt Reno

Selective outrage?

Re “Loaded argument” (Notes from the Neon Babylon, Aug. 6):

Bruce Van Dyke, like so many others, is awed by Africa’s charismatic mega fauna while turning a blind, uncaring eye to deer, cows, pigs, chickens and other animals exploited by us.

Earth to Bruce: “Sportsmen” hunt deer for the fun of it, not to put food on the table. They go for the big rack bucks just as dentist Palmer went for a big-maned male lion. Deer feel just as much pain and fear as a lion. Only an asshole would shoot off Bambi’s head.

And what about livestock? Pigs and chickens, for example, lead short miserable lives in factory farms, never getting the chance to roam free. At least that lion lived the wild life for 13 years. Speaking of roaming free, Bruce should hate zoos, which are mental and physical cages for lions, their instincts curbed by walls and zoo keepers, gawked at by tourists all day every day.

If “Cecil” were a warthog, would Bruce or anyone else care? I doubt it. Good looking animals trump ugly. How shallow we are.

Clyde Mason Reno

Our Mission To publish great newspapers that are successful and enduring. To create a quality work environment that encourages people to grow professionally while respecting personal welfare. To have a positive impact on our communities and make them better places to live. Editor/Publisher D. Brian Burghart News Editor Dennis Myers Arts Editor Brad Bynum Special Projects Editor 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 Kyle Shine Advertising Consultants Joseph “Joey” Davis, Gina Odegard, Bev Savage Senior Classified Advertising Consultant Olla Ubay Operations Coordinator Kelly Miller Distribution Director Greg Erwin Distribution Manager Anthony Clarke Distribution Drivers Tracy Breeden, Alex Barskyy, Denise Cairns, Steve Finlayson, Debbi Frenzi, Vicky Jewell, Angela Littlefield, 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 Sierra Nevada Media The RN&R is printed using recycled newsprint whenever available. Editorial Policies Opinions expressed in the RN&R are those of the authors and not of Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact the editor for permission to reprint articles, cartoons or other portions of the paper. The RN&R is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. All letters received become the property of the publisher. We reserve the right to print letters in condensed form.

It’ s happening in

EVENTS

TLC ESTATE SERVICES PRESENTS

ONE DAY SALE Saturday August 15 8am – 3pm Hoff Estate Sale 1905 Topeka Circle Sparks, NV 89434 The Hoff Estate will delight you with... Sa, 8/15, 8am-3pm (775) 303-3040

ACTIVITIES

39 NORTH MARKETPLACE

A modern approach on a classic street fair, 39 North Marketplace unites local artisans and farmers alike. We showcase the best in art and crafts and highlight produce, health and wellness and specialty food vendors. Th, 7/9, 4-9PM through 8/20. Closed 8/6, free. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way along Victorian Ave.

SCHEELS KIDS KLUB: TAILGATE PARTY

Join us we get ready for the football season with fun games and activities! Wear your favorite football team apparel for a chance to win... M, 8/17, 6pm, Free Scheels, 1200 Scheels Dr. (775) 331-2700

SPARKS FOOD TRUCK DRIVE-IN

The Sparks Food Truck Drive-In pairs food trucks with a free screening of Lego Movie. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, stadium and low back chairs Sa, 8/15, 6-9PM, free admission. Victorian Square, 14th Street And Pyramid Way Along Victorian Ave.

LAZY 5 REGIONAL PARK SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

The outdoor concert series includes a farmers’ market and free kids’ crafts sessions. W, 6:30PM through 8/12, free. Lazy 5 Regional Park, 7100 Pyramid Lake Highway, Spanish Springs (775) 424-1801

RAIL CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

The boutique market will offer fresh produce and products from local farms and food purveyors, including Snyder Family Farms, Workman Farms, Sand Hill Dairy, the Bakery Gallery and Mitchell Pickle Packing Company. Su, 10AM-2PM through 9/27, free. Rail City Garden Center, 1720 Brierley Way (775) 355-1551

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

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. $5 for bull ride. Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave. (775) 356-3300

PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC

MIKE BECK

Concert / fund-raiser and silent auction for Northern Nevada Bulldog Rescue and Res-Que Ltd, W, 8/12, 7pm, $TBA Great Basin Brewing Co., 846 Victorian Ave. (775) 355-7711

RUSTLER’S HEAT

Th, 8/13, 8pm, F, 8/14, 8pm and Sa, 8/15, 8pm, no cover Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Ave./ (775) 356-3300

JUSTIN LEE

F, 8/14, 8pm, no cover Mummers Bar, 906 Victorian Ave. (775) 409-3754

ARNOLD MITCHEM

F, 8/14, 8pm, 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

A SINGER-SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE

We look forward to seeing and hearing you play your songs your way. Bring you your instruments and your songs. See you there! you never... Th, 8-11pm through 9/24 Free! 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. Sport your booty shorts for a 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

SINGING IN THE SUMMER KARAOKE CONTEST

Steve Starr & DJ Hustler Karaoke Show. This is one of five locations to qualify for Singing in the Summer Karaoke contest during regular show. Tu, 8PM through 9/1. Paddy & Irene’s Irish Pub, 906-A Victorian Ave. (775) 358-5484

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