Why their nickname is Penguins

The UNR Wolfpack defeated the Dominican Penguins last weekend in their 2004-05 season opener ... Brian Whalen and Jim Gardner, two of the official scorers, were talking ... Jim asked Brian, "Why are they called the Penguins?"

"Duh," says Brian, "it's a Catholic school ... nuns ... penguins ... " Aaaaaargh ...

-- n n

We have nothing but praise for the County Clerk's Office during the election ... everyone was exceptionally helpful and most people got to vote quite easily. Carolyn and her mother and sister, who are disabled, were in and out in half an hour; while Maizie was allowed to vote absentee because she was sick. Many thanks to Alan Glover and his staff ...

-- n n

And aren't we glad the election is over ... no more seedy commercials ... no more hate spewed over our TV screens ... and even though we didn't agree with the winner, the process went on without a hitch ... so congratulations to all the winners (and losers, too) ... it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there to be vilified by those who disagree with you. Civility has certainly taken a back seat in this country, and rational discussion has gone the way of the dodo bird ... maybe, next time ...

-- n n

The pumpkin winners at John Bibee and Associates contest were a clever blinking carved bat, and a big green frog. All the entries were great and we enjoyed being "celebrity judges (the mailman wasn't available this year)." And we certainly enjoyed the gift certificates to Grandma Hattie's ... thanks, John and gang ...

At Grandma Hattie's, we wrote this week's column and met a nice, cute couple Christina Richter and David Hillis (he helped Carolyn find some apple jelly for her toast) ... they mentioned they were going to get married that afternoon, and, during the discussion, they found out that Maizie's daughter, Helaine, is a Justice of the Peace pro tem ... so they called her (since they know her) and she performed the ceremony that day.

Talk about us being in the right place at the right time ... best wishes, and many happy years to you both ...

n n n

With the advent of picture cell phones, your privacy is at a premium ... when you cash a check, use an ATM, vote or use your credit or debit cards, anyone can take a picture of your number and misuse it in the future. It's a scam to watch out for. We were reminded of it when a friend of Carolyn's saw an election official using one near a voting booth ... and while that person wasn't using it for nefarious purposes, someone else could be ... so beware ...

-- n n

"You know I can't hear you when the water's running," Proscenium Player's second play of the season, is appearing at the Brewery Arts Center (883-1976) ... we saw it opening night ... 'tis not a children's play, but is very funny. The cast and direction are great (especially Ryan Lynskey ... he bribed Carolyn to mention him) and a good time was had by all. You have two more weekends to catch it, so call for reservations ASAP ... The same goes for WNCC's wonderful "Carousel" ... (445-4249) ... you'll love it, too..

-- n n

Pete Levy (otherwise known as Terry's husband) was at the play, and we decided that if we were going to need being saved by a handsome, hunky EMT fireman, he'd be it ... just pin this up at the firehouse, Pete ... I'm sure they'll agree with us ... (signed: the dirty rotten rotters ... )

And don't forget to fly your flags on Veteran's Day Thursday ... thanks to all of you!

Carolyn DeMar and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.